2003 TOYOTA Camry Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
814
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
205 complaints
COMING TO A STOP AND ABOUT READY TO STOP AND ALL OF SUDDEN STEERING WHEEL WAS PULLED TO LEFT AND ACCELERATED. THEN I HIT A PARKED CAR AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO STOP.
Mar 12, 2018
DURING NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED TO FULL THROTTLE. GAS PEDAL WAS TAPPED SEVERAL TIMES WHICH DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND ENGINE SHUT OFF.
Feb 05, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT OF THE ACCELERATION, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AFTER THE CRASH, BUT WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Jul 13, 2016
I FELT A CLICK UNDER HOOD AROUND AREA OF DRIVER SIDE AS I BACKED OUT OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE BANK. I DROVE FORWARD ACROSS THE STREET INTO ANOTHER PARKING LOT, TURNED MY WHEEL RIGHT TO PULL INTO PARKING PLACE AND THE ACCELERATOR INCREASED SENDING ME UP A CURB INTO A BRICK WALL. WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, I HAD TO PUT CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND PARK TO TURN OFF BEFORE ACCELERATION STOPPED. MY ENTIRE FRONT END WAS SMASHED(HAVE PHOTOS OF CAR AND TIRE MARKS ON CEMENT). I STARTED CAR BACK UP AND IT REVERSED FINE. NO MATS UNDER PEDAL AND NO SLIPPING FOOT TO GAS PEDAL. CAR HAS 60,000 MILES AND WAS IMPECCABLE.
Oct 08, 2015
I WAS NEARLY FINISHED PARKING MY CAR WHEN THE CAR SPED UP, WENT OVER A CONCRETE CURB STOP, HIT AND KNOCKED OVER A SIGN POST. I RECALL THE ENGINE REVVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I STOMPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THAT STOPPED THE CAR. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE 12 YEARS I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE BUT IT WAS SCARY.
Sep 07, 2015
+ 200 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
105 complaints
THE VEHICLE ENGINE WAS RUNNING VERY RUFF AFTER START THEN SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FAULT CODES ON THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS A NUMBER TWO AND THREE CYLINDER MISFIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANALYSIS. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING BETWEEN THE NUMBER TWO AND THREE CYLINDERS (NO COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUTSIDE THE ENGINE). THE DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE HEAD, BUT THE FIRST BOLT STARTED TO STRIP AND THE TECHNICIANS STOPPED AT THAT POINT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE AND THE REPLACEMENT COST WAS $4,600 FOR A USED 80,000 MILE ENGINE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL SHOP AND HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED WITH A 30,000 MILE ENGINE FOR $3,000. COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS ONE (THE HEAD BOLTS STRIPING OUT THE ALUMINUM ENGINE BLOCK) ARE ALL OVER THE INTERNET. TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE DESIGN FLAWS. 1) THE HEAD GASKETS SHOULD NOT BE FAILING ON VEHICLES WITH LOW MILLAGE. 2) THE HEAD BOLTS SHOULD BE REMOVABLE WITHOUT DAMAGING THE ENGINE.
Jun 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOLTS WERE STRIPPED AND AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Feb 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 03/27/12*LJ UPDATED 06/13/2012 *JS
Feb 10, 2012
THE ENGINE HEAD BOLTS ARE STRIPPED OUT IN THE BLOCK CAUSING THE HEAD GASKET TO BLOW AND CAUSING A COOLANT LEAK. IN TALKING WITH MY REPAIR PERSON AND SEARCHING THE INTERNET THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 4 CYL 2.4 L ENGINE. TOYOTA ISSUED A NEW PART NUMBER FOR THE BLOCK (TSB REF #EG015-07) SO THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT DO A RECALL. THE ONLY FIX IS A NEW ENGINE WHICH IS ABOUT $8000.00. *TR
Feb 08, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RATTLED AND VIBRATED AS IT ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT'SS MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS FAILING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,767 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,025.
Feb 01, 2012
+ 100 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
69 complaints
I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN GETTING READY TO STOP WHEN I REALIZED I WAS UNABLE TO STOP. FINALLY AFTER REALLY PUSHING HARD I GOT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND I HEARD THE GAS ACCELERATING. I ALMOST HIT A BACK END SIDE OF A CAR WITHOUT THE PEOPLE EVEN KNOWING WHAT HAPPEN. *TR
Dec 02, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, CAUSING HIM TO BE INVOLVED IN THREE VEHICLE CRASHES CRASHING INTO THE REAR OF TWO VEHICLES AND THE DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER. THERE WAS ONE REPORTED INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER DID NOT PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURING ENGINEER EXAMINED THE EVENT DATA RECORDER BUT THERE WAS NO RECORDED BRAKE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 191,600.
Feb 11, 2011
I HAVE A 96 AND 03 TOYOTA CAMRY AND MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND SHE HIT THE BRAKES AND COULD NOT STOP. SHE CONTINUED HITTING THE BRAKES AND LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND HIT A BEAM UNDER A BRIDGE. I AM GLAD SHE DIDN'T GET HURT BUT THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS BADLY DAMAGED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE. I HAVE HAD DIFFERENT CAR MECHANICS TELL ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYBODY HAS AN ANSWER ON WHAT I CAN DO. *TR
Jul 25, 2010
FOR OVER FOUR YEARS I HAVE BEEN ASKING TOYOTA DEALER TO LOOK AT THE BRAKES ON MY 2003 CAMRY. THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSES OVER HALF WAY BEFORE IT GRABS. I HAD TO STOP FAST TWO MONTHS AGO AND THE PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND I SKIDDED TO THE SIDE BEFORE THE BRAKES GRABBED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE BRAKES AND THEY WERE FINE, THEY SAID THAT THE PEDAL WAS WORKING JUST FINE AND THEY COULD NOT ADJUST THE PEDAL FREE PLAY. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THEY WON'T DO ANY THING ABOUT IT. THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL REGARDING THE BRAKES OR PEDAL ON A 2003 CAMRY. *TR
May 27, 2010
WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKES ON ICE, MY ABS SYSTEM IMMEDIATELY ACTIVATES AND SLOWS MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY DOWN. WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKES ON DRY ROADS, (COMING UP ON A RED LIGHT FOR INSTANCE), AND HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD, THE BRAKES IMMEDIATELY RELEASE. AFTER A 1-2 SECOND DELAY, THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATES. THOSE TWO SECONDS HAVE NEARLY CAUSED NUMEROUS CRASHES OVER THE LIFE OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
May 15, 2010
+ 64 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
47 complaints
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DISPLAYING A DEFECT IN THE DASH AREA WHERE THE AIR BAG IS LOCATED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT THE VEHICLE AND HOW TO PROCEED WITH REPAIRS.
Nov 12, 2021
Front passenger side collision at 30+ mph, NO airbags deployed
Aug 28, 2021
FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED IN PARK MODE LIKE LOUD BOOM AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD DID NOT EVEN MOVE THE CAR. COUPLE METAL PIECES HIT ME
Apr 29, 2020
CAR CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUFFERED WHIP LASH AND CONCUSSION.
Feb 05, 2020
THE DASH IS CRACKING AT THE AIRBAG WHICH I SEE IS A REGULAR PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE A NORMAL THING AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED FROM TOYOTA,
Oct 15, 2018
+ 42 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
38 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle onto her driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine bolts had sheared off. The contact stated that the bolts were replaced and torqued to specs however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure however, no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.
Oct 06, 2022
I have a 2003 Toyota Camry le (4 cylinder, 2. 4 l) which began leaking engine coolant from around the engine block. My mechanic determined that the root cause of the leak was loose head bolts in the engine block. I was advised to either replace the engine or rebuild it both of which are cost prohibitive given the value of the car at 114,000 miles. I have come to learn that this is a very common problem with 2003 Camrys and Toyota has issued no recall for this issue. This particular car was well maintained by Toyota dealership service.
Nov 26, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TO SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO HER DESTINATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Nov 30, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED TO HOT, INDICATING THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER RAY BRANDT TOYOTA LOCATED AT 2460 VETERANS BLVD, KENNER, LA 70062, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE'S HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN, DUE TO THE ENGINE BOLTS FAILING AND COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Aug 20, 2020
HEAD BOLTS STRIPPED CAUSING ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF ENGINE. THIS IS A COMMON AND KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS ENGINE. A GOOGLE SEARCH TURNS UP HUNDREDS OF EXAMPLES OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM. EXAMPLE: GOOGLE "2003 CAMRY STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS".
Mar 03, 2020
+ 33 more complaints for this component
STEERING
34 complaints
THE 2003 CAMRAY TOYOTA HAS A DEFECTIVE PART AT 51,000 HAVE HAD TO PROBLEMS WITH STEERING BUT THE DEALER TELLS ME IT IS DEFECTIVE HAS THIS BEEN A COMPLAINT BY OTHER OWNERS AT THIS MILLAGE? I IS BEEN REPLACED AT MY COST TODAY 14 MAY 2015 BECAUSE THIS WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE OWNED OTHER CARS AND AT THAT MILEAGE THERE HAS NEVER BEEN THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. IS THIS A DEFECT. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW.
May 14, 2015
PLEASE ADD ME TO OTHER CAMRY OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT STEERING NOISE, EITHER AT REST OR DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, STEERING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT: CLICKING SOUND HAPPENS AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. THE NOISE IS GETTING LOUDER. NOW I HAVE LOST THE HORN, CRUISE CONTROL AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. SO, IT SEEMS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS AFFECTING SOME KIND OF SWITCH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STEERING COLUMN! I HAVE CHECKED THE FUSES WHICH ARE ALL FINE! READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND REALIZING THAT TOYOTA IS NOT OWNING TO THE PROBLEM WITH THE OWNERS HAVING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, I AM TRULY DISAPPOINTED. IT DEFINITELY IS A DESIGN PROBLEM! *TR
Nov 14, 2014
WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT, THE WHEEL TURNED SHARPLY RIGHT INSTEAD AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE WHEEL. I COULD NOT TURN IT BACK. THE CAR CROSSED FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY TO PAST THE RIGHT SIDE (ABOUT 4 LANES), HIT A RAILING, AND FLIPPED OVER. *TR
Mar 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, SHE WOULD HEAR A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THEY REFERRED HER TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Dec 20, 2012
I BOUGHT MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2003 LE BRAND NEW FROM KOONS TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN TYSONS CORNER, VIRGINIA BACK IN 2003. FEW MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE I NOTICED CAR ALWAYS PULLING TO THE LEFT. I WENT BACK TO DEALER BUT THEY CLAIM IT WAS JUST ROAD PULLING AND THAT IT WAS NORMAL. I ACCEPTED THAT AS AN ANSWER FROM CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALER AND WENT ON WITH MY LIFE. THIS WAS MY SECOND CAR SO I WAS NOT DRIVING IT MUCH AT THE TIME BUT I HAD REPLACED TIRES TWICE AND HAD DONE ALIGNMENT SEVERAL TIMES IN LESS THEN TWO YEARS. I STARTED DRIVING THIS CAR MORE AROUND THE TIME MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEN REALIZED THAT THIS PROBLEM REQUIRES ME TO REPLACE MY TIRES AFTER EACH MAJOR TRIP...WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES. I KEPT ON DOING ALIGNMENT AND EVEN TRIED DIFFERENT TYPE OF TIRES, DIFFERENT DEALERS, ETC. I EVEN FOUND A TSB RELEASE FROM TOYOTA THAT MANY CLAIM FIXES THIS PROBLEM BUT DEALERS CLAIM IT DOES NOT APPLY TO TOYOTA CAMRY 2003 LE, THE DOCUMENT IN QUESTION IS TSB-ST0002-04. DO THIS DAY I HAVE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND NO WAY TO FIX IT. SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH ON TOYOTA CAMRY 2003 LE LEFT PULL PROBLEM WILL SHOW HOW BIG AND WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THIS IS. THIS IS A RATHER FRUSTRATING PROBLEM BECAUSE EACH DEALER CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR YET I CANT BUY ENOUGH TIRES TO DRIVE THIS CAR. *TR
Mar 08, 2012
+ 29 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
27 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION IN JANUARY OF 2009, BUT THEY WERE NOT TOLD WHY. A REBUILT TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED AND NOW THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANS AXLE FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THE GEAR SHIFT BOX, WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP AND MAKE A BANGING NOISE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 70,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED; HOWEVER, THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS VALID UP TO 75,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 03/15/11*LJ UPDATED 1/3/11 *CN
Feb 04, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
Jul 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND EXITING IT, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS. THE OCCUPANT SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TRAVEL OVER A CURB WHICH FLATTENED BOTH REAR TIRES. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE PAWL MECHANISM AND TIRES REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60000. UPDATED 05/10/10 *BF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS LEFT RUNNING; THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN THE PARK POSITION; BUT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ON AN UPHILL SLANT,DOWNHILL BEING TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. MINUTES AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LEVER DID MOVE INTO REVERSE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THE PAWL MECHANISM FAILED. UPDATED 05/12/10 UPDATED 07/01/10 *BF UPDATED 07/02/10.*JB
Mar 18, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING LOW SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGED. I TOOK TWO TO THREE SECONDS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT IN GEAR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER CHIP AND UPGRADED THE TRANSMISSION WHICH ONLY MINIMALLY CORRECTED THE FAILURE. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 87,000. UPDATED 03/11/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO HESITATE FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DID ENGAGE, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB
Feb 23, 2010
ON 2 OCCASIONS OUR 2003 CAMRY LE ACCELERATED. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE IN A PARKING LOT. THE SECOND TIME IT OCCURRED WHILE PREPARING TO MOVE INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP. NO INJURIES BUT MINOR DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER FROM THE FIRST INCIDENT. *TR
Feb 23, 2010
+ 22 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
17 complaints
Driver seat belts releases on its own especiall while driving. I stop and push metal clasp back into position, sometimes with force to make sure it is engaged. Sometimes it stays in place, sometimes not. I also check to make sure nothing is in the way of metal clasp before pushing it into the slot. I never know when it will pop back again undtil the light on the dashboard starts to flash. This has been going on for about 2 months.
Dec 05, 2021
SEATBELT WON’T CLICK INTO THE BUCKLE AND OR RELEASE ON THEIR OWN HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND THEN HAVE IT EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY I CANNOT BUCKLE MY DRIVER SEAT BELT
Oct 06, 2020
MY SEATBELT WON'T CLICK INTO THE BUCKLE AND OR RELEASE ON THEIR OWN HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THEN HAVE IT EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY I CANNOT BUCKLE MY DRIVER SEAT BELT AND ONE OF THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS HAS STARTED DOING THE SAME THING I AM ABOUT TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM REPLACED BEFORE I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT I WOULD HATE TO FIND OUT THAT THE SEATBELT THAT DOES WORK NOW STOPPED WORKING WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR IN AN ACCIDENT
Jan 26, 2020
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AT ANY TIME.
May 18, 2019
THE SEAT BELT COMES UNFASTENED WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. YOU CAN PULL AND PULL ON THE BELT AND IT REMAINS LOCKED, BUT WHILE TRAVELING ON THE ROAD, ESPECIALLY IF ONE HITS A BUMP, THE BELT UNLATCHES AND THE LIGHT COMES ON AND BUZZER SOUNDS. WENT TO JUNK YARD TO GET A DIFFERENT LATCH AND LEARNED THAT THEIR NEIGHBOR'S 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY DOES THE SAME THING. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND FIXED. FOUND SAME COMPLAINT ON SEVERAL COMPLAINT BOARDS.
Apr 29, 2019
+ 12 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
16 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY IN REVERSE ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A PICNIC TABLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Oct 17, 2016
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE WAS DRIVING INTO A COVERED PARKING GARAGE, RETRIEVED HER PARKING TICKET AND PROCEEDED UP THE RAMP, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED TO A SPEED SHE COULD NOT CONTROL. SHE TRIED TO PUMP THE BRAKES, BUT TO NO AVAIL. SHE HIT A PARKED TRUCK AND THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE, MOVING THE TRUCK APPROXIMATELY 6-8 FEET. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS PRACTICALLY A FRONT END COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/13/14*JB
Mar 12, 2014
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND AIR BAGS MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, AND AS HE WAS PREPARING TO EXIT THE PARKWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, DESPITE THE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND CONSEQUENTLY HE HIT A GUARD RAIL AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED A DEEP LACERATION TO HIS KNEE.
Dec 04, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 1 MPH IN A PARKING LOT , THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PROTECTED BARRIER TO AVOID CRASHING INTO PEDESTRIANS AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONTUSION AND A BURN MARK CAUSED BY SEAT BELT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,911. UPDATED 7/17/13 *CN
Jun 07, 2013
ON JANUARY 12, 2010, I HAD MY 2003 CAMRY DETAILED (WASHED INSIDE AND OUT-INCLUDING THE CARPET)AT A CAR WASH. I PROCEEDED TO A NEARBY MALL,WHERE I STOPPED BRIEFLY AT A STORE. UPON EXITING THE PARKING LOT, I MADE A FULL STOP AT THE STOP SIGN. I THEN PROCEEDED TO GO BY STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR. AT THIS POINT THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO A HIGH SPEED, AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IT, EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR WENT ACROSS 3 LANES & UP, OVER, AND DOWN A MEDIAN,CONTINUED TO GO ACROSS ANOTHER 3 LANES AND FINALLY CAME TO REST AFTER HITTING A TREE ON ANOTHER MEDIAN. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION, AND PUSHING DOWN ON THE BRAKE TO THE LEFT OF IT DID NOT HELP, NOR DID THE STEERING WHEEL TURN AS I WAS TRYING TO AVOID HITTING THE TREE. ALSO, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT MY FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. AT THE TIME, I HAD NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF INJURY, BUT INJURIES BECAME APPARENT SOON AFTER, AND CAN BE VERIFIED BY A DOCTOR. A POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE, IF NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION SHOP, WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. A CLAIM WAS FILED WITH TOYOTA MANUFACTURING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS ABOUT 52,000. *JB SEE ODI 10301845 *DSY
Feb 04, 2010
+ 11 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
16 complaints
SUN ROOF/MOON ROOF GETTING JAMMED AND NOT CLOSING PROPERLY. *TR
Jul 08, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DROPPED AND BLOCKED THE CONTACT'S VISION OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUN VISOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Mar 07, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE, AND THEN THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. HE SWERVED INTO ANOTHER LANE, BUT QUICKLY REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING INSPECTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,714. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Oct 05, 2009
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE; SUN VISOR AND CUP HOLDER BROKE, REAR CAR STEREO SPEAKERS HAVE BECOME SO BRITTLE, THEY CRACK AT THE TOUCH. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE QUALITY OF EVERYTHING IS SO BAD AND THE CONSUMER SUFFERS AS A RESULT OF IT. A TOYOTA DEALER GAVE ME A PRICE OVER $900 FOR ALL REPAIRS, BUT OVER $400 FOR THE SPEAKER COVERS, THEY SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE BACK PANEL. I WENT TO AN AUTO ACCESSORY SHOP, HE CAN BUY THE COVERS FROM A TOYOTA DEALER FOR $40, PUT THEM ON FOR $65, TOTAL $105. WHEN I CONTACTED TOYOTA I WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. PRIOR TO THIS, THE UPHOLSTERY IN THE ROOF OF MY CAR CAME APART AT THE REAR WINDOW. TOYOTA REPAIRED THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY NEVER EXPLAINED TO ME WHY I HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES BEFORE I HAD 10, 000 MILES ON THEM, I THINK THEY WERE JUST BAD TIRES. IF ANY OF THESE ISSUES CAN BE ADDRESSED I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE NEWER CARS. THIS IS MY THIRD TOYOTA, BUT I NEVER HAD THESE PROBLEMS WHEN THEY BELIEVED IN QUALITY. *TR
Aug 06, 2008
GLASS IN SUNROOF UNEXPLAINABLY "EXPLODED" WHILE DRIVING.
