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
330 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 20, 2004, crash
WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD, JUMPED A CURVE, AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS FACING THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. *AK *SC
Suspension, Apr 13, 2004
LTR FM TIMOTHY F. QUINN (NY) RE ALIGNMENT AND FRONT SUSPENSION DEFECTS FOR A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA, INQUIRING WHEN NHTSA WILL INITIATE DEFECT INVESTIGATION, REPLY TO NEW YORK, NY OFC. *PH THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A TENDENCY TO PULL THE LEFT AND INTO THE OPPOSING LANE OF TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NINE OCCASION, HOWEVER THE DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS CAUSED BY THE CROWN IN THE ROAD. *JB *SC
Air bags, Apr 2, 2004, crash
I HAD AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHERE I HIT THE BACK OF A VAN STOPPED TO TURN ON A ROADWAY (LEGALLY) AND I FAILED TO SEE IT UNTIL I WAS RIGHT UPON IT. I HIT THE BACK OF THIS VAN AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR. ALTHOUGH THE VAN WAS HARDLY DAMAGED, MY WHOLE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS DAMAGED, INCLUDING PARTS OF MY RADIATOR, FANS AND BUMPER, LIGHTS, AND GRILL. HOWEVER, MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PLACE THAT FIXED MY CAR, CERTIFIED COLLISION CENTER ASSOCIATED WITHOUT THE DURANT TOYOTA HOUSE HERE IN WEATHERFROD, TEXAS SAID THAT ONLY ONE OF MY SENSORS WAS DAMAGED DURING THE IMPACT. NOW I WANT TO KNOW IS MY AIRBAG GOING TO DEPLOY WHILE I AM DRIVING OR WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE AND WHY DIDN'T IT DEPLOY DURING THIS IMPACT? I SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES FROM THIS IMPACT. I AM HAVING PHYSICAL THERAPY TO HELP MY THORACIC MUSCLE. I ALSO HIT MY KNEES ON THE DASHBOARD DURING THE IMPACT. I ALSO HAD A LARGE BRUISE AND A SMALL CUT ON MY LEFT SIDE OF MY THROAT FROM WHERE THE SEAT BELT CAUGHT ME. TOYOTA NEEDS TO REPLACE MY AIRBAG AND EXPLAIN TO ME WHY IT DID NOT GO OFF. A 40 MILE PER HOUR IMPACT HIT SQUARELY BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE SET OFF MY AIRBAGS, AT LEAST I FEEL IT SHOULD HAVE. I HAVE NO FAITH IN THE AIRBAG THAT IS PRESENTLY INSTALLED IN MY CAR AND I FEEL THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THESE BACK AND NECK INJURIES IF IT HAD GONE OFF AS IT SHOULD HAVE. I WANT MY CURRENT AIRBAG COMPLETELY REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE SENSORS, BY TOYOTA.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 24, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES, INSTEAD OF THE BRAKES ENGAGING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND HIT THE SEMI. DUE TO THE EXTENT OF IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED. *JB *NM
Equipment, Mar 23, 2004
WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING AND I AM STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE BREAK PEDAL WILL DROP APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH IN ABOUT 1 SECOND. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IT IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION AND SOMEWHAT SCARY. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL. I FIND THIS INCREDIBLY HARD TO BELIEVE. I ASKED THEM FOR DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE THAT THIS BEHAVIOR IS NORMAL BUT THEY WOULD NOT PRODUCE ANYTHING. *AK
Suspension, Mar 17, 2004
LTR FM TIMOTHY QUINN (NY) REPORT SAFETY ISSUE WITH VEHICLE A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA PULLS TO THE LEFT AND IN THE OPPOSING LANE OF TRAFFIC ALIGNMENT AND FRONT SUSPENSION DEFECT. *LA THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY CROWNS IN THE ROAD. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 11, 2004, crash
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Mar 10, 2004
I OWN A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA, AND MY VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY SURGES FORWARD WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS CONDITION HAS OCCURRED SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2001. THE CAR FEELS AS IF SOMEONE HAS LIGHTLY "BUMPED" IT FORWARD FROM BEHIND. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ACCELERATED. DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *AK
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2004, crash
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND MY CAR SURGED FOWARD. I HAD WRECKED INTO A CAR BECAUSE MY CAR, A 2001 CAMRY SURGES FOWARD AT DIFFERENT TIMES.
