Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% | 80,000 miles |
| 2022 | 3 | 5% | 1,000 miles |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% | 51,000 miles |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% | 18,000 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% | 2,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% | 76,000 miles |
| 2014 | 7 | 2% | 103,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% | 26,000 miles |
| 2012 | 9 | 2% | 27,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2010 | 12 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2009 | 19 | 1% | 77,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 1% | 65,000 miles |
| 2007 | 26 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% | 16,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% | 97,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 1% | 14,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% | 99,000 miles |
| 2001 | 9 | 3% | 71,000 miles |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% | 62,000 miles |
| 1999 | 16 | 3% | 110,000 miles |
| 1998 | 18 | 3% | — |
| 1997 | 23 | 4% | 39,000 miles |
| 1996 | 20 | 5% | 105,000 miles |
| 1995 | 13 | 4% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact rented a 2022 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at night at undisclosed speed, they noticed their daytime running lights were still running even at night on the auto setting, however, the headlights were not on while on that setting as well the taillights were not working. The contact had to get the headlight off of auto setting and place it on manually for the headlight and tail lights on the vehicle to stay on while they continue to drive to their residence. The contact called the local dealer where they rented the vehicle to inform them of the failure. The dealer stated they were not aware of this issue and offered to exchange the vehicle but the contact declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,245.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle out of the garage facing the long driveway, he noticed that the low-beam headlights only projected approximately 50 feet in front of the vehicle. The contact stated that he lived in a rural area with limited streetlights and was concerned about a possible crash due to the failure while driving in low light conditions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed however, no issues were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30.
At night,especially on a very dark road, my headlights, especially in the low beam mode, severely restrict my vision. I can only view the road by looking through the lower part of the windshield. The view through the upper part is totally dark as if obstructed by an object. I am concerned that this is a dangerous safety issue and it places myself and others at risk of death or serious injury. I have seen this issue reported by others online and I am uncomfortable with the fact that NHTSA has not informed me of this problem nor has taken any action to correct it.
This complaint is for all cars. When driving in heavy rain it is important to turn on headlights in order for the taillights to illuminate. Almost no one does this anymore due to drl and automatic headlights. During a recent very heavy rainstorm it was almost impossible to see cars ahead of me, almost resulting in a collision. It should be mandatory that the taillights come on anytime the wipers are active. This is serious.
After 4.5 years of owning and operating this vehicle I have noticed some major issues with headlights. Positioning of headlights is very awkward. I avoid driving at night because of this. Even when headlight setting is on the last position I can hardly see a thing in front of me. I have had other drivers flash their lights on me when approaching from the opposite direction because my lights are apparently too bright, but I am not using high beams. I keep my headlights clean and free of debris but problem is still there. I get that blinding another driver/pedestrian is not safe but I have had many instances of driving at night and larger cars (namely SUVs and pickups) swerve into my lane almost causing an accident because they cannot see my car due to the low placement of my car's headlights. …
Couple days ago I notice both my tailights weren't working also my license plates lights and parking lights weren't working and also my headlights parking light don't work anymore they all went bad at the same time. At night time nobody can't barely see me besides my reflectors so nobody can't see my at night time. The only thing tht works is mine brake light turn signal and brake light.
The engine quit running whenever the headlights, turn signals, or wipers were turned on. This was obviously a serious safety problem when driving! It began intermittently on 6/30/25, but it became a consistent problem by 7/7/25, so I took the car to the closest Toyota Dealership for evaluation. I can provide their service report to you if requested. It took them 6 hours and $1000 to diagnose the problem as bad electrical grounding points (high resistance), which were only revealed after they removed the front bumper. In my opinion, it is an unsafe design to have poor grounding for headlights cause the engine to die.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Toyota Camry. While driving on a dark road, the headlights illuminated dimly and made it difficult for the contact to see the road. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,800. The VIN was not provided.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2009 camry vehicles manufactured from July 1, 2008, through February 28, 2009, and model year 2009-2011 venza vehicles manufactured from October 20, 2008, through January 4, 2011.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 12, 2012. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
The plastic material of the bulb holders of the rear tail light assembly does not have sufficient heat resistance. When the bulb is illuminated, the resulting high temperature can cause the bulb holder to deform.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear combination lamp bulb holder to see if it is the defective material. The defective bulb holder together with the wiring harness will be replaced with a correct bulb holder and harness.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Camry years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (26), 1997 (23), 1996 (20), 2009 (19) and 1998 (18) model years. Headlight complaints make up 1% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Toyota Camry headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 12V-091 (switch, Mar 7, 2012); 96V-037 (tail lights, Feb 20, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Camry headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (47 mentions), followed by the turn signal (16).
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.