Nov 03, 2005
+ 11 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
15 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION SINCE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS BUSHING NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THERE ARE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 330002 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33012.
Jan 25, 2010
MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF MY CAMRY> SUSPENSION APPEARS TO BE OFF FROM FACTORY AND IT CAUSES UNEVEN WEAR OF THE FRONT TIRES> MY VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 52 K MILES AND IT'S HAD 4 SETS OF TIRES ALREADY. IT HAS BEEN ALIGNED 3 TIMES AND THE ALIGNMENT SHOP SAYS THERE IS NO ISSUES. MY MECHANIC SAYS HE HAS SEEN THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MANY TOYOTA CAMRY'S. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONTINUES SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW. *TR
Dec 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLUNK. THE VEHICLE THEN TURNED LEFT AND LANDED IN A DITCH. AFTER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND STRUCK HER IN THE FACE. SHE AND HER GRANDSON SUSTAINED INJURIES AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO AN AREA HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,309 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,359.
Jun 19, 2008
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE, PULLS TO THE LEFT AFTER REPEATED ALIGNMENTS, COMPLAINTS TO DEALERS, AND TIRE ROTATIONS. DANGER IS THAT IT PULLS INTO THE LINE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND CAUSES PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. INTERNET IS FULL OF "LEFT PULL" COMPLAINTS, BUT ALMOST NO "RIGHT PULL"...STRUT MOUNT DESIGN OR ASSEMBLY IS DANGEROUSLY FLAWED. *JB
Feb 02, 2007
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT. HOWEVER, MORE TO THE LEFT. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED WITH PROPER AIR INFLATION. ROAD CONDITIONS OR SPEED DID NOT APPEAR TO IMPACT THE PULLING. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT THE DEALER ALIGNED THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PULLING PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER, AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED. THIS, TOO, DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. *AK
Jan 03, 2006
+ 10 more complaints for this component
TIRES
14 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE VEHICLE HAS EHA VALVE STEMS, MODEL TR0413 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE LOST COMPLETE TIRE PRESSURE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VALVE STEMS FRACTURED. THE TIRE AND VALVE STEMS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STILL HAS POSSESSION OF THE VALVE STEMS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 7/1/09 *CN UPDATED 07/07/09.*JB
Jun 04, 2009
2 FLAT TIRES, ONE ON AUG 2 AND ONE ON AUG 6, 2008. CAUSE OF BOTH WAS A FAILURE OF A RUBBER TIRE VALVE STEM. BOTH FAILURES OCCURRED IN REAR TIRES. AFTER FAILURE, RAPID LOSS OF PRESSURE IN TIRE WITH A COMPLETE FLAT TIRE WITHIN 1 TO 3 MINUTES NO INJURIES OCCURRED. *TR
Aug 06, 2008
AFTER INSTALLING FOUR NEW TIRES NOTICED THUMPING NOISE IN FRONT. HAD MECHANIC CHECK THE TIRES. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS A HIGH SPOT AND CHOPPING ALONG THE EDGE. HAD TIRE REPLACED. *TR
Oct 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD POP. SHE PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A BLOW OUT ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE ROAD WAS SMOOTH AND DRY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,628.
Aug 17, 2007
TIRE FAILURE - CONTINENTAL TOURING CONTACT AS * P205/65R15 *(NOT P215/16 PER FORM) THE TIRE WAS OEM WITH 2003 CAMRY AND HAD 30,480 MILES ON IT AND HAD BEEN ROTATED AS DIRECTED BY MANUFACTURER. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PUNCTURE THROUGH TREAD. TIRE FAILED ON HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR AND WAS DRIVEN A MILE WHEREIN SIDEWALL WAS CHEWED UP. UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF FAILURE.
May 04, 2005
+ 9 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 complaints
No incident. But it's a problem with the ABS. Dealership says it's nothing wrong with the brakes. But it is. Had a diagnostics done at Auto Zone, and it came back showing a code for the ABS system. But showed the service dept the code that it showed something is wrong with ABs. They still say nothing is wrong.
Sep 20, 2024
48 degrees outside, sitting in my car waiting a few minutes for it to warm up, after about one minute of sitting in it, the rear driver side window just cracked everywhere and shattered. Glass all over. Not happy, no reason why this should have happened. No cars were around, nothing hit it, it just shattered with no warning or no reason. I always loved Toyotas but this is really discouraging.
Nov 28, 2022
ON AUGUST 7, 2020 I WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF A SUBWAY RESTAURANT. I WENT IN AND PICKED UP MY ORDER TO GO. WHEN LEAVING I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT. THERE WAS A LARGE POLE ABOUT 15 FEET BEHIND ME THAT I SLIGHTLY BACKED INTO. PUTTING MY CAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE SUBWAY RESTAURANT , JUMPING A CURB AND SIDEWALK CRASHING INTO THE BUILDING. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE ACCELERATION, BRAKES DID NOT ALLOW ME TO BRAKE. THANKFULLY NO ONE IN THE BUILDING OR MYSELF WAS INJURED. THE POLICE OFFICER THAT MADE OUT THE ACCIDENT REPORT TOLD ME HE COULD NOT GIVE ME LEGAL ADVICE BUT THAT THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND THAT I MAY WANT TO GOGGLE IT. I DID GOGGLE THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND MANY OTHER INSTANCES WHERE THIS HAS OCCURRED. I CALLED A TOYOTA DEALER AND GAVE HER MY VIN NUMBER AND SHE SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS AND SHE HAD NOT HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. I CONSIDER THIS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND THAT SOMEONE COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. THE CAR IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP BUT I DO NOT WANT IT BACK UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS FIXED. NEXT TIME THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAPPENS THE OUTCOME COULD BE DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT. PLEASE NOTIFY ME WITH ANY INFORMATION YOU HAVE. THANK YOU. PICTURES AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.
Aug 13, 2020
WHEN THE CAR IS ON, THE OPTION OF TAKING THE KEYS OUT IS STILL AVAILABLE. IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR THE CAR TO BE OFF TO TAKE THEY KEYS OUT
Apr 30, 2017
AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR FIVE YEARS IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN WHILE EITHER AT A STOP OR WHILE DRIVING. THIS WOULD HAPPEN IN THE DRIVE SELECTION OF THE TRANSMISSION WITHOUT WARNING AS THE ENGINE WOULD BEGIN TO RUN AT FULL THROTTLE HOLDING THE BRAKES DOWN FIRMLY WOULD NOT STOP THIS CONDITION AND ONLY WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL OR TURNED OFF THE IGNITION WOULD I BE ABLE TO RETURN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE TO ME. HAVING OWNED THE CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2003 UNTIL NOW THIS CONDITION HAPPENS INFREQUENTLY AND WEEKS OR MONTHS WILL PASS BEFORE THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS AGAIN. IT IS SUDDEN AND WITHOUT WARNING, DIAGNOSES AND INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE HAS NOT SHOWN ANY PROBLEM OR ISSUES ELECTRONICALLY OR MECHANICALLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT A DEAD STOP ON CITY STREETS, HIGHWAYS AND EVEN PULLING FROM A PARKING SPACE.
Oct 23, 2015
+ 7 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
12 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for service and the mechanic informed her that the subframe, muffler, the brakes, and the gas tank were extremely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.
May 24, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BULGE ON THE DASHBOARD WHERE THE FRONTAL AIR BAG WAS LOCATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAM HAD SEPARATED AND THERE WAS A COLORED SUBSTANCE AROUND THE SEPARATION AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DASHBOARD PADS ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
May 18, 2016
FLOODING OF FLOOR BOARDS. RUGS, AND THE WELLS UNDER RUGS LIKE A POOL FILLING UP WITH WATER ABOUT THREE INCHES DEEP, AFFECTING FRONT DRIVERS AREA AND THE REST OF THE CAR FLOOR BOARDS FRONT AND BACK. MECHANIC ADVISES DUE TO OPENING OF BODY SEAMS IN THREE PLACES. COST TO REPAIR, AND REPLACEMENT OF RUGS THAT WERE UNABLE TO BE DRIED $2,000. NOT DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. AUTO IN IMPECCABLE SHAPE OTHERWISE AND MAINTAINED SCRUPULOUSLY. OWNED BY LITTLE OLD LADY. *TR
Oct 09, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AUTOMATICALLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE BEFORE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACTUATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Jan 12, 2012
IN JANUARY 2008, MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY V6, WITH 35000 MILES ON IT, DEVELOPED A SQUEAK IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED DURING PARKING OR DURING ANY 90 DEGREE TURN. THE TOYOTA DEALER GREASED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND THE SQUEAK WENT AWAY. IN JANUARY OF 2009, THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER WANTED TO REPACK THE STEERING COLUMN INSTEAD OF GREASING IT AT A COST OF $225.00, OR REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AT A COST OF $700.00. I ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT PARTICULAR MODEL FOR THAT PROBLEM, AND THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID NO. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE OR CONCERN ARISING FROM THIS PROBLEM, AND IS IT COMMON AMONG THAT MAKE AND MODEL TOYOTAS. *TR
Mar 02, 2009
+ 7 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
11 complaints
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR IN MY 2003 CAMRY HAD A FAILURE OF THE LOCK ACTUATOR. IN MID JANUARY 2011, IT JUST WOULD NOT OPEN, NOT MANUALLY UNLOCKING AT THE DOOR HANDLE, WITH THE LOCK SWITCH IN THE CAR, OR THE REMOTE UNLOCK. THE CAR WAS NOT HIT OR DAMAGED BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, FOR $90 THEY TOOK APART THE DOOR AND SAID THE LOCK ACTUATOR WAS FAILING, AND IT WOULD BE ALMOST $500 TO REPLACE IT. I DECLINED HAVING IT REPLACED AT THIS TIME, SINCE IT WORKED AFTER THE MECHANIC TOOK IT APART AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER (IT HAS BEEN ONE WEEK AND HAS NOT LOCKED UP AGAIN YET). I WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO HAVE IT REPLACED SINCE MY CHILD RIDES IN THE BACK SEAT, AND I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A LIFE SAFETY PROBLEM. IF THE CAR WERE HIT IN THE SIDE THAT WORKED, I WOULD BE UNABLE TO GET HER OUT OF THE CAR, WITHOUT PULLING HER THROUGH THE FRONT SEAT. *TR
Feb 23, 2011
DOOR LOCKS FOR 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY WORK INTERMITTENTLY?? THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON HERE NOW I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE PART (ACTUARIES) FOR THE DOOR LOCK? I DO ALSO AGREE THAT IT COULD POSE A SAFETY PROBLEM AS SOMETIMES THE DOOR WON'T UNLOCK AT ALL WITHOUT HAVING TO FORCE IT AND DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU ARE IN A POND OR DITCH FILLED WITH WATER THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS!! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 08, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITHIN TWO WEEKS, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, BOTH REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SIDE DOOR LOCKS FAILED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ACTUATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS WHENEVER HE WAS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 25,000.
May 06, 2010
IN THE SPRING OF 2008 THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK ON OUR 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY "FROZE" IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE DOOR COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED BY ANY MEANS INCLUDING THE ELECTRONIC KEYLESS ENTRY, THE KEY IN THE DOOR OR MANUALLY FROM THE INSIDE. THERE WAS NO "WARNING" THAT THIS WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN IT JUST COULDN'T BE UNLOCKED. FORTUNATELY WE WERE NOT IN THE CAR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE LOCK. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE "ACTUATOR" HAD GONE OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST TO ME OF APPROX. $380.00 WHICH I PAID. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN IN 9-09 ONLY THIS TIME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND AGAIN WITH NO "WARNING". THIS TIME WE WERE IN THE VEHICLE AND DIDN'T REALIZE IT HAD HAPPENED AGAIN UNTIL WE PARKED AND TRIED TO EXIT. AGAIN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN ( TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE) AND THE ACTUATOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD TO BE REPLACED, AGAIN AT A COST OF APPROX $350. MY CONCERN IS THAT WITH NO "WARNING OF WHEN THIS IS GOING TO OCCUR THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT IT COULD HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AND IF THERE WERE AN ACCIDENT AND THE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE UNLOCKED THIS COULD POSE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IF A PERSON WAS UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THEIR VEHICLE DUE TO THIS FAILURE. I ASKED BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MAIN OFFICES OF TOYOTA IF THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE VEHICLES AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO REPORTS OF THIS SORT OF PROBLEM. I HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING THAT I HAVE THE ONLY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS BEARS INVESTIGATING FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL CONSUMERS WHO OWN A VEHICLE THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY OCCUR IN. *TR
Feb 09, 2010
THE ELECTRIC DOOR SWITCH, DRIVERS SIDE, DOES NOT ALWAYS OPEN OR LOCK. EITHER BY INSIDE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK SWITCH OR WIRELESS/REMOTE CONTROL. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS, ON AND OFF. OTHER DOORS OPEN & UNLOCK WITH INSIDE SWITCH AND WIRELESS/REMOTE CONTROL. BUT NOT ALWAYS THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS HAPPENS ON A WEEKLY BASIS. MOST TIMES IT CORRECTED, AFTER I TURNED THE LOCKING BUTTON MANUALLY IN, INSTEAD OF HITTING THE ELECTRONIC SWITCH. BUT MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY, I HAVE TO LOCK THE DOOR MANUALLY, BY PUSHING IN THE LOCK BUTTON. OR HAVING TO USE THE KEY, TO GET INSIDE THE CAR. THE CAR IS A 2003 CAMRY LE, WITH 29,500 MILES ON IT. DON'T DRIVE IT THAT MUCH. THE ELECTRONIC ACTUATOR SWITCH, SOLENOID SWITCH, OR PERHAPS THE MASTER LOCK SWITCH IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. A CAMRY SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS KIND OF A PROBLEM, WITH SO FEW MILES ON IT!!! ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PARTS TO REPLACE THEM WITH ARE SO EXPENSIVE! NOT COUNTING THE DIAGNOSIS LABOR FEE, THAN THE ACTUAL LABOR FEE TO REPAIR!!! *TR
Apr 14, 2009
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaints
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,888, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 165,064.
Jul 28, 2025
I started my car and began to back up, when the rear-view mirror burst into smoke, it began filling the car with smoke. I reached up and pulled the wires out of the mirror and the wires were arcing. After I pulled the wires out the smoke started subsiding. I opened the doors and aired out the car.
Sep 24, 2021
THE CAR HAS LOST POWER. DOES NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY!
