2005 Toyota Camry
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan /Se, 4dr Sedan Le /Xle, 4dr Sedan Le V6/ Xle V6/Se V6
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 149–184 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 21 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 189.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,164–3,395 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2005 midsize car (20.6 MPG).
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 184 hp, versus about 300 hp for similar 2005 models.
- Many owner complaints111 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 27 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Toyota Camry is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,164 lb (4dr Sedan /Se).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 31 highway), 21% better than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Georgetown, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2005 Camry configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan /Se | 189.4 in | 70.9 in | 58.7 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 60.6 in | 3,164 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan Le /Xle | 189.4 in | 70.9 in | 58.7 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 60.6 in | 3,208 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan Le V6/ Xle V6/Se V6 | 189.4 in | 70.5 in | 58.7 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 60.6 in | 3,395 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camry | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | +21% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Camry Solara | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 24 | +3% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Camry Solara | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +3% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Camry | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +17% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Camry Solara | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -10% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Camry Solara Convertible | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -10% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Camry | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Camry | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Toyota Camry under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Toyota Camry (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Honda Accord | 28 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Chrysler 300 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
- Risk
- If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 9, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V539000 · 420,326 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
- Risk
- IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles
- Problem
- GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
- Risk
- THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles
- Problem
- SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
- Risk
- A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Not every 2005 Toyota Camry is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Toyota Camry buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 23 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 23 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Engine — 19 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota Camry. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Camry years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Camry | 51 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 144 |
| 2025 Camry | 51 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 173 |
| 2024 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 52 |
| 2023 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 66 |
| 2022 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 65 |
| 2021 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 165 |
| 2020 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 284 |
| 2019 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 411 |
| 2018 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 779 |
| 2017 Camry | 40 | 190.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 153 |
| 2016 Camry | 40 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 189 |
| 2015 Camry | 40 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 285 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →