2005 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 721 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 223 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 126 people were injured and 18 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingNov 9, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V539000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, buckle assemblyDec 15, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PASSENGER POWER SEAT, WHEN INSTALLING CERTAIN REAR-FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT BASES ONTO THE SEAT WITH AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH SEATBELT TENSION, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO UNSEAT A COMPONENT CALLED THE BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.
IF THE SWITCH BECOMES UNSEATED, THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MAY MISTAKE THE REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT FOR AN UNBELTED ADULT OCCUPANT, AND MAY NOT SUPPRESS THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (SSC 40M) BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987..
Campaign 04V595000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
721 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Apr 9, 2026, fire
car caught on fire in apartment complex over night. whole car was destroyed
Electrical system, Apr 9, 2026, fire
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.
Electrical system, Feb 10, 2026
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.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 12, 2025, crash
When slowly finishing my entry into a parking spot and braking the car suddenly accelerated to a high speed and bolted over the curb with a planter zone into another parked car directly facing my parking lane hitting the front passenger side. My car was still accelerating and hit another car to the left of the first parked car, hitting it in the rear driver side door. My car kept going until I was finally able to get the brake to work and it stopped just before another parking lot curb with planter zone. As far as I can tell the brake and or accelerator malfunctioned dangerously and suddenly. It could also have been a malfunctioning TPS (throttle positioning sensor). I would like my car inspected to determine what caused this malfunction. While everyone involved said they felt fine. One person, in the first car hit, was sitting in the driver seat, luckily no one was in the front passenger seat. That driver said she was ok. The second car was unoccupied. This dangerous incident had no warnings or symptoms prior to the accident. My online research shows that there was a recall that included my make and year for sticky pedal, floormat, and deformed accelerator cable housing. These can cause unintended acceleration or unresponsive pedal. According to the Toyota website my VIN has no outstanding recalls though. I would like my car checked out because any recall repair, if done, may not have been done thoroughly enough to prevent the collision I experienced on September 28, 2025, some 15 years or so after the 2010 recall.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Camry. The contact’s brother performed brake repair on the vehicle and added Prestone DOT 3 brake fluid to the brake reservoir. The contact stated that several days later, while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the brakes locked up and the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was taken to the brother’s residence by her brother while driving and depressing the accelerator and brake pedal simultaneously. The contact’s brother flushed the brake lines however, the failure persisted. The contact’s brother became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E101000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Steering) from the NHTSA.gov website. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was cross contamination of the braking system and the entire braking system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 15, 2025
Just bought this car on 3/12/2025 Was assured nothing wrong. When taking off it goes about 8 ft then hesitates causing the car behind to almost hit me. Twice it's happened. Pulling out of busy intersections is dangerous. Also it will down shift while driving regularly. Causing cars to run up on you. It also almost died at.a stop sign. Could be tranmission. Not sure exactly.
Service brakes, Jan 22, 2024
While going about 15MPH the car accelerated on its own . Had a hard time finally stopping vehicle breaking and put the car in neutral.
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2023
Unattended acceleration. I was on a slight incline, trying to enter the highway. I was stopped with my foot on the break with all of a sudden acceleration, and I started to surge forward. I kept my foot on the break and kept the car from moving forward, but it did seemed to it, going into high gear to want to move forward. Then put it in neutral and in reverse to back up a couple feet so that I wasn’t hit by a moving car on the highway. And then drove the car home. And Toyota to report the problem.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the brake was depressed and failed to respond, and the vehicle drove over the parking block. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Engine, Feb 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, smoke started coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000
Air bags, Aug 26, 2021
July 14, 2021 arriving back to New Jersey from Las Vegas. I pick up my vehicle Wednesday night at Hoboken NJ garage , heading home my 2005 Toyota Camry vehicle air bag (steering wheel) deployed. As I was driving (15mph) no lights was on the dashboard, no pot holes on the street and there was no accident involving my vehicle. I was hit in the face from the air bag pretty hard it almost made me crash into a electric pole and gas station. 911 was called, the Jersey City police department, fire department and Ambulance arrived. The area was block off looking for car parts or pot holes nothing was found so the police report can be completed. I treated inside the ambulance at the scene, my left hand was burned and head/ neck was hurting. I just decline going to the hospital at the moment. The police called a towing company as I called my car insurance to informing them the situation. As my vehicle was being towed away the police officer said its a malfunction problem it can be a recall I don't know about. The following day I was in touch with my claim agent from my insurance, letting them no where my vehicle was towed at. They informed me to get in touch with the Toyota to see if they going to take full responsibility of the air bag being deployed on July 14, 2021 . I called Toyota Corporation and gave them all the information they asked and then I was told a inspector would reach out to inspect my 2005 Toyota Camry vehicle but it has to be a auto body shop. The place the police got my vehicle towed to the night ofJuly 14, 2021 from Hoboken NJ was not a auto body shop. It was just inside a gate full of other cars. I paid full price for storage fees end up getting my 2005 Camry to a auto body shop in Jersey City NJ were the Toyota Corporation inspector came out July 27 2021 . I called Toyota Corporation multiple times they kept saying it takes up to 30days to make decision from the inspection notes. Yesterday August 25 2001 I received a email they not taking blame.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2021
TOYOTA CAMRY 2005 LE SUNROOFPROBLEMS WATER
Seat belts, Mar 1, 2021
LOCKING MECHANISM FOR SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS BROKEN
Tires, Dec 14, 2020
TOTAL TIRE TREAD SEPARATION LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 21, 2020, crash
ON 03/29/20 I WAS BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT WHEN I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A ROCKET SHIP AND I HIT A TRUCK. THIS IS MY 1ST ACCIDENT. IT HAPPENED SO FAST BUT I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND BOTH FEET WERE ON THE FLOOR AND BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL AFTER I FELT THE ACCELERATION. TOYOTA IS DENYING MY CLAIM.. CAN YOU REVIEW?