Jun 24, 2019
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA SOLARA SLE V6. I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR, WHERE THE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY, BUT WITHOUT WARNING. SOMETIMES THE SPEEDOMETER WILL GO TO ZERO FOR 1-3 SECONDS, OTHER TIMES IT WILL STAY THERE FOR 10 MINUTES. I HAVE ALSO HAD TIMES WHERE THE CAR STOPS ACCELERATING. I WILL BE DRIVING 65 ON THE FREEWAY, THEN THE SPEEDOMETER GOES TO ZERO, AND ALL THE SUDDEN MY CAR STARTS LOSING SPEED EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT IS PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND RPM'S ARE UP TO 4,000. SOMETIMES IT WILL SNAP OUT OF ITS "FUNK" AND REGAIN SPEED, OTHER TIMES I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART MY CAR TO GET IT MOVING AGAIN. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN OCCURRING OCCASIONALLY OVER THE PAST YEAR (SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR), BUT WITHIN THE LAST MONTH IT HAS CONSTANTLY BEEN HAPPENING (EVERY TIME I DRIVE) AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC 3 TIMES OVER THE LAST MONTH. I'M GETTING EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE. *TR
Aug 04, 2014
I HEARD ABOUT THE RECALL THAT TOYOTA HAD ON OR ABOUT TUESDAY 10/9/2012 ON THE PWMS DRIVERS SIDE LAST MONTH I STARTING HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE IS A RECALL , SO I E-MAIL TOYOTA TO LET THEM KNOW THAT MY TOYOTA WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND WASN'T IT INCLUDED THE AUTO BUTTON STARTING STICKING AND THE WINDOW SOMETIMES STICKS TRYING TO GO DOWN, THEY STATED THAT MY CAR WAS NO LONGER IN WARRANTY I DIDN'T THINK A RECALL HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH A WARRANTY,MY 2003 MEANS THE SAME TO ME AS A PERSON WHO HAS A 2007 THAT MAY NOT STILL HAVE A WARRANTY. MY WINDOW HAD NOT DONE THIS BEFORE THIS TIME STATED,MY LAST ANSWER FROM ASK TOYOTA STATED THAT THE 2003 IS NOT INCLUDED SO I DID ASK THEM TO LET ME KNOW WHO THE REPORTING AGENCY WAS BUT I STARTED TO DO A LITTLE RESEARCH ON MY ON AND I FOUND YOUR AGENCY. I PAID FOR MY TOYOTA THE SAME AS A PERSON WITH A 2007 OR 2009. PLEASE HELP WITH SOME INFO. *TR
Oct 12, 2012
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
10 complaints
I GOT IN THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE IT FROM THE GARAGE TO MY DRIVEWAY. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR SURGED AND SPIRALED OUT OF CONTROL. THE ACCELERATOR 'LOCKED' AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AS THE BRAKE WOULD NOT WORK. THE CAR CRASHED IN MY NEIGHBOR'S YARD AGAINST HIS TREE. *TR
Aug 12, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. I FREQUENTLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE ACCELERATION WHEN INITIALLY PUTTING THE CAR IN DRIVE. ALSO, ON OCCASION, THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ENGAGE AT THE SAME TIME, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE AN OPERATOR ISSUE. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS TO TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER LAST YEAR BUT THEY SAID IT INVOLVED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROLS AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. SEEMS THAT THE TOYOTA REPAIR PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM ALREADY. *TR
Mar 02, 2010
WIFE TURNED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY WHICH SLOPES DOWN (10 - 20 DEGREES) AS SHE HAS BEEN DOING FOR THE LAST 20+ YEARS WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY. THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOPPED THE CAR. SHE VEERED LEFT TO AVOID GOING OVER A 20 FOOT EMBANKMENT AT THE END OF OUR DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED INTO A STONE WALL. BASED ON THE ANGLE OF IMPACT THE CAR ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS ROOF. AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE. MY WIFE REMAINED SUSPENDED BY THE SEAT BELT UPSIDE DOWN UNTIL EMERGENCY FORCES ARRIVED. SHE SUSTAINED MULTIPLE BRUISES AND CHEST PAINS ATTRIBUTED TO THE SEAT BELT. IF SHE HAD GONE OVER THE EMBANKMENT ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT THE EXTENT OF HER INJURIES WOULD HAVE BEEN. NEW TIRES HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON THE CAR (FRONT WHEELS) DURING JUNE 2008 AT WHICH TIME THE FRONT BRAKES WERE ALSO CHECKED FOR WEAR BY AN AUTO MECHANIC. THE CAR WAS "TOTALED" AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. SUBSEQUENTLY I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID IN THE CAR (AFTER THE ACCIDENT); THE BRAKE CYLINDER WAS FULL. FURTHER, THE TOYOTA CAMRY IS EQUIPPED WITH BRAKE WEAR INDICATORS. NO INDICATION (SOUND) OF EXCESS WEAR WAS GIVEN PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. MY WIFE IS ADAMANT SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I SURMISE TWO THINGS COULD HAVE HAPPENED: 1. THE BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY AND GRAVITY ACCELERATION DOWN THE DRIVEWAY CONTRIBUTED TO THE CAR'S SPEED AND SUBSEQUENT IMPACT; OR 2. THE CAR SURGED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) IN WHICH APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES WAS INADEQUATE TO STOPPED THE CAR. BASED ON PRIOR NHTSA COMPLAINTS/ACTIONS (REF NHTSA ACTION NUMBERS PE04021; DP05002; AND DP06003) AND THE SIMILARITY OF CIRCUMSTANCES, I BELIEVE THE ETC FAILED. I RECOMMEND THE NHTSA AND TOYOTA TAKE ACTION TO REMEDY THIS UNSAFE SITUATION. *TR
Jul 26, 2008
CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE UPON PRESSING BRAKE PEDAL. HYDRAULIC BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. METHOD USED TO STOP VEHICLE INCLUDED PUTTING VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND APPLYING EMERGENCY/PARKING BRAKE. NARROWLY AVOIDED COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES WHICH HAD STOPPED BY SQUEEZING BETWEEN THEM AND THE CONCRETE MEDIUM. MY VEHICLE WAS SCRAPED ON DRIVERS SIDE BUT NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED (THANK GOD!). COULD NOT DUPLICATE. *JB
Mar 27, 2007
WITHIN 3 WEEKS FROM PURCHASE DATE THE CAR ACCELERATED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEY HAD THE CAR FOR A MONTH IN THAT TIME CORPORATION REPS ALSO TRIED TO FIND THE FAULT. THEY WERE UNABLE TO. I WAS TOLD CAR WAS FINE. I WAS TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT AND WOULD NOT TAKE IT . THE DEALER WOULD ASUME NO RESPONSIBILITY AND SAID IF I WANTED A NEW CAR I WOULD HAVE TO TRADE THIS MODEL IN TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW CAR. BECAUSE I WAS SO AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AND WOULD NOT TAKE THE CAR ANYPLACE ELSE TO SELL BECAUSE I KNEW HOW DANGEROUS IT WAS (AND SO DID THE DEALER AND IF THEY SOLD THAT DANGEROUS CAR TO ANOTHER IT WAS ON THEIR RESPONSIBILITY NOT MINE) I ACCEPTED THE CONDITIONS PUT FORTH BY MY DEALER AND TRADED MY 3 WEEK OLD TOYOTA IN FOR A NEW TOYOTAAND HAD TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $4000.00 BECAUSE THE 3 WEEK OLD CAR WITH LESS THAN 1200 MILES ON IT WAS NOW A USED CAR. *AK
Jul 09, 2004
+ 5 more complaints for this component
STEERING,SUSPENSION
9 complaints
HAD A PROBLEM WITH WHEEL BEARING FRONT PASSENGER. IN FEBRUARY 2013 HAD A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND 4 NEW TIRES. STARTING HEARING A BANGING NOISE IN REAREND OF CAR IN NOVEMBER 2013. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A BUSHING. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT IN JANUARY2014 TO HAVE THIS REPLACED. ON MONDAY DECEMBER 16, 2013 I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE INTERSTATE AND HAD NO CONTROL OF MY CAR. I ALMOST WENT INTO A POLE AND TRIED TO SWERVE TO AVOID A PASSING PICKUP TRUCK ON MY LEFT. I FELT LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON ICE. THE CAR WOULD GO OVER A BUMP OR TRY TO MAKE A CORNER AND IT WOULD SWAY TO THE LEFT. DROVE 15 MPH HOME AND DROVE TO MY MECHANIC . HE SAID THE STEERING RODS IN THE REAR ARE JUST LOOSE AND FELL OUT. MY CAR IS TEMPORARY WELDED TO DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN WHICH I STILL HAVE A NOTE. I PURCHASED THE CAR MARCH 31ST 2011. *TR
Dec 18, 2013
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY V6 XLE - SKIDS OR SPINS OCCASIONALLY AND ESPECIALLY IN WET WEATHER (NOT JUST ICY OR SNOW CONDITIONS). MAY 2009 MY CURRENT 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY TOOK A 360 DEGREE TURN (I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE) IN A 60 TO 70 DEGREE TURN AT 40 MILES PER HOUR. IT WAS RAINING ALL DAY ON THAT DAY. ON THAT DAY THE CARE HIT THE GUARD RAIL AND CAUSED FRONT AND REAR BUMPER AND SIDE DAMAGES. ALSO IN OTHER SITUATIONS THE CAR SKIDDED IN WET CONDITION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A HARD STOP OR TAKING A TURN. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH MOST OF THE TOYOTA MODELS. I HAD A 1994 TOYOTA COROLLA AND A 1995 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. ALL THE 3 VEHICLES HAD SAME SPINNING OR SKIDDING ISSUE IN WET CONDITION ON RAIN. ALSO, I LEARNT THAT ONE OF OUR FRIENDS TOYOTA AVALON SPUN RECENTLY IN WET CONDITION AS WELL. *TR
Jan 11, 2010
SINCE SOON AFTER I PURCHASE MY TOYOTA CAMRY NEW I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT. FORTUNATELY I HAVE YET TO HAVE A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THOUGH SEVERAL TIMES MY CAR HAS DRIFTED INTO THE ONCOMING LANE. *NM
Oct 18, 2006
COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL THIS CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT AND STEERING FEELS LOOSE AND CAR DRIFTS. DEALERSHIP IS NOT PROVIDING ANY ASSISTANCE. ALIGNMENT AND TIRE BALANCING DID NOT HELP. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.*AK
Oct 25, 2004
2003 CAMRY LE [XXX]. CURRENTLY 7585 MILES/17 MONTHS SINCE PURCHASE NEW. GRADUALLY DRIFTS RIGHT (BEGAN FROM BUY DATE). ONSET OF DRIFT IS APPROXIMATELY 3 SEC. AFTER STEADY TRACK ESTABLISHED. REQUIRES CONSTANT ATTENTION/CORRECTION. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, OTHER THAN FOR LOCAL SHORT TRIPS. TIRES AS CAUSE HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED. (SIX NEW TIRES HAVE BEEN MOUNTED; RF, THEN LF, THEN ALL 4 TIRES). TOYOTA DEALER CHECK OF ALIGNMENT AT 2049 MILES--"..ALL IN SPEC". TOYOTA DEALER, AFTER TEST DRIVE AT 7468 MILES REVEALED VEHICLE DID INDEED DRIFT EXCLUSIVELY RIGHT, AND INFORMED ME: (1) VEHICLE DRIVES LIKE ALL 2003 CAMRY'S (2) THAT HE COULD MAKE NO ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT THAT WOULD IMPROVE CAR'S DRIVING PERFORMANCE, (3) THAT THE ONSET OF RIGHT DRIFT AS EARLY AS 2 SEC. AFTER ESTABLISHMENT OF A STRAIGHT TRACK WAS TOYOTA-ACCEPTABLE, (4) THAT DRIFT EXCLUSIVELY RIGHT WAS TOYOTA-ACCEPTABLE, (5) THAT PROBLEM OFTEN IS "OVER-SENSITIVE" DRIVER, (6) THAT HE WOULD NOT CONSIDER EXPLORING APPLICABILITY OF TSB ST002-04 AS POSSIBLE CORRECTION, AND (7) THAT MY OPTIONS ARE TO EITHER ACCEPT THE CONDITION OR GO TO ARBITRATION. AT REGIONAL LEVEL (TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER, TORRENCE, CA) I WAS TOLD THAT ALL SUCH PROBLEMS WERE HANDLED EXCLUSIVELY AT THE DEALER LEVEL, AND THAT I SHOULD CONSIDER DRIVING OTHER 2003 CAMRY'S (IMPLIED: I MIGHT THEREBY CONVINCE MYSELF THAT MY VEHICLE DROVE "NORMALLY"! A MOST INTERESTING AND REVEALING APPROACH TO A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT!) I HAVE RECENTLY CONTACTED A SECOND TOYOTA DEALER THAT INDICATED THAT IT IS INDEED POSSIBLE TO GET A "FIELD TECHNICAL REP" TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM (I AM ANXIOUS TO SEE HOW THIS PLAYS OUT, BUT MY FRUSTRATION IS OBVIOUS). MEANWHILE, I HAVE TAKEN STEP OF ADVISING MY LAWYER IN WRITING TO CAREFULLY EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS UNSAFE STEERING PROBLEM AS A POSSIBLE PRIMARY AND/OR CONTRIBUTORY CAUSE FACTOR, SHOULD I EVER BE INVOLVED IN A DEATH OR SEVERE INJURY ACCIDENT IN THIS CAR. *JB UPDATED 07/25/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 06, 2004
+ 4 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaints
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE WAS RUNNING, SITTING IN DRIVEWAY, BUT IN PARK WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. CAR "TOOK OFF" IN REVERSE, AND ONLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN DRIVER JUMPED INTO CAR, PUSHED HARD ON FOOT BRAKE, TURNED OFF IGNITION, AND CAR DOOR SLAMMED INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE. *TR
Apr 04, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 55-65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO JERK EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES WITH REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSIONS. THE FOUR TRANSMISSIONS FAILED WITHIN 45,000 MILES. WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. ALSO, DURING BRAKING THERE WAS A DELAYED RESPONSE. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Mar 04, 2010
I OWN A 2003 CAMRY XLE PURCHASED NEW FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN CARSON CITY, NV. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SURGING, LURCHING AND HESITATING SINCE PURCHASED. I REQUESTED THE SERVICE DEPT TO CHECK IT OUT MANY TIMES. THEY ALWAYS SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG LEADING ME TO BELIEVE I WAS CRAZY. AFTER THE 4TH TIME I PRINTED OUT MANY OTHER CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, THEY STILL TOLD ME "NOTHING WAS WRONG" BUT THEY SAID TOYOTA IS PUTTING IN A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION. THAT WAS IN 2006. WOW, IF NOTHING WAS WRONG WHY WOULD THEY GO TO THAT EXPENSE? NOW AFTER ALL THAT HAS COME TO LIGHT WITH THE TOYOTA PROBLEMS, I SEE WHY. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THIS CAR AND KNOW THAT IT HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. UPDATED 03/19/10
Feb 24, 2010
VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS ONE IN DRIVEWAY AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
FOLLOWUP TO ODI #10256120. INFORMED BY TOYOTA REP THAT YOUR AGENCY PERFORMED TWO INVESTIGATIONS F THE 2003 CAMRY RESPECTING ACCELERATION SURGES BUT RETURNED NO FINDINGS OF VEHICLE FAILURE.YOUR WEBSITE RECOUNTS ABOUT 130 REPORTS OF SUCH 2003 CAMRY FAILURES MOSTLY (102) UNDER VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL , SOME UNDER POWER TRAIN AUTO TRANS & VSC ACCELERATOR PEDAL. FOR FORD TAURUS I COUNTED 12; HONDA ACCORD AND CHEVROLET MALIBU 20+ - ALL FOR MODEL YEAR 2003. AS % OF CARS SOLD QUITE SMALL EVEN FOR CAMRY BUT AS AN OCCURRENCE RATIO OF 6-1 OR 10-1 VS. THE OTHER MODELS QUITE IMPRESSIVE.. THE FACT YOU CONDUCTED TWO INVESTIGATIONS OF CAMRY IS TELLING IN AND OF ITSELF. HOW MANY ACCELERATOR INVESTIGATIONS DID YOU CONDUCT FOR THE 2003 TAURUS, ACCORD & MALIBU? ABSENT AN AIRPLANE LIKE RECORDER HOW CAN YOU BE ASSURED THAT THERE WAS NO VEHICULAR FAILURE? THE ALTERNATIVE IS TO IMPLY THAT CAMRY OPERATORS ARE LESS COMPETENT THAN DRIVERS OF OTHER MAKES... *TR HARVEY MILLER
Mar 23, 2009
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaints
I WAS COMING TO A STOP PRESSING THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELLARATE UP TO 70 TO 100 SPEED AND KEPT PRESSING THE BRAKES THE MORE I PRESS THE FASTER IT WENT I HAD TO RUN LIGHTS TO AVOID HITTING CARS FINALLY IT DECIDED TO STOP WHEN I SWIRL INTO A WALGREENS IT DID THIS 4 TIMES THAT DAYTHANK GOD I NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS CAR THAT IS SCARY IT ACELLLARATE FAST AND WONT STOP ....
Jan 30, 2017
I HAVE OWNED MY 2003 CAMRY SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW. DURING ALL THAT TIME, I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHENEVER I BRAKE AS THE CAR TRAVELS OVER SMALL BUMPS, CRACKS OR OTHER IMPERFECTIONS IN THE ROAD (ESPECIALLY IF I BRAKE HARD), THE ABS SYSTEM KICKS IN AND APPEARS TO PUMP THE BRAKES (THOUGH IT DOES NOT ACTUALLY STOP THE CAR) AND DOES NOT SHUT DOWN UNTIL I LIFT MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE THEREBY PREVENTING A PROPER STOP AND SIGNIFICANTLY LENGTHENING THE STOP. NOTE THAT THIS OCCURS ON DRY ROADS. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO OCCUR IF THERE IS A NEED TO STOP HARD JUST AS I AM ACCELERATING, SUCH AS AN UNEXPECTED SHORT STOP BY THE CAR IN FRONT. IT HAS NOT LED TO ANY SERIOUS ACCIDENTS (THOUGH A COUPLE OF LIGHT REAR-ENDS), WHICH I CREDIT TO MY BEING ABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE PROBLEM, UNTIL LAST WEEK WHEN THE PROBLEM CAUSED A MORE SERIOUS REAR-END COLLISION. ALL THE OTHER CARS IN FOUR CAR CHAIN MANAGED TO STOP SHORT, NOT MY CAMRY EVEN AS I MAINTAINED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AS IT SEEMED TO BARELY SLOW DOWN, CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. THE CAR IS PROBABLY BETTER OFF WITHOUT THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM ALTOGETHER THAN WITH THIS DEFECTIVELY DEPLOYING SYSTEM THAT DOESN'T REALLY EVEN SEEM TO STOP THE CAR, BUT JUST LIGHTLY PUMPS THE BRAKES, PREVENTING PROPER BRAKING.
Nov 15, 2016
I WAS DRIVING IN MANO ROAD N E BEEN I SANTI TO USE THE BRAKE TO MAKE A CHANCE LINE BEVANDE I ATTIVE TO MY APPARTAMENTO I ROUND TENERE SAS NO BRAKE IN SECONDA AT THATCHER TIME I DEPENDANCE ON UDINE HANBRAKE TO STOP THE CAR N THAI CHALLENGER ERICE WITH IN 15 MINUTES. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Oct 24, 2014
ON OCTOBER 21 I WAS RETURN TO MY HOME MY SPEED WAS 40 ON A MAIN STREET AND WHEN I START TO SLOW MY SPEED USING THE BRAKE I SHOCKED THERE WAS NO BRAKE N I TRIED THEN I USED THE HAND BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR .ALL THAT HAPPENED IN SECONDS .... AND WHEN I TRIED TO GO TO THE NEAREST MECHANICS THE SAME THINGS HAPPENED .... THE 2 THINGS WERE WITHIN 15 MINUTES ... I STILL TERRIFIED WHAT I WILL DO IF THAT HAPPENED AND I USUALLY PICK MY SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD WITH ME ... THE MECHANIC CHECK THE CAR N HE DID NOT FIND ANY SERIES THING.... SO WHAT IS GOING ON??? *TR
Oct 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN APPLIED. THE BRAKE PEDAL ALSO ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS TO BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,885.
Apr 10, 2014
+ 2 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
7 complaints
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR CONDITIONER PROBLEMS,VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHEN SWITCHED IN REVERSE AND OTHER MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER HAD ANOTHER MECHANIC CHECKED THE VEHICLE, AND HE DETERMINED THE MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE SELLING DEALER, THEY INFORMED HER THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE ONLY WEAK. WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF.
Sep 02, 2014
ATTEMPTED TO PARK AUTO IN USPS LOT IN FAIRFIELD. PA; APPLIED BRAKE , AUTO ACCELERATED AND WENT OVER CEMENT STOP, I WAS ABLE TO STOP CAR BEFORE CRASHING INTO POST OFFICE WITH AUTO RESTING ON CEMENT STOP. REVERSED BACK OVER CEMENT STOP AND PARKED AUTO. LEFT POST OFFICE AND PUT AUTO IN REVERSE, BACKED UP, TURNED AUTO TO STRAIGHTEN AND ENGINE ACCELERATED. I PUT AUTO INTO PARK AND APPLIED BRAKE TO STOP AUTO. HAD AUTO TOWED IN TO TOYOTA DEALER WHERE IT NOW SITS TO BE DIAGNOSED TODAY. *DT
Mar 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT CLIPS WOULD NOT SECURE THE FLOOR MAT WHILE HE WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLIPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50000. UPDATED 4/26/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. HE STATED THE FLOOR MAT SLID FORWARD AND BLOCKED THE ACCELERATOR. UPDATE 06/15/10.*JB
Mar 09, 2010
ON JANUARY 8, 2010, MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND MY 2003 TOYOTA SOLARA SLAMMED INTO A PARKED SUV SENDING IT HALFWAY OUT OF IT'S PARKING SPACE. ONLY A SMALL RUBBER MAT WAS ON THE FLOOR, NOT TOUCHING THE PEDAL. THE ORIGINAL CARPET MAT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REMOVED FOR CLEANING. INSURANCE COVERS AUTO BODY DAMAGE BUT DOES NOT ADDRESS THIS NEW RECALL PROBLEM BECAUSE MY CAR IS NOT IN THE LISTED AFFECTED YEARS (2007-2010). WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE? DO I REPAIR THE CAR AND FORGET THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN? I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT EVEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP. I COULD FIX IT OR NOT FIX IT AND TRY TO SELL IT, BUT WHO WOULD WANT THE CAR, IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT PUBLICITY ABOUT THE RECALLS AND TOYOTA'S RESPONSE TO IT. I SUPPOSE I WILL WAIT AND SEE HOW THIS ALL PLAYS OUT, BUT WANTED TO PUT ON RECORD (SOMEWHERE) AND PERHAPS OTHERS ARE IN THE SAME SITUATION AS I COINCIDENTALLY FOUND MYSELF IN. MY CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED AND WELL MAINTAINED WITH ONLY 30,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR IN THE PAST. *TR
Jan 22, 2010
REAR SPEAKER COVERS DISINTEGRATING. *TR
Jul 17, 2008
+ 2 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
7 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FUEL FILLER NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,175 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,275.
