2002 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 1,039 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 275 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 146 people were injured and 13 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, side/windowJul 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAGS (CSA), ONE OR BOTH OF THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY BE TWISTED NEAR THE INFLATOR DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY.
IF THIS OCCURS, THE CSA MAY NOT DEPLOY RAPIDLY ENOUGH WHEN ACTIVATED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THIS MAY RESULT IN FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INTENDED HEAD PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CSAS AND REPLACE THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 04V346000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalDec 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED BOTTOM PORTION MAY STRIKE THE DRIVER CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 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 OR LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.
Campaign 01V372000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresOct 1, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TOURING TIRES, P205-65R15 92S, INSTALLED AT THE PORTS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. THE INCORRECT TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES THAT HAD DAMAGED TIRES. THE TIRES WERE DAMAGED DURING A PORT UPGRADE TO ALUMINUM WHEELS.
THE TIRES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE SPEED RATING FOR THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM SPEED RATING (112 MPH), POSSIBLE TIRE FAILURE COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FIVE TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 13, 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 SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 01V302000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalSep 25, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY. BOTH OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100% COMPLETED. BOTH OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND THEIR VEHICLES REPAIRED.
Campaign 01V306000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
102 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Nov 14, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jun 27, 2024
The components or systems that have failed are (Catalytic Converter, Exhaust Manifold, Air Bag Control Module, Engine including head gasket) My safety is at risk due to catalytic converter not functioning properly producing harmful carbon monoxide that can be smelled through air vents, Air bag control module not functioning which will not able to initiate the deployment of airbag in the event of a wreck/accident could lead to fatality. Engine not functioning properly due to blown head gasket which could lead to overheating amongst other things. Vehicle has been inspected by Dealership. Yes there are warning lights prior to failure (Check engine light)
Air bags, Jan 10, 2023
My passenger side dash airbag is bloating and tearing at the seam. It is available for inspection. I am concerned that it will continue to add pressure and eventually deploy. It seems unsafe for passengers -would it work properly in the case of an accident? And for myself as the driver, it would certainly startle me while driving if it deployed by itself. I took it in to get serviced and was told it would need to be replaced. The cost will be around $1600. I haven’t had my insurance inspect it, is that something that is recommended? I tried to contact Toyota but never heard back. I don’t have any warning lights on, and I noticed the issue starting in the past year. I have found threads of other Toyota Camry in the same car age range with owners that are having/had the same issue. These threads mentioned it happening around 40,000 miles, and that aligns with my car too. - I also have a friend that has the same issue with her Camry airbag!
Air bags, Dec 21, 2022, crash
Airbags failed to deploy
Air bags, Other or unspecified, May 8, 2020
SOLD *TR
Air bags, Jul 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS PROTRUDING OUT OF ITS COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. LEGACY TOYOTA (3800 W TENNESSEE ST, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32304, (850) 688-9264) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1907100960. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
Air bags, Jun 21, 2019, crash
I WAS REAR ENDED ON THE INTERSTATE. I WAS AT A COMPLETE HALT WHEN A DISTRACTED DRIVER OF A CEMENT TRUCK REAR ENDED MY CAMRY RESULTING IN THE CAR BEING COMPLETELY TOTALLED. ZERO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER BLUNT FORCE TO THE REAR CAUSING THE CAR TO SPIN AROUND AND BE HIT AGAIN IN THE FRONT.*DT PHOTOS ATTACHED *JB
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 1, 2019
VEHICLE IS A CONVERTIBLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON WHENEVER THE CAR IS RUNNING. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION. MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED SAME PROBLEM FOR SAME MAKE/MODE/YEAR. WHERE COLLISIONS HAVE OCCURRED WITH VEHICLES DISPLAYING THIS CONDITION, AIR BAGS FAIL TO DEPLOY.
Air bags, Feb 18, 2019
DRIVER BAGS NOT WORK I HAVE LIGHT ON IN MY DASH FOR AIRBAG PROBLEM PLS LET NET STEP
Air bags, Feb 10, 2019
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON. I'VE SPENT MANY DOLLARS TO GET IF FIXED, HOWEVER, NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY THE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. IT SEEMS TO BE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE LIGHT GOES ON WHENEVER THE KEY IS ENGAGED.
Air bags, Jan 29, 2019
RECALL
Air bags, Jan 29, 2019
RECALL AIR BAGS
Air bags, Jul 21, 2018
I HAD JUST GOTTEN IN THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF A STORE. TURNED THE CAR ON, PUT MY SEATBELT ON, AND BEGAN ENTERING IN A DESTINATION INTO MY PHONE GPS WHEN BOTH THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND MY HANDS WERE NOT TOUCHING THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD NOT LEFT THE PARKING SPACE AND NO ONE HIT OR BUMPED THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND I CAN ONLY ASSUME IT WAS AN AIRBAG MALFUNCTION.
Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 7, 2017
THE SRS LIGHT HAS BLINKED FOR 5 YEARS. IT MAY BLINK FOR A DAY OR TWO AND THEN NOT BLINK FOR A WEEK. NOW IT HAS BEEN BLINKING EVERYDAY FOR 2 WEEKS. A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK WAS MADE AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG TRIED TO OPEN BUT DID NOT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND AFTER ABOUT A MONTH THE SRS LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK.
Air bags, Aug 22, 2017, crash
TAKATA RECALL? I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 45MPH AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS INJURED AS A RESULT.
Air bags, Jun 6, 2017
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: ON TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017 I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A VERY LOUD POP. AT THAT MOMENT I WASN'T SURE WHETHER THE SOUND HAD COME FROM MY VEHICLE OR SOMEONE ELSE'S, SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME. WHEN I ARRIVED TO MY HOUSE I PROCEEDED TO CHECK MY VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE THAT SAID NOISE HADN'T COME FROM MY CAR. THAT'S WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ELEVATED AND THE AIRBAG WAS VISIBLE. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT MULTIPLE TOYOTA VEHICLES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING MODELS, 2003-2008 COROLLA, 2003-2008 MATRIX, 2003-2006 TUNDRA, AND 2002-2007 SEQUOIA HAVE HAD IDENTICAL PROBLEMS WITH THEIR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS AND HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SAME. ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION FOUND ON TOYOTA.COM, THE REASON THESE AIRBAGS WERE UNSAFELY ERUPTING WAS DUE TO "HIGH ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY". ODDLY ENOUGH THE DAY THAT THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED IT WAS UNUSUALLY HUMID OUT; I REMEMBER TURNING MY AIR CONDITIONER ON BECAUSE IT WAS SO HOT OUTSIDE. NOW, I UNDERSTAND THAT MY CAR IS NOT AMONG THE ONES THAT I PREVIOUSLY LISTED BUT THE FACT THAT THE SAME THING THAT OCCURRED TO THE ABOVE-MENTIONED VEHICLES HAPPENED TO MINE SHOULD NOT BE DISMISSED. IT IS ALARMING TO THINK OF WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THAT AIRBAG WOULD HAVE ERUPTED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY, WHAT IF THERE WAS SOMEONE IN THE CAR WITH ME?.
Air bags, Jun 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG SEPARATED FROM THE DASHBOARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 177,000.
Air bags, Feb 24, 2017, crash
MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT RESULTED IN IT BEING TOTALED; AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
Air bags, Jul 2, 2016
THE PASSENGER LIGHT WENT ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 70,000 ORIGINAL MILES. I NOTICED SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT. IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE?
Air bags, May 4, 2016
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS BULGING UP TILL YOU CAN SEE A BROWN SECTION INSIDE WHAT SHOULD I DO NOT MAKE NOISE, NOT MOVING, JUST DOES NOT LOOK SAFE.
Air bags, Apr 12, 2016
MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND GOING OFF FOR YEARS DEPENDING ON HOW THE PASSENGER SEAT IS POSITIONED BUT THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL. AFTER REVIEWING THE SITE AND OTHER COMPLAINT FOR THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AS MY VEHICLE I'M WONDERING WHY THIS ISN'T A SAFETY CONCERN. THE DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON. I GOT IT FIXED LAST YEAR THEY SAID IT WAS THE PINS. NOW THEY ARE SAYING THE HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Air bags, Structure, Feb 22, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT, A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT STRUCK THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AFTER THE CRASH, THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT REMAINED PERMANENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE DASHBOARD EXPERIENCED CRACKING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Air bags, Nov 16, 2015
TOYOTA CAMRY 2002- VIN: [XXX] PASSENGER AIRBAG IS BEING EXPOSED . ( IMAGES ARE ATTACHED ) THANK YOU, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Oct 15, 2015, crash
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH MY TOYOTA WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND I WAS SITTING BESIDE HIM. WE HIT A CAR WHEN IT STOPPED SUDDENLY. THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAGS DID NOT PROTECT ME. MY HEAD STRONGLY HIT THE WINDSHIELD.
Air bags, Aug 10, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG STARTED TO PULSATE AND STARTED TO RIP THE AIR BAG COVER OPEN, PULLED THE CAR OVER TO THE BRAKE DOWN LANE AND CALLED A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. ALL THEY SAID WAS THER IS NO RECALL ON THAT VIN # THANKS FOR THE CONCERN TOYOTA! I AM AFRAID THAT AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY WILE CAR IS IN OPERATION.