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2016 Toyota Camry Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Daniel Wilson·1 Critical Recall
2016 Toyota Camry Report

Overall Score

7.8/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Airbag system malfunctions, including non-deployment, are a primary concern, directly impacting occupant safety.
  • Issues with vehicle speed control and steering are frequently reported, affecting drivability and safety.
  • Despite a strong safety rating, the high number of complaints and recalls necessitates a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
  • The 3.5L V6 engine offers capable performance, but potential powertrain issues should be investigated.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2016 Toyota Camry

The 2016 Toyota Camry presents a mixed ownership proposition for used car shoppers. While it boasts a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a respectable 25 MPG combined, its reliability verdict is 'Below Average.' This is driven by a high volume of complaints, particularly concerning airbags, steering, and vehicle speed control. Two recalls were issued, one for the occupant classification system affecting airbag deployment and another for incorrect load capacity labels. The sheer number of TSBs (134) also suggests potential quality control issues that warrant careful inspection.

Critical Failure Risk

This issue led to a recall (16V215000) due to improper calibration of the Occupant Classification System (OCS).

Early detection can help you avoid a $700-$1,500 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls2
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

241
Air Bags26
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
25
MPG
City
21
MPG
Highway
30
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.2/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10
Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing a comfortable ride and established brand.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers prioritizing absolute reliability and minimal repair risk.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2016 Toyota Camry Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Toyota Camry.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic (S6)
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Wagon
EPA Combined MPG
25

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Most Common Issues

1. Airbags

Most reported

Usage: 26 reports

2. Steering

Usage: 23 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Engine Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect fluid levels - Inspect wiper blades - Inspect brake components

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
2 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

Full FAQ

Is the 2016 Toyota Camry reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Toyota Camry is 8.2/10. Reliability score is 8.2/10. NHTSA recalls: 2. Owner complaints: 241.

How practical is the 2016 Toyota Camry for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. EPA combined economy is 25 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2016 Toyota Camry?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Toyota Camry is 7.8/10. Overall score is 7.8/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.7/10. Tuning 3.0/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Toyota Camry?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Engine Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect fluid levels - Inspect wiper blades - Inspect brake components at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $365. Repair prediction highlight: Airbag System (OCS) (estimated cost Min: $0 (Recall repair)).

What engine is in the 2016 Toyota Camry?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.5.

What transmission does the 2016 Toyota Camry use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Toyota Camry, transmission is Automatic (S6). The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Toyota Camry?▾

EPA combined estimate is 25 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Toyota Camry?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What body style is the 2016 Toyota Camry?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Toyota Camry, body style is wagon.

What drivetrain does the 2016 Toyota Camry use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Toyota Camry, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S6).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Toyota Camry?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Is the 2016 Toyota Camry good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 3/10. The 2016 Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, is not a prime candidate for aggressive performance tuning due to its design focus on comfor...

What are the most common air bags problems on the 2016 Toyota Camry?▾

Top complaint category: air bags (26 reports, 10.8% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2016 Toyota Camry?▾

This model year has 2 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2016 Toyota Camry?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2016 Honda Accord and 2016 Mazda Mazda6.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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