Feb 16, 2011
THE CAR STALLS WHEN IN MOTION. NO WARNING AT ALL. COULD BE GOING 10MPH OR 65MPH, AND IT SUDDENLY GOES TO IDLE SPEED. DEALER SAID IT IS THROTTLE BODY (ELECTRONIC SENSOR?) ISSUE AND MUST BE REPLACED FOR $1200. WARRANTY IS 36 MONTHS OR 36,000 MILES. MY CAR HAS 77,000 MILES. ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET, THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA. OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!! NOT ONLY IS THIS ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD OF, BUT TOYOTA AND NHTSA SEEM TO BE IGNORING THE PROBLEM. MY CONGRESSMAN AND CT CONSUMER PROTECTION WILL HEAR ABOUT THIS AND I URGE YOU TO DO SOMETHING TO HELP-------SAVE (LIVES) TOYOTA DRIVERS. *TR
Nov 05, 2010
THE GAS FILLING TUBE IS CORRODED, THE RESULT IS THE 'ENGINE' TROUBLE INDICATOR IS ALWAYS ON. MY MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT THIS OCCURS WITH ALL TOYOTA CAMRY'S THAT ARE OLDER THAN 5 YEARS. MINE IS A 2003 WITH 80,000 MILES. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TUBE LEADING TO THE FUEL TANK. IT SEEMS THAT THE METAL CORRODES AND THE GAS CAP CANNOT BE SEALED, THE RESULT IS THE ENGINE INDICATOR COMES ON THE DASH BOARD. *TR
Feb 02, 2009
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I SCANNED FOR CODES WHICH INDICATED CODE NUMBER 0456 LEAK IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. I HAVE TWICE BEFORE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND EACH TIME HAD TO CLEAN A LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND ADVISED THEM OF THE PROBLEM. THEY ADVISED IF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN TO BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE. WHEN THE LIGHT CAME ON THIS TIME THE DEALER SCANNED THE SAME CODE AND DIAGNOSED THE FUEL FILLER NECK AND GAS CAP MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $300. I CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATION BUT THEY INDICATED THE CAR WAS NOT COVERED. THE CAR CAN NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THE POOR QUALITY MATERIALS USED IN THE FUEL FILLER NECK. REFER TO COMPLAINT ODI ID NUMBER 10223726 DATED SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Apr 14, 2008
SEPTEMBER OF 2007- I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE CAR AND I WAS DUE FOR A CAR INSPECTION FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER. THE DEALERSHIP AND OTHER REPAIR SHOPS STATED THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT PASS THE CAR INSPECTION WITH THAT LIGHT ON. ON SEPTEMBER 10TH,2007, I TOOK THE CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND A MECHANIC FOUND A LEAK AT THE FUEL FILLER NECK. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL FILLER NECK AND CAP. THE COSTS WERE $225 FOR LABOR, $143.60 FOR PARTS, AND $25.80 FOR SALES TAX FOR A TOTAL REPAIR JOB OF $394.40! THE CAR WAS OVER 3 YEARS OLD. THAT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING IN A YOUNG CAR. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCTOBER OF 2005 FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THE COMPLAINT IS WHY SHOULD THE CUSTOMERS BE PAYING FOR " POOR QUALITY" BY THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER WHEN I COULDN'T HAVE PASSED A CAR INSPECTION FOR THEIR "POOR QUALITY " PARTS? IF I CAN'T PASS AN INSPECTION THEN WE HAVE AN EMISSIONS AND SAFETY ISSUE BY THE FAULT OF TOYOTA. *TR
Apr 08, 2008
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SEATS
7 complaints
I PURCHASED A NEW TOYOTA CAMRY IN 2003. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER THE DRIVER'S ELECTRIC SEAT FAILED. THE GEARS LOWERING AND RAISING THE BACK PART OF THE SEAT WERE GRINDING AND COULD NOT POSITION THE SEAT BACK IN A COMFORTABLE POSITION. TOYOTA OF MANHATTAN BEACH REPAIRED THE SEAT IN UNDER WARRANTY INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT AS I HAD REQUESTED. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER THE CHAIR FAILED AGAIN IN THE SAME MANNER. TOYOTA OF PASADENA REPAIRED IT UNDER WARRANTY IN 7/07 INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE SEAT AS I HAD REQUESTED. HOWEVER, THEY FAILED TO FIX THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. IN SEPTEMBER/09 THE SEAT FAILED YET A THIRD TIME IN THE SAME MANNER. (IT IS HARD TO TELL WHEN EXACTLY THE SEAT ACTUALLY FAILED SINCE I EXERCISE THE CONTROLS NO MORE THAN ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR). I BROUGHT IT IN TO TOYOTA OF PASADENA FOR INSPECTION. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD LOOK INTO HAVING TOYOTA REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY BUT NEVER CALLED BACK. AFTER COMPLAINING TO TOYOTA CORPORATE TOYOTA OF PASADENA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER CALLED BACK AND TOLD ME THEY ONLY WARRANT THEIR WORK FOR ONE YEAR. I TOLD HER THAT THE SEAT WAS A LEMON AND SHOULD BE REPLACED UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. I ALSO POINTED OUT TO HER THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE SEAT BECAME STUCK IN THE WRONG POSITION BUT SHE DIDN'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING MORE. *TR
Nov 15, 2009
THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHICH IS ADJUSTED USING BUTTONS ON THE SIDE OF THE SEA BECAME STUCK ALL THE WAY FORWARD 3 TIMES, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR MY HUSBAND TO DRIVE. THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT REMOVED THE SEAT, AND FOUND SHARDS OF PLASTIC IN THE TRACK. THEY SUGGESTED THAT I REFRAIN FROM MOVING THE SEAT ALL THE WAY FORWARD, WHICH IS TRICKY WHEN YOU ARE 5' 1" TALL. *AK
May 08, 2007
THE CAR WAS STOLEN AND THE INTERIOR WAS SOAKED IN GAS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WANTED TO CLEAN THE SEATS, BUT OWNER FEARED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE SAFETY ISSUE.
May 02, 2005
DRIVRERS SEAT IS LOOSE. IT WAS REPAIRED ONCE AT 12000 MILES, AND AT 26000 MILES, THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO REPAIR THE SEAT AGAIN. EVERY TIME I START AND STOP THE SEAT MOVES. THE PROBLEM GETS PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AS TIME GOES BY.*AK
May 01, 2005
VEHICLE'S HEADREST SITS AT AN ANGLE WHERE IT CAUSES THE CONSUMERS HEAD TO BE PUSHED DOWN.*MR TRANSFERRED TO OVSC. *CB *JB
Aug 27, 2003
+ 2 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
6 complaints
I BOUGHT THIS 2003 CAMRY FROM TOYOTA SUNNYALE (898 W EL CAMINO REAL, SUNNYVALE, CA 94087) ON 3/18. I NEGOTIATED THE PRICE BASED ON THEIR DESCRIPTION OF THE VEHICLE ON WEBSITE BEFORE I WENT IN. HOWEVER, WHEN I WENT IN, I FOUND OUT THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE LAMP CASE WAS BROKEN. I INDICATED THAT WATER LEAK WILL CAUSE ISSUE. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX IT AND TOLD ME THERE WON'T BE SUCH ISSUE. I TOOK MY KID TO DRIVING TEST TODAY (4/16) WITH THIS VEHICLE. ONLY THEN THAT I FOUND OUT FROM THE DRIVING EXAMINER THAT BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING AND HE REFUSED TO LET MY KID PROCEED WITH HER DRIVING TEST CITING SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS DEFINITELY VERY FRUSTRATING NOT TO MENTION THE FEW HOURS WASTED IN DMV. WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN HEAVY RAIN ON AND OFF OVER THE 2 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THAT CAR. THE WATER DID INDEED GO INTO THE LAMP CASE AND CAUSE THE HOT LIGHT BULB TO BURST. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO WHEEL WORKS TO FIX THIS ISSUE TODAY AND THE MECHANICS CONFIRMED THE ABOVE EXPLANATION. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR ON FREEWAY TO WORK EVERYDAY WITH A BROKEN BRAKE LIGHT AND WITHOUT KNOWING THAT. I COULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED A TICKET, OR SOMEONE COULD HAVE RUN INTO ME ON FREEWAY BECAUSE OF THE FAILED BRAKE LIGHT. AFTER DRIVING 20 YEARS OF TOYOTA VEHICLE, I AM COMPLETELY SHOCKED THAT TOYOTA DEALER CHEATED ME ON SAFETY ISSUE. SIMPLY SPEAKING, TOYOTA TRADED HIS BEST CUSTOMERS' LIFE FOR FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE DEALER THOUGH WILLING TO PAY FOR THE BULB (WHICH IS A CHEAP $5) AND WAIVE THE LABOR COST, SIMPLY REFUSE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEARING THE COST OF THE LAMP CASE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT SEE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAD THIS ISSUE FIXED TO BEGIN WITH BEFORE DELIVERING THE CAR TO CUSTOMER. I DO ASK THAT TOYOTA REIMBURSE ME THE SAME FULL PART AND LABOR COST THAT THEY WERE TO CHARGE THIS REPAIR TO CUSTOMERS. *JS
Apr 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS LOOKED EXTREMELY DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE PLASTIC COVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY FOG UP MAKING THE HEADLIGHTS SEEM DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Jun 30, 2011
REAR BRAKE LIGHTS OF 2003 -2006 CAMRY'S ARE INOPERABLE ON A MORE FREQUENT BASIS THAN STATISTICS WOULD INDICATE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE WHAT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF THE GENERAL DRIVING PUBLIC. *JB
Jul 25, 2006
THE NEW MODEL YEAR 03 AND 04 TOYOTA CAMRY SEDANS, SIENNA MINI VANS HAVE POORLY DESIGNED AND OR MIS ADJUSTED HEADLIGHTS CAUSING BLINDING GLARE TO ON COMING DRIVERS OR DRIVERS IN FRONT OF THESE VEHICLES. THE EXCESSIVELY GLARING LIGHT CAUSED EYE PAIN TO OTHER DRIVERS AND TEMPORARY BLINDNESS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
Dec 30, 2003
I OWN A NEW, 2003, TOYOTA CAMRY THAT HAS A VERY LOW VOLUME CLICKING SOUND WHEN THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS ARE ON. BECAUSE I CAN NOT HEAR THE CLICKING SOUND WITH THE NORMAL BACKGROUND ROAD NOISES, THE TURN SIGNALS STAY ON EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT GOING TO TURN. I SEE THIS AS A SAFETY AND TRAFFIC VIOLATION ISSUE AND HAVE COMPLAINED TO BOTH MY TOYOTA DEALER AND TO THE CAR MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY, BUT THEY TELL ME THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION FOR MY COMPLAINT. PLEASE ADVISE ME AS TO HOW TO GET SATISFACTION AND RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. *NLM
Apr 27, 2003
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
5 complaints
COMPLAINT HAVING DRIVEN A TOYOTA AND HAD THE PROBLEMS THAT'S IN THE NEWS TODAY. *TR
Mar 13, 2010
IN WET WEATHER, I OFTEN FIND THE BRAKES ON MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY FAILING, EVEN AFTER I HAVE HAD NEW BRAKE PADS INSTALLED. ESPECIALLY WHEN I GO DOWNHILL NEAR MY HOUSE, WHEN I SLOWLY APPLY THE BRAKES IN WET WEATHER I HEAR A CRUNCHING SOUND AND GET LITTLE, AND OCCASIONALLY, NO BRAKE ACTION. N.B. I AM NOT SURE OF THE DAY I AM PUTTING IN BELOW, BUT AM PICKING THE 4TH AS AN APPROXIMATE DATE SO I CAN CONTINUE WITH THE FORM. *TR
Feb 10, 2010
I WAS PULLING INTO A SPACE IN A PARKING LOT IN MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY, WHEN MY CAR SURGED FORWARD. I HIT AND DAMAGED 2 PARKED VEHICLES AS WELL AS SUSTAINING SIGNIFICANT FRONT-END DAMAGE TO MY OWN CAR, BUT NO ONE WAS INJURED. I CALLED THE POLICE AND REPORTED THE ACCIDENT, BUT I COULD NOT SWEAR THAT MY FOOT HAD NOT PARTIALLY COVERED THE GAS PEDAL. IT WAS WINTER AND I WAS WEARING HEAVY BOOTS. I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN 2003. TWICE SINCE THEN, IN MAY 2006 AND MARCH 2008, MY CAR SURGED ON THE HIGHWAY. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, BUT THERE WAS A DELAY BEFORE THE CAR SLOWED DOWN. IN NONE OF THESE INCIDENTS DID I HAVE A FLOOR MAT RIDING UP UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS, BUT WHEN I LEAVE A MESSAGE TO TALK TO A SERVICE MANAGER I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL BACK. A FEW DAYS LATER I RECEIVE A TRADE-IN OFFER FROM THE DEALERSHIP. *TW
Feb 07, 2010
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY DISCUSSION THREAD --------------------------------------------------------------- RESPONSE (KWIL) - 01/26/2010 04:26 PM WE APOLOGIZE FOR YOUR CONCERN WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR 2003 CAMRY, AND WE APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO LET US KNOW. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INVOLVING TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES HAS BEEN THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. NONE OF THESE STUDIES HAS FOUND THAT AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION IS THE CAUSE OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL, ADOPTED IN SOME FORM BY NEARLY ALL AUTOMAKERS, HAS SEVERAL FAIL-SAFE FEATURES AND ENHANCES SAFETY BY MAKING POSSIBLE FUNCTIONS SUCH AS TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL AND ADAPTIVE LASER CRUISE CONTROL. TOYOTA VALUES THE SAFETY OF OUR OWNERS AND THE PUBLIC. IT IS OUR UTMOST CONCERN AND TOYOTA HAS AND WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO ADDRESS ANY DEFECT TRENDS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED. WE HAVE DOCUMENTED YOUR EMAIL AT OUR NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS UNDER FILE. IF WE CAN BE OF FURTHER ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK, HTTP://WWW.TOYOTA.COM/HELP/CONTACTUS.HTML,TO CONTACT US. CUSTOMER - 01/22/2010 06:21 AM I HAVE BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT MY VEHICLE - SINCE AN EXPERIENCE I HAD IN MAY OF 2009 IN NICHOLS, SC. I WAS DEPARTING MY SISTER'S FARM - HAD MY CAR IN REVERSE - WHEN IT ACCERALATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED IN REVERSE. THE ENGINE HAD A VERY LOUD WHINE AND IN A MATTER OF SECONDS WENT FROM 0 TO 60 MPH (MY GUESS)IT WENT IN REVERSE ' ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION WITH HORSES AND BARN. I APPLIED BRAKES AND SHIFTED GEARS ' ALL IN VAIN. ONLY WHEN I TURNED THE KEY OFF ' DID THE CAR STOP. MY CAR RECEIVED SUPERFICIAL DAMAGE. MY CAR WAS EXAMINED BY HARRELSON TOYOTA, ROCK HILL, SC. ' NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG. AN INCIDENT REPORT WAS FILED. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM ON 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE. AFTER READING THE NHTSA'S FEBRUARY 4, 2010 RELEASE ABOUT YOUR INVESTIGATION INTO TOYOTA PRIUS' ALLEGATIONS OF MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY WHILE TRAVELING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, POTHOLE OR BUMP, I FINALLY FELT VINDICATED, ALBEIT I STILL HAVE A PROBLEM. MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE HAS HAD THE SAME TYPE OF BRAKING PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED IT APRIL 2003 FROM THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN DELTA, CO. WHENEVER I WAS BRAKING TO TURN A CORNER OR SLOW DOWN GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD, IF I HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD SHUDDER, THE PEDAL DECREASES AND I LOSE MY BRAKES! I HAVE TO START PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL IMMEDIATELY TO GET THE BRAKES TO WORK. ONE TIME RECENTLY, MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD TO SLOW DOWN WITH THE HELP OF MY EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH DIDN'T REALLY WORK THAT WELL. AND I WAS GOING SLOWLY AT THE TIME. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DELTA, COLORADO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SHORTLY AFTER MY PURCHASING THE CAR, HOWEVER, AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. CAN YOU GUYS HELP ME? I AM NOT LOOKING FOR REVENGE AGAINST TOYOTA, MY WHOLE FAMILY SAVE ONE PERSON, DRIVES TOYOTAS. I JUST WANT BRAKES THAT WORK CORRECTLY. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN PROVIDE ME. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
4 complaints
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
Mar 06, 2010
APPROACHING INTERSECTION THE TRAFFIC LIGHT CHANGED AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR BOARD, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP BEFORE IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. SPEED AT IMPACT WAS APPROX. 20 MPH AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. JUST RECENTLY HAD VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP TO HAVE SOFT BRAKE PEDAL CHECKED, AND WAS TOLD OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS CONCERNING PROBLEM. *JB
Dec 12, 2004
I WAS DRIVING NORTH ON ROUTE 93 IN MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WHEN TRAFFIC WENT FROM APPROX. 40 MPH TO A SUDDEN STOP. THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME ALL JAMMED ON THERE BRAKES AND SUCCESSFULLY STOPPED, BUT WHEN I STEPPED ON MY BRAKES, I COULD FEEL THE BRAKE PEDAL COMPRESSING AND DOING SOMETHING, BUT I WAS UNABLE TO BARELY EVEN SLOW DOWN FROM APPROX. 3 CAR LENGTHS AWAY. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND MY CAR CRUMBLED. MY 2 COMPLAINTS ARE THAT THE BRAKES DEFINITELY HAVE A MALFUNCTION ALONG WITH THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING. LUCKILY, I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND WEATHER WAS SUNNY AND CLEAR. AFTER THIS ACCIDENT AND MY CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED, I WILL BE TRADING MY CAR IN AND NEVER BUY A TOYOTA AGAIN. *JB
Sep 16, 2004
AS I WAS DRIVING UP THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOME/HOUSE AND IN THE PROCESS OF APPLYING THE BRAKES TO MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY THE CAR SURGED FORWARD IMPACTING THE FROM OF MY BRICK HOUSE AND GOING INTO THE MASTER BEDROOM CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE AND TO PERSONAL PROPERTY INSIDE THE BEDROOM, ALSO THE CAR SUFFERED GREAT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT UP TO AND INCLUDING COMPLETE BREKAGE AND COLLAPSE OF THE WINSHIELD FOR A TOTAL CAR DAMAGED OF CLOSE TO $8.000.00 DOLLARAS AND OVER $5,000.00 DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE NOT INCLUDING THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE INTERIOR OF THE BEDROOM AND ITS CONTENTS. EXTIMATES OF THE COST OF REPAIRS STILL GOING ON. *AK
Mar 12, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
4 complaints
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY ANTI LOCK BRAKES THIS SITUATION HAS EXISTED FROM THE DAY I HAVE BOUGHT THIS CAR. WHEN THE CAMRY RUMBLES OVER A BUMPY ROAD AND I STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLYING CONSTANT PRESSURE THE BRAKES ARE NON RESPONSIVE. THE BRAKES DO NOT STOP THE CAR. THE BRAKES ONLY START TO WORK ONCE THE CAR IS NO LONGER OVER BUMPY ROAD. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY CAMRY OWNERS AND THEY HAVE INDICATED THE SAME BRAKING FAILURE. TOYOTA INDICATES THIS IS NORMAL. HOW CAN TOYOTA BE ALLOWED TO NOT FIX A FAILURE OF THEIR BRAKING SYSTEM? WHEN IS THE GOVERNMENT GOING TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM? YOU HAVE HAD BRAKE FAILURE COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS FOR YEARS AND HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS! *TW
Feb 07, 2010
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES - BRAKES SLIP AND VEHILE DOES NOT SLOW DOWN WHEN APPLIED ON A BUMPY SURFACE. *AK
Jul 25, 2004
OUR 2003 LEASED TOYOTA CAMRY HAS BEEN GREAT FOR THE FIRST YEAR. WE CURRENTLY HAVE APPROX 5600 MILES ON THE CAR. DURING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR WE EXPERIENCED TWO SEPARATE ABS (ANTISKID BRAKE SYSTEM) ACTIVATIONS. IN BOTH INCIDENTS THE CAR WAS ON DRY, CLEAN, HARD SURFACED ROADS. THERE WAS NO GRAVEL, DIRT, ICE, ETC OR ANY FOREIGN MATTER ON THE ROADS. THE ROADS WERE ALSO DRY. NO RAIN WAS FALLING. IN BOTH INCIDENTS THE CAR WAS GONG LESS THAN 30 MPH AND IN BOTH CASES THE CAR WAS DESCENDING A SLIGHT HILL. WHEN THE OPERATOR APPLIED BRAKES THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND NO AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDDLE PRESSURE CHANGED THE STOPPING ABILITY OF THE CAR. KICKBACK THRU THE BRAKE PEDDLE WAS FELT BY ME. THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY. IN THE FIRST INCIDENT MY WIFE WAS ALONE IN THE CAR AND COMING DOWN A HILL TO A STOP LIGHT. SHE COULD NOT STOP THE CAR BEFORE THE LIGHT AND HAD TO MAKE A HARD RIGHT HAND TURN TO PREVENT HITTING CARS OR BEING HIT BY CARS THAT WERE GOING 45+ MPH ON THEIR ROAD THRU THE LIGHT. AT THE INTERSECTION. FORTUNATELY THERE HAD BEEN A BREAK IN TRAFFIC SO WHEN SHE TURNED RIGHT AT THE RED LIGHT THERE WAS A BREAK IN TRAFFIC SO THEREE WAS NO IMPACT. IN MY SITUATION I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE TO A SHOPPING CENTER AND WAS ALSO COMING DOWN A SLIGHT HILL AND COMING UP BEHIND TRAFFIC WHICH WAS STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN. I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. I WAS GETTING KICKBACK THRU THE BRADE PEDDLE AND THE CAR BRAKES WERE CYCLING ON AND OFF AND THUS I HAD TO SWING AROUND THE CAR AHEAD AND ONTO THE RIGHTHAND SHOULDER TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR AHEAD AND ALMOST HAD TO CLIMB AN EMBACKMENT TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER MY INCIDENT, THE LATER OF THE TWO INCIDENTS, WE DROVE RIGHT TO OUR TOYOTA LEASING AGENCY AND TURNED THE CAR OVER TO THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT. TOYOTA GOT US A RENTAL VEHICLE WHILE THEY CHECK THE CAR OUT. SO FAR THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT IN CHECKING THE ABS COMPUTER IT SHOWS NO FAULT CODES. *AK
Feb 24, 2004
CAMRY 2003 BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKE PEDAL FROZE WHEN DRIVING AND WOULD NOT PRESS DOWN AT ALL. FRANTICALLY, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 MPH AND 30 MPH, AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1500 FEET, THE PEDAL WENT DOWN AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET THE PEDAL DOWN. (I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND TESTED THE BRAKES. THOUGH THE BRAKES SHOWED THAT THEY WERE FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY, THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE BRAKES FAILED DUE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL COMPLETELY FREEZING. I HAD TO CONTINUALLY TRY TO PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN AND FRANTICALLY WARNED MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR THAT THE PEDAL WAS STUCK AND WOULDN'T BUDGE, THAT I LOST THE BRAKES. LUCKILY THERE WASN'T ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD BECAUSE IT WAS AT LEAST 1500 FEET BEFORE THE PEDAL EVENTUALLY WENT DOWN, WITH TIGHT HESITATION). *AK
Dec 28, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY MAKES A RATTLE NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AREA AND IT'S MOST NOTICEABLE DURING IDLE OR LIGHT ACCELERATION. MY CAR HAS ONLY 35,000 MILES INSPITE OF IT BEING 13 YEARS OLD. CLEARLY, TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MANIFOLD BUT SINCE MY CAR IS MORE THAN 6 YEARS OLD , TOYOTA WOULD NOT COVER IT BUT MY CAR HAS ONLY 35,000 MILES AND THIS PROBLEM DID NOT SHOW UP UNTIL NOW. HOPEFULLY, YOUR OFFICE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. THANK YOU SO MUCH *TR
Apr 17, 2016
WHEN DRIVING 30 MPH RPMS ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO GO OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Nov 08, 2004
2003 V6 CAMRY HAS ENGINE SURGES/SHUDDERING THROUGH ALL SPEEDS. IS REALLY NOTICEABLE AT38-40 MPH. DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED ENGINE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMED - PROBLEM WAS MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING IN CITTY WHERE SPEEDS WERE MORE INCREASED AND DECREASED. CONTINUED TO TAKE BACK TO DEALERSHIP. *AK
Jun 02, 2003
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED SHOT ACROSS THE STREET HITTING THE CURB BLOWING THE TIRES AND HITTING A TELEPHONE POLE AND TORE UP THE NEIGHBORS LAWN BEFORE COMING TO A STOP DUE TO THE LACK OF TRACTION. MY WIFE WAS STEPPING ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. WE HAD OWNED THE CAR FOR 5 YEARS AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUE WITH IT. I LOOKED AND THE MAT HAD NOT MOVED IN ANY WAY TO IMPEDE THE FOOT PEDAL. WE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND LET THEM EXAMINE THE VEHICLE AND THE REPLY SAID IT WAS DUE TO AN AFTERMARKET FLOOR MAT. THEY DID NOT REVEAL WHAT THE COMPUTER DATA RECORDED. THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT COULD OF BEEN ANYTHING ELSE.
