2001 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 330 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 88 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 71 people were injured and 6 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, frame and membersMar 5, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY HAS NOT BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FAILURE OF THE ASSEMBLY FOLLOWING LONG-TERM USAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT SUB FRAME, IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 01V072000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlJan 16, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND V6 ENGINES, AND BUILT AT ONE OF TWO LINES AT THE KENTUCKY PLANT. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HOUSING COULD BE DEFORMED AT THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR-TO-THROTTLE BODY CONNECTION. THE ACCELERATOR INNER-CABLE COULD WEAR AWAY AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.
THIS COULD ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE OR REMAIN IN ITS MOST RECENT POSITION REGARDLESS OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL OPERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 01V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
51 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT PART OF THE ENGINE HAD FALLEN AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE ENTIRE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,500 . UPDATED 03/16/12*LJ UPDATED 06/04/12
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 16, 2011
WE BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY CE IN 2000 AND WERE PRETTY COMFORTABLE WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENED TO US ABOUT 8 WEEKS AGO. ON JAN 22, WE WERE DRIVING ON I 15 FREEWAY SOUTH FROM LA BACK TO LAS VEGAS. ABOUT AFTER 30 MINUTES ON THE ROAD I HEARD SOMETHING SOUNDING LIKE A CRACK UNDER THE VEHICLE (LAST ONLY ABOUT ONE SECOND). I THOUGHT THE VEHICLE MIGHT HIT A ROCK UNDERNEATH AND SLOWED DOWN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED. THEN IN ABOUT 3 MINUTES THE VEHICLE LOST THE POWER. I TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY FLASH LIGHT AND PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE ROADSIDE. I COULD SEE THAT THE ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING OUT BADLY. AFTER LOTS OF HASSLES THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CROWN TOYOTA DEALER SHOP IN ONTARIO. THE NEXT DAY MORNING THEIR SERVICE MANAGER CALLED TO TELL ME THAT NOTHING INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HIT A ROCK SINCE THERE WAS NO DAMAGE OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE. TO THE BEST OF HIS JUDGMENT THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED FROM INSIDE. HE SAID SOMETHING FROM INSIDE OF ENGINE COULD FALL DOWN AND KNOCKED THE ENGINE THAT CAUSED THE LEAKING. SOON AFTER THAT MY INSURANCE COMPANY DENIED MY CLAIM STATING THAT THEY TALKED TO THE CROWN TOYOTA DEALER SHOP AND CONCLUDED THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY THE MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE ENGINE, WHICH IS NOT COVERED BY THE INSURANCE POLICY. LAST MONTH I HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED IN AN AUTO SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING ABOUT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. FROM PICTURES ATTACHED ONE CAN SEE A BIG HOLE KNOCKED OUT ON ENGINE(SEE ATTACHED PICTURE). IT IS A REAL SURPRISE TO ME SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS RUN ONLY 79,500 MILES AND WE GAVE IT MAINTENANCE ON REGULAR BASES AS REQUIRED. BY THIS LETTER WE REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION OF WHAT ENGINE DEFECT CAUSED THE FAILURE AND AN EXPLANATION FROM TOYOTA COMPANY. AT THE SAME TIME WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ASK FOR COMPENSATIONS FOR THE LOSS CAUSED BY THIS MECHANICAL FAILURE. THIS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN SENT TO NATIONAL CUSTOMER RELATION OF TOYOTA MOTO SALES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA V6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED POLLUTION AND AN ENGINE FIRE. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE ENGINE WAS CONTAMINATED WITH OIL AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR $8,000. THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. UPDATED 03/15/11*LJ UPDATED 10/12/11
