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2013 Toyota Camry Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Toyota Camry carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering switch/wiring and electrical system. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Torque converter shudder during acceleration.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING

Campaign #13V505000 · Oct 17, 2013

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & manufacturing North America, Inc. (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Camry and Camry HV, model year 2013 Avalon and Avalon HV and model year 2014 Corolla vehicles. In the affected vehicles, 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."

Risk: A short circuit could cause inoperative windshield wipers, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper switch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #13V442000 · Oct 17, 2013

Issue: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air conditioning condenser unit housing. The accumulated water may then leak through a seam in the housing onto the air bag control module potentially resulting in a short circuit of the module.

Risk: A short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy. An inadvertent airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury or the possibility of a crash. An inoperative airbag can increase the risk of injury in a severe crash. The power steering assist could also become inoperable resulting in increased steering effort and can increase the risk of a crash at low speeds.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Toyota Camry.

Reported to NHTSA

Torque converter shudder during acceleration

POWER TRAIN

69 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder and jerk while the vehicle accelerating at speeds of 45 MPH or above”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437141
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11189682
“TOYOTA RECALLED MY 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY FOR A TORQUE CONVERTER THAT IS CAUSING A SHUDDER IN THE CAR WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 5-50MPH THAT THEY ARE CLAIMING IS EXPIRED. BIG SAFETY ISSUE!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365593

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal failure to stop the vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2024-02

“THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND MY CAR DID NOT STOP NOR EVEN SLOWED DOWN. I PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL TWO MORE TIMES, AGAIN, AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP NOR SLOWED DOWN UNTIL I HIT THE BLACK VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10971542
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BRAKES SEIZED. THE BRAKE, ABS, AND MAINTENANCE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10916519
“Vehicle brake assist hold was engaged, foot still depressed on the pedal. The car released the brake hold and starting rolling at 5 mph even with my foot still on the brake”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11573234

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass spontaneously shattering

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2021-02

“WHILE MY CAR WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY, MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. THE EVENING BEFORE I HEARD A "POP". THAT NIGHT, I COULD NOT LOCATE THE SOURCE. THE NEXT MORNING, I REALIZED MY SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11394750
“THE MOON ROOF GLASS OF TOYOTA CAMRY 2013 HYBRID EXPLODED (WITH A BOMB LIKE SOUND) AND WAS SHATTERED TO PIECES, WHEN DRIVING ON A 4-LANE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH, ON A PARTLY CLOUDY DAY AT AROUND 4:00 PM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11271210
“MY WIFE DROVE MY 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY SE DOWN TO THE TWIN CITIES FOR A BRIDAL SHOWER ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, APRIL 28, 2018. SHE HAD JUST GOTTEN ON TO I-494, DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, WHEN SHE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11090846

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt buckle failure to latch or release

SEAT BELTS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2024-03

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while attempting to unbuckle the front passenger’s side seat belt, the seat belt failed to release from the buckle. After further attempts to release the buckle, the anchor assembly fractured”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554434
“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front driver’s side seat belt would not lock or remain secured in the buckle. The seat belt warning light remained illuminated at all time”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424910
“STARTED WITH THE PASSENGER FRONT SEATBELT. SEATBELT WOULDN'T LOCK IN TO THE FEMALE PART HAVE TO KEEP TRYING IT UNTIL IT WORKS. DRIVER SEATBELT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM UNTIL ONE DAY A SPRING WAS STICKING OUT OF THE FEMALE PART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11191074

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power door lock failure across multiple doors

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2021-08

“THREE OF FOUR CAR DOOR LOCKS, ALL OF WHICH SHOULD BE AUTOMATIC, HAVE STOPPED WORKING WHEN TRYING TO LOCK/UNLOCK THE CAR, BOTH WITH REMOTE AND INSIDE OF CAR USING DRIVER'S SIDE CAR LOCK BUTTONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11118515
“TWO OF THE DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER WORK WITH THE KEY FOB OR THE BUTTONS ON THE DOOR PANEL; THE KEY MUST BE USED TO UNLOCK THE DOOR OR YOU HAVE TO SLIDE THE LOCK MANUALLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11011250
“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side interior door latch was not able to open the door. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428682

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags fail to deploy in a collision

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2020-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11048674
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE DRIVER CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND MADE A LEFT TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY, A PASSING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10810794
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BECAME DETACHED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11139520

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden acceleration without pedal input

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2020-01

“I WAS VISITING SOMEONE AT A HOSPITAL. I ENTERED THE PARKING GARAGE AND PROCEEDED TO THE 2ND FLOOR. I BEGAN TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE SLOWLY WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ALL BY ITSELF FORWARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11023730
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A WALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10746531
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10874838

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

193 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

46

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Toyota Camry reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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