Recall 21V890 affects 227,490 2018-2019 Toyota Camry vehicles for vacuum pump failure and loss of braking assist. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 227,490 2018-2019 Camry vehicles because a vane cap inside the vacuum pump can break and cause the pump to fail. That failure can trigger a sudden loss of braking assist and increase crash risk, and Toyota dealers will repair the problem free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The vacuum pump on the 2018-2019 Toyota Camry supports the power brake assist system. It creates vacuum pressure so the brake booster can reduce the force your foot has to supply at the pedal. The service brakes still work without that assist, but the pedal takes more effort.
Inside the pump, a vane cap helps the pump create that vacuum. In this recall, Toyota says the vane cap is made from inappropriate material and can break. Once it breaks, the pump can fail, and brake assist can drop suddenly while driving. Frequent braking or long idling can make the problem show up during use.
Drivers can notice increased braking effort, along with audible and visual warnings. Toyota also says brake performance can be suddenly reduced before any warning appears, so the first sign can be a harder pedal and less brake assist than expected.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2018 and 2019 Camry model years; the same hydraulic brake system component is involved in both.
| 2019 Toyota Camry | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Camry | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 227,490 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of braking assist makes the pedal harder to press and increases the risk of a crash. The service brakes still work, but braking performance can drop suddenly before the audible and visual warning appears. If braking effort changes, pull over safely and call a Toyota dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Toyota Camry is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free vacuum-pump repair or replacement for the brake-assist failure.
- Bring the Toyota recall notice if you have it, or reference recall number 21V890 when you call.
- Avoid hard braking and leave extra following distance until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician inspects the vacuum pump and repairs or replaces it if the pump needs service. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Toyota's reimbursement plan covers owners who already paid to fix this condition before the campaign. Bring your repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk, or contact Toyota customer service, to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 16, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 16, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 16, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V890?
Recall 21V890 covers 227,490 2018-2019 Toyota Camry vehicles with a vacuum pump vane cap that can break and cause the pump to fail. That can lead to a sudden loss of braking assist and increase crash risk. Toyota dealers will repair or replace the vacuum pump for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Toyota Camry is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Camry is included in recall 21V890. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the vacuum pump inspection and repair. Reference recall number 21V890 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. Toyota dealers will repair or replace the vacuum pump, as needed, free of charge at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Is it safe to drive my Toyota Camry with this recall?
The recall addresses a braking assist defect that can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair and ask Toyota or the dealer whether your vehicle needs any driving limits before the appointment.
When were Toyota Camry owners notified about recall 21V890?
Toyota mailed owner notification letters on May 16, 2022. If you bought the Camry used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 or a franchised Toyota dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V890000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V890 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V890000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →