Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle ran a stop sign and collided with the drivers front side of the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy as intended. The contact's daughter sustained chest, knee, and right wrist injuries, and she received medical attention. The contact added that the driver's door was not able to open fully after the collision. The fire department arrived, and a police report was filed, but the report number was not available at this time. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot, where it was later deemed totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. In addition, the contact was told that they could not determine what caused the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The vehicle was involved in a rollover crash at 60 mph that ended in striking a tree, which intruded upon the entire backseat area. The driver/passenger airbag(s) did not deploy despite conditions where deployment should have occurred. There were no signs of prior deployment or tampering: to my knowledge, the airbag system had not previously deployed or been serviced for that. The airbag system is available for inspection, as the vehicle was sold to the insurance company. My safety was put at risk as I sustained physical injuries that may have been prevented by airbag deployment. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representatives. There were no prior warning lamps regarding the airbags prior to the crash.
My car (Toyota Camry) was struck in the driver's side door and back passenger door by another car who was traveling at a high rate of speed. The accident resulted in damage to the doors and to the frame of the car. I suffered neck and head injury due to the accident. The side curtain air bag did NOT deploy. The car was inspected by the owner/manager of the auto body repair shop and it was his opinion that given the severity of the accident that the air bag should have deployed. Due to the frame damage and other damage the car is considered by the insurance company to be a total loss.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked inside the driveway, the contact became aware that the plastic covering over the air bag was loose at the front driver's seat. The contact pushed back the cover however, the cover failed to stay in place. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
I've been into automobile accidents and the passenger airbag never deployed. Few years back I took my vehicle for the sticky dashboard recall, Toyota replaced it. Few years later the dashboard is sticky and shiny worst than the first time, I called Toyota to get it replaced free of charge and they told me that is not the responsibility and denied to fix the replaced sticky dashboard. I almost have gotten in accidents do to the shiny glare from the dashboard.
I currently a 2009 toyota camry I was financed a year ago not even a year ago. from TKP autos in eastlake, ohio. this car consumes too much oil, so I use marvel mystery oil so every 2300-3k miles I have to change the oil.. also my key fob stopped working, i changed the batteries and they still dont work also the o2 sensors went as well and replaced them twice and they still keep stop working also i found a lot of information on consumer reports that the years 2007-2009 toyota camrys are highly unreliable cars to own or lease. ive seen a lot of complaints and other owners who had the engine sieze on them as well.. …
At about 60,000 miles, the turn signal popped out making it unsafe to drive. I had the turn signal replaced, then at about 66,000 miles, the horn quit working and the Airbag light came on. This was not only a safety issue but caused the vehicle to fail state inspection. I contacted Toyota to reimburse me for the expense incurred for replacing the Spiral Cable but they refused based on the reason that the 36000 miles warranty had expired. In my opinion, the issue I faced was due to a faulty Spiral Cable and the 36000 miles warranty clause should not apply. There are other Toyota owners who have reported the same issue to NHTSA. 2009 Toyota Corolla was recalled for the same defect but Camry was not. Based on the complaints I have seen, Camry should have been recalled too.
Airbag on drivers side and passenger side is not working properly. Airbag warning lights are always on. Has also caused horn not to work as well. I can't afford to get this checked out but I did receive a notice of recall about Acura airbags with similarities of what is going on with my Toyota.
Takata recall - the knee airbag deployed after a rear end low impact crash on 11/09/18. The bag deployed toward my ankle which was on the break with such force that it crushed my ankle, compound fracture with dislocation and destruction of ligaments and tendons of the ankle joint. The bone was turned at a 90 degree angle. This required being sent to the shock trauma unit at a trauma hospital in memphis, tn. I had extensive surgery on my ankle and an external fixator, which I will wear until around mid January. Then a weight bearing cast and extensive physical therapy. The first deputy on site said it was obvious the airbag more than likely caused the damage to my ankle. There was no other damage to the interior of the car or floor board and no damage to the break or accelerator. I had no other injuries, other that a slight bump on the head from the other airbag. …
Tl* the consumer owned a 2009 Toyota Camry. The consumer stated that while traveling at an unknown high rate of speed, a vehicle behind him was tracking him at a close proximity. While attempting to avoid the vehicle, the consumer ran into another vehicle on the highway; the air bags did not deploy upon impact. A police report was taken at the scene. The consumer did not receive medical attention at the scene but sought medical treatment at a local hospital. The consumer was treated for a headache, neck pain, chest pain, upper back pain, and blurred vision. The other driver did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was destroyed at the scene and towed to a tow yard. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,600. Consumer stated there might be a possible internal bleeding.
Airbag complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2009 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the air bags of the 2009 Toyota Camry, 5% of the model year's 1,293 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota Camry airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2009 Toyota Camry, though it has 10 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 2009 Toyota Camry airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 39 crashes, 2 fires and 35 injuries to air bags 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.