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BRAKING FROM 3 MPH IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED OFF THE ROADWAY AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE EGR VALVE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE AND IT RECURRED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES FOLLOWING REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 119,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2010
WHEN DRIVING THROUGH HEAVY RAIN WITH WATER STANDING ON ROAD, A/C FAILS. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE SO FAR. DEALER INDICATED THAT SUCH FAILURE WAS NORMAL WHEN WATER GETS ON BELT AND BELT SLIPS. NO REPAIR MADE. APPARENTLY THEY HAVE SEEN THIS FAILURE MANY TIMES BEFORE. FAILURE RESULTS IN RAPID AND UNEXPECTED CONDENSATION ON WINDSHIELD AND OTHER WINDOWS WITH LOSS OF VISIBILITY DURING HEAVY RAIN), CAUSING A HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITION. DEALER STATES THAT THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, May 18, 2010
MY 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY STARTED DEVELOPING A PROBLEM MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO, WHERE IT WOULD START RUNNING ROUGH AND THEN STALL--OR SOMETIMES STALL WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. IF THE CAR STALLS OR COMES CLOSE TO STALLING THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON, AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS ONLY BEEN ABLE TO RESET THE ENGINE LIGHT. RECENTLY THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CHARCOAL CANISTER WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, BUT THAT HAS NOT HELPED THE RUNNING ROUGH/STALLING PROBLEM. THE CAR SEEMS TO RUN ROUGH OR STALL IF IT HAS GONE ABOVE 4000 RPMS ,AND WE CAN MODERATE THE INSTANCES OF A PROBLEM BY AVOIDING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. MY FEAR IS THAT THE CAR WILL STALL IN TRAFFIC AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE SO SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE OIL WAS LOW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE TO ALERT HER TO GET AN OIL CHANGE WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL; THE ENGINE NOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER BOTH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 76,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Vehicle speed control, Mar 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY LE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF 55 MPH AND THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDENLY ACCELERATED . THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES.IN ORDER TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. THE CONTACT HAD CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL# 10V017000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AT 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 101,000. UPDATED 05/06/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR 3 YEARS, DESPITE REPLACING THE GAS CAP.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 25, 2010, crash
2001 TOYOTA CAMRY WENT OUT OF CONTROL WHEN OUR SON WAS DRIVING ON A RAMP AND ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CAR WAS UPSIDE DOWN TRAPPING OUR SON IN THE CAR UPSIDE DOWN. HE HAD TO BREAK THE SIDE WINDOW TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. IT IS COMPLETELY TOTAL DAMAGE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY COMPENSATED FOR THE VALUE OF THE CAR. HE WAS SAVED MIRACULOUSLY WITH MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES. POLICEMAN GAVE HIM TICKET AFTER HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR. IT WAS NIGHT AND COLD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 22, 2010
2001 TOYOTA CAMRY WAS TOWED ON 3/27/06 AS A RESULT OF OIL LEAK FROM ENGINE. ALL DATA WAS SENT TO TOYOTA WHO SENT IT TO AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATOR WHO DENIED CLAIM.. I WOULD LIKE TO RESUBMIT THE CLAIM AND DOCUMENTS TO YOUR OFFICE FOR A REEVALUATION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2009, fire
