Most common 2001 Toyota Camry problems
Share of the 272 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Camry complaints by model year
Best Camry years: 2022, 2017, 2024. Years to avoid: 2009, 2018, 2007, 2002, 2008. Compare all years →
2001 Toyota Camry recalls (2)
Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front sub frame assembly has not been adequately welded.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front sub frame, if necessary. Owner notification began April 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Vehicle speed control
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with cruise control and v6 engines, and built at one of two lines at the kentucky plant. The accelerator cable housing could be deformed at the cruise control actuator-to-throttle body connection. The accelerator inner-cable could wear away and eventually break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. Owner notification began February 23, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Toyota Camry:
Engine compartment fire
Odi's data analysis found the fires rates to be consistently low and evenly distributed among six model years and six different engine configurations.odi examined a variety of root causes, those being detonation (resulting in oil pan puncture from connecting rod), starter fires, various fuel related fires, leaking oil filters, wiring issues, improper repairs and brake fluid leaks.none of the issues examined had…
What 2001 Toyota Camry owners say
Engine & cooling all 60 →
Problem: Unintended Acceleration, air conditioner operating. Incident Scenario: Approaching driveway, stopped to allow pedestrian to pass. Resumed low speed turn into driveway, Abrupt acceleration of vehicle, launching vehicle over granite curb and into nearby tree. Damage: Passenger R.Front Fender, Passenger Headlamp Assy;Lower Control Arm Assy, Front Bumper cover, Passenger wheel rim bent, tire deflated. Unintended vehicle acceleration is a serious safety defect and can occur when the Idle Air Control Valve is defective or is provided incorrect engine rpm signal from Engine Control Computer causing sudden vehicle acceleration.
The vehicle overheated and stalled, I steered it to the roadside to call for a tow. Speaking with insurance tow service the car started to smoke from the front passenger side under the hood. As I supplied information the smoke volume increased from the front passenger side under the hood. Smoke volume continued to increase and a crackling/burning sound started. I told the agent I have to go and called 911. I supplied details of the area where the increasing smoke was coming from, the car location and my status. In the car I pulled the hood lever, went outside and stopped short of opening the hood. Realizing I had no means to put out the increasing fire I had to watch my car burn until firefighters arrived. I walk a distance away and waited, while the whole engine compartment went up in smoke....updated 09/22/15 updated 11/06/2017
Speed control & acceleration all 46 →
Problem: Unintended Acceleration, air conditioner operating. Incident Scenario: Approaching driveway, stopped to allow pedestrian to pass. Resumed low speed turn into driveway, Abrupt acceleration of vehicle, launching vehicle over granite curb and into nearby tree. Damage: Passenger R.Front Fender, Passenger Headlamp Assy;Lower Control Arm Assy, Front Bumper cover, Passenger wheel rim bent, tire deflated. Unintended vehicle acceleration is a serious safety defect and can occur when the Idle Air Control Valve is defective or is provided incorrect engine rpm signal from Engine Control Computer causing sudden vehicle acceleration.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while leaving a parking space with the brake pedal depressed, the transmission was shifted out of park and the vehicle jumped and sped forward at approximately 50 MPH. The brake pedal was depressed and sank to the floorboard. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and crashed into a snow bank. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure was 160,000.
Air bags all 38 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Camry. While driving 35 MPH, another vehicle struck the front of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the left shoulder and head that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
My vehicle was turning left on a city street. Its right rear quarter panel was struck by a vehicle in the intersection. That impact spun the vehicle around where it was once again involved in a collision. So, by the time it was over, the passenger-side quarter panel, passenger-side door, and the front of the vehicle were severely damaged. The air bags never deployed. The front-seat passenger and driver sustained severe injuries.
2001 Toyota Camry engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 29 / 24 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 30 / 24 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Toyota Camry a good car?
Based on 272 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Camry rates better than average: 56% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Camry at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Toyota Camry?
The engine & cooling — 60 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the speed control & acceleration (46) and air bags (38).
How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota Camry have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2001 Toyota Camry, the most recent from March 5, 2001 (frame and members). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Camry?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2017 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009, 2018, 2007, 2002 and 2008. See the full Toyota Camry years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Camry problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 36% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.