Aug 19, 2015
DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET TO APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. CARS AHEAD WERE STOPPING, SO THE CRUISE CONTROL CANCEL BUTTON WAS PRESSED. INSTEAD OF THE CAR DECELERATING, IT QUICKLY ACCELERATED AS IF THE GAS PEDAL HAD BEEN PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE BRAKES WERE QUICKLY PRESSED, BUT BEFORE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, IT HIT THE REAR END OF THE CAR AHEAD. THE PERSON IN THE OTHER CAR HAD A PRECAUTIONARY MEDICAL EXAM A FEW DAYS LATER, BUT NO INJURY WAS REPORTED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER OF THE CAMRY WERE NOT INJURED AND AIR BAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED. THE CAMRY WAS DECLARED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE OTHER CAR WAS REPAIRED. *TR
Nov 30, 2014
I EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO A HIGH SPEED AND REVVED TO VERY HIGH RPM'S. I MANAGED TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES AND FINALLY SHIFT THE CONTROLS TO NEUTRAL. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TO NORMAL RPM'S AND I TURNED OFF THE KEY. TOYOTA FIRST CLAIMED "DRIVER ERROR", THEN ENTRAPMENT OF THE GAS PETAL BY A FLOOR MAT, THEN "DRIVER ERROR" AGAIN, ALLEGING I HAD "BRAKED INCORRECTLY AND MUST HAVE HIT THE GAS BY MISTAKE"!! I WAS SIMPLY LOW-SPEED DRIVING WITH MY FOOT ON THE GAS, WHEN THEIR CAR RACED SUDDENLY ON ITS OWN ACCORD. I HAD NOT HIT THE BRAKES UNTIL I HAD TO EMERGENCY-STOP A RUNAWAY CAR! DEALER SAYS THEY "CHECKED THE COMPUTER" AND THERE ARE "NO ISSUES" TO RESOLVE! THIS IS A BLATANT, LETHAL DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT! *TR
Oct 25, 2014
WHEELS
3 complaints
THE QUALITY OF GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES IS VERY VERY POOR !!!! GOODYEAR GIVES A WARRANTY OF 60,000 MILES ON THEM. HOWEVER, THE LAST SET FOR ME LASTED ONLY 15,000 MILES, IE., THEY RAN OUT 45,000 MILES EARLIER !!!! THAT IS 75% EARLIER !!!! THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING REPEATEDLY FOR THE LAST 7-8 YRS, IE., SINCE 2008 !!!! I HAD TO GET NEW TIRES 7 TIMES IN THE LAST 7 YRS!!!! I HAVE ALL MY TIRE INVOICES SINCE 2008 TO PROVE MY CASE !!!! SUMMARY OF NEW VIVA 2 TIRES INSTALLED: 1. 4 NEW TIRES - ON 7-14-2008 & 1 NEW TIRE - ON 5-16-2009 2. 4 NEW TIRES - ON 10-11-2010 3. 1 NEW TIRE - ON 10-16-2012 (W/ PRO-RATED REFUND) & 1 NEW TIRE ON 10-16-2012 (W/OUT REFUND) 4. 4 NEW TIRES - ON 12-5-2013 5. 4 NEW TIRES - ON 7-24-2015 SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL WORK DONE: 1. ALIGNMENTS - ON 10-22-2012 - ON 12-6-2013 - (THERE COULD BE OTHER ALIGNMENTS, FOR WHICH I NEED TO GET INFO ON). 2. ROTATIONS & BALANCING - 9-1-2010
Jul 30, 2015
THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ALUMINUM ALLOY CHROME WHEELS. I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AT SEARS IN DECEMBER OF 2004 WITH ALL NEW VALVE STEMS AND SPEED BALANCES. APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 3 MONTHS LATER, 2 & 3 TIRES WERE LOSING AIR (SLOWLY) CONSTANTLY. SEARS SHOWED ME THAT THE ALLOY RIM WAS DETERIORATING AROUND THE VALVE STEMS AND THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER. BECAUSE IT WAS OVER THE WARRANTY MILEAGE, THE DEALER (ROUTE 44 TOYOTA IN RAYNHAM, MASS.) WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I EVEN WENT TO THE DISTRICT MANAGERS OFFICE WITH NO LUCK. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT ALL I WANTED WAS THE STANDARD WHEEL FOR REPLACEMENT WITH WHEEL COVERS. MY POINT IS, IF TIRES LOSE THE AIR INFLATION, THERE'S LIKELY TO BE "TIRE FAILURE" CONTRIBUTING TO MORE ACCIDENTS ON OUR NATIONAL HIGHWAYS. I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH "ALLOY WHEELS" WITH THIS PROBLEM. CAN WE DO SOMETHING TO PREVENT ROAD DEATHS ON OUR HIGHWAYS BECAUSE OF THESE FLAWED "ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS"?*JB
Aug 06, 2005
THE HUB CAPS ON THE VEHICLE CRACKED.*MR *NM
Jun 23, 2004
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD DEVELOPED A CRACK, EXPOSING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Oct 15, 2014
I WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE I WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALTHOUGH THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE FRAME OF THE CAR, NONE OF THE SIX (6) AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AS MENTIONED IN A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT, THERE IS NOW A GAP ON THE DASHBOARD AROUND THE AREA FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. *TR
Aug 20, 2014
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA, CAMRY WITH 50,000 MILES ON IT THAT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED (AT MY EXPENSE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT). I LIVE IN OREGON WHERE WE HAVE SEASONS SO IT ONLY GETS HOT A FEW MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR AND I USE A SUN VISOR DURING THE SUMMER FOR PROTECTION. IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR WHERE THE AIRBAG IS IN THE DASH, THE RECTANGULAR INDENTATION (LIKE A SEAM) AROUND THE AIRBAG HAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED AT THE TOP EXPOSING YELLOW FOAM AND HAS ME VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF ANY PASSENGERS OR EVEN MYSELF OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD SHOULD THE AIRBAG DEPLOY. MY FATHER IS TERMINALLY ILL WITH CANCER AND ONLY WEIGHS ABOUT 115 POUNDS AND I HAVE TO DRIVE HIM TO DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS REGULARLY. I WAS SO CONCERNED WHEN I FIRST NOTICED WHAT I CALL A "DESIGN FLAW" THAT I MADE HIM RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT. HOWEVER, SINCE HE IS SO THIN, HE WAS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE IN THE BACK AND WANTED TO RIDE IN THE FRONT SEAT AGAIN WHICH I ALLOWED HIM TO DO AFTER THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN MEDFORD (LITHIA MOTORS, INC) GUARANTEED ME "100%" THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE BUT IS PURELY COSMETIC. I HAVE PROVIDED PROOF OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS TO LITHIA AND HAVE SPOKEN TO TOYOTA CORPORATE A FEW TIMES. THEY STILL INSIST IT IS ONLY COSMETIC AND I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE ENTIRE DASH AT A COST OF OVER $2,000.00. I MAINTAIN THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IF THEY CAN AFFORD TO SPEND A MILLION DOLLARS A DAY ON SAFETY (PER THEIR ADVERTISEMENTS) AND ARE SPENDING EVEN MORE ON PR, THEY CAN DO A "GOOD WILL" REPAIR FOR A LOYAL CUSTOMER. TO THEIR CREDIT, I SHOULD ADD THAT THEY WERE WILLING TO PAY 50% TO REPAIR THE DASH, BUT IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE "UNREPAIRABLE" BY THEIR UPHOLSTERY PERSON. I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH THEM FOR MONTHS NOW. I AM A VERY PRINCIPLE BASED PERSON AND BELIEVE THIS IS WRONG CONSIDERING THE AGE, MILEAGE, ETC AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED AT THEIR EXPENSE ESPECIALLY WHEN OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. DOES CUSTOMER SERVICE STILL EXIST?? *TR
Oct 27, 2010
CHILD SEAT
3 complaints
I AM A CPST REPORTING A DOREL DESIGNER 22 INFANT SEAT THAT DOES NOT CONNECT TO THE BASE. ENGLISH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE FOR THIS FAMILY WHO VISITED MY FITTING STATION TODAY. PRODUCT INFO: MODEL # IC-048-AAI MFG 05/20/2010. SEAT IS GENERALLY IN GOOD CONDITION AND FAMILY HAS BEEN USING IT WITHOUT THE BASE BECAUSE OF DIFFICULTY CONNECTING THE CARRIER TO THE BASE. I LOOKED CAREFULLY AT THE CARRIER TO BASE CONNECTION AND IT APPEARS THAT THE CARRIER WILL NOT CONNECT TO THE BASE UNLESS THE CARRIER RELEASE BAR (BEHIND THE CHILD'S HEAD) IS SQUEEZED. I CONTACTED DOREL AND OFFERED TO RETURN THE SEAT TO THEM. THE REPRESENTATIVE I SPOKE WITH (NAME AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST) CHECKED WITH A SUPERVISOR (NAME AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST) AND THEY DETERMINED THAT SINCE THIS MODEL IS NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION IT WOULD NOT BE NECESSARY TO SEND THE SEAT BACK TO DOREL FOR FURTHER REVIEW. THIS SEAT IS LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD AND ALTHOUGH IT IS NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION I AM CONCERNED THAT OTHER DOREL DESIGNER 22 INFANT SEATS STILL IN USE MAY ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM CONNECTING TO THE BASE. *TR
Apr 02, 2014
WE HAD ATTACHED A REAR-FACING INFANT CAR SEAT IN THE PROPER POSITION. WE GOT THIS INSPECTED BY THE LOCAL POLICE BACK WHEN IT WAS FIRST ATTACHED. IT WAS WORKING FINE FOR 8 MONTHS. LAST WEEK, WHEN MY WIFE BRAKED THE CAR, THE BASE OF THE CAR SEAT DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE LATCHING RESTRAINT THAT KEPT IT IN POSITION. THE BASE CAME CRASHING TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S SEAT. LUCKILY, OUR BABY WAS NOT IN THE CAR SEAT. THIS SEEMS LIKE A DEFECT EITHER IN THE LATCHING RESTRAINT IN THE 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY OR A DEFECT IN THE CAR SEAT ITSELF. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2003, MAKE=TOYOTA, MODEL=CAMRY). *TR
Apr 12, 2010
WHEN CONSUMER BUCKLED CHILD IN SEAT SHIELD ARM BROKE OFF ON BOTH SIDES. *TS *NM (11/21/05) *SC
Nov 16, 2005
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
Having purchased w 2003 Toyota Camry 2.4l, (with good paint, no rust, great interior, and new clear headlights) 3 days prior, the previous owner reported no current issues. The check engine light come on the 3 rd day as I drove away from the DMV having just titled it. AC was blowing cold, no other dash lights were on and I couldn't feel any apparent issues driving, so I proceed to my place of employment, where a friend whom is an independent mechanic had the machine to read check engine codes. I never made it. Had driven approximately 25 miles and came to a full stop for a red light. Upon turning green and beginning to accelerate, my Camry's engine died and would not start. When the key was turned it made no noise at all. Towed to a mechanic shop, I was asked if it had overheated, it had not. Without investing further and me acquiring a diagnostics charge, he said one apparent issue was the fact that there was absolutely no coolant in the engine. Dumfounded I had ittowed home where another Mechanic friend (licensed) was going to see about reapiring it. One of the code//errors read, was that the was no combustion, the radiator was full, but there was no traces of coolant in the engine, when took of the engine mainfold right away he noticed 3 cool packs that were damaged, as well as what appeared to be a used head gasket poorly installed, and worse if all the timing chain had jumped and made a mad mesh nightmare to the engine...so previous owners obviously sold me their night mare, I now am stuck with either replacing the engine (not) or bring carless once again.?? Note: Contacted the acclaimed christian, God fearing sellers, whom I paid $4000 and they kindly refunded me $1000, as they stated it was no fault of theirs ..
Jun 26, 2022
ACCORDING TO TOYOTA'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0034-08 (APRIL 15, 2008), THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IN 2002 ? 2004 CAMRY EQUIPPED WITH 2AZ ENGINE MAY PRODUCE A LOUD RATTLE NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AREA, MOST NOTICEABLE AT IDLE OR ON LIGHT ACCELERATION. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS BEEN UPDATED / MODIFIED TO SOLVE THIS ISSUES ON THE NEWER VEHICLES. A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD WILL AFFECT ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND AFFECT EMISSIONS. TOYOTA USA SHOULD RECALL ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH THIS FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD, BUT THEY ONLY COVER THE REPAIR TO THE VEHICLES WHICH ARE UNDER WARRANTY. THIS FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SERIOUS ISSUE. *TR
Jan 28, 2014
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
"TAKATA RECALL" - I AM EXPERIENCING A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT & RIGHT, THE WHOLE DASH BOARD SHAKES WHEN THE AC OR HEAT IS ON, BRAKES PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR & MAKING SOUNDS, AND WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN PARK IT WILL MOVE FORWARD.
Dec 09, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT AFTER SWITCHING INTO THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SWITCHED IN THE REVERSE POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,705.
Dec 08, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Apr 20, 2015
AS WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, LIT UP AND THE CAR STARTED MAKING ODD NOISES WHEN THE ACCELERATION PEDAL WAS PRESSED, WE QUICKLY PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. WHEN WE OPENED THE FRONT THE ENGINE AND COOLANT WERE SMOKING. THERE WAS NO INDICATION BEFORE THIS THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG, APPARENTLY THE OIL HAD BEEN LEAKING AND THE ENGINE HAD OVERHEATED, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR GAVE NO INDICATION OF THIS. *TR
Aug 21, 2014
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCESSORY OUTLET(CIGARETTE LIGHTER) AND REAR WINDOWS NOT WORKING. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO HER, SHE WAS INFORMED THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER HAD A SHORT AND HAD BEEN FIXED. SHE WAS ALSO TOLD THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW MOTOR WAS BURNED OUT AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE TWO FRONT WINDOWS WERE WORKING. THE CONSUMER DECLINED THE REPAIRS FOR THE WINDOW. HOWEVER, THE NEXT WEEK, THE PASSENGER WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. A FEW WEEKS LATER, SHE RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL, IN WHICH A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR A FAULTY WINDOW CONTROL BUTTON ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR, BUT FOR THE 2006 MODELS. THE CONSUMER STATED ONE DAY IT RAINED, AND AFTER IT STOPPED, THE WINDOWS STARTED TO WORK AGAIN. *JB
Nov 05, 2012
THE CD CHANGER INITIALLY HAD ISSUES WITH PLAYING CDR (CDS MADE ON A COMPUTER AT HOME). IT WOULD SKIP ALL OF THE TIME. IT ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH REGULAR CDS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FAST-FORWARD OR REVERSE TO A SPECIFIC AREA OF A SONG TRACK. IT TOOK A VISIT AND A COUPLE TELEPHONE CALLS TO TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE TO GET THEM TO AGREE TO REPLACE THE CD CHANGER. EVER SINCE THIS WAS REPLACED, I HAVE HAD NO FURTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE THEN. HOWEVER, IN THE CAMRY THAT I HAD AS A LOANER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN ON 7/28/03, THAT VEHICLE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH ITS CD CHANGER AND I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT IT. THE MOON ROOF HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN JANUARY 2003. BASICALLY, IT HAS BEEN LEAKING AND A WATER NOISE IS HEARD WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHICH IS NOT NORMAL AND THE RADIO NEEDS TO BE TURNED UP TO DROWN THE SOUND OUT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS FOR FOUR TIMES. THE LAST TIME IT WAS IN WAS ON 7/28/2003. AT THAT POINT OF TIME, THE MOON ROOF WAS NOT EVEN CLOSING COMPLETELY. TOYOTA FLEW A FIELD TECHNICIAN FROM CALIFORNIA TO KANSAS CITY FOR THE REPAIR. HE CLAIMS THAT THE REASON FOR THE MOON ROOF NOT CLOSING WAS BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED WHEN THE HEATED LEATHER SEATS WERE INSTALLED AND THAT CAUSED THE TIMING FOR THE ROOF TO BECOME CORRUPTED. THE DEALERSHIP NEVER SAW THIS PROBLEM EVER WITH ANY 2002-2003 MODEL CAMRY AND THAT IS WHY A FIELD TECH WAS SENT OUT. AFTER HE FIXED THE SUNROOF, I WAS ASSURED BY CHARLES EPP, TOYOTA'S REGIONAL MANAGER, THAT MY VEHICLE WAS FULLY REPAIRED AND HE PERSONALLY ASSURED ME THAT IT WAS TESTED FOR WATER ISSUES TOO AND THAT EVERYTHING WAS CORRECTED BY RESETTING THE TIMING. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE SHORTLY AFTER THE REPAIR, THE MOON ROOF IS STILL LEAKING AND HAVING WATER NOISES DURING HIGHWAY OPERATIONS DURING RAINSTORMS. RECENTLY, I HAD AN ARBITRATION HEARING AT JAY WOLFE TOYOTA WITH AN ARBITRATOR FROM NCDS.
Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND PUTTING THE CAR IN GEAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS AND THE GAS PEDAL HAS NO EFFECT ON THE ENGINE. THE CAR WILL IDLE ALONG WHILE IN DRIVE; HOWEVER, PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL DOES NOTHING. THE CHECK ENGINE ERROR CODE POINTS TO THE THROTTLE BODY. MY MECHANIC SAYS THAT THE THROTTLE BODY IS STUCK IN THE "CLOSED" POSITION WHEN THIS ERROR HAPPENS. I'VE READ ABOUT THE NUMEROUS TOYOTA CAMRY OWNERS WHO HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY ON THEIR VEHICLES AT -- HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/TOYOTA-CAMRY/TM6GC5T4DHVFS52CS -- IT SEEMS THAT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS ALL STATE THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING AND CONTINUE TO CHARGE UPWARDS OF $1200 TO REPLACE AN OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY WITH A NEW THROTTLE BODY THAT STILL HAS THE SAME DEFECTIVE DESIGN. ESSENTIALLY, THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO SWAP OUT ONE DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY FOR ANOTHER DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY. SIMILARLY, TOYOTA CORPORATE IN TORRANCE, CA DENIES THAT THE THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A PRODUCT DEFECT. MOST LIKELY THIS IS DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF THE PART AND EXPENSE TO INSTITUTE A RECALL OF THE THROTTLE BODY. A CURSORY REVIEW OF THE ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS CONCERNING THE THROTTLE BODY FAILURES FOR TOYOTA CAMRY OWNERS SHOWS THAT THIS COMPONENT IN PARTICULAR IS FAILING TOO OFTEN TO BE CHALKED UP TO BAD LUCK OR NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. A CONSUMER CLASS ACTION IS APPROPRIATE FOR THIS SORT OF DEFECT. I WOULD ASSUME THAT AN EXPERT WITNESS COULD TESTIFY AS TO THE DEFECT AND OPINE AS TO THE STATISTICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE THROTTLE BODY FAILING MORE THAN ANY OTHER COMPONENT IN THE TOYOTA CAMRY. *TR
Nov 16, 2011
EXTREME SULPHUR SMELL INSIDE CABIN OF AUTOMOBILE. THIS AIR QUA;ITY CANNOT BE BENEFICIAL TO THE OCCUPANTS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN ONGOING TO LOCAL DEALER, BUT NOT YET RESOLVED ECU MUST BE ADJUSTED AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED. *AK
Mar 14, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
SUDDEN INCREASE IN RPMS AS I WAS BACKING UP MY CAR UP TO MY WOOD PILE..IT RAMMED INTO MY WOOD PILE AND THE WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING WHEN I FINALLY TURNED OFF THE CAR. SAME THING HAPPEN WHEN I WAS COASTING UP TO A STOP SIGN FEB 2010.. BOTH TIMES I PUT ALL THE STRENGTH I COULD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE CAR. IT NEVER STOPPED IN 2009 BUT I DID GET IT STOPPED ON THE 2010 INCIDENT BECAUSE I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. SOME MINOR DAMAGE TO THE BACK END OF THE CAR ON THE 2009 INCIDENT FROM THE CAR HITTING THE STACK OF WOOD.. WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT.. *TR
Feb 27, 2010
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, CONSUMER DEPRESS BRAKES TO MAKE A STOP. WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, THE VEHICLE SURGED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT AT AN EXTENDED DISTANCE. IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER SHIFT GEAR INTO NEUTRAL. *AK
Jun 10, 2004
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
IN 3/2003 I PURCHASED A TOYOTA CAMRY. WITHIN 1-2 YEARS I NOTICED MINOR CRACKS DEVELOPING ON THE TWO SPEAKER COVERS AT THE BACK OF THE CAR UNDER THE BACK WINDOW AND BEHIND THE BACK SEATS. THE CRACKS PROGRESSED WITH TIME BUT I HAD FORGOTTEN TO BRING IT UP TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE SPEAKERS ARE LOCATED IN A PLACE I DO NOT NORMALLY LOOK AND BECAUSE I THOUGHT THEY WERE ONLY CHEAP PLASTIC COVERS. BY 2006 THE PLASTIC WAS ACTUALLY DISINTEGRATING AND FALLING INTO THE LOUDSPEAKER ASSEMBLY CREATING AN EVER BIGGER BLACK HOLE. THE DEALER POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS ON CAMRYS AND THAT YOU MUST REPLACE THE WHOLE BACK PANEL BEHIND THE BACK SEATS NOT JUST THE PLASTIC COVER FOR $450 PLUS LABOR. I WAS TOLD THAT OTHER TOYOTAS DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM SINCE THEY USE A DIFFERENT VENDOR FOR THE SPEAKER COVERS. SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY TOYOTA DECLINED TO REPLACE THE COVERS. ON THE ADVICE OF THE CA NMVB I SEARCHED THE INTERNET (HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.NET/FORUM/AUTOS/TOYOTA-CAMRY/TTPVEUN8TERT6NBKJ) AND WAS SURPRISED TO FIND THAT OWNERS OF 2002-2004 CAMRYS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE DISCOVERED CAMRYS IN PARKING LOTS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT NOW APPEARS TO ME THAT THIS PROBLEM IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH TOYOTA FAILED TO DISCLOSE TO NEW CAMRY BUYERS. THE TOYOTA DEALER ALSO FAILED TO DISCLOSE THIS PROBLEM WHENEVER THEY INSPECT THE CAR, INCLUDING THE INTERIOR, DURING SERVICE. I AM REQUESTING THAT TOYOTA REPAIR MY CAMRY AND RETURN IT TO ITS ORIGINAL APPEARANCE. I AM RECOMMENDING THAT A FINE BE LEVIED ON TOYOTA FOR FAILING TO DISCLOSE A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT TO NEW AND USED CAMRY BUYERS. I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL ALL 2002-2004 CAMRYS. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO BE CONCERNED FOR THE PUBLIC'S POTENTIAL EXPOSURE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR TO FINE PARTICLES/GASSES FROM THIS DISINTEGRATING PLASTIC AND EXPOSURE TO TODDLERS WHO PLACE THEIR HANDS IN THE LOUDSPEAKERS AND THEN EAT POTENTIALLY TOXIC MATERIAL. (SEE HTTP://WWW.MSNBC.MSN.COM/ID/22360355/). *TR
Jan 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT NOTICED HOLES IN THE REAR SPEAKER COVERS AND PIECES OF THE COVERS HAD FALLEN INTO THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE BEGAN IN MARCH OF 2007 AND STILL PERSISTS. THE DEALER AGREED TO SPLIT THE COST FOR PARTS, BUT THE CONTACT MUST PAY THE LABOR FEES. WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN, THE SPEAKER COVER FRAGMENTS FLOAT AROUND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 45,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Jun 27, 2007
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
2 complaints
2003 CAMRY SE, DESPITE TWO RETURNS TO DEALER, STILL CONSISTANTLY DRIFTS AND/OR VEERS TO THE LEFT. HEAD TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS WAS THE #2 COMPLAINT ON LATE MODEL CAMRY'S, AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE, AS IT WAS THE "NATURE" OF THE CAR.*AK I FEEL THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION (ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS MOST EVIDENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS), AND HAVE READ THAT IT IS, IN FACT, A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG 2002/2003 CAMRY OWNERS. SOMEONE COULD EASILY GET HURT OR KILLED, WITH THIS MANY CAMRY'S OUT ON THE ROAD AND, EVIDENTALLY, MANY (ALL?) HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.
Aug 31, 2003
2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER - COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE, BOTH STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL, WITHOUT WARNING OR UNUSUAL CAUSE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 25 MPH. TOYOTA DEALER EXAMINED VEHICLE AND STATES THAT VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AND MEETS DESIGN INTENT. TOYOTA DEALER STATES THAT PROBLEM CAN NOT BE REPAIRED AND RECOMMENDS SNOW TIRES. SNOW TIRES THAT MEET TOYOTA SPECS ARE NOT COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE.*JB
Feb 27, 2003
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I was going 45 to 50 mph and my car shut off in middle of highway and we barely got out of highway before getting hit there is recall on same kind of car for throttle body and that's what's wrong with mine so it has too be that they missed my car
Jun 14, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
After oxygen sensors were changed the VSC and track off lights came on and wouldn't turn off and it's using a lot of fuel consumption and it takes a second for the car to pick up after stepping on the gas pedal
Sep 13, 2021
SEATS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
DRIVERS SIDE POWER SEAT IS STUCK IN FORWARD. EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT WORK. ENGINE REQUIRES 1 GALLON OF OIL EVERY 2 THOUSAND MILES.
May 07, 2021
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
AS I TURNED SLIGHTLY RIGHT INTO MY PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT LIFTING FROM THE GAS PEDAL TOWARD THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY TOOK ON A LIFE OF ITS OWN AND SPED UP THEN CRASHED RIGHT THRU THE GATE THAT DIVIDED THE PARKING SPACE FROM THE SIDEWALK. I WAS IN SHOCK AND THOUGHT THERE WAS A GHOST OF SOME KIND THAT JUST TOOK OVER THE GAS PEDAL AS IT SPED UP. MY FRONT BUMPER WAS DESTROYED AND FRONT GRILL ALONG WITH THE LOWER HEAD LIGHTS OF VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE HOOD OF THE CAR.
Jan 25, 2021
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ALMOST AT END OF EXIT RAMP FROM I264 TO BARDSTOWN RD NEAR GARDINER LANE INTERSECTION. HAD GREEN LIGHT. MY VEHICLE WAS GOING APPROX 25 MPH WITH NO CAR IN FRONT OF ME TO EXIT ONTO BARDSTOWN RD (HWY 31?). ONLY MYSELF, DRIVER. I WAS IN LEFT HAND LANE TO EXIT TO WESTBD (?) BARDSTOWN RD. TOWARD DOWNTOWN AND A SMALLER CAR WHIPPED RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME FROM RIGHT HAND KANE (TWO EXIT LANES GOING IN SAME DIRECTION. PERHAPS, THIS CAR WANTED TO CROSS OVER THREE LANES ON BARDSTOWN RD TO GET TO FAT LEFT TURN LANE AT GARDINER LN. THIS LIGHT IS OFTEN BACKED-UP. EVEN THOUGH I APPLIED MY BRAKES, THEY WERE NOT STOPPING MY CAR IN TIME AND I HOPPED CURB TO LEFT TO SMSLL TRIANGULAR MEDIAN. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I COULD NOT MAKE WISE DECISIONS WITHOUT SEEING AND I WAS HIT BY AIRBAGS, BRUISED IN FACE, ETC. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT. I VIEWED THAT THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC COMING TOWARD ME AS I WAS NOW PERPENDICULAR TO TRAFFIC INTO TEO LANES OF BARDSTOWN RD. I COULD HAVE TURNED RIGHT AND AVOIDED HITTING ANY OTHRR VEHIVLE IF IT WERE NOT FOR AIRBAGS BLOCKING MY VIEW. I HAD NOT HIT ANY OBJECT OR VEHICLE AT THIS POINT. I KEPT APPLYING PRESSURE TO MY BRAKES ON WHICH I HAD SPENT THOUSANDS IN REPAIR. THE BRAKES STILL DID NOT STOP ME. I NEVER SAW WHY I STOPPED. AIRBAG BLOCKED VIEW. THE CAR I WAS DRIVING FINALLY HIT SOMETHING (LATER FOUND OUT) ANOTHER CAR IN TURN LANE TO GET ONTO I 264 IT FINALLY STOPPED. MY HEARING AID IN MY RIGHT EAR WAS EJECTED WHEN AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I FOUND IT LATER ON PASSENGER MAT IN REAR. THE AIRBAGS HAD TO BE DEFECTIVE TO DEPLOY FROM JUMPING ONE SMALL CURB. NO AIRBAG I AM ABLE TO TURN RIGHT WHETHER BRAKES WORK OR NOT. NO ACCIDENT.
Feb 21, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. WHEN MY CAR STALED AND WAS SHAKING IN REVERSE. I SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS BECAUSE I THOUGHT I BACKED UP INTO SOMETHING. WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN DRIVE AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. MY CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO FULL SPEED OUT OF NO WHERE AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO TWO CARS.
Sep 30, 2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
COMING TO RED LIGHT CAR WOULD NOT STOP I PRESSED HARDER ON BRAKES ASB CAME IN THEN THE CAR WENT INTO HIGH RPMS,AND STOPPED SOUNDED LIKE IT WOULD BLOW UP?.. I QUICKLY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, FROM MY EXPERIENCE TO SLOW RPMS YOU PRESS GAS PETAL HARD UNTIL THE RPMS SLOW, I DO NOT HAVE FLOOR MAPS, NEVER HAD THEM...
Feb 25, 2019
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
MY CAR WENT INTO A DEEP DITCH AND THE DRIVER OF MY CAR INCURRED A TERRIBLE CONCUSSION WHILE BANGING HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL UPON IMPACT. HER SEAT BELT WAS ON. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
Jul 30, 2018
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ON DECEMBER 7,2017, I WAS IN A PARKING LOT IN FLORIDA. AS I STARTED GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE CAR BEGAN TO SURGE. I HAD A LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING.I ALMOST HIT THE CAR NEXT TO ME. LUCKILY THAT DID NOT HAPPEN. I KEPT PRESSING DOWN ON THE BRAKE, BUT IT TOOK TIME FOR THE STEEERING WHEEL TO RESPOND TO ME. I SHUT OFF THE CAR BECAUSE IT SEEMED LIKE THE CAR HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. I HAD 2 WITNESSES IN THE CAR.WHO SAW THAT MY CAR WAS IN DRIVE, AND THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE PASSENGER CHECKED THE FLOOR MAT, AND IT WAS LYING COMPLETELY FLAT. I DO NOT KNOW WHY I HAD THIS LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME IN 2010, WHEN I HAD UNINTENDED ACCELERATION,AND MY CAR HIT A TREE. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR, AND WILLL NOT DO SO BECAUSE I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE.
Dec 11, 2017
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TAKATA INFLATORS: EVERY TIME I FIX MY VEHICLE INDIVIDUALS CAUSE HATE CRIMES DAMAGING MY VEHICLE AS I GO TO SLEEP OR WHEN I AM NOT VIEWING MY VEHICLE THEY MUST KNOW EXACTLY WHEN I GO TO SLEEP BECAUSE I CANT CATCH THEM EVEN THOUGH I THINK I KNOW WHO IT IS I CAN NOT PROVE IT SO THIS IS WHY I AM COMPLAINING I REMEMBER CHECKING MY TIRES IN THE NIGHT NOTICING NOTHING WRONG WITH THEM THEN CHECKED IN THE MOURNING AND NOTICED NAILS NAILED IN THE TIRES THEN I NOTICED DRIED TURTLE WAX ALL OVER THE BODY OF THE CAR MESSING UP THE PAINT WHEEL ALIGNMENT OUT OF LINE RIGHT DOOR POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTION TRUNK OPEN POWER SWITCH BROKEN POWER SUN ROOF SLIDING WINDOW BROKEN VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY THIS HAPPENED ON DIFFERENT DATE IN COMBINATION TO THE DAMAGE BETWEEN 06/16/06 TO 04/21/17.
Apr 21, 2017
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
CAN'T TAKE MY KIDS ANYWHERE BECAUSE IT NOT SAFE CAN'T GAVE FRIEND RIDE .CAUSE IT UN SAFE THIS CAR IS UN SAFE PLEASE CAN FIT MY CAR WHEN I GOT CAR DID NO IT HAD PROBLEMS WITH BAGS..MY RIGHT SIDE DASH HAS LINE ACROSS IT BUST OPEN. C
Mar 11, 2017
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN ACESSERY POSITION FOR 45 MIN.THE CAR RAN GOOD UP TILL THIS TIME.ONLY HAD TROUBLE TURNING KEY OVER, SO THAT'S WHY IT WAS IN ASS.POSITION. WHEN I GOT READY TO GO ,I TURNED KEY AND IT WOULD NOT START UP, JUST TURNED OVER BUT NO START.I HAVE DONE EVERY THING TO IT .BUTT RESET THE COMP.
Nov 01, 2016
STEERING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE STEERING ON MY 2003 CAMRY SHAKES DURING HIGH SPEED. AT TIMES, THERE IS A WHISTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVER FRONT SIDE. I THOUGHT IT WAS RELATED TO LOW AIR PRESSURE OR UNBALANCED TIRES, BUT THAT'S NOT THE ISSUES. SECONDLY, THE PAINT ON MY CAR IS PEELING OFF, MOSTLY THE CLEAR COATING LAYER. I CAN NOT VERIFY IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE OR NOT. SOMEONE HAD INFORMED ME THERE WAS A RECALL. I AM UNABLE TO LOCATE ANY DOCUMENTED INFORMATION.
Feb 17, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TODAY I PULLED OVER TO DROP OFF CHILD AT SCHOOL, WAS ALREADY TO PARK AND CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY FOOT WAS CLEARLY ON BRAKE AS I WAS ALREADY GOING NO MORE THAN 5 MILES AN HOUR TO PARK. IT WAS NOT DRIVER ERROR. THAT FEELING OF THE CAR THRUSTING FORWARD WHEN MY FOOT WAS ON BRAKE WAS SOMETHING I NEVER FELT BEFORE. I CALLED TOYOTA AND CHECKED THE RECALL LIST THE CAR IS NOT LISTED. I AM SENDING IT TOMORROW TO TOYOTA FOR SERVICE. THE IMPACT WAS SO HARD, MY BODY IS COMPLETELY TENSE EVEN 5 HOURS LATER. THE THRUST WAS NOT DRIVER ERROR, THANK GOD FOR THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THAT I HIT OR ELSE WOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. ALL I COULD DO OUT OF PANIC WAS PUT THE CAR IN PARK BUT I THINK IT STOPPED BECAUSE I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.
Sep 25, 2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
OPENED THE SUN ROOF WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY, A LOUD HORRIFIC NOISE OCCURRED ABOVE MY HEAD UNEXPECTANTLY, IT CAUSE ME TO SWERVE. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AS I INITIALLY THOUGHT SOMETHING HAD HIT MY CAR, AND NO THAT THE SUN ROOF HAD DECIDED TO FAIL. THE SUN ROOF BROKE OFF IN PART, LEAVING THE RIGHT SIDE DIPPED INTO THE FRAME RAIL. WHEN I TRIED TO JUST CLOSE IT TO GET BACK ON TRACK, THEN YOU COULD HEAR THE MOTOR OR MECHANICS OF THE SUNROOF CHURNING. THE SUNROOF WAS ABLE TO BE CLOSED COMPLETE ENOUGH NOT TO GET RAINED ON BUT THAT IS ALL. HAVING SPOKE TO A FEW DEALERSHIPS/SHOPS OVER THE PHONE. I AM BEING QUOTED ANYWHERE FROM 2000.00 TO 4000.00 TO FIX --- THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM AND THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE MECHANICS OF THE SUN ROOF. I SELDOM OPEN MY ROOF HERE IN RAINY SEATTLE. NOW, IT'S GUARANTEED NOT TO OPEN EVER AGAIN, AS I WILL OPT TO HAVE THE SUN ROOF SEALED AND DISCONNECT THE MECHANICS TO OPEN IT. ALL THIS ON TOP OF AIR BAG ISSUE. THE AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER FRONT RIGHT SIDE IS SEPARATING FROM THE DASHBOARD CONSOLE, I CALLED BURIEN TOYOTA IN THE SEATTLE AREA, THE RECEPTIONIST FOR SERVICE LOOKED UP MY VIN AND TOLD ME MY VIN IS NOT ON THE LIST OF AFFECTED AIRBAGS. I ASSURED HER WHETHER OR NOT MY VIN IS ON THE LIST --- THERE IS AN AIRBAG ISSUE WITH THE UNIT. MY GOODNESS MUST ANOTHER PERSON DIE BEHIND THESE FAULTY AIRBAGS.
