2011 Toyota Camry problems

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

The contact's wife owns a 2011 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the sun was reflecting off the dashboard, which caused a glare onto the windshield. The glare obstructed the driver's vision and caused a dangerous driving condition. The dashboard became sticky, and there were bubbles on the dashboard from the damage caused by the sun. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a TSB associated with the failure had expired. The contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety hazard involving my 2011 Toyota Camry. The vehicle's dashboard has deteriorated and is melting, creating a sticky surface that reflects sunlight onto the windshield and significantly impairs visibility while driving. The dashboard continuously emits a residue that transfers to the windshield, making it difficult to keep the glass clear and further reducing visibility. The resulting glare can be severe, especially during daylight hours, creating dangerous driving conditions and increasing the risk of an accident. I understand that Toyota previously acknowledged this defect and offered a customer support program for affected vehicles. However, Toyota has denied assistance because it claims I missed a deadline for repairs. I never received any notification regarding the program or any deadline. As a result, the safety hazard remains uncorrected. This issue is not cosmetic. The melting dashboard directly affects the driver's ability to see the roadway clearly and safely operate the vehicle. The condition continues to worsen over time and presents an ongoing risk to vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and other motorists. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this matter and determine whether additional action is warranted to address this known safety-related defect. I believe affected vehicle owners who did not receive notice of the repair program should not be left with an unresolved safety hazard that compromises safe vehicle operation.

NHTSA complaint #11745519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I am reporting a safety issue with my 2011 Toyota Camry. The dashboard (instrument panel) has significantly melted and degraded due to heat exposure, creating a sticky and highly reflective surface. This condition causes sunlight to reflect off the dashboard and into the windshield, creating glare that interferes with driver visibility. This directly affects my ability to see the road safely, especially during daytime driving. This appears to be a known defect affecting similar Toyota vehicles. I was never notified of any extended coverage or repair program before it expired. When I contacted Toyota, I was told no goodwill assistance would be provided and no help is available, leaving me with a potentially unsafe vehicle and no reasonable repair option. I am concerned this is a widespread material defect that creates a driving hazard by reducing visibility due to glare and distracting reflections. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for potential investigation or manufacturer action.

NHTSA complaint #11745356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the sun was reflecting on the dashboard, causing a glare on the windshield, which obstructed the driver's vision. The dashboard was disintegrating and was bubbling. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that a recall for the failure had expired. There was no assistance provided. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the dealer was awaiting the part to arrive to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a TSB associated with the failure had expired, and no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

NHTSA complaint #11725542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Upon looking to purchase another vehicle I ran the vin on my 2011 Toyota camry and noticed when looking at NHTSA it showed an incident that someone reported under my vin number, So I figured I would try vin # with 0 (zero) instead and nothing came up. So now I'm wondering what's going on with vin #? Is it possible for 2 toyotas to have same vin?

NHTSA complaint #11720689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

WHEELS

Premature Ball Joint Wear A loosened ball joint may separate from the knuckle and could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall is from 2014. I barely purchased it not long ago. I have been having the oil from my ball joint driver side wheel spray all over the car randomly. This recall says everything I experience with it. It makes a clicking noise while turning my wheel to the right but a softer clicking noise if turning left.

NHTSA complaint #11719303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Dear NHTSA Investigators, I am writing to formally report what I believe is a significant safety defect in certain 2007–2011 Toyota Camry vehicles, specifically related to excessive engine oil consumption in models equipped with the 2AZ-FE 2.4L four-cylinder engine (primarily 2007–2009, with some reports extending to later years). This issue causes the engine to burn oil at an abnormally high rate—often 1 quart or more every few hundred to 1,200 miles—without any visible external leaks. Owners frequently report no adequate warning from the dashboard oil light or other indicators before the oil level drops critically low. If the engine runs out of oil while driving, it can lead to rapid overheating, internal component damage (such as scored bearings or cylinder walls), and sudden engine seizure or catastrophic failure. Such a failure while the vehicle is in motion poses a serious safety risk, including: potential for crashes, including rear-end collisions if the vehicle stops abruptly without warning, or veering into other lanes/obstacles. Sudden loss of engine power. Increased likelihood of loss of control etc. This problem has been widely documented through thousands of owner complaints (e.g., hundreds on sites like CarComplaints.com for the 2007 model alone), NHTSA ODI reports, and Toyota's own Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Warranty Enhancement Programs (such as ZE7 for certain models). While Toyota addressed it via a warranty extension (not a full recall) involving piston/ring replacements for qualifying vehicles after an oil consumption test, many owners—particularly those outside the original coverage period or with higher mileage—have faced expensive engine repairs or replacements out of pocket. The lack of a mandatory recall means the issue persists in many vehicles still on the road. I am concerned that this defect creates an unreasonable risk to drivers, passengers, and other road users. I had an issue with this and I needed to fill up 4.5Q

