CarBrief

NHTSA lists 284 owner complaints for the 2020 Camry, with the largest groups being electrical, engine and air bags[1][2][3][4]. It also has 3 recalls, covering a fuel pump, an engine casting problem and a passenger air bag sensor[5][6][7].

284owner complaints[1]
3recalls[8]
25–52MPG combined (EPA)[9]
5★NHTSA overall rating[10]

Most reported problems

For the 2020 Camry, NHTSA holds 284 owner complaints[1]. Of those, 14 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 22 injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are reports from owners, not confirmed defects. The groups below overlap, because the counts add up to more than the total[1].

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Injuries Median mileage
Electrical System[2] 68 0 0 0 4,900
Engine[3] 64 0 1 0 12,000
Air Bags[4] 57 9 0 18 26,000
Unknown or other[11] 46 0 0 2 2,365
Fuel/Propulsion System[12] 37 0 1 0 not listed
Power Train[13] 33 1 0 1 54,000
Forward Collision Avoidance[14] 15 3 0 2 not listed
Brakes[15] 12 1 0 0 1,300

Electrical. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe a battery that goes dead after the car sits for a day or a few days. They needed a jump or a new battery, and some say the dealer found no fault[2]. The median mileage at failure in this group is 4,900[2].

Engine. Owners in our sample describe a coolant smell after driving, a delay between pressing the accelerator and the car responding, and a car that would not start. Some mention the engine recall listed below[3]. One complaint in this group mentions a fire, and none mention a crash or an injury[3].

Air bags. This group has the largest number of crash and injury mentions, with 9 crashes and 18 injuries[4]. In the sample we read, owners describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash. Others describe worry about the passenger air bag recall, because the dealer had no repair parts yet when they wrote[4][5].

Fuel and propulsion. Owners in our sample describe fuel pump warnings and failures, several tied to the fuel pump recall and a wait for parts. Others describe slow or hesitating acceleration[12][6]. One complaint in this group mentions a fire[12].

The other groups are smaller. Power train has 33 complaints with a median mileage of 54,000[13]. Forward collision avoidance has 15, with 3 crashes[14]. Brakes has 12[15].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Camry[8]. Here they are, newest first[5][6][7].

Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy depends a lot on the version. Combined ratings run from 25 MPG for the Camry TRD to 52 MPG for the Camry Hybrid LE[16][9]. The 3.5L 6-cylinder versions rate 25 to 26 combined[17][18][16]. The 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline versions rate 28 to 34 combined[19][20][21][22][23]. The two hybrids rate 52 and 46 combined[9][24].

Version Engine Drive City / highway / combined MPG Est. annual fuel cost
Camry[17] 3.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive 22 / 33 / 26 $2,600
Camry XSE[18] 3.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive 22 / 32 / 26 $2,600
Camry TRD[16] 3.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive 22 / 31 / 25 $2,700
Camry LE/SE[19] 2.5L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive 28 / 39 / 32 $2,100
Camry XLE/XSE[20] 2.5L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive 27 / 38 / 31 $2,150
Camry[21] 2.5L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive 29 / 41 / 34 $1,950
Camry AWD LE/SE[22] 2.5L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive 25 / 34 / 29 $2,300
Camry AWD XLE/XSE[23] 2.5L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive 25 / 34 / 28 $2,400
Camry Hybrid LE[9] 2.5L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive 51 / 53 / 52 $1,300
Camry Hybrid XLE/SE[24] 2.5L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive 44 / 47 / 46 $1,450

All versions use regular gasoline[17][18][19][20][21][9][24][16][22][23].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door Camry in all-wheel drive and in front-wheel drive 5 stars overall, with 5 stars in frontal, side and rollover[10][25]. The 4-door Camry Hybrid in front-wheel drive gets the same 5-star results[26]. Rollover risk is listed as 9.9% for each of the three[10][25][26].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine at 176 to 206 hp, depending on version[27]. The 3.5L 6-cylinder is rated 301 hp[28].

The size figures below are Canadian-market specifications. All five listed versions share the same length of 193 in, width of 72 in, height of 58 in and wheelbase of 111 in[29][30][31][32][33]. Only the curb weight changes.

