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, Vehicle speed control, Mar 31, 2006, crash
3 INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATIONS, THE LAST ONE CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE DEALER SAID NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR. I FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE ON-LINE THAT HAD SAME PROBLEM. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED IN A CROSSWALK OR PARKING LOT. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT OR SELL IT TO ANOTHER WITH THIS PROBLEM. *NM
Air bags, Dec 20, 2005, crash
WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN, MY 2002 CAMRY XLE HYDROPLANED ON THE INTERSTATE AND FIRST SMASHED HEAD-FIRST INTO A GUARDRAIL BEFORE BEING JOLTED BACK ON TO THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT WAS THEN HIT BROADSIDE BY AN ONCOMING CAR. SERIOUS DAMAGE WAS DONE TO BOTH THE FRONT END, SIDE AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE (FROM IMPACT). THE CAR IS SUPPOSEDLY EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS AS WELL AS FRONT AIRBAGS. NONE OF THEM DEPLOYED. THE CAR THAT HIT MY CAR, A 1995 SUBURU, HAD DEPLOYED BOTH OF ITS FRONT SEAT AIR BAGS. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE AND WHY DID IT HAPPEN? *NM
Air bags, Dec 6, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONT AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS HIT BROADSIDE ON THE PASSENGER'S DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT A BODY SHOP AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND THE CONTACT WAS EXPECTING A RETURN PHONE CALL. *AK
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Oct 13, 2005, crash
BRAKES WERE UNABLE TO BRING CAR TO A STOP, INSTEAD THE CAR ACCELERATED. CAR FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER CRASHING INTO THE HOUSE. CAR WAS DAMAGED AND THE BODY AND FENDERS OF THE CAR WERE REPAIRED BUT NOTHING WAS REPAIRED WHICH LED TO THIS OCCURRENCE IN REGARDS TO THE MECHANICS OF THE CAR. IN ADDITION AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON IMPACT.*JB
Air bags, Jul 21, 2005, crash
DT: ON JUNE 29, 2005 CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED, AT 65 MPH, AND THEN IT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT KNOW WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. SHE SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND WA SSEEING A CHIROPRACTOR. THIS HAPPENED IN A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN.*AK
Air bags, Jun 24, 2005, crash
CONSUMER WAS IN AN FRONT END COLLISION ACCIDENT YET THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER WAS GOING THE SPEED OF 35 MPH . *AK *TT *SB
Air bags, May 11, 2005, crash
HAD AN SIDE IMPACT ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WAS HIT BY A TRUCK TRAVELING BETWEEN 45-50 MPH. STRUCK RIGHT IN FRONT OF DRIVERS DOOR. DRIVERS HEAD WENT THROUGH DRIVERS WINDOW. VEHICLE WAS EQUIPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ENOUGH TO BE CONSIDERED TOTALED. (ESTIMATE WAS OVER $23,000) TO FIX. WANT TO KNOW WHAT WENT WRONG? PAID EXTRA FOR AIRBAGS THAT DIDN'T WORK. WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?