NHTSA complaint #11719381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Dear NHTSA Investigators, I am writing to formally report what I believe is a significant safety defect in certain 2007–2011 Toyota Camry vehicles, specifically related to excessive engine oil consumption in models equipped with the 2AZ-FE 2.4L four-cylinder engine (primarily 2007–2009, with some reports extending to later years). This issue causes the engine to burn oil at an abnormally high rate—often 1 quart or more every few hundred to 1,200 miles—without any visible external leaks. Owners frequently report no adequate warning from the dashboard oil light or other indicators before the oil level drops critically low. If the engine runs out of oil while driving, it can lead to rapid overheating, internal component damage (such as scored bearings or cylinder walls), and sudden engine seizure or catastrophic failure. Such a failure while the vehicle is in motion poses a serious safety risk, including: potential for crashes, including rear-end collisions if the vehicle stops abruptly without warning, or veering into other lanes/obstacles. Sudden loss of engine power. Increased likelihood of loss of control etc. This problem has been widely documented through thousands of owner complaints (e.g., hundreds on sites like CarComplaints.com for the 2007 model alone), NHTSA ODI reports, and Toyota's own Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Warranty Enhancement Programs (such as ZE7 for certain models). While Toyota addressed it via a warranty extension (not a full recall) involving piston/ring replacements for qualifying vehicles after an oil consumption test, many owners—particularly those outside the original coverage period or with higher mileage—have faced expensive engine repairs or replacements out of pocket. The lack of a mandatory recall means the issue persists in many vehicles still on the road. I am concerned that this defect creates an unreasonable risk to drivers, passengers, and other road users. I had an issue with this and I needed to fill up 4.5Q

NHTSA complaint #11719381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vinyl on the dashboard had degraded and had become sticky. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had worsened. The vinyl dashboard degraded to a point and when touched, the fingerprint was imprinted on the dashboard. The contact stated that during hot weather, there was a burnt plastic odor coming from the vehicle. The contact opened the windows to eliminate the odor from the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was informed that the vehicle was listed in the Customer Support Program (CSP) over three years ago. However, the Customer Support Program (CSP) had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11706644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Camry. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 209,800 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 138,005 on the title. The contact notices the discrepancy and took the vehicle back to the dealer, however they informed him they were not gonna help.

NHTSA complaint #11698267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I got my license back last Thursday. I had noticed before I started driving how shiny and sticky the dash area was/is. I was already thinking of having it covered. Since Thursday, twice, I have been driving after dark, and lights reflecting off of the shine of the dash nearly blinded me. Tonight, I almost lost control and ran off the road. I have discoved that this was an issue with several years and models of your vehicles. I am a 53 year old disabled American single woman. I have no help, no money and too much stress. This issue not only adds stress, but has also endangered my health and the health of other motorists. I do not know if you did anything to fix these issues, but obviously, the previous owner did not care about the dangers, I DO.PLEASE contact me ASAP and tell me when and how Toyota will fix this dangerous model defect. I do not want the flaw to cause an accident and I can tell, IT WILL! Calli Atwell [XXX] I just got my liscense back last Thursday. Since I have been driving, twice, headlights reflecting off of the shiny sticky dashboard has nearly blinded me...it is a problem every time a light hits it. Tonight, I nearly lost control and was forced to run off the shoulder, rather than swerve into the other lane! It was scary and dangerous, not just to me, but also to other drivers. I know this was recalled, obviously the last owner didn't care about the dangers, Ido! I am a [XXX] , disabled woman with no money nor help. Please contact me ASAP REGARDING FIXING THIS DANGEROUS HEALTH RISK. CALLI ATWELL By the way,just Googled, there was even a recall! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11696499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The dashboard of my 2011 Toyota Camry has melted and deteriorated over time. The surface has become soft, sticky, and shiny, likely due to prolonged sun exposure and heat. This is a known issue in this vehicle model. The dashboard is still in my vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The melting dashboard creates a glossy, mirror-like glare on the windshield, especially during the daytime or when the sun is directly hitting the dash. This glare significantly reduces my ability to see the road, traffic signals, other vehicles, and pedestrians, particularly when turning or driving toward sunlight. It makes everyday driving more dangerous and increases the risk of an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The issue has not yet been officially confirmed by a Toyota dealership or independent mechanic, but it is clearly visible and consistent, and I have taken photos documenting the condition. I plan to have it formally inspected. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by Toyota, the police, or any insurance representative. However, I am willing to provide access for inspection by the manufacturer or any other relevant party upon request. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or messages related to this issue. I first noticed the dashboard becoming sticky and shiny around June 2023, and the glare and surface deterioration have steadily worsened since then, especially during the summer months or after the car is parked in the sun.