Electronic stability control, Mar 1, 2004
AFTER NUMEROUS LETTERS, PHONE CALLS AND VISITS TO THE DEALER VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PULLING TO THE LEFT. (NAR) *PH *CB
Seats, Feb 26, 2004
CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE MAKING A TURN PASSENGER'S SEAT BEGAN TO ROCK. PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A BROKEN FRAME BOLT. *AK *MR
Parking brake, Feb 22, 2004
2001 SOLARA-WHEN ENGAGE EMERGENCY HAND BRAKE AND THEN SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASE IT TO DRIVE,THE FRONT WHEELS VIBRATE AND IT FEELS THAT YOU ARE DRIVING ON A WASHBOARD TYPE ROAD WITH ALL SPEED BUMPS, AND THE CAR CANNOT GET UP TO SPEED AS YOU PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND IT ALSO FEELS LIKE ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES ARE FLAT. WHEN YOU COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND RESTART AND DRIVE THERE IS NO PROBLEM AND EVERYTHING IS NORMAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED THE FOUR TIMES WE HAVE ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. OBVIOUSLY WE NO LONGER ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY HAND BRAKE. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER SAYS HE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS RECEIVED NO NOTICES FROM THE TOYOTA CO. I THINK FOR SOME STRANGE REASON WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS ENGAGED AND THEN DISENGAGED THE BRAKE CALIPERS DO NOT FULLY RELEASE AND RUB THE ROTORS. THE MYSTERY IS HOW THE ROTORS WOULD OPEN FULLY JUST BY STOPPING THE AUTO AND TURNING OFF THE IGNITION WITH NO FURTHER TOUCHING OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER. ARE THE CALIPERS EFFECTED BY THE ENGINE BEING SHUT DOWN? WHY DOES EVERYTHING RETURN TO NORMAL AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE ENGINE? *JB
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT CIGARETTE LIGHTER, AND CELL PHONE NOT WORKING. CONSUMER FELT THAT ELECTRICAL WIRING WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK
Steering, Feb 2, 2004
STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN, DEFECT IN RACK AND PINION. *JB
Service brakes, Air, Jan 16, 2004
BRAKE FAILURE: AT 14,000 MILES THE REAR BRAKES WORE DOWN TO THE ROTORS CAUSING THE ROTORS TO FAIL. AT 19,000 MILES THE FRONT BRAKES FAILED PUTTING GOUGES INTO THE ROTORS. *CB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
MY CAR (A 2001, 4-CYLINDER, TOYOTA CAMRY LE; VIN #: [XXX]) HAS BEEN AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR 26 DAYS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THAT DEALERSHIP WHEN IT SUDDENLY BROKE DOWN ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAR STARTED TO JERK SPORADICALLY AND HESITATE WHEN I DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR GOT WORSE IT STARTED TO MAKE A CLICKING-AND-CLACKING NOISE AND SEEMED THAT IT WOULD DIE AT ANYTIME. AS I APPROACHED THE SERVICE STATION, I HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR STARTED TO SMOKE. I ASKED THE MECHANICS AT THE STATION TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER LOOKING AT THE CAR, ONE OF THE MECHANICS ASKED HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD THIS CAR?? WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT IT WAS A 2001, HE SAID THAT HE?D NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE IN A 2-YEAR OLD CAR. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT SHOULD BE A REPAIR THAT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. TWO LETTERS AND SEVERAL CALLS LATER AND MY CAR STILL SITS AT THE DEALERSHIP. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM PERCY CHAN OF TOYOTA'S NATIONAL CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER (310-468-2846) ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. [XXX]. [XXX] CALLED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED WITH MY 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY (APPROX 66,060 MILES). HE THEN SAID THAT HE'D GOTTEN AN EMAIL FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT SAID THAT THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS FOR $500 (THIS IS DOWN FROM $5,500; THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. I RECEIVED A SECOND CALL FROM [XXX]. [XXX] ON OCTOBER 20, 2003. HE CALLED TO TELL ME THAT HE'D REVIEWED THE LETTER AND COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE DEALERSHIP WOULD LET MY CAR SIT ON THE LOT TAKING UP SPACE. HE SAID THAT THEY HAD GOTTEN MONEY FROM TOYOTA TO MAKE REPAIRS UNDER THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. I RECEIVED A THIRD CALL FROM [XXX]. [XXX] ON OCTOBER 21, 2003. HE CALLED TO TELL ME THAT THE [XXX]. BOOTS WAS NO LONGER THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THE NEW MANAGER WAS [XXX]. HE SAID THAT [XXX] CHECKED WITH THE MECHANIC AND SAID THAT THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY VALVOLINE WHO HAD DONE MY LAST OIL CHANGE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Tires, Jan 15, 2004
TIRES SKIDED ON WET ROAD AND WHEN CHECKED I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE ONE OR MORE OF THE TIRES. I ROTATE MY TIRES EVERY 5,000 MILES AND HAVE HAD THEM BALANCED AT LEAST ONE TIME. THESE ARE THE ORIGINAL TIRES SHIPPED WITH THE VEHICLE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY WOULD FAIL IN LESS THAN 30,000 MILES.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 15, 2004
CAR MAKES LOUND RATTLING NOSEY WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES. THE ALSO TAKE A WHILE BEFORE PUTTING OFF . CAR DEALER WON'T FIX OR LOOK AT THE PROBLEM.
Seats, Jan 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY, NOTHING WE COULD DO. *AK THE SEAT WAS REPAIRED BUT THEN SIX WEEKS LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. TOYOTA SUGGESTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *SC
Air bags, Jan 13, 2004
QUESTIONS CONCERNING AIR BAGS. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED WITH THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT RESULTING IN THUMB INJURIES. *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 5, 2004, fire
WHILE PARKED FOR 5 HOURS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, HOWEVER, THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK
Tires, Dec 31, 2003
PREMATURE TIRE FAILLURE. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES ON A 2001 TOYOTA CAMARY. THE CAR HAS 47000 MILES ON IT. THE TIRE DEALER INDICATED THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED THSI PROBLEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. OTHER CUSTOMERS HAD SIMILAR COMPLAINTS INVOLVING SEVERAL BRANDS OF TIRES. HE INDICATED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE OUTER EDGE WEAR INDICATING A POSSIBLE SPECIFICATION PROBLEM.
Power train, Tires, Dec 8, 2003
CLUTCH FAILURE ON 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY CE.*MR TOYOTA WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY TOYOTA THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING USED A RACE CAR WHICH CAUSED THE CLUTCH TO FAIL AND THE TIRES TO WEAR OUT. *CB *JB
Seats, Equipment, Dec 3, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING POWER SEAT WOULD ROCK BACK AND FORTH OR SIDE TO SIDE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE STEREO HAD A HISSING SOUND. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THE VEHICLE REPLACED WITH A LATER MODEL, FULL REFUND OR A RENTAL VEHICLE UNTIL THE REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED. *PH *NLM