NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota Camry Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota Camry scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 151 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A perfect five-star sweep across all NHTSA crash-test categories defines the 2021 Toyota Camry AWD's federal safety profile. It earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The strong crash-test performance is complemented by standard crash-avoidance technology.
The 2021 Toyota Camry AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota Camry ranks 23 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 151 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 23 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota Camry?
For the 2021 model year, the Camry's crash protection sub-score reached a full 70 out of 70, and its avoidance-technology sub-score hit a perfect 10 out of 10. These results contributed to an overall NHTSA Safety Index score of 93 out of 100, placing the vehicle in the Exceptional band. This marks a two-point increase from the 2020 model's 91 out of 100. The only sub-score with significant room for improvement is the defect record component, which stands at 13 out of 20. This is primarily influenced by a single recall concerning the occupant-classification sensor and the volume of owner complaints. A total of 151 owner complaints have been filed, with 76 specifically referencing air bags. This concentration of air bag related allegations, coupled with the active recall for an air bag system sensor, presents a coherent risk signal. Additionally, 10 complaints specifically named Forward Collision Avoidance, despite it being standard equipment on this model.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota Camry perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota Camry AWD achieved a flawless safety performance in NHTSA testing. It earned the maximum possible rating in every category: overall, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. The rollover risk was assessed at 10 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. All rated categories met the highest possible safety standard.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15846
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota Camry have any recalls?
The 2021 Toyota Camry carries one recall campaign: an air bag occupant classification sensor defect affecting certain 2020-2021 Toyota models including this Camry. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but used-market shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION23V865000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexu
Reported 2023-12-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota Camry?
Owners have filed 151 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The top alleged problem areas are Air Bags (76 reports), Unknown Or Other (21), Service Brakes (16), Power Train (11), Forward Collision Avoidance (10), and Electrical System (8). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
151 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota Camry?
The 2021 Toyota Camry AWD has an open recall concerning its occupant classification system. This recall, affecting the air bag system, is a critical safety matter. Prospective owners should verify that this recall has been addressed by a Toyota dealership. An unrepaired safety recall represents a direct risk to occupants, not a mere administrative detail.
- The 2021 Camry AWD achieved a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70/70 and a perfect avoidance-technology sub-score of 10/10 under the MotorCaliber methodology, a combination not present in the 2020 model year data.
- One recall is on record for this model year, targeting the air bag occupant classification sensor across multiple 2020-2021 Toyota platforms including this Camry, making VIN-level remedy verification essential for used buyers.
- Of the 151 unverified NHTSA complaints filed against this model year, 76 cite the Air Bags component, a concentration that aligns directly with the active recall campaign and warrants close attention.
- The Safety Index rose two points over the prior model year (91 in 2020 to 93 in 2021), with the defect record sub-score of 13/20 being the sole category preventing a higher overall figure.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota Camry places
The 2021 Toyota Camry qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota Camry safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota Camry crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota Camry, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Toyota Camry crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Toyota Camry earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Camry have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Toyota Camry. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota Camry?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 151 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Toyota Camry. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Camry years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15846), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Camry 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 23 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.