NHTSA complaint #11677654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

Passenger sun visor broke years ago. I was able to keep it from falling down by using a large metal clip to hold it up, however it could not be lowered when needed by a passenger. Drivers sun visor broke (would not stay up) yesterday, blocking my view. I understand 2006-2011 camrys were recalled for this problem. However, I was told my vin # was not included. WHY? My car obviously has a visor defect. I was able to pull over and push it to the side, which interferred with my side vision, but was better than holding it up as i drove. Its very dangerous to have a visor fall straight down and block vision with no warning! Millage when passenger sun visor broke was apx.45000 to 50000. I purchased as a certified used car in Oct. 2016 from Sloan Toyota I am only driver and i qualify for low millage state inspections Today i received a quote from Sloan Toyota of $476.00 to fix both visors. Thank you for your help with this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11673604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was an unknown sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 137,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 181,561.

NHTSA complaint #11672700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while in the process of trading the vehicle at the dealer, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The dealer informed the contact that the Carfax history report of the vehicle displayed that the mileage was 193,889 on January 12, 2023. The contact also discovered that the vehicle was previously listed for sale with a mileage of 212,000 on July 14, 2024. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 121,000, and it was later discovered that the mileage was 212,000 on July 14, 2024.

NHTSA complaint #11671951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I started noticing a glare on my 2011 Toyota Camry on the inside on the dashboard. It appeared shiny and I figured I accidentally cleaned it with the wrong product. It started at the closet point of the windshield so I didn’t worry about it. Today (6/4/25) I went to clean it again and noticed the whole dashboard was extremely sticky and NOTHING would clean it off. Paper towels and microfiber towels stuck to it. I noticed the dash was coming apart when I tried to clean it. I called Toyota customer service and they informed me they sent a letter in 2018 about the class action lawsuit and that they were replacing the dashboard. I do not remember ever getting this letter. They woman tried to ask someone higher up about trying to help me since the cut off date was 2021. They said there was nothing they could do due to it not being done in 2021. This is a safety issue due to the glare when driving. I believe this needs to be a recall and that customers should be able to have Toyota fix it. It’s continue to melt and it’s going to end up ruining the whole car. Please take cere of this, please check it as a recall. I would assume this would mess with the airbags as well. I cannot afford to have the whole dashboard replaced, when it should be a recall due to Toyota being at fault. It’s their responsibility to test these things and they failed big time with this. A dashboard should not melt.

NHTSA complaint #11664971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

I started noticing a glare on my 2011 Toyota Camry on the inside on the dashboard. It appeared shiny and I figured I accidentally cleaned it with the wrong product. It started at the closet point of the windshield so I didn’t worry about it. Today (6/4/25) I went to clean it again and noticed the whole dashboard was extremely sticky and NOTHING would clean it off. Paper towels and microfiber towels stuck to it. I noticed the dash was coming apart when I tried to clean it. I called Toyota customer service and they informed me they sent a letter in 2018 about the class action lawsuit and that they were replacing the dashboard. I do not remember ever getting this letter. They woman tried to ask someone higher up about trying to help me since the cut off date was 2021. They said there was nothing they could do due to it not being done in 2021. This is a safety issue due to the glare when driving. I believe this needs to be a recall and that customers should be able to have Toyota fix it. It’s continue to melt and it’s going to end up ruining the whole car. Please take cere of this, please check it as a recall. I would assume this would mess with the airbags as well. I cannot afford to have the whole dashboard replaced, when it should be a recall due to Toyota being at fault. It’s their responsibility to test these things and they failed big time with this. A dashboard should not melt.

NHTSA complaint #11664971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I started noticing a glare on my 2011 Toyota Camry on the inside on the dashboard. It appeared shiny and I figured I accidentally cleaned it with the wrong product. It started at the closet point of the windshield so I didn’t worry about it. Today (6/4/25) I went to clean it again and noticed the whole dashboard was extremely sticky and NOTHING would clean it off. Paper towels and microfiber towels stuck to it. I noticed the dash was coming apart when I tried to clean it. I called Toyota customer service and they informed me they sent a letter in 2018 about the class action lawsuit and that they were replacing the dashboard. I do not remember ever getting this letter. They woman tried to ask someone higher up about trying to help me since the cut off date was 2021. They said there was nothing they could do due to it not being done in 2021. This is a safety issue due to the glare when driving. I believe this needs to be a recall and that customers should be able to have Toyota fix it. It’s continue to melt and it’s going to end up ruining the whole car. Please take cere of this, please check it as a recall. I would assume this would mess with the airbags as well. I cannot afford to have the whole dashboard replaced, when it should be a recall due to Toyota being at fault. It’s their responsibility to test these things and they failed big time with this. A dashboard should not melt.

NHTSA complaint #11664971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.