Steering, Air bags, Jul 17, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, AN ITEM FLEW OUT OF A TRUCK WHILE IN MOTION. THE CONTACT MOVED INTO THE RIGHT LANE SAFELY, THEN SAFELY WENT OVER BACK TO THE LEFT LANE. THE CONTACT THEN MANEUVERED THE STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BLOODY NOSE AND ANKLE INJURIES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED THREE BROKEN VERTEBRAE IN THE BACK AND BROKEN RIGHT ARM. BOTH INJURED REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT DOES NOT REMEMBER IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS PARTIALLY DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD SENT OUT AN INSPECTOR AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY DON'T NORMALLY SENT OUT INSPECTOR ONLY IF THERE WAS A DEATH INVOLVED. A REPORT WAS FILED FROM THE INSPECTOR THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COULD COME UNDONE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS BETWEEN 800 OR 1000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2019, crash
MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY I TAKE EVERYDAY AS I WAS MILDLY TURNING WITH THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL SPUNG TO THE LEFT AND THE CAR WENT OUT OD CONTROL SPINNING AND ENDED ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER WHERE THAN MY CAR STARTED TO FLIP OVER NONE STOP AND THE AIRBAGS DIDNT NOT BURST OR COME OUT.
Engine, Mar 23, 2019
THE ENGINE ROARED AND IMMEDIATELY I WAS GOING TOO FAST. PUT ON THE BRAKES AND IT DID NOT REOCCUR BUT IT SCARED ME. I WAS ON A CITY STREET AND TURNING INTO THE RIGHT LANE FROM THE LEFT LANE. FORTUNATELY THE STREET WAS NOT TOO BUSY. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING.
Seat belts, Mar 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE FOLDED OVER AND APPEARED VERY LOOSE. THE SEAT BELTS HAD NO STRENGTH AND WOULD NOT TIGHTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO I-10 TOYOTA (78980 VARNER RD, INDIO, CA 92203, (760) 565-0447) WHERE THE MECHANICS UNFOLDED THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT'S SON HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED FIVE TIMES. THE SEAT BELTS CONTINUED TO FOLD AND WERE TOO TIGHT TO FASTEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,800. *TT *TR
Service brakes, Feb 17, 2019
BRAKE PEDAL IS "STUTTERING" AT QUICK STOPS. WHEN TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNS YELLOW AND I PRESS DOWN BRAKE FIRMLY, THE BRAKE WORKS, THEN RELEASES BY ITSELF. I HAVE TO QUICKLY PRESS IT AGAIN TO ACTUALLY STOP VEHICLE. THIS "STUTTER" CAUSES THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD A FEW FEET. IT'S A BIT SCARY TO NOT HAVE CONTROL OVER BRAKING APPROPRIATELY. SHOULD BE A RECALL ON BRAKES!!!! DANGEROUS!!! HAPPENING CONSISTENTLY FOR LAST 3 MONTHS!!!
Air bags, Nov 26, 2018
STARTED RECEIVING CONSTANT RED ILLUMINATED AIR BAG ICON ON THE DASHBOARD WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 25, 2018
TAKATA RECALLED ON THE HIGHWAYS MY SHAKING AND DIDN'T WANT TO STOP
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2018
I AM DISPUTING THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS ME LISTED AS AN OWNER. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. I WANT IT REMOVED FROM MY RECORD(S) IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2018
MELTING SHINY DASHBOARD THAT HAS CREATED SAFETY ISSUES WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT AND ON SUNNY DAYS.
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2018
TAKATA RECALL, MY POWER STEERING HAS BEEN LEAKING. 05/2018 I NOTICED IT WHEN I WAS PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, I REVERSED OUT AND STARTED TO TURN A LITTLE BIT AND IT STARTED TO MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND KIND OF HARD TO TURN.(2) TAKATA RECALL MY CAR IS OVERHEATNG AS I WAS PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY I STOPPED PUT IT IN NEUTRAL PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SAT THERE FOR 3 MINUTES AND THE DIAL WENT TO EXTREMELY HOT, I TURNED IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. EVER SINCE THEN IT DRIVES HOTTER THAN USUAL NOT AS HOT AS IT WAS THAT DAY AND I CAN SMELL BURNT RUBBER WHEN I'M DRIVING OR BURNT SOMETHING I'M NOT GETTING GOOD GAS MILEAGE IT IDLES ROUGH AFTER IT'S BEEN WARMED