1989 Toyota Camry
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 6 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 32 |
| 1987 | 58 |
| 1988 | 64 |
| 1989 | 113 |
| 1990 | 134 |
| 1991 | 149 |
| 1992 | 565 |
| 1993 | 260 |
| 1994 | 287 |
| 1995 | 303 |
| 1996 | 417 |
| 1997 | 555 |
| 1998 | 600 |
| 1999 | 501 |
| 2000 | 454 |
| 2001 | 272 |
| 2002 | 953 |
| 2003 | 780 |
| 2004 | 638 |
| 2005 | 721 |
| 2006 | 317 |
| 2007 | 2885 |
| 2008 | 931 |
| 2009 | 1289 |
| 2010 | 600 |
| 2011 | 597 |
| 2012 | 587 |
| 2013 | 274 |
| 2014 | 452 |
| 2015 | 268 |
| 2016 | 177 |
| 2017 | 148 |
| 2018 | 726 |
| 2019 | 385 |
| 2020 | 263 |
| 2021 | 153 |
| 2022 | 57 |
| 2023 | 58 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 133 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
12% of complaints: seat belts — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEWS REPORTER ACTING ON BEHALF OF ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
NHTSA ODI report, 19950921
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *AW
NHTSA ODI report, 19950721
11% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 12 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE A 1989 TOYOTA CAMRY AND I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL(92V135000) ON THE DOOR ASSEMBLY WITH THE LATCHES AND LOCKS WELL I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MAINTENANCE WAS ALREADY DONE ON THE CAR BUT NOW I HAVE BOTH BACK DOORS...
NHTSA ODI report, 20130619
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL NO 92V135000 FOR THE DOOR LOCKS. PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR LOCK IS FUSED AND DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM IN OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020905
10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 11 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
PASSIVE SAFETY BELT WARNIN
OCCUPANT RELEASE OF THE LAP BELT IN A CERTAIN MANNER COULD CAUSE THE BELT RETRACTOR TO LOCK AT THE RETRACTED AND STOWED POSITION.
Remedy: REPLACE LAP BELT WITH A REDESIGNED BELT GUIDE.
Campaign 89V175000 — check if this car was fixed
PASSIVE SAFETY BELT FAILS
STUCK POWER DOOR LOCKS
THROTTLE STICKING
THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE POWER DOOR LOCK SYSTEM CAN FAIL, CAUSING THE CONTACTS TO "WELD", AND RESULTING IN DOOR LOCK SOLENOID DAMAGE, WITH FAILURE OF THE DOOR TO LOCK OR UNLOCK, EVEN
Remedy: INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL SUBCIRCUIT RELAY CONTROL TO PREVENT MALFUNCTION OF ORIGINAL RELAYS IN THE ECU.
Campaign 92V135000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE STICKING
LEAKING FUEL TANK
LEAKING FUEL TANK
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser,...
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 16V396000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Toyota Camry — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V175000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V135000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V396000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Toyota Camry reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Toyota Camry is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Toyota Camry?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Toyota Camry have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.