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: hydraulic
156 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 26, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA LIMITED. THE BRAKES NEEDED REPLACING AT 21000 MILES.THIS IS CONCIDERED NORMAL , FOR THIS HEAVY CAR. THE DEALER REQUESTED $330.00 TO REPLACE PADS I SHOPPED AROUND GOT THE JOB DONE FOR $250.00. BUT THE BRAKES STARTED VIBRATING WHENEVER I APPLIED THEM. TOOK IT BACK TO REPAIR CENTER THEY RE-DID THE ENTIRE BRAKE JOB WITH DIFFERENT FACTORY PADS (26000 MI) , SAME RESULT. I THEN TOOK IT TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM (33000 MI) , THEY CHECKED IT OUT, PROBLEM NOT OCCURING AT THIS TIME. NO REPAIR DONE. I TOOK IT TO THE TIRE CENTER I ALWAYS USE FOR TIRES, THEY REPLACED REAR ROTORS, PROBLEM NOT FIXED. I THEN REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS & PADS MYSELF. VIBRATION STILL OCCURING. I HAVE SPENT $800.00 TO FIX THE VIBRATION. TALKED TO TOYOTA ABOUT IT THERE IS A SERVICE BULITTEN ABOUT THIS COMPLANT, IT SHOULD BE FIXED FREE OF CHARGE. BUT THE CAR IS AT 41000 MI NOW. THE WARRANTY IS 36000 MILES.TOYOTA REFUSED TO MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH COMPLAINT WAS ORIGINALLY PLACED DURING WARRANTY PERIOD. REPAIR COST APPROX $2000.00 PER SERVICE WRITER. I WILL NEVER DEAL WITH TOYOTA AGAIN! *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 25, 2005
WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP THE VEHICLE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ENGAGED. THIS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP OR SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE; WHICH ALMOST CAUSD SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST , BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THAT WAS THE WAY THE ABS WAS SUPPOSE TO OPERATE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 25, 2005
I BELIEVE THAT THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ON THE TOYOTA CAMRY 2002 ARE TOO SENSITIVE. THEY ENGAGE WAY TOO EARLY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. WHEN THERE IS A LITTLE SNOW ON THE ROAD AND I AM TRAVELING EVEN AT A SNAILS PACE AND TRY TO STOP, THE BRAKES ENGAGE CAUSING THE CAR TO SKID THROUGH THE LIGHT. EVERY OTHER CAR I DROVE SLOWED TO A STOP. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 8, 2005
BRAKES ON THE 2002 TO PRESENT CAMRYS, I HAVE CHANGED THE WHOLE SYSTEMS OUT, AND I KEEP TELLING TECH SUPORT THAT THE FLUID DRAINS BACK INTO THE MASTERCYLINDER FROM THE LINE THAT LOOPS UP ON NON ABS SYSTEMS, THE LINES LEAK ON THE ABS SYSEM DUE TO UNDER TIGHTING. THEY TELL US THAT THE SYSTEM WAS MADE TO BE SOFT FROM COMPLAINTS OF PREVIOUS OWNERS THIS IS ON 02 AND PRESENT. I SEE ALL THE BELOW BUT WHY WAIT BERFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED,SOMTHING NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW. I WORK AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR 12 YEARS NOW AND THIS KEEPS GETTING SHOVED UNDER THE RUG, THE DESIGN IS A DEFECT IN IT SELF. AT LEAST DO THIS TEST, DRIVE A 02- 04 CAMRY NON ABS, 2AZ ENG 4 CYL, FIND A SAFE ROAD, RUNNING ABOUT50- 80, SLAM ON THE BRAKES, TO THE FLOOR THEY GO. HOPE NOTHING IS IN FRONT OF YOU. MAY NOT DO IT ON EVERY ONE. FIND ONE THAT WILL ,THEN BLEED THEM, STILL SOFT BUT WILL STOP BETTER,WAIT AWHILE THEN TRY IT AGAIN, TO THE FLOOR THEY GO. SORRY ABOUT THE FAKE NAME AND ALL BUT I WOULDEN BE WORKING AT TOYOTA OR ANY DEARLERSHIP VERY LONG REPORTING SOMTHING LIKE THIS. CALL ME A RAT IF YOU LIKE BUT THEN SAY,MAYBE HE IS JUST THINKING ABOUT ME AND MY LOVED ONES. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS TURN INTO A FIRESTONE THING.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 4, 2005
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL PRECEDED TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 29, 2004
THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR. THE OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER SAYS "THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE IS NORMAL". PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 21, 2004
2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA BRAKES VIBRATE SEVERELY. VSC SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT FREQUENTLY COMES ON. PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE CAR HAD 10,000 MILES, NOW HAS 36,000 AND DEALER AND TOYOTA CLAIM IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. TOYOTA CLAIMS THAT CAR HAS NO BRAKE PROBLEMS, NO SAFETY PROBLEMS AT ALL, AND THAT ORIGINAL BRAKES ARE NOT DEFECTIVE IN DESIGN. I AM INFORMED THAT TOYOTA ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, ALTHOUGH TOYOTA DENIED THIS THE DEALER ADMITTED THAT IT EXISTED, BUT I HAD TO SPECIFICALLY COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SPECIFIC BRAKE PROBLEM, OR THEY WOULD NOT AND DID NOT ADVISE ME OF THE REMEDY. THESE BRAKE ISSUES ARE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Structure, Dec 14, 2004