I WAS TRAVELING IN MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2001 ON I 75 S FROM ROYAL OAK TO DETROIT, MI AROUND 2:30 AM ON SEPTEMBER 6TH 2009 ,WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD SOME CRACKING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND FIRE FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I WAS TRAVELING AT AROUND 70 MILES/HR AND TRIED TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO WARDS THE SHOULDER AND POWER STEERING FAILED AND I SAW ENGINE LIGHT BLINKING, THEN TRIED TO SLOW DOWN AND BRAKES FAILED. I QUICKLY USED HAND BRAKE AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. I QUICKLY TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS LOCKED. I QUICKLY PULLED BOTH THE KNOBS SIMULTANEOUSLY AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED 911. BY THE TIME FIRE ENGINE CAME TO THE SCENE, THE CAR WAS ON HUGE FIRE. MY CAR DIDN'T HAVE ANY MAJOR ISSUES IN THE PAST. I DID CHANGE TIMING BELT AS PER THE COMPANY GUIDELINES AND AT AUTHORIZED DEALER/SERVICE CENTER. I CHANGED THE TIRES 2 MONTHS AGO AND OIL CHANGE 1 AND HALF MONTH AGO. NEITHER COPS NOR ME COULD COME TO A CONCLUSION ON WHAT WENT WRONG. I AM LETTING YOU KNOW AS IT MAY HELP TO INCREASE THE SAFETY OF CARS IF YOU INVESTIGATE MY CAR. I WILL BE WAITING FOR YOUR RESPONSE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2009
MY 2001 CAMRY 4 CYLINDER STARTED HAVING WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE AFTER AROUND 100,000 MILES. IT HAPPENS EVERY MORNING WHEN I START THE ENGINE. I HAD IT CHECKED BY A MECHANIC AND HE SAID TOYOTAS HAVE THAT PROBLEM BECAUSE OF SEATING PROBLEM AND IT WOULD COST ME AROUND $2000.00 TO FIX. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 17, 2009
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN GOODLATTE ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT, RE PROBLEMS SHE EXPERIENCED WITH HER VEHICLE AFTER THE USE OF GASOLINE CONTAINING ETHANOL. *NJ THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 AND 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. ONE OF THE VEHICLES NEEDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE OTHER NEEDED A NEW OXYGEN SENSOR. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY THE USE OF GASOLINE CONTAINING ETHANOL. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATE AGENCY THAT INSPECTED GASOLINE STATIONS INFORMED HER THAT MECHANICS HAD TOLD HIM THAT EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF ETHANOL COULD CAUSED THE OXYGEN SENSOR TO MALFUNCTION. A MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT HER VEHICLES CONTAINED BAD GAS. *JB UPDATED 05/25/10.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 2009
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN WITHOUT WARNING, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. MY ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED OPERATING AND FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. AFTER HAVING MY CAR TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT AN ENGINE ROD WAS THROWN THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK. MY CAR REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $ 3,000.00. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 30, 2009
2001-TOYOTA CAMRY: THERE IS A BURNING ODOR WHEN CAR IS OPERATING. THE IGNITION DOES NOT ALWAYS START THE CAR UPON INSERTING AND TURNING THE KEY. MANY TIMES WHEN TURNING THE KEY, THERE IS A HIGH SCREECHING LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR REMAINS NON-OPERATIONAL FOR A FEW MINUTES WHICH OCCURS EVERYDAY. AFTER THE CAR IS RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY 20-MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD, THERE IS A BURNING SMELL SIMILAR TO BURNING RUBBER. THE INSIDE OF THE CAR NEAR THE FLOOR ON DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WILL BECOME WARM. IT APPEARS HEAT IS GENERATED FROM THE ENGINE INTO THE INSIDE OF THE CAR THUS RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR. UPON ACCELERATION, THE CAR HAS A JERKY, PROPELLING MOTION FORWARD. STEERING COLUMN HAS SOME STIFFNESS AND AT