2009 Toyota Camry: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Peak 2AZ-FE oil-consumption year and part of the unintended-acceleration recall wave, with very high complaint volume. Buy only with documented oil-consumption and recall history. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Toyota Camry ranged from $18,720 to $28,270 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Peak 2AZ-FE oil-consumption year and part of the unintended-acceleration recall wave, with very high complaint volume. Buy only with documented oil-consumption and recall history.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=camry&…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/camry
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/camry_07.html
Known issues
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Unintended-acceleration and accelerator-pedal-entrapment concerns from the recall era; affected cars fell under floor-mat and pedal recalls that must be confirmed completed.
commonly reported · 532 NHTSA complaints · other
-
Excessive engine oil consumption on the 2.4L 2AZ-FE four-cylinder, often appearing after the warranty and risking low-oil engine damage if not monitored.
widespread · 321 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Takata front-airbag inflator recall affecting this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be confirmed repaired.
occasional · other
-
Automatic transmission hesitation, harsh or delayed shifts and lurching, most pronounced on the 2007 model year and improving in later years.
commonly reported · transmission
-
Melting or sticky dashboard surfaces in hot, humid climates, covered by an extended Toyota warranty enhancement.
commonly reported · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=camry&…
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/camry_07.html
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, quiet highway ride with a roomy interior and large trunk.
- Cheap and easy to service with wide parts availability and low typical repair costs.
- Strong, smooth 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) option with good performance.
Cons
- Melting or sticky dashboards reported in hot, humid climates.
- The 2.4L 2AZ-FE four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption, often appearing after the warranty period.
- Affected by the era unintended-acceleration and floor-mat/pedal recalls, plus the Takata airbag recall.
- Automatic transmission hesitation and rough shifting, worst on the 2007 model year.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $18,720 | discontinued | — | — |
| LE | $21,225 | $29,300 | — | — |
| SE | $22,390 | $31,800 | — | — |
| SE V6 | $25,065 | discontinued | — | — |
| XLE | $25,150 | $34,500 | — | — |
| XLE V6 | $28,270 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-toyota-camry-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-camry-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($18,720). Higher trims started higher (up to $28,270), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-camry/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $350–400/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,100–2,200/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/camry
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/toyota-camry-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2009 Toyota Camry have?
Documented issue patterns include: Unintended-acceleration and accelerator-pedal-entrapment concerns from the recall era; affected cars fell under floor-mat and pedal recalls that must be confirmed completed; Excessive engine oil consumption on the 2.4L 2AZ-FE four-cylinder, often appearing after the warranty and risking low-oil engine damage if not monitored; Takata front-airbag inflator recall affecting this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be confirmed repaired; Automatic transmission hesitation, harsh or delayed shifts and lurching, most pronounced on the 2007 model year and improving in later years. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2009 Toyota Camry reliable?
Peak 2AZ-FE oil-consumption year and part of the unintended-acceleration recall wave, with very high complaint volume. Buy only with documented oil-consumption and recall history.
How much did the 2009 Toyota Camry cost new?
Between $18,720 and $28,270 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Toyota Camry expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $350–400/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.