HAVE VERY SERIOUS CONCERNS WITH BRAKE SYSTEM ON MY CAR. BRAKES REPAIRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS . CONSUMER FEEL THIS PROBLEM COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT IF NOT CORRECTED. *BF NAR *JLS THE REAR BRAKES WERE NOISY AND MADE A GRINDING SOUND. THE FRONT BRAKES VIBRATED, THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TRUNK FLAPS AND CLIPS WERE INSTALLED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE LEFT FRONT DOOR KICK PANEL CAME LOOSE. BOND PAK PRIMER APPLIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIMMIES WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. VEHICLE FRONT WHEELS OUT OF BALANCE. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT WITH THE WHEEL BALANCE BUT WITH THE BRAKES. ROTORS WHERE WARPED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MOON ROOF DOES NOT OPEN SMOOTHLY IT JOLTS AND SHAKES THE CAR ROOF. THE CONSUMER SMELLED A ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN THE HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER WAS USED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS BURNING SULFUR AND IT WOULD DIMINISH AT 25000 MILES. 35000 MILES THE SMELL WAS STILL THERE. *TC THE REAR VIEW DEFOGGER WAS REPLACED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 6, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE PULSATED AND VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT FRONT ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED THEM TWICE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 6, 2004, crash
SUDDEN VEHICLE ACCELERATION WHILE PULLING IN TO A PARKING SPACE, RESULTING IN A CRASH INTO A TREE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED. SIGNIFICANT VEHICLE DAMAGE, BUT NO INJURY. A SECOND OCCURRENCE WHILE STATIONARY; NO VEHICLE DAMAGE, JUST VERY DISCOMFITED OWNERS. ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN CC'D CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESSED TO TOYOTA, DATED 6-DEC-04.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 24, 2004, crash
AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE. UPON ARRIVING HOME THE VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKES AND THE CONSUMER WENT THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR, THEN PROCEEDED INTO THE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *NM.WHILE TURNING INTO CONSUMER'S DRIVEWAY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE, RESULTIN GIN LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE WENT THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR, THROUGH THE KITCHEN, AND CAME TO A HALT AT THE REAR WALL OF CONSUMER'S HOUSE.EMS TREATED THE DRIVER AT THE SCENE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 13, 2004
HAVE VERY SERIOUS CONCERNS WITH ABS SYSTEM ON THIS AUTOMOBILE. THESE BRAKES ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OVER THE OWNERSHIP OF THIS CAR, INCLUDING TODAY (MY WIFE DRIVING), HAVE ACTED EXTREMELY ERRATICALLY, WITH EXCESSIVE PULSATING AND CHATTERING PERFORMANCE THAT I WOULD NOT QUALIFY AS A ROTOR ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED A MINIMUM OF 30-50 TIMES SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW, HAS BEEN REPORTED ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS TO THE DEALER (BERNARDI. FRAMINGHAM, MA) DURING ROUTINE SERVICE, AND HAS BEEN DISCOUNTED AS A NON-PROBLEM. I DISAGREE, AND AM TO THE POINT THAT I FEEL THIS PROBLEM COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT IF NOT CORRECTED. *JB
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2004, crash
THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD COME ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES , MAKING THEM DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURE STATED THAT SYSTEM WAS WORKING INEFFECTIVELY, HOWEVER IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE WORN TIRES. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE HE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK THE CONSUMER WOULD JAM ON THE BRAKES AS HARD AS HE COULD. THEY WORKED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, SLOWING THE VEHICLE DOWN TO ABOUT 10 MPH THEN RELEASING COMPLETELY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *SC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 16, 2004, crash
AFTER HAVING THE OIL CHANGED AND THE TIRES ROTATED, THE CONSUMER DROVE HOME, MAKING SEVERAL STOPS. WHEN DRIVING IN TO THE GARAGE, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONSUMERS HOME. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 10, 2004
WHEN ABS BRAKES ARE APPLIED CONSUMER CAN FEEL IT, THEN IT WILL DISENGAGE, AND THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKES WERE OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO LOWER THAN THE GAS PEDAL. THE CONSUMERS RIGHT FOOT WOULD HIT THE GAS PEDAL BEFORE THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE MOTOR WOULD RACE. *SC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 4, 2004
