Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2005 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that his daughter's vehicle caught on fire while parked in a residential area. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire; the contact was alerted by the fire department. The fire originated from the engine, it was reported that the cause of the fire was faulty wiring. There were 2 vehicles next to the vehicle that was damaged in the event of the fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled. No injuries were reported. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Toyota Camry. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 125,647; however, the contact found a repair bill from January 10th, 2018, that indicated that the mileage as 233,045. Additionally, a Carfax Report indicated that the mileage was 248,083 on March 15th, 2022.
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, he noticed a burning odor. Another driver noticed flames coming from under the hood on the passenger side and alerted the contact. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle, but the brakes would not respond after depressing the brake pedal continuously. The contact jumped out of the vehicle and the vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into the divider on the road. The contact sustained severe scrapes to her left foot, legs, and arms. The contact was then transported to the hospital for treatment. After being released, the contact suffered muscle spasms and was rushed back to the hospital for further treatment. The fire and police departments reported to the scene and reports were filed. …
Car was parked in driveway. The key was removed from ignition. The car drifted down the driveway in reverse into a tree, causing approximately $7000 in damage to car. Testing of the car later revealed that the key could be removed from ignition when the car was not in park. Toyota is currently investigating. The consumer stated the vehicle was inspected and later returned to him. He assumed the vehicle had been repaired. There was no mention of the inspection or what had been done to his vehicle. On May 27th, the consumer's wife was driving and she noticed the vehicle suddenly downshifted into second gear. The consumer checked the vehicle and noticed the ignition and transmission problem occurred again. The consumer received a letter outlining the problem was due to spilled soda that caused the ignition interlock system to stick. Updated ivoq 07/03/12
I had parked in a parking space and was going to open my drivers door to get out. I had my keys in my hand and was reaching over to get my purse. I suddenly realized I was not in my parking place and had rolled backwards (lot was on a slope) and had hit the restaurants garbage can. I discovered at that point that my car was not in park and the ignition was turned off. In further checking I now know I can remove my car keys at anytime. Engine running or turned off, car in park or not. It does not matter. I can be driving down the road and remove my keys.the safety factor of keys not coming out of the ignition unless the car is in park and turned off is not there. Date of incident is approximate but I can verify if needed with the insurance company as the restaurant put in a claim for the dent on their garbage can.
Tl*- the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Camry. While driving approximately 5 MPH into the driveway, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into pellets of stone. There was no personal injury. The front passenger fender sustained damages. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired for the body damage. The technician stated the failure was contributed to driver error associated to an accidental engagement of the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle alarm system activated without assistance spontaneously causing the power doors not to lock. The authorized dealer was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, and the contact was waiting a response. The failure mileage was 2,000. The current mileage was 20,000. The VIN was unknown.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Toyota Camry. While coasting around a corner at 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began accelerating on its own. The contact applied the brakes, but the vehicle did not respond. The vehicle rear ended the preceding vehicle. There were no injuries. Five days prior to the failure, while driving 25 MPH, the cruise control engaged by itself. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 30,100. Updated 10/14/08 the consumer stated weeks before the accident, there were problems with the electrical system. Updated 10/15/08.
Car located in omaha, ne, being driven east from 42nd and curtis avenue, downhill at approximately 41st and curtis ave (car speed up on level area to compensate for the computer systems ability to slow the car down or prevent coasting), my 2005 Toyota se hit a parked car, airbags deployed and the car continued to drive an additional block after the brakes were applied. Car hit a dirt road/ditch and bounced and landed into a private yard located on the southeast side of the road. The hill in the private yard stopped the car from continuing on.
I have been a loyal Toyota owner for 20 years and I would like to tell you about my latest experience with my 2005 Toyota Camry. After 91,000 miles, I needed to get a new transmission. I typically drove my Toyota to 150,000 miles and never had any problems with the power train. I contacted Toyota customer service, they initially said they might be able to help me but never followed up. I tried to contact customer service, but could not get through. I recently had my car repaired for $3300 at aamco to get it drivable. They had to fix the transmission and the wiring to get the car working again. Several electrical connectivity issues existing; and still remain. The only good news was the ECM was operating correctly. Now that aamco fixed my car, I've noticed that my cars about 400 - 600 RPM lower than before. Other problem with the car include dash lights going out after 4 years. …
I have a 2005 Camry. I know it is not part of the recall, but for the past 2-3 years I have had this sporadic problem. When I am stopped at a stop light sometimes it surges forward...not always a lot, but sometimes quite hard. I started keeping track and it doesn't matter if it is cold engine or warm engine. Then just the other day my radio shut off and the interior lights while I was driving, and came back on within a few seconds. Because it is so sporadic, like it will do it for 2-3 days and then not for 2-3 days, to have someone check it they said I would have to leave it in the shop and I need a car to go to work. To have it checked involves a lot of time and money according to the dealership. I don't know what the problem is, but it seems like it must be electrical...how do I know????
Electrical complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Toyota Camry, 5% of the model year's 721 complaints. The component named most often is alternator/generator/regulator (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Camry electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 Toyota Camry, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Toyota Camry electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 5 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.