Jun 11, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I TOO HAVE BEEN NOTICING A SURGE WHEN I BACK UP AND TURN THE VEHICLE AND STEP ON THE GAS TO DRIVE OUT. I HAVE AVOIDED CRASHES WITH CARS NEAR BY, I HAVE FOUND THAT I HAVE TO KEEP THE SPEED ON LOW AND OUT OF DRIVE TO AVOID HITTING A CAR NEAR MY PARKED CAR. I AM NOT SURE OF THE MILEAGE ABOVE AS I AM JUST BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND TURNING MY CAR TO DRIVE, I MAKE SURE IT IS ON LOW.
Jun 03, 2015
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PARKING THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES THERE WAS NO EFFECT. IN ORDER TO AVOID TRAFFIC I HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE INTO A STONE WALL. *TR
May 07, 2015
STEERING,ENGINE
1 complaint
DRIVING ON RURAL HIGHWAY THE CAR HEATS UP THE COOLANT FROM THE RESERVOIR OVERFLOWS. IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFFECTING STEERING AND YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE VAPOR FRON THE BURNING COOLANT. REPAIR MAN SAYS HEAD GASKET IS GONE....THIS IS THE THIRD TIME NOW TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET .BECAUSE THE HEAD BOLTS AND THREADS ALL STRIPPED DUE TO BAD ENGINEERING OR IMPROPER TORQUE BY TOYOTAS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ....I BEEN RWADING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBKEM WITH THESE CARS FROM 2003-2006 ... I FEEL THAT IF IT WAS SOMETHING SIMPLE TO FIX THEN TOYOTA WOULD ADDRESS THE PROBLEM BUT SINCE ITS SEENS LIKE A NEW ENGINE IS THE ONLY FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM SO THEY ARE HUSH HUSH ...BECAUSE IT WOULD BE A COSTLY RECALL FOR TOYOTA . *TR
May 05, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN TO GET GAS 1/2 MILE DOWN ROAD. WHEN RETURNED FROM GAS STATION WE PULLED ONTO PROPERTY , TURNED OFF CAR AND THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE HOOD. FIRE DEPT ARRIVED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. TOTAL LOSS FOR CAR. *TR
Mar 01, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE FIRST FEW TIMES THIS HAPPENED, I WAS ABLE TO SIMPLY RE-START THE CAR WITH EVERYTHING WORKING AGAIN. I THEN BROUGHT THE CAR TO 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS WHO COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY OR ALTERNATOR (OR ANYTHING ELSE). THE PROBLEM WAS ERRATIC SO IT NEVER OCCURRED WITH THE MECHANICS. NOW THE PROBLEM OCCURS OCCASIONALLY WHEN I TURN THE HEADLIGHTS OR BRIGHTS OF THE CAR ON. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED (10/11/14) WAS WHILE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH. THE ENGINE SHUT OUT, THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OFF (AS WELL AS ALL THE OTHER ELECTRICAL THINGS: GPS, AC, RADIO, ETC). EVEN THE FLASHERS WOULD NOT TURN ON. THEN, IN A MATTER OF MOMENTS, EVERYTHING TURNED ON AGAIN. THE CAR'S ENGINE DID NOT EVEN NEED TO BE RESTARTED. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP DRIVING WITHOUT INCIDENT FOR 20+ MILES. THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF ABOUT 3-4 TIMES IN THE PAST, HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT TRIGGERED IN THE PAST BY TURNING THE LIGHTS ON. THERE WAS NO APPARENT TRIGGER AT ALL. THE PROBLEM IS ERRATIC AND DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. *TR
Oct 21, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK AS THEY SHOULD. HAVE ADJUSTED THEM, INSTALLED NEW BULBS AS WELL AS INSTALLED THE BRIGHTEST BULBS AVAILABLE WITH NO SUCCESS AT GETTING THEM TO ILLUMINATE THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT AS THEY SHOULD. I HAVE ALSO POLISHED THE LENSES TO VERIFY IF THAT WAS THE ISSUE AS WELL, BUT WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. THEY ARE VERY LOW INTENSITY AND NOT SAFE AT ALL THE TOYOTA DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND THE REPAIR MANAGER SAID HIS VENZA HAS THE SAME ISSUE. I MUST USE THE BRIGHT BEAMS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. ON ANOTHER NOTE, I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS WEBSITE UNTIL RECENTLY, OR I WOULD HAVE REPORTED THIS A LOT SOONER. *TR
Sep 30, 2014
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2014, AT ABOUT 1:00 PM, I WAS LEAVING THE CHURCH PARKING LOT AFTER THE SERVICE AT SAN MARTIN DE PORRES CATHOLIC CHURCH. I WAS IN MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH MY FRIEND (NAME PROVIDED ON REQUEST). I DROVE FROM THE LOWER LEVEL PARKING TO THE UPPER LEVEL PARKING LOT WHERE THE EXIT IS LOCATED. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MILES PER HOUR. WE WERE COASTING TOWARD THE EXIT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR REVVED UP REALLY LOUD AND ACCELERATED/SPED THROUGH A SHORT STREET THAT FEEDS THE PARKING LOT. A WITNESS TOLD ME HE THOUGHT THE CAR WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR CONTINUED ON AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE DIRT PARKING LOT ON THE SOUTHWEST SIDE OF THE CHURCH. IT WAS BURROWING THROUGH THE DIRT AND SPEWING OUT DIRT LIKE WE WERE IN A TORNADO. I STEERED THE CAR ALONG THE CHURCH FENCE TO PREVENT IT FROM GOING INTO THE STREET. AFTER A WHILE IT CRASHED INTO THE CHURCH'S FENCE AND SLOWED FOR A FEW SECONDS. (A WITNESS REPORTED HE RAN AFTER THE CAR TO GET THE LICENSE PLATE.) THEN THE CAR REVVED UP AGAIN AND SPUN TO THE LEFT AND PROCEEDED FORWARD A SHORT DISTANCE AND THEN PLOWED INTO THE BLOCK WALL GOING DOWN TO THE LOWER PARKING LOT. AT THIS POINT, THE CAR GOT STUCK ON THE BLOCK WALL AND DIED OUT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE CRASH. SOMEONE HAD CALLED 911 AND THE AMBULANCE, PARAMEDICS, AND POLICE ARRIVED. THEY ADVISED US TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR CARE. WE DID GO TO THE ER AND WERE EVALUATED. MY FRIEND HAD MUSCLE SORENESS FOR SEVERAL DAYS. I CONTINUE TO HAVE MUSCLE SORENESS, AND MY WRIST AND RIGHT ELBOW WERE BRUISED AND HURT. I WAS VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN STRUCK AND KILLED IN THE PARKING LOT IF I HAD LEFT RIGHT AFTER THE SERVICE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS CONSIDERED MY CAR A COMPLETE LOSS. *TR
Sep 10, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, STOPPED, AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING UP THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR BOLTED GOING OVER THE PARKING CURB AND CONTINUING ON INTO A BUILDING, ALL WITH NO MOMENTUM AS THE CAR WAS STOPPED. ONE WITNESS SAID IT WAS A VERY LOUD REVVING SOUND. TWO OTHERS SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A TRUCK. THE PERSON WHO WAS BEHIND ME SAID MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON. *TR
May 09, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAVE BEEN HARASSED ON THE ROADS OF LAS VEGAS BY SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO ARE HIRED BY 2 PEOPLE WHO HAVE HIRED PERSONAL AGENCIES TO FOLLOW ME AROUND THE CITY THIS HAS BEEN CONSTANT EVERY WHERE I GO THE TIME I LEAVE HOME TO WHEN I RETURN. I BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE HIRED THE NSA & THEIR ARE AGENTS WHO RECEIVE MONEY BY THEM TO HARASS ME.THESE VEHICLES PORTRAY PLATE NUMBERS RELATED TO PEOPLE I HAVE ON MY FACEBOOK N TWITTER ACCOUNTS-THEY WILL USE BIRTHDATE,AGE NUMBERS O CELEBRITIES I HAVE ON MY ACCOUNT,EVEN THE PRESIDENT AND 1ST LADY, ME, MY DAUGHTER, HER DADDY. SOMETIMES I AM CUT OFF AND FOLLOWED CLOSELY-I WAS TRAVELING AND WAS TAILGATED I ENTERED A PUBLIC AREA,WHEN I GOT TO THE 2ND FLOOR O THE GARAGE PARKING,THE MAN GOT OUT O HIS VEHICLE AND STARTED TOWARDS ME HIS VEHICLE RED 4 DOOR TOYOTA CAMRY WITH #'S O THE PRESIDENTS YEAR O BIRTH ON THE PLATE. ITS RED CARS ALL THE TIME REPRESENTING THE DEVIL,THIS IS THE 3RD TIME I HAVE HAD TO CALL POLICE. I KNOW MY STALKERS NAMES WHO MAY HIRE THESE PEOPLE.THEY CALLED THE CITY ON ME, TOOK THE TAG OFF MY LICENSE PLATE,THE NEXT DAY I GOT A TICKET. MY LAST DRIVING JOB THEY MAY HAVE MADE THREATS TO HURT PASSENGERS,TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES N TRIED TO GET ME FIRED-ONE LIVES IN LAS VEGAS,THE OTHER IN LOS ANGELES AND IS A THREAT TO THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY.I HAVE FILED POLICE REPORTS-THEY ALSO POST COMMENTS ON THEIR TWITTER ACCOUNTS O VEHICLES-PLANES,AND USE THEINTERNET TO COMMUNICATE MAKES AND MODELS TO FOLLOW AND HARASS US AND OUR CHILDREN. THEY ALSO HIRED VEHICLES WITH PLATE NUMBERS POSSIBLY REPRESENTING THE PRESIDENTS MOTORCADE NUMBER ON THE GOVT PLATES. IN JULY IN CALLY MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND I WAS LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE AND THEN HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL DUE TO LOW POTASSIUM LEVELS AND MORE. THEY USE NUMBERS IN MY VIN TO COMMUNICATE ON THEIR ACCOUNT. I DIDN'T NOTICE THIS TIL NOW. *TR
Mar 01, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE SEEMED HARD TO START. IT FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS MISFIRING. THE AIR CONDITION STOPPED WORKING, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STARTED SMOKING PROFUSELY. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED HOME, SHE DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO COOLANT IN THE RADIATOR. SHE FILLED THE RADIATOR WITH COOLANT AND MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE TO HER LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC FOUND A BAD AIR CONDITION FAN, NO FREON IN THE SYSTEM, AND THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. THE CONSUMER PAID $1200.00 TO FIX THE ISSUES. HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING 10 MILES, THE AC STOPPED WORKING, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE, AGAIN. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED TWO YEARS PRIOR, BUT DESPITE HAVING 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS INSPECT THE VEHICLE, THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, INDICATED NO PROBLEM. IT WAS RE-SET 3 TIMES, BUT EVENTUALLY CAME BACK ON EVERY TIME. *JB
Jan 27, 2014
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
DRIVER AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN FRONTAL PASSENGER SIDE CRASH. THIS CRASH WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO DESTROY FRONT BUMPER, HEADLIGHTS, HOOD, PASSENGER SIDE FENDER, WHEEL/ TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTAL LOSS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO FACE & EYES WITH SEVERAL FACIAL FRACTURES, BROKEN NOSE WHEN FACE IMPACTED THE STEERING WHEEL. UPDATED 12-13-13 *BF UPDATED 12/18/13
Dec 06, 2013
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
I WAS IN THE DRIVER SEAT WAITING TO TURN LEFT, WHEN SUDDENLY I GOT HIT FROM THE REAR RIGHT PART OF MY CAR. FROM THAT MOMENT THE CAR COULD NOT DRIVE.. THE REAR LEFT PART OF THE CAR BODY AND THE TIRE WAS TOTALLY DAMAGED. THE REPAIR SHOP DECLARED THAT THE CAR COULD NOT BE REPAIRED ANY MORE. ONLY LATER OF THE INCIDENT DID I REMEMBER THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK AT ALL. *TR
Aug 11, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN, AS LOCK REFUSES TO MOVE. INITIALLY IT REFUSED TO LISTEN TO POWER OR REMOTE LOCKING, BUT NOW IT REFUSES TO MOVE FROM MANUAL LOCKING. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD LEAD TO AN INVESTIGATION AND RECALL. EVERYTHING ONLINE POINTS TO FAULTY DOOR ACTUATORS. HUNDREDS (IF NOT THOUSANDS) OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM ONLINE. THE YEAR RANGE IS GUESSED TO BE 2002 TO 2005 OR 2007. 14 OTHER COMPLAINTS EXIST FOR THIS YEAR RANGE WITH THE DOOR ACTUATORS NOT WORKING: 10489801, 10483194, 10479564, 10461669, 10384238, 10369665, 10361184, 10342871, 10308523, 10308206, 10297834, 10284015, 10265333, AND 10253429. PLEASE, INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
May 11, 2013
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A SIGNALED LEFT TURN INTO A PAKING SPACE AT CVS PHARMACY. AS I BRAKED AND TURNED, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD HITTING A STACKED STONE PILLAR AND CAME TO A CRASHED STOP. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HAD A SCRAPE ON MY SCALP FROM THE SUN VISOR. *TR
Mar 25, 2013
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ON OCTOBER 24, 2012, I PARALLEL PARKED MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY ON THE STREET. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS LEAVING, SO HE ASKED ME TO MOVE BACK A FEW INCHES SO HE COULD GET OUT. MY CAR WAS STILL RUNNING SO I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO REVERSE, AND AS I BEGAN TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, MY CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AT A VERY FAST SPEED INTO THE CAR BEHIND ME. WANTING TO PULL UP A FEW INCHES TO GET OUT AND ASSESS THE DAMAGE, I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND AS I DID, MY CAR ACCELERATED FORWARDS INTO THE PARKED CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT ACCELERATED AT SUCH A HIGH SPEED THAT IT PUSHED THE THREE CARS IN FRONT OF ME TOGETHER. AT NO POINT DURING THESE TWO RAPID ACCELERATIONS DID I EVER APPLY MY FOOT TO THE GAS PEDAL. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO SEVERAL CARS AND COULD HAVE ENDED UP WITH MUCH MORE SEVERE CONSEQUENCES HAD I NOT BEEN IN THAT LOCATION. *TR
Oct 25, 2012
SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
I HAVE 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE.. I GOT INTO MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. FIRST ONE IS THE SUN ROOF/MOON ROOF GETTING JAMMED AND NOT CLOSING PROPERLY RESULTING IN WATER LEAK AND AS WELL AS HIGH CABIN NOISE. DEALER TOLD IT WILL COST 2000 + TO FIX THE SUNROOM/MOON ROOF AS THIS NEED TO BE REPLACED COMPLETE. ALSO WHILE DOING THE 110000 SERVICE DEALER SAID THE FRONT AND RARE SUSPENSION SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WHICH WILL COST 2000 + USD. I AM REQUESTING TOYOTA TO LOOK INTO THIS AND GET THIS FIXED FOR ME. *TR
Jul 08, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE PARKED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED TWO OXYGEN SENSORS. AFTER THE REPAIR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO AND THE MILEAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO FURTHER REPAIRS PERFORMED TO THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Jun 01, 2012
VISIBILITY,SEATS
1 complaint
THERE'S A DESIGN FLAW IN TOYOTA SOLARA MODELS 1999-2003 (THE MODEL CHANGED IN 2004), AND IT'S THIS: AT THE VERY TOP OF THE BACK OF THE BACK SEAT, WHERE THE SEAT FABRIC IS TUCKED INTO THE PLASTIC BACK, THIS BACKING HAS A 'LIP' THAT STICKS OUT AND CATCHES ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP EACH TIME IT'S LOWERED OR RAISED, USUALLY SNAGGING THE TOP OF THE BACK WINDOW. THIS CONSTANT SNAGGING OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP ON THIS HARD PLASTIC LIP CAUSES TWO ISSUES: 1) THE PLASTIC 'LIP' ITSELF IS WEAKENED, LOSES INTEGRITY, SUFFERS A FATIGUE CRACK, AND BREAKS. 2) THE STITCHING OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP AT THE TOP OF THE BACK WINDOW LOSES ITS INTEGRITY, AND THE BACK WINDOW BECOMES SEPARATED FROM THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. THIS RESULTS IN A GAP BETWEEN THE CONVERTIBLE TOP AND THE TOP OF THE BACK WINDOW, WHICH CAN (AND DID, IN MY CASE) RESULT IN THE WINDOW CATCHING ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT AND COMPLETELY SHATTERING. WHEN MY WINDOW SHATTERED, I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE PERSON THERE TOLD ME HE HAS FREQUENTLY SEEN THIS ISSUE WITH MY MODEL OF SOLARA (UP TO YEAR 2003) SOLELY DUE TO THE LIP AT THE TOP OF THE SEAT BACK ITS ALWAYS SNAGGING THE CONVERTIBLE ROOF WITH EACH OPENING OR CLOSING. HE TOLD ME THAT THIS DESIGN FLAW WAS CORRECTED IN THE REDESIGNED TOYOTA SOLARA THAT WAS RELEASED IN 2004, AND ALL SUBSEQUENT MODEL YEARS. FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE COVERAGE, THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. FOR THOSE, LIKE ME, WHO HAVE COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE COVERAGE, THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO PAY FOR. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AS A CONSUMER, AND FEEL TOYOTA SHOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM -- AT NO CHARGE -- OF ALL EFFECTED MODELS. THE REPAIR IS SIMPLE: THEY NEED ONLY CUT AWAY THE LIP FROM THE SEAT BACK, AS IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE INTEGRITY OF THE BACK SEAT, ITSELF, AS SHOWN BY ITS DISAPPEARANCE IN THE LATER MODELS. *TR
Feb 26, 2012
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ON JUNE 20 SHORTLY BEFORE 6:00 PM I BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE OF OUR CONDO BUILDING, AND I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH ABOUT 10 MLS/HOUR TOWARD A STREET CCA 50 YARDS AWAY. BEFORE ENTERING THE STREET THE CAR HAS TO BE STOPPED, HOWEVER, WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR ON ITS OWN ACCELERATED. IMMEDIATELY I APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND. THE CAR SPEEDED INTO A GRASSY AREA, AND FROM THERE TO OUR OVERFLOW PARKING LOT, AND FROM THERE TO A SECOND PARKING LOT. THE TIRES BURNED THE GRASS DUE TO THE APPLIED BRAKES. PICTURE OF THE BURNED GRASS CAN BE SUPPLIED IF REQUESTED. THE UNSTOPPABLE CAR TRAVELED ABOUT 170 YARDS. DUE TO THE FORCE BY WHICH THE CAR HIT FOUR CURVES, THE FRONT TIRES WERE FLATTENED AND THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE FRONT END COLLAPSED TO THE GROUND AND THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. MY WIFE AND MYSELF WERE WEARING THE SAFETY BELTS, WHICH PREVENTED TO BE THROWN INTO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD..MY WIFE WAS SITTING NEXT TO ME, THERE WERE NO OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. IN ADDITION THE FORCE CAUSED BOTH OF THE FRONT AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. MINIMIZING THE HUMAN DAMAGE. THE AIRBAGS CAUSED A SECOND DEGREE BURN ON MY LEFT ARM AS DETERMINED IN THE ER. THE AIRBAG ALSO HIT THE FRONT OF MY FACE. AND SLIGHTLY BURNED THE FINGER ON HER LEFT HAND. NEEDLESS TO STAY THAT WE WERE EXTREMELY SHAKEN AND FRIGHTENED. UPON EXITING THE CAR I CALLED 911 AND REPORTED WHAT HAPPENED. AN UNKNOWN NEIGHBOR CALLED AN AMBULANCE, WHICH CAME VERY SOON WITH A LARGE FIRE TRUCK. WE WERE TAKEN TO THE ER OF A LOCAL HOSPITAL. WE SPENT AT 4-5 HOURS IN THE ER OF THE HOSPITAL WHERE WE WERE X-RAYED. EVEN AS OF THE DATE OF THIS REPORT, SOME 2 MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT BOTH MY WIFE AND I REMAIN EXTREMELY SHAKEN BY THIS TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE. MY WIFE'S SPINAL PROBLEMS WERE ENHANCED BY THE CRASH, AND HER CONDITION IS BEING MONITORED BY SPECIALISTS. THE CAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST.. I SUSPECT THE ORIGINAL MICRO CHIP TO CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION OF THE GAS FLOW. *TR
Aug 10, 2010
PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
OUR 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY/ SOLARA ACCELERATED WHILE IN NEUTRAL AND WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON. THE REGULAR BRAKES ALSO FAILED AS WELL AS THE AIRBAGS. *TR
Apr 20, 2010
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW IT HAS HAD STRANGE SOUNDS IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER DISMISSED IT AS NORMAL SOUNDS RELATED TO THE WEATHER [IT IS COLD OUT OR IT IS HOT OUTSIDE]. THE SOUND PROGRESSIVELY BECAME WORSE. I HAD THE POWER STEERING FLUID CHANGED AND WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT IT HAD THE WRONG FLUID. THE FLUID WAS THE PRODUCT THE CAR WAS DELIVERED WITH. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER CHANGING THE FLUID AND HAVING A WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE- THE SOUNDS (LOUD SQUEAKING) PERSISTED. I TOOK THE CAR RECENTLY TO A DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY "GREASED" THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH ELIMINATED THE SQUEAKING, BUT NOW CLUNKING CAN BE HEARD FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE MECHANIC AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP CAUTIONED ME TO "KEEP MY EYE ON THIS" BECAUSE IT SOUNDS LIKE THE STEERING COLUMN IS BAD. THIS TOYOTA ONLY HAS 28,000 MILES ON IT, HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, AND HAS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED. I FIND IT SUSPICIOUS THAT NO MENTION OF A BAD STEERING COLUMN WAS MADE WHILE THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. I DRIVE THE CAR AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE I AM FRIGHTENED TO USE IT. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES ON THIS CAR. THE BRAKE PROBLEMS DATE BACK TO THE DAY I DROVE THE CAR HOME (NEW) FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE STEERING PROBLEMS STARTED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. THIS CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED AT THE MANUFACTURERS EXPENSE FOR THE STEERING PROBLEMS. *TR
Apr 13, 2010
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
CONSUMERS 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY HAS BRAKE PROBLEMS, WATER LEAKS IN THE TRUNK AND GAS RESERVOIR, DOORS DO NOT CLOSE PROPERLY RELEASING AIR INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. *TS SMOKE WOULD EMIT FROM THE EXHAUST ON COLD STARTS. THE ENGINE VALVE STEM SEALS WERE REPLACED DUE TO LOSS OF TENSION AND OIL WAS LEAKING INTO THE CYLINDERS. THE STRUT SUPPORTS WERE REPLACED DUE THEM BEING WORN. THE POWER STEERING RACK WAS LEAKING, THE ENGINE MOUNT WAS CRACKED AND THE BATTERY WAS LEAKING.*JB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE BRAKES WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE DASHBOARD. UPDATED 04/223/10.*JB
Apr 12, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY ON HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON INTERSTATE I-40. I WAS DRIVING 55 MPH ALONG A CONSTRUCTION ZONE WHEN IT SUDDENLY SPEED UP, BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND CRASH INTO THE WALL. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY PUMPING ON THE BRAKE AND IT WAS FINALLY STOPPED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DEEP IN THE SAND ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO ITS SEVERE DAMAGES.
