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2021 Toyota Camry Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals for the Maintenance Required Light and open recall alerts for your 2021 Toyota Camry.

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Recalls1Full scheduleKnown issues8

How Toyota schedules service: Maintenance Required Light

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.

⚠️

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Campaign #23V865000 · Dec 20, 2023

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Recall data refreshed Jul 19, 2026.

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.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Toyota Camry.

Reported to NHTSA

Passenger airbag OCS sensor recall awaiting remedy

AIR BAGS

60 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2026-04

“I own a 2021 Toyota Camry XSE (VIN: [XXX] ) with a malfunction in the SRS airbag system related to the front passenger seat frame Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor. The airbag warning light remains on, and diagnostics indicate a failure in the OCS sensor…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695516
“My vehicle has had an open recall since December 20th, 2023 on the passenger airbag not deploying due to being manufactured improperly. I have reached out to Toyota and they still do not have a remedy for the issue and have no time frame on a fix. This is a major…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627971
“Manufacturer Recall Number23TB15 NHTSA Recall Number23V865 Toyota still does not have a remedy for this recall. It's dangerous to have passengers in my vehicle and I haven't been able to have anyone ride with me for almost 1 year.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611255
“I had an airbag recall and have called over 4 times. The parts are still not available. This is unacceptable and unsafe for my passenger”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11641601

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in collisions

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2025-12

“I was involved in a multi-impact collision while driving my 2021 Toyota Camry. Certified crash data from the Airbag Control Module (ACM) confirms five crash events including a frontal collision (delta-V of -9.3 mph) and a rollover (roll angle 9.8°, roll rate 45.6°…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691049
“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the brakes were activated but, it was T- boned by an unknown van and pushed across three lanes of traffic. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The air…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11502569
“I crashed into the metal guardrail on the side of the highway after swerving to avoid a car that lost a tire in front of me. The car was totalled with siginificant damage to the front, engine compartment, and windshield. But the airbags did not inflate. I was the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11449415
“The contact owned a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH another vehicle struck the front passenger side of the contact vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. After the crash, an indicator for the air bags was defective. A dealer was…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491163

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal travel and stopping failure

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 NHTSA complaints · 2022-02 → 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard with extra brake travel time needed to stop the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and DCH…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470655
“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while the vehicle was being parked in the residential garage, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle was in reverse, and due to the failure, the vehicle…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580690
“On Feb. 12 the car was being driven at 10MPH and the brake system power assist function failed, causing the brakes not to perform as normal. The result was rear ending another vehicle. The car is in the hands of Toyota of Portsmouth, NH at this time. The driver…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11451933
“The contact's wife leased a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling into a parking space, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. He stated that his wife continued to depress the brake pedal but it would not respond,…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11443667

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Acceleration without driver input

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-04 → 2026-05

“Vehicle Information: • Year/Make/Model: 2021 Toyota Camry • VIN: [XXX] Incident Date: May 4, [2025] Incident Time: Approximately 9:45 AM Incident Location: [XXX] toward [XXX] Description of Incident: While driving at approximately 25 MPH, multiple dashboard warning lights…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11740908
“Driving very slowly into my 36 foot deep garage I took my right foot off the accelerator pedal when the 2021 Toyota Camry suddenly unintended accelerated forward 15 feet and crashed through the rear garage wall, the automatic brake didn't work,. Then with my foot…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603571
“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while attempting to park her vehicle in her apartment complex parking lot, her vehicle continued to lurch forward without warning despite multiple attempts to stop. Due to the failure, the contact hit…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11461190
“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH into a parking space with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11455243

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shifting and noise

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10 → 2026-04

“I bought this car a couple of years ago. I didnt think much of it because I never owned a Toyota. I noticed that the transmission was doing some weird hesitation when going from 1st to 2nd gear. There is an intermittent lag on when the transmission kicks in. You can actually…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726660
“2021 Toyota Camry Transmission failure. On November 28th, 2025, my car started doing a hard shudder. I pulled over, then turned my car off. When I started my car back up, it would only drive in reverse but not forward. I had my car towed to a Toyota dealership and…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718703
“Was driving in a FastTrack/commuter lane on the Interstate at 65MPH, all of a sudden my car would not accelerate forward. It coasted a bit. I was able to stop between the Fastrack lane and an exit space, in the triangular median. I easily could have gotten hit,…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11674125
“My transmission is making a whining noise that starts round 20 mph and gets louder the faster I drive.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723465

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine coolant bypass valve maintenance warning

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2025-12

“2021 Camry only 24k miles received an engine maintenance required light pop up on my car. Took it to the Toyota dealer and was told i needed REPLACE ENGINE COOLANT BYPASS VALVE-CODE P268115 ENGINE COOLANT BYPASS VALVE. Car is only 3 years old and should not be…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11606191
“When turning on the ac while driving the Master Warning Light comes on along with Engine Maintenance Required flashing across screen. It seems the Engine Coolant Bypass Valvue is faulty. I am in the process of getting the vehicle fixed.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11609213
“Engine maintenance required is showing on dash when AC is turned on. This seems to be common among 2019 and newer Toyotas. The code says the coolant sensor needs to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11594482

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof operation and glass

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2026-03

“The panoramic sunroof gets stuck in the open position and also the motor makes a clicking sound. It is not opened all the way hardly at all, maybe 5 times a year if that. The problem is all over the internet and the dealerships routinely denies any knowledge of…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726963
“PANORAMIC SUNROOF. When opening it jams and starts making a loud popping noise. Others have reported it exploding sending shards of glass everywhere and Toyota refuses to issue a recall/ or fix the problem. They only told me they had no idea others were having…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563344
“Glass of sunroof exploded while driving at 60 mph, without external impact. Likely related to heat (about 95F at time of incident). If I did not have the inner plastic roof closed glass pieces would have fallen into the passenger area. The loud bang of the glass…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11474613

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cracking without impact

VISIBILITY

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2023-06

“My 2021 Camry XLE Hybrid spontaneously developed a crack in the windshield. It reaches from the top edge on the passenger side and extends around the area of the mirror attachment towards the driver side. It is approximately 20 inches in length. There was no…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526424
“Got in my car one morning and noticed about 8 in crack in my windshield and by the next day it went straight across the middle of windshield blocking my proper view. Nothing hit my windshield. No to all the other questions.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11481141
“The Windshield cracked, we werent behind any other vehicles and noone saw or heard anything hit the windshield. I have a scheduled manufacturer appointment scheduled for Monday November 22nd at 10 with a local toyota dealership. The cost is over 1,000 to replace…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11440894

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

  • 2018 Toyota Camry →
  • 2019 Toyota Camry →
  • 2020 Toyota Camry →
  • 2022 Toyota Camry →
  • 2023 Toyota Camry →
  • 2024 Toyota Camry →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jul 21, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jul 21, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific 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 2021 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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