Air bags, Mar 29, 2005
THE CONSUMER REQUEST THAT THE AIR BAGS IN HER 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY BE TURNED OFF BECAUSE SHE ONLY SITS APPR. 6 INCHES FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. *MR *NM
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Mar 29, 2005, crash
VEHICLE WAS RUNNING WHILE THE DRIVER WAS SITTING INSIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Dec 27, 2004, crash
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION . THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *NM THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A STOP SIGN. *SC THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Steering, Air bags, Dec 10, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL DROPPED INTO THE DRIVERS LAP, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT CAME LOOSE, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO FALL INTO THE DRIVER'S LAP. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE DRIVER'S INSURANCE COMPANY. ALSO, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*AK THE DRIVER HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THE STEERING WHEEL FAILURE. *TC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 12, 2004, crash
WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED FORWARD UNTIL IT HIT A BUILDING. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM THE SHERIFF STATED BY THE POSITION OF THE WHEELS HE KNEW THE BRAKES FAILED. *TC BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA ABOUT THE BRAKE GOING TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS APPLIED. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS SURE THAT THE HIGH ACCELERATION THAT OCCURRED WITH HER VEHICLE WAS THE RESULT OF THE GAS PEDAL STICKING. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE KNOCKED DOWN A 4 FOOT METAL PARKING LIGHT, PROCEEDED AND HIT ONE WALL, RAN OVER NUMEROUS SHRUBBERY, A TREE AND HIT THE ENTRANCE OF A BRICK WALL AT A BANK. UPDATED 04/19/10
Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 10, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPHCONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT THE BACK OF A PARKED VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE BACKWARDS, BUCKLED HOOD; TORE OFF RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF BUMPER. *AK
Air bags, Oct 28, 2004, crash
ON 11-14-02 MY WIFE WAS SETTING AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY A SUV TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, CAUSING $15000.00 IN DAMAGE. THE AIR BAG(S) DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Air bags, Sep 17, 2004, crash
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SLID INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED FACIAL AND BACK INJURIES.*AK
Air bags, Sep 13, 2004, crash
CONSUMER HAD A COLLISION WITH A POLE WHILE PARKING AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHILE PARKING CONSUMER'S FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HIT THE ACCELERATOR. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SOME TRAUMA TO HER HEARING WHEN SHE HIT THE POLE IN FRONT OF HER. ALSO, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THIS MODEL OF TOYOTA HAD A RECALL ON AIR BAGS, BUT SHE HAD NOT YET RECEIVED ONE.*AK
Air bags, Sep 1, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN STERNUM. *AK
Air bags, Jul 25, 2004, crash
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN HIS 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY, LE V6, AND ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF HIM. THE FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE WAS TOTALED. NONE OF HIS AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND HE HAS SUFFERED A CRITICAL SPINAL INJURY. ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTA OWNER'S MANUAL, SHOWING THE PLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAG SENSORS, ALL AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO CONTACT TOYOTA'S HEADQUARTERS AND OF COURSE, NO ONE WANTS TO TALK TO YOU OR GIVE YOU ANY INFORMATION. WE BUY TOYOTA VEHICLES BECAUSE OF THEIR SAFTEY AND RELIABILITY, SHAME ON US. *AK
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2004, crash
THE CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT, WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, STRUCK 5 VEHICLES HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THERE WERE NO DEFECTS WITH THE AIR BAGS OR VEHICLE ACCELERATOR. TOYOTA HAS ACCEPTED A CLAIM IN WILL REIMBURSE THE CONSUMER FOR ALL DAMAGES; HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER SHOWS CONCERN THAT THERE IS NO RECALL. *LA SEE VOQ 10065132. *DSY
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 16, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AND THE FRONT SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES TO CHEST WHEN COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CUT ON FOREHEAD AND BRUISES ON KNEES WHEN COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE DASHBOARD. *AK *SC *JB
Air bags, Equipment, Jul 1, 2004, crash
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 2002 CAMRY LE, WENT OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A TREE ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT DOOR. SHE HAD MASSIVE HEAD INJURIES AND DID NOT SURVIVE THE CRASH. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS OPENED ON SUCH A SEVERE IMPACT. AS IT MIGHT SEEM INITIALLY THAT THESE WERE FRONTAL AIRBAGS, BUT I HAVE SEEN A 2000 COROLLA WHERE THE IMPACT WAS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR AND BOTH THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A 2002 CAMARY THAT IS SUPPOSED BE A NEWER, BETTER CAR THAN A 2000 COROLLA, FAILED TO HAVE ITS AIRBAGS DEPLOY WHEN THE IMPACT WAS ON THE PASSANGERS SIDE; WHERE ON A COROLLA ALTHOUGH THE IMPACT WAS ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR; THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *JB
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jun 22, 2004, crash
WHEN DRIVING INTO THE GARAGE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT HIT THE BACK WALL OF THE GARAGE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WILL HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, May 20, 2004, crash
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK *NM
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Mar 29, 2004, crash
WHEN DRIVING AT 12 MPH VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT FIVE PARKED VEHICLES IN THE PARKING LOT HEAD ON BEFORE STOPPING. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK SEE VOQ 10083277. *DSY
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 6, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED UPPER CHEST INJURIES. *AK DURING THE TIME OF INCIDENT, CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO STOP WHEN VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. THIS LED TO CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED ON THE SHOULDER. *LA