Toyota might be known for its impressive quality and reliability, but for a car such as the Camry, which has gathered impressive attention and sales here in the US, avoiding complaints from users or recalls seemed a little troublesome. Despite the majority of its customers being happy with the experience it provides, there have been many complaints that have consistently plagued the 2014 Camry. With 373 registered complaints and 3 recalls, the Camry does raise our eyes in skepticism regarding Toyota’s reputation regarding quality and reliability. Let’s take a closer look.
User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Problems
- Engine - The engine operates at a low idle RPM causing issues in stop and go traffic or driving uphill from a stop. People have also experienced loss of power in daily driving, sometimes causing other electrical failures simultaneously.
- Brakes - Some problems with the brakes were also reported. Incidents where brakes did not operate while driving, either due to hydraulic failure or mechanical issues, causing accidents and injuries. In one case, the collision from braking loss did enough damage to declare the vehicle a total loss.
- Steering - In seldom cases, the steering wheel did not work properly and the car failed to turn or stayed in a turn.
Electrical Problems
- Electrical malfunction - Turning on the headlights resulted in various warning lights on the dashboard to light up and nearly stalled the engine.
- Accelerator - In some cases, the car has been known to accelerate on its own, causing a variety of incidents and even collisions.
Safety Problems
- Airbags - the airbags on the 2014 Camry have seen some real issues. Being part of the Takata Recall doesn't do its reputation any favor. Pertaining to the same issue, in some cases where the airbags deployed, shrapnel damage was seen on the airbag. In other cases, the airbag flat out did not deploy in case of an accident.
- Seatbelts - In case of some collisions, the seatbelts failed to lock, causing the occupant to dive forward and sustain injuries on impacting the dashboard or steering wheel.
Exterior Problems
- Fog light - In a particular instance, the fog light caught fire and did some damage.
Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
7th Nov 2014 |
14V715000 |
Ball Joint may Detach from Left Lower Arm |
The left-side front suspension lower arm may have been incorrectly manufactured. As a result, the left side lower arm may not have enough clamping surface area for one of the bolts that secures the lower arm to the lower ball joint. |
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left side lower arm, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2014 |
|
2 |
19th Sept 2014 |
14V576000 |
Fuel may Leak from Fuel Delivery Pipe |
Fuel may leak from one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment. |
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. |
|
3 |
17th Oct 2013 |
13V505000 |
Wiper Switch May Fail/FMVSS 104 |
The windshield wiper switch assembly may short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems." |
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper switch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2013. |
Should you buy the 2014 Toyota Camry?
The Camry is and always has been a reliable vehicle. With record-breaking sales, it is a vehicle that its owners have consistently been able to rely on. Although there are some consistent issues with the Camry, it has been the general consensus that the Camry provides a good ownership experience. Along with that, it provides a good balance between power, fuel economy, and general comfort. We suggest inspecting the car thoroughly before purchase.