Mar 23, 2010
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT IS NOT FIXED TO THE UNDERLYING FLOOR. IT SLIDES AROUND. THIS CONDITION WAS APPARENT FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. BEFORE I RECENTLY HEARD THIS COULD BE AN ACTUAL DANGER BY INTERFERING WITH THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDALS, I JUST STRAIGHTENED IT OUT WHEN I SAW IT HAS MOVED OUT OF PLACE. NOW I REMOVED THE MAT BUT THIS MEANS THE FLOOR BELOW IS NOT PROTECTED FROM DIRT, ETC. IT BOTHERS ME THAT TOYOTA NEVER THOUGHT THIS WAS AN ISSUE. NOW I FIND OUT THAT LATER MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY STILL WILL NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE IT'S A 2003 AND NOT UNDER A RECALL ORDER. I WANTED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT SO IT KNOWN THAT THE 2003 CAMRY (XLE) HAS THIS PROBLEM TOO. *TR
Feb 10, 2010
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
MY TOYOTA SOLARA LSE, 2003, WITH 125,000 MILES HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND BROKEN MOUNT AND STRUTS PROBLEMS. 1. MY REAR MOUNT AND STRUTS BROKE AND I WAS TOLD BY AN AUTO MECHANIC IT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUSE ACCIDENT IF NOT REPAIRED. AS SOON AS I REPAIRED THE PROBLEM IN THE REAR, IMMEDIATLY THE FOLLOWING DAY FRONT MOUNT AND STRUTS BROKE. IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. 2. MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT MONTHLY AND I CANNOT TELL MY LIGHTS ARE NOT ON BECAUSE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ARE OUT AND SOME WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON AND AUTOMECHANICS CAN'T GET THEM OFF (ALTHOUGH THE WARNING LIGHTS ARE NOT LINKED TO ANY ACTUAL PROBLEMS); 3. MY DEFROSTER IS NOT WORKING DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION AS WELL. I LIVE IN CHICAGO AND CANNOT SEE OUT OF THE REAR WINDOWN IN THE WINTER MONTHS. *CN
Feb 06, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
CAR ACCELERATED, COULD NOT STOP IN 5 DIFFERENT INCIDENTS. THE LATEST ONE WAS ON BACKING OUT OF GARAGE. PRESSED HARD ON BRAKE AND CAR STOPPED JUST SHORT OF HITTING ANOTHER CAR. *CN
Feb 06, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO OUR DAUGHTERS DAYCARE TO DROP HER OFF AS SHE DOES EVERY MORNING AND WHILE PULLING INTO THE PARKING SPOT AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AT A HIGH THROTTLE SPEED JUMPED THE CURB AND WENT CRASHING INTO THE BUILDING. EVEN PUMPING THE BRAKES DIDN'T STOP THE CAR. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP GOING FORWARD WAS TO JAM THE GEAR SELECTOR INTO REVERSE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WENT BACKWARDS AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED (BRAKES STILL DIDN'T WORK) AND THEN HAD TO JAM THE GEAR SELECTOR TO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE. UPDATE AS OF TODAY. OUR VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE CENTER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES, AND WE ARE SCARED OF THE THROUGH OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AGAIN. IT SEEMS TO BE A ELECTRONIC ISSUE AND CONNECTED TO THE SPEED CONTROL. I HAVE FOUND A MESSAGE BOARD ON THE INTERNET WHERE 97 OTHER SIMILAR INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED. AND TOYOTA DOES A RECALL ON THE FLOOR MATS? HMM I SMELL A COVER-UP AND A POSSIBLE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. *TR
Aug 20, 2008
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY PASSENGER AIR BAG COVER COMING APART. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS GAP IN BETWEEN THE DASHBOARD AND THE AIR BAG COVER AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AIR BAG IF IT IS NEEDED. *KB THE DEALER STATED THE SEPARATION APPEARED TO BE CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE HEAT.*JB
Oct 11, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I PURCHASED THE 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY IN SEPTEMBER 2005. WHILE I LOVE MY CAR I DO HAVE SOME CONCERNS AFTER HEARING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS. I HEAR SLOSHING SOUND UNDER THE DASH. IT IS REALLY LOUD WHEN BRAKING, ACCELERATING, OR PARKING. I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT IT SEVERAL TIMES, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL FOR YOUR CAR. ALSO , HEAR A SQUEAKY, GRINDING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO EITHER SIDE. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I TURN THE WHEEL, NO MATTER HOT OR COLD WEATHER. THE DELAERSHIP COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT THEM. THEY KEPT IT 2 DAYS, AND SAID NOTHIGN WAS WRONG. IT CONTINUED FOR ANTOHER WEEK, AND I RETURNED WITH IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT AND CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY, AND TOLD ME THEY DID NOT HAVE TIME TO LOOK AT IT, BUT THEY WERE SURE NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. THEY WILL NOT RETURN ANY PHONE CALLS OR EVEN TALK TO ME WHEN I GO THERE. THE LAS THING, WAS THE PAINT CONTINUALLY CHIPPING AND PEELING OF IN CHUNKS ON THE HOOD, FRONT BUMPER, AND REAR BUMPER. I HAVE SPOKEN TO TOYOTA ABOUT THIS SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY CONTINUED TO SAY IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT, AND MY CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. SO THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. THIS ALL STARTED ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR AND CONTINUED TODAY. PLEASE ADVIS ME IF THEREWAS ANYTHING I COULD DO TO FIX ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS. THANKS. AK
Apr 10, 2007
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR ON MY VEHICLE DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. THE LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE "DOOR OPEN" LIGHT GOES ON. *JB
Mar 12, 2007
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THIS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE FIRST 3 TIMES THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WITH EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE LAST TIME THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR BODY REPAIRS CAUSED BY THE CRASH. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED THE FIRST THREE TIMES DIAGNOSTIC TESTING DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY CODES. ALSO, WHILE CARRYING 125 POUNDS OF BIRD SEED IN THE TRUNK, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER TO THE LEFT ON A SLUSHY ROAD. WHEN THE BIRD SEED WAS MOVED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 7/11/2006 - THE CONSUMER REPORTED THESE INCIDENTS TO THE DEALER BUT THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. *NM
May 05, 2006
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
RUST SPOTS APPEARED ON 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE, ESPECIALLY ON TRUNK LID , THROUGHOUT 2003-2006. TOYOTA DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY, STATING IT WAS ENVIRONMENTAL. MY SON' CAR AXLE OF SAME YEAR HAS SAME PROBLEM . HE LIVES 60 MILES FROM ME. *AK
Jan 25, 2006
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH FRONT DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS, WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR LOCKS. AFTER A WHILE, BOTH REAR DOOR LOCKS FAILED. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE POWER WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 01/11/06. *JB
Dec 12, 2005
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR THIS WOULD OCCUR AS THE CONSUMER WOULD ATTEMPT TO PASS OTHER VEHICLES. THERE WAS A BREAK AND OR CHATTER IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. THE HESITATION WOULD OCCUR AT ALL SPEEDS AND THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *SC *JB
Jun 10, 2005
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE WAS HIT BY A SEMI TRUCK AND TOTALED. NONE OF THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *NM THE HEADREST WAS SHAPED INCORRECTLY FOR A SHORT PERSON AND THE WINDSHIELDS REFLECTIVE PROPERTIES WERE DISTRACTING WHEN DRIVING ON BRIGHTLY SUNLIT DAYS. *SC
Nov 05, 2004
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK SUDDENLY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. CONSUMER WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, BUT, VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB, STRUCK A BENCH, AND SEVERAL OTHER ITEMS. CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED IN THE INCIDENT. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND CLAIMED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MALFUNCTION MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSE BECAUSE OF THE A/C CYCLED THROUGH ON/OFF. RPM INCREASED. A WITNESS STATED THAT HE HEARD THE ENGINE RACING. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE A/C WAS ON. THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE BUILDING SECURITY. *TC
Sep 13, 2004
SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY PROBLEMS WITH LEFT PULL.*MR THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING. THE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND INDICATED IT WAS EITHER AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM OR TIRES. THE TECHNICIAN THEN REALIGNED THE VEHICLE BUT THE ALIGNMENT WAS OUTSIDE OF THE MANUFACTURES SPECIFICATION. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE PULL IS DIMINISHED, IF NOT GENERALLY GONE, BUT IS CONCERN ABOUT THE PARAMETERS OF THE ALIGNMENT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES IF THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE ALIGNED OUT OF SPECIFICATION THAT THE PROBLEM MAY BE WITH THE TIRES. *NM
Aug 20, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
1 complaint
MY 2003 CAMRY HAD BEEN GREAT SINCE THE DATE OF PURCHASE. ONLY HAD 2 PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR, ONE MINOR THE OTHER WAS MAJOR. I HAVE 25000 MILES ON THE CAR, AND BOTH THE FRONT TIRES WERE BARE. I WAS ABLE TO SEE ALL THE TREADS FROM THE TIRES. THE MAJOR PROBLEM I GOT WAS MY CAMRY CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MELTED THE ENTIRE ENGINE. I'D PULLED UP TO THE PARKING LOT AT WORK, AND 20 MINUTES LATER, I WAS NOTIFIED THAT MY ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. SPOKE WITH FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY SAID IT LOOKS LIKE FAULTY/MALFUNCTION WIRE/CABLES. NOT SURE IF TOYOTA KNOWS OF THIS, BUT NOW I'M LEFT W/O A CAR UNTIL M INSURANCE FIGURES EVERYTHING OUT. TOYOTA SHOULD BE NOTIFY IN CASE THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE 2003 MODELS. *AK
Jul 17, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
WE FILLED UP OUR 2003 CAMRY LE AT COSTCO (ON A MONDAY). WE SHOPPED AT COSTCO AND THEN DROVE ABOUT 17 MILES TO OUR HOME. WE BACKED UP OUR INCLINE DRIVEWAY AND UNLOADED THE TRUNK. WE DROVE TO SAFEWAY (ABOUT 2 MILES AWAY) THAT SAME DAY AND DROPPED A RELATIVE AT THEIR HOUSE ABOUT A MILE AWAY. WE DROVE A TOTAL OF ABOUT 25 MILES AFTER THE FILL UP AT COSTCO. THE CAMRY WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK UNTIL FRIDAY. ON FRIDAY THE CAR WAS DRIVEN NO MORE THAN THREE MILES BEFORE IT STARTED TO HESITATE AND THEN STALLED. IT DID THIS FOUR TIMES BEFORE GETTING BACK TO THE HOUSE. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. WE WERE TOLD THAT WE OVERFLOWED THE FUEL TANK AND THE CARBON CANISTER WAS FILLED WITH GAS. THIS CAUSED THE COMPUTER TO STALL THE CAR OUT BECAUSE IT IS SENSING AN OVER RICH CONDITION. THE PROBLEM IS WE DID NOT OVERFILL THE FUEL TANK AND WE DROVE IT FOR FAR TOO LONG FOR THIS TO BE WHAT CAUSED THE CARBON FILTER TO HAVE GOTTEN GAS IN IT. MAYBE BACKING UP THE DRIVEWAY WITH A FULL TANK CAUSED THE PROBLEM, BUT THAT IS A FLAW IN THE ENGINEERING OF THE CAR, NOT A MISTAKE BY THE CONSUMER. THE REPAIR AND TOWING COST 780 DOLLARS.*AK
Jul 03, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY ON 7/14/03. WHEN MY SON RODE WITH ME ON 3/18/04 AND 3/26/04, HE HEARD A CLICKING NOISE THAT I WAS UNABLE TO HEAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ON 3/26/04. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 4000 MILES. THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED AS A BEARING IN A ROD. THEY RECEIVED PERMISSION FROM TOYOTA TO PULL OUT THE ENGINE AND FOUND ANOTHER ROD TO BE BAD. THEY THEN DETERMINED THE CRANKSHAFT WAS FAULTY. I HAVE ALSO READ THE COMMENTS ON THE BRAKES. ALTHOUGH I HAVE NEVER HAD THE PEDAL GO TO THE FLOOR, THE PEDAL DOES DEPRESS FURTHER THAN WITH OTHER CARS. THESE ARE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. *JB
Apr 02, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES LOCKED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A TOLL BOOTH. THIS CAUSED A REAR END COLLISION UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CONSUMER SUSTAINED A BRUISED CHEST, AND CONSUMER'S WIFE SUSTAINED 2 TWO BROKEN RIBS. CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN HE HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT IT WAS AS IF THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, AND EVEN THOUGH HE HAD FEET ON THE BRAKES, VEHICLE KEPT GOING. HE STATES THAT HE PUSHED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM, IMMEDIATELY CUT THE IGNITION OFF, PUT ON EMERGENCY BRAKES, AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER. HE SAYS THAT THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED HE AND HIS WIFE WAS THE SEAT BELTS. CONSUMER STATED HE SAW ON TV THAT TOYOTA WAS RECALLING 2002-2003 CAMRYS FOR EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION. *AK *SC *JB
Apr 01, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES TOWARDS BOTTOM OF HILL AND FRONT BRAKES BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND CAUSED FRONT END TO SHIMMY.*AK
Mar 13, 2004
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
GAS TANK THUMP WHEN STARTING FROM STOP. SLIGHT THUMP AND HEAVY THUMP ALL DEPENDS HOW MUCH FUEL IN TANK. SUSPENSION BOLTS TIGHTENED TO FACTORY SPECS. PARKING BRAKE OUT OF ADJUSTMENT COMING UP TO HIGH HARD HOLDING ON HILL AND BRAKE PEDAL TO SOFT.
Jan 15, 2004
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE MAKING LEFT TURNS AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP. AS RESULT, CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
Jan 13, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR EMERGENCY STOP IT WENT TO THE FLOOR.T TOOK EXTENDED DISTANCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER CHANGED THE MAIN CYLINDER, BUT AFTER A WEEK THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE. THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT HAVE ANY RESERVE DISTANCE AS IT SPECIFIED IN THE MAINTANANCE AND REPAIR MANUAL, THE PEDAL IS TOO SOFT AND SPONGY. BECAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL SOFTNESS THE BRAKING TIME IS INCREASED BY 3 SECONDS. WHEN I ASKED THE ASSITANT MANGER HAD THEY PERFORMED ACTUAL TESTS ON THE VEHICLE AFTER THE REPAIR HE TOLD ME THAT THEY DID A COMPUTERIZED BRAKE TEST, BUT WHEN I ASKED FOR HTE PRINTOUT HE SAID THAT THE COMPUTER CANNOT PRINT IT. *AK
Aug 21, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I HAD BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE. WHEN I PUT 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY IN DRIVE, IT SURGED FORWARD. I BRAKED BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. I DEPRESSED BRAKE FULLY, NONETHELESS THE CAR ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND VERY QUICKLY. VEHICLE ONLY STOPPED BY VIOLENT COLLISION WITH TWO PARKED VEHICLES AND CEMENT BLOCKS. ONLY GOOD FORTUNE PREVENTED DEATHS OF ANY PASSERS BY. WITNESSES OBSERVED MY FOOT FULLY ON THE DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL AS THE CAR WAS AT REST AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
Jan 27, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 TOYOTA Camry have?
The 2003 TOYOTA Camry currently has 814 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2003 TOYOTA Camry?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 TOYOTA Camry are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2003 TOYOTA Camry problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 TOYOTA Camry comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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