MY ABS BRAKES FADE INTERMITTENTL BUT ONLY WITH THE A/C ON. THEY FADE OCCASIONALLY DURING STOPS AND LIGHT PRESSURE ON PEDAL. THEY ALSO FEEL SPONGY ALL THE TIME. DEALER TELLS ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND, ALL THE ABOVE, ARE NORMAL OPERATION.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jun 29, 2004
WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE SURGED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES HAD TO BE DEPRESSED WITH GREAT FORCE. *AK SEE VOQ 10074340. *DSY
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 27, 2004
WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT CONSUMER STARTED SLOWING DOWN, THERE WAS A SURGED WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. THE BRAKES HAD TO BEDEPRESSED WITH GREAT FORCE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*MR SEE VOQ 10080160. *DSY
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 25, 2004
FRONT ROTORS ARE OUT OF ROUND. DEALER CUT THEM. THEY DEVELOPED THE SAME PROBLEM 4,000 MILES LATER. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER IF I HAD THEM CUT AGAIN IT WOULD COST ME MONEY. I HAD THEM CUT BY MY MECHANIC WHICH HAPPENS TO BE MY COUSIN AT NO CHARGE. I WAS TOLD BY OTHER CAMRY OWNERS THAT THEIR ROTORS WERE REPLACED BY TOYOTA. I HAVE 44,000 MILES ON MY 2002 CAMRY V6. THE ROTORS ARE OUT OF ROUND AGAIN AND TOYOTA HAS NOT RELEASED AFTER MARKET ROTORS FOR THAT CAR. I AM UN-HAPPY WITH THIS WHOLE SITUATION. *NM
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
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 18, 2004
DEALER RESURFACED THE FRONTS ROTORS AND REPLACED THE PADS. AT 21,000 MILES THE FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED AND THE PADS WERE REPLACED AGAIN. AT 23,000 MILES THE FRONT PADS WERE REPLACED FOR A THIRD TIME AND AT 42,000 MILES THEY REPLACED STRUT MOUNTING. AT 43,000 FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED FOR THE FOURTH TIME. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, May 18, 2004
02/23/04, DEALER'S INVOICE TOCS12154: 04/19/04, DEALER'S INVOICE TOCS14794. THE CD AND TAPE PLAYER WENT BAD BEFORE THE CAR WAS TWO YEARS OLD. I DID NOT DISCOVER THIS UNTIL THERE WAS 37,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 35,000 MILES. THE CD/TAPE PLAYER PART OF THE RADIO WAS NOT EVEN USED FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, SO I WAS NOT AWARE THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE DEALER CHARGED ME $250.00 FOR A "USED" RADIO THEY ORDERED FROM THE MANUFACTURER (A NEW RADIO WAS GOING TO COST $850.00). THEY WERE KIND ENOUGH TO NOT CHARGE ME FOR THE INSTALLATION. SINCE TOYOTA DOES NOT MAKE THE RADIOS INSTALLED IN THEIR VEHICLES, TOYOTA WOULD NOT HELP ME WITH MY PROBLEM. 03-08-04, DEALER'S INVOICE TOCS12900:I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM THAT CONCERNS ME MORE THAN THE RADIO MALFUNCTION. THERE IS A VIABRATION WHEN I SLOW DOWN TO STOP THE CAR. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THIS CHECKED. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT THE FRONT ROTORS BE TURNED (FOR $170.00) AND THAT THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS BE RESURFACED (FOR $127.50) BY THE TIME THE DEALER CHECKED THIS FOR ME, THE CAR HAD 38,363 MILES. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 35,000 MILES! NEITHER THE DEALER NOR TOYOTA WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE BRAKES. THEY CONSIDERED IT TO BE "NORMAL" WEAR AN TEAR. I HAVE NEVER HAD A RADIO GO BAD IN ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED. MY SUBARU IMPREZZA IS OVER 10 YEARS OLD! THE IMPREZZE STILL HAD ITS ORIGINAL BRAKES!*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 14, 2004, crash
MY WIFE WAS SLOWING FOR A STOP SIGN OFF A HIGHWAY EXIT RAMP WHEN"THE BRAKES DID NOT STICK AND THE CAR LURCHED FOREWARD' STRIKING A STOPPED VEHICLE.SHE TOLD THE POLICE SHE WAS ONLY GOING 5-10MPH AT MOST, BUT THE OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED OVER $500.00 IN DAMAGES.THIS WAS IN GOOD ROAD CONDITIONS WHERE SHE TRAVELS DAILY. PRIOR TO THIS I HAD TOLD THE DEALER THAT THE BRAKES FELT MUSHY AND RARELY GAVE CONFIDENCE. THE SERVICE RECORDS STATE THE FOLLOWING:COMPLAINT-BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS A LONG WAY TO STOP. REPLY-BRAKES FUNCTION AS DESIGNED. NORMAL TRAVEL FOR THIS TYPE OF BRAKE SYSTEM. [3000 MILES LATER] COMPLAINT-BRAKE PEDAL FEELS LIKE IT LOSES PRESSURE WHEN STOPPING. WORRIED CAR WILL NOT STOP AT TIMES. REPLY-IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT REAR DRUM BRAKE. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS MORE WRONG THAN AN OUT OF ADJUSTMENT REAR BRAKE. EITHER THE BRAKE SYSTEM OR A COMBINATION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND ACCELERATION SYSTEM ARE FAULTY IN THIS VEHICLE.*AK