OTHER TIMES IT HAS LOT OF PLAY WITH TURNS. THE POWER/ELECTRIC WINDOWS, CLOCK, AND CD/RADIO PLAYER DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THESE DEFECTS/FAULTS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AFTER USED VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. AS VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS IS, I DID NOT RETURN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. CAR WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DAILY IGNITION/START PROBLEM, OTHER PROBLEMS DESCRIBED ABOVE, HAPPEN APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES A MONTH. REGULAR SCHEDULED SERVICE MAINTENANCE ARE PERFORMED HOWEVER ALL ABOVE PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO CONCERN ME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 20, 2009
I OWN A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA AND HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH OIL TURNING INTO GEL. THE ENGINE QUIT OPERATING COMPLETELY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2009
OIL SLUDGE AND GELLING PROBLEM ON ALL TOYOTA ENGINES IN CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA FROM 1998 TO 2002. I HAVE THIS ISSUE AS WELL AND THE CAR GIVES OUT SMOKE, FAILS INSPECTION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND LEADS TO PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Dec 3, 2008, crash, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER SUFFERED A HEART ATTACK AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. THE POLICE, AMBULANCE, AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND REPORTS WERE FILED. THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED IN THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY REPORT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,000. UPDATED 12/30/08 *CN UPDATED 01/02/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 1, 2008, fire
AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE ON MY HOME DRIVE WAY, SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER HOOD,THEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. AFTER 911 CALL, THE FIRE FIGHTERS CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. ALL OF THE PARTS UNDER THE HOOD WERE ALL MELTED, ESPECIALLY ENGINE SIDE WERE BURNT OUT SIGNIFICANTLY. THE FRONT WINDOW PANEL WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS WHICH CAME ON, NO STRANGE SMELLS, NOTHING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Tires, May 13, 2008
TRIP BACK FROM NEW ORLEANS THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING. REPAIRMAN SAID IT WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE REPAIR SHOP. THE COST IS BETWEEN 2,000 AND 2,500 DOLLARS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Tires, Aug 6, 2007, fire
WE PURCHASED A USED (ABOUT 43,000 MILES) 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY LE ) AT THE END OF JUNE 2006. EVERY THING WORKS FINE SINCE WE PURCHASED IT. THE PREVIOUS OWNER IS A FRIEND OF MINE, WHO ALWAYS DID REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES IN TOYOTA DEALER AND LEFT ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS TO ME. AFTER WE GOT THE CAR, WE HAD CHANGED BRAND NEW TIRES, NEW BRAKES, REPLACED DRIVER SIDE AUTO WINDOW MOTOR, AND ALSO DONE OIL CHANGES REGULARLY. ON JUNE 11, 2007, I TOOK MY CAMRY TO MECHANIC TO DO OIL AND BRAKE CHANGES. NO PROBLEM WAS REPORTED. THE TOTAL MILEAGE ON THAT CAR WAS LESS THAN 49,600 MILES AT THAT TIME. ON FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2007, AT 11:00 AM, MY WIFE DROVE KIDS FROM HOME TO LOCAL LIBRARY FOR ABOUT 7 MINUTES. AFTER PARKING IN THE LIBRARY PARKING LOT, WALKING INTO LIBRARY, A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE LIBRARIAN ANNOUNCED AND ASKED THE OWNER OF CAMRY WITH THE SPECIFIC PLATE NUMBER TO GO TO FRONT LOBBY. HOWEVER, THE LIBRARIAN DID NOT STATE THE REASON. MY WIFE THOUGHT SHE PARKED WELL WITHOUT ANY VIOLATION, SO SHE DID NOT PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO THE FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT. AFTER LIBRARIAN'S SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT, MY WIFE FELT THAT THE PLATE NUMBER SOUNDED FAMILIAR, SO SHE WENT TO FRONT LOBBY TO CHECK OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING. WHEN MY WIFE GOT OUT TO THE PARKING LOT, SHE SAW POLICE CAR AND FIRE TRUCK, AND HER CAR WAS BURNED OUT. ALL OF THE PARTS INSIDE THE ENGINE COVER WERE ALL MELTED. THE FIRE ALSO DAMAGED THE RIGHT FRONT PANEL OF THE CAR PARKED NEXT TO MY CAMRY. I ASKED MY MECHANIC TO TOW MY CAR TO HIS REPAIR SHOP AND CHECKED MY CAR. HE TOLD ME THAT THIS CAR IS NOT REPAIRABLE AND IS TOTALED. I HAD CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATE OFFICE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER REGARDING MY CAMRY ENGINE FIRE SINCE JULY 23, 2007. THE CASE MANAGER - SANDRA TOLD ME THAT SHE WOULD SEND MY CASE TO TOYOTA'S CLAIM DEPARTMENT AND SOMEONE WILL CONTACT ME TO INVESTIGATE MY CAR. HOWEVER, IT HAD BEEN TWO WEEKS SINCE MY FIRST CONTACT WITH TOYOTA, I HAD NOT RECEIVED PHONE CALL FROM TOYOTA CLAIM DEPARTMENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHITE SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE IN 2002. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE DEALER REBUILT THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT RECENTLY STARTED TO EXPERIENCE WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE AGAIN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW ENGINE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR INVOICES. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 9, 2006
THE VACUUM CANISTER WAS INSTALLED IN THIS AUTO AT AN ANGLE AND HAS FAILED NYS INSPECTION THE LAST THREE TIMES. THESE TYPE OF VACUUM PROBLEM HAS COST THE CONSUMERS MILLIONS IN ADDITIONAL INSPECTION COST. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 23, 2006
IN AUGUST, MY WIFE AND I NOTICED OUR 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY LE MADE A NOISE LIKE IT WAS MISSING ON ONE CYLINDER. WE WATCHED TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. WE WERE STILL UNDER OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WE TRUST. HE DISCOVERED THE MIDDLE VALVES WERE STUCK OR STICKING IN THE VALVE SLEEVE, CAUSING THE "MIS-FIRING" SOUND WE HEARD. FURTHER, WE WERE TOLD THE REMEDY WAS TO HAVE THE HEAD MACHINED, REPLACE THE DAMAGED SLEEVES AND THIS WOULD RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. IN ASKING ANOTHER MECHANIC ABOUT THE ISSUE, WE LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON FLAW IN THE 4 CYLINDER CAMRY ENGINE. IN FACT, OUR MECHANIC HAD 3 SEPARATE CARS OF THE SAME AGE IN FOR THE SAME EXACT REPAIR IN A 2 WEEK PERIOD. THIS SEEMS A LITTLE DECEPTIVE, ESPECIALLY AS YOU SEARCH THE INTERNET TO DISCOVER THERE ARE SEVERAL CUSTOMERS WHO FOUND THIS FLAW LONG AFTER THEIR WARRANTY EXPIRED. WE BUY VEHICLES WITH THE INTENT TO KEEP THEM; WE FOCUS ON WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE QUALITY MANUFACTURERS WITH A QUALITY PRODUCT. THIS LACK OF FOLLOW-THROUGH AND CARE FOR THE CUSTOMER IS A BLATANT DISREGARD OF THE TRUST PLACED IN THEIR HANDS. TECHNICALLY, WE ARE ONLY OUT VERY MINOR FEES AND THE TIME IT TOOK TO DEAL WITH THE MATTER. THIS WAS NOT A CONSUMER PRODUCT, WHERE THE RESULT IS ANNOYANCE AND FRUSTRATION, BUT IT WAS A MODE OF TRANSPORT, CARRYING OUR LIVES ON A DAILY BASIS. HOW CAN A COMPANY CARELESSLY DISREGARD THE IMPACT OF ITS' PRODUCTS CONSTRUCTION WITH SO MUCH ON THE LINE EVERYTIME IT IS USED? I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT NEWS ABOUT DROPS IN PRODUCT QUALITY. AS THEY FOCUS ON THE BOTTOM LINE, LITTLE CONCERN IS SHOWN TO THE CONSUMER WHO RISKS A LOT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2006, fire
PETITION I AND MY 5 YEAR OLD SON WERE ON HIGHWAY, WHEN THE ENGINE BURST AND CAUGHT ON FIRE OF MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2001 EXL. WE HAD DONE ALL THE MAINTENANCE WITH TOYOTA AND ALL CHANGES OF THE OIL REQUIREMENTS ON TIME. THE LAST OIL CHANGE WAS ONLY 4 WEEKS PRIOR THE ACCIDENT. WE WENT THROUGH TERRIFYING AND VERY DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE ALSO LOST 27,000 INVESTMENTS IN THE CAR. TOYOTA'S ENGINES HAVE THE SLUDGE PROBLEMS, BUT THEY DECLINE ANY RESPONSIBILITIES. PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SUCH DANGEROUS PROBLEM BEFORE THEY CAN LOSE A LOVED ONE. I PETITION THE AGENCY FOR A RECALL, BECAUSE OF SERIOUSNESS OF FAILURE. *NM