My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a normal or safe operating procedure. The problem occurs intermittently and has happened multiple times. I believe there may be a defect involving the ignition key release system, shift interlock, park position switch, or a related electrical component. This condition could leave drivers stranded or unable to secure their vehicle and creates a potential safety concern. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be investigated and to determine whether other 2023 Toyota Camry owners are experiencing the same problem.

On July 10, 2026, my vehicle was parked, turned off, and unattended. The front windows were partially rolled down because the outside temperature was approximately 80°F. I had been away from the vehicle for about one hour. Approximately 20 minutes before discovering the incident, I heard fire trucks nearby but did not initially realize they were responding to my vehicle. When I returned, I discovered that the vehicle had caught fire and that the fire department had already extinguished it. I do not know what component or system failed or where the fire originated. Before parking the vehicle, I did not observe any warning lights, dashboard messages, smoke, unusual odors, overheating, electrical issues, mechanical problems, or other symptoms that would have indicated a possible fire or malfunction. Because the vehicle caught fire while parked and turned off, the incident created a serious safety risk to nearby people, surrounding vehicles, homes, and other property. Fortunately, I am not aware of anyone being inside or immediately next to the vehicle when the fire began. A fire marshal is currently investigating the incident and the cause remains unknown. The issue has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealership, manufacturer, or independent repair facility. That I am aware of. The firemarshalle said it appears to be manufactured defects. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer to my knowledge. The damaged vehicle and affected components should be available for inspection upon request, subject to the requirements of the fire investigation.

Component/System: Smart Key System / Automatic Door Locking System I own a 2023 Toyota Camry LE equipped with a Smart Key System. I parked the vehicle, turned off the engine, and left the smart key inside the vehicle. My [XXX] child remained securely strapped into a rear child safety seat and was sleeping inside. I briefly stepped outside to wipe dust from the windshield while standing next to the vehicle. After the driver’s door closed, the vehicle automatically locked itself with the smart key still inside. I did not intentionally lock the vehicle. I was unable to unlock the doors because the smart key was locked inside the vehicle. My [XXX] child was trapped inside the locked vehicle, creating an emergency situation. To rescue my child, I had no choice but to break the driver’s side window. There were no warning lights or warning messages before the incident. The cause is unknown. The vehicle has not yet been inspected to determine why it automatically locked with the smart key inside. Based on the circumstances, the Smart Key System either failed to detect the smart key or the vehicle improperly allowed the doors to lock despite the key remaining inside. I believe this presents a serious safety risk because it can trap children inside the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical light the car didn't want to start even the battery is good No risk to other maybe if I stay stuck in the middle of no where I have not taking the car to no one No one has inspected Yes they were light on the dashboard

Vehicle started to leak gasoline from the tank filler cap while parked in garage with a full tank of gas. Created a highly flammable/explosive environment. Gas tank was not “topped off” when filled. This has been occurring for the last 2 months. No apparent damaged of defects noted with filler cap. There are no fuel/engine error codes. Vehicle operates normally.