2023 Toyota Camry Owner Reports Repeated Dashboard Warnings, Finds Rodent Damage

A Texas woman reported multiple system malfunction warnings on her 2023 Toyota Camry, which had fewer than 5,000 miles on it. In a widely viewed TikTok video, she showed the car starting normally but soon displaying alerts such as “Secondary collision brake system malfunction,” “Pre-collision system malfunction,” and “Charging system malfunction.” She speculated the issue might involve the battery and asked viewers for advice. The “charging system malfunction” warning typically indicates problems with the vehicle’s ability to maintain battery charge while running—often related to the alternator, drive belt, wiring, or battery connections. Other warnings can result from sensor or camera issues, which may be triggered by debris or low voltage caused by a weak battery. Commenters suggested the alternator was likely at fault, noting that while the battery starts the car, the alternator powers the electrical systems during operation. Several emphasized that with such low mileage, the vehicle should still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty and advised taking it to a dealer for free repairs. The owner later commented that wires under the hood had been chewed by an animal, though it remains unclear whether this caused all the reported malfunctions.