Version Curb weight
Camry 4DR Sedan LE[29] 3,296 lb
Camry 4DR Sedan SE/XSE/XLE[30] 3,351 lb
Camry 4DR Sedan XSE V6/XLE V6[31] 3,549 lb
Camry Hybrid 4DR Sedan LE[32] 3,472 lb
Camry Hybrid 4DR Sedan SE/XLE[33] 3,549 lb

How 2020 compares with other years

1995: 303 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 417 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 555 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 600 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 585 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 520 complaints, 2 recalls2001: 325 complaints, 2 recalls2002: 1,013 complaints, 4 recalls2003: 806 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 799 complaints, 3 recalls2005: 813 complaints, 5 recalls2006: 435 complaints, 5 recalls2007: 3,616 complaints, 10 recalls20072008: 1,178 complaints, 7 recalls2009: 1,412 complaints, 10 recalls2010: 614 complaints, 9 recalls2011: 624 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 645 complaints, 2 recalls2013: 301 complaints, 2 recalls2014: 480 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 286 complaints, 1 recalls20152016: 189 complaints, 3 recalls2017: 153 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 778 complaints, 8 recalls2019: 410 complaints, 7 recalls20192020: 284 complaints, 3 recalls28420202021: 165 complaints, 1 recalls2022: 65 complaints, 1 recalls2023: 66 complaints, 2 recalls20232024: 52 complaints, 1 recalls2025: 172 complaints, 6 recalls2026: 144 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Camry model year. The 2020 is highlighted[8].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19953031
19964172
19975553
19986002
19995851
20005202
20013252
20021,0134
20038061
20047993
20058135
20064355
20073,61610
20081,1787
20091,41210
20106149
20116245
20126452
20133012
20144803
20152861
20161893
20171533
20187788
20194107
20202843
20211651
2022651
2023662
2024521
20251726
20261443

NHTSA counts for each Camry model year put 2020 at 284 complaints and 3 recalls[8]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2020 Camry?

The 2020 Camry gets 5 stars overall from NHTSA in the versions rated, and its EPA combined fuel economy runs from 25 to 52 MPG depending on version[10][25][26][16][9]. Owner complaints are filed most often under the electrical, engine and air bag groups, and a sample of electrical complaints describes batteries that go dead after the car sits[2][3][4]. Three recalls apply, covering a fuel pump, an engine casting problem and a passenger air bag sensor, so ask the seller to show that each repair was done[5][6][7]. For the air bag sensor recall, Toyota's notice describes phased owner letters through January 2026, so check the status for the exact car[5]. Complaints come from owners and are not adjusted for sales, so use them as a list of things to check on a test drive and with the seller[1].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA lists 284 owner complaints[1]. The largest groups are electrical with 68, engine with 64 and air bags with 57[1][2][3][4].
Does the 2020 Toyota Camry have any recalls?
Yes, 3: 23V865 for an occupant classification sensor, 20V682 for the fuel pump and 20V064 for engine casting porosity[5][6][7].
What MPG does the 2020 Toyota Camry get?
EPA combined ratings run from 25 MPG for the TRD to 52 MPG for the Hybrid LE[16][9]. The 2.5L gasoline versions rate 28 to 34 combined[16][9][19][20][21][22][23].
Is the 2020 Toyota Camry safe?
NHTSA gives the versions it rated 5 stars overall[10][25][26]. The car also has a recall for a passenger air bag sensor, so check that it was done[5].
Is 2020 a good year for the Camry?
Our data does not rate reliability. NHTSA lists 284 complaints and 3 recalls for 2020, against 410 and 7 for 2019 and 165 and 1 for 2021[8].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 284 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Toyota Camry (14 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 22 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 68 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 64 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 57 complaints name the air bags component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 18 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. Recall 23V865, filed December 20, 2023: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 20V682, filed November 4, 2020: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 20V064, filed February 6, 2020: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
  8. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Camry model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  9. EPA rating for Camry Hybrid LE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 51 city / 53 highway / 52 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  10. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 46 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 2,365). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 37 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 33 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 15 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 12 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 1,300). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. EPA rating for Camry TRD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Camry, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Camry XSE, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 32 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Camry LE/SE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Camry XLE/XSE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 38 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Camry, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 41 highway / 34 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Camry AWD LE/SE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Camry AWD XLE/XSE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Camry Hybrid XLE/SE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 44 city / 47 highway / 46 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2020 Toyota Camry with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 176 to 206 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2020 Toyota Camry with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 301 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMRY 4DR SEDAN LE: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,296 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMRY 4DR SEDAN SE/XSE/XLE: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,351 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMRY 4DR SEDAN XSE V6/XLE V6: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,549 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMRY HYBRID 4DR SEDAN LE: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,472 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMRY HYBRID 4DR SEDAN SE/XLE: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,549 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.