# Toyota Camry check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 154 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (55) - **Related recalls:** 7 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 154 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Toyota Camry (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (55). There are **7 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Toyota Camry check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 9 | 286 | 3% | | 2016 | 2 | 189 | 1% | | 2017 | 5 | 153 | 3% | | 2018 | 55 | 782 | 7% | | 2019 | 50 | 412 | 12% | | 2020 | 23 | 284 | 8% | | 2021 | 2 | 166 | 1% | | 2022 | 3 | 67 | 4% | | 2023 | 3 | 66 | 5% | | 2025 | 2 | 175 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota Camry recalls related to the check engine light **[25V028000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V028000)** (2018 models, reported 2025-01-23): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. **[20V682000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V682000)** (2018-2020 models, reported 2020-11-04): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be... **[20V012000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V012000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2020-01-13): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. **[19V097000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V097000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-02-14): The improperly connected filler pipe may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel filler pipe, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. **[18V200000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V200000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-03-28): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production date codes of the pistons and, if an engine contains a piston from the affected production period, the engine assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 25, 2018. **[18V108000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V108000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-02-14): The improperly connected hoses may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel pipes for the correct installation, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 30, 2018. **[17V462000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V462000)** (2016 models, reported 2017-07-20): A front driveshaft separation would result in a loss of propulsion while driving, and if the driver exits the vehicle without applying the parking brake, the vehicle may roll. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the serial number of the vehicle's drive shaft, replacing any that are affected, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2017. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota Camry owners report - "The contact stated that upon purchasing and picking up the vehicle from the auction dealer, the contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD reader to clear the check engine warning lights, and the odometer reading changed from 6,000 to 54,000 miles. The contact discovered the mileage discrepancy while the vehicle was..." -- owner of a 2025 Toyota Camry, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with a transmission fault and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was..." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Camry, complaint filed 2026 - "Check Engine, Pre-collision warning system malfunction, Vehicle stability control system malfunction. Took my vehicle in and Toyota Dealer said at first they couldn't figure out what was wrong. Then decided to replace the transmission. It has been nearly 2 months and still cant get the parts to fix my car. Excuse is..." -- owner of a 2022 Toyota Camry, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Camry check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 7 related recalls (25V028000, 20V682000, 20V012000, 19V097000, 18V200000, 18V108000, 17V462000) covering 2016-2020 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota Camry years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Camry model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 55 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Camry with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Toyota Camry has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota Camry warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-camry): 17 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-camry): 46 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-camry): 86 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-camry): 29 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-camry): 68 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/toyota-camry): 10 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-camry): 19 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Toyota Camry - [Toyota Camry specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-camry) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-camry Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.