Makes›Toyota›Camry›2005

2005 Toyota Camry

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

Toyota Camry
Pictured: 2018 Toyota Camry (ASV70R) Ascent sedan (2018-08-27) 01. Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine149 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Engine–3.3L 6-cyl
Engine184 hp3.0L 6-cyl

Trims

ACV30L/MCV30L/MCV31LACV30L/MCV31L

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan /Se189.4 in70.9 in58.7 in107.1 in61.8 / 60.6 in3,164 lb59/41
4dr Sedan Le /Xle189.4 in70.9 in58.7 in107.1 in61.8 / 60.6 in3,208 lb59/41
4dr Sedan Le V6/ Xle V6/Se V6189.4 in70.5 in58.7 in107.1 in61.8 / 60.6 in3,395 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Camry2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 31 / 25+21%$2,700355
Camry Solara2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 24+3%$2,800370
Camry Solara2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+3%$2,800370
Camry2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+17%$2,800370
Camry Solara3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-10%$3,200423
Camry Solara Convertible3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-10%$3,200423
Camry3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21+2%$3,200423
Camry3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21+2%$3,200423
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.6 MPG2005 Midsize Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2005 Toyota Camry (this car)25 MPGNot rated4
2005 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated4
2005 Honda Accord28 MPGNot rated11
2005 Chevrolet Malibu25 MPGNot rated4
2005 Volkswagen Passat27 MPGNot rated0
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer26 MPGNot rated3
2005 Chrysler 30018 MPGNot rated3

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2005 Toyota Camry is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

111Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
24Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
10Injuries reported
100,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags23
Vehicle Speed Control23
Engine19
Unknown Or Other16
Seat Belts15
Steering13
Service Brakes12
Electrical System7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/02: 119/03: 219/07: 220/06: 120/12: 121/01: 121/03: 121/04: 121/05: 221/08: 122/02: 123/01: 123/03: 123/07: 123/08: 123/11: 124/01: 124/02: 125/02: 125/03: 125/08: 125/10: 126/02: 126/04: 219/0220/0621/0321/0823/0323/1125/0225/10max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2005 Toyota Camry buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 23 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Vehicle Speed Control — 23 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  4. Engine — 19 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Camry51193.7 inNot rated3144
2025 Camry51193.7 inNot rated6173
2024 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★152
2023 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★266
2022 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★165
2021 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★1165
2020 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★3284
2019 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★7411
2018 Camry52192.5 in★★★★★8779
2017 Camry40190.9 in★★★★★3153
2016 Camry40190.9 inNot rated3189
2015 Camry40190.9 inNot rated1285

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →