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: vehicle speed control
295 reports, newest first. Show all
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
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
Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB ONTO A GRASS SURFACE. THE VEHICLE RETAINED THE SAME SPEED, BUT DIDN'T SLOW DOWN, AND DROVE 700 FEET BEFORE HITTING A SIGN AND TWO TREES. WHEN THE VEHICLE IMPACTED THE SECOND TREE, THE IMPACT CATAPULTED THE VEHICLE BACK ONTO THE STREET AND THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK *JB UPDATED 7/5/12 *CN THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN SOLD FOR SALVAGE. UPDATED 08/13/12
Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2004
WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS A T A RED LIGHT, WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, UPON ACCELERATION THE ENGINE MADE A ROARING SOUND AND LURCHED FORWARD. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2004, crash
VEHICLE ACCELERATED UPON PARKING NEAR A STOP WITH FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR AND ON BRAKE PEDAL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM VEHICLE HIT AN UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE. *LA
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 8, 2004
VEHICLE JUMPED INTO GEAR WHEN DRIVING .THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *LA *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jul 6, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD INTERMITTENTLY. *AK *NM UPDATED 7/5/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. UPDATED 08/13/12
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
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
Vehicle speed control, Jun 21, 2004, crash
SOMETIME IN OCT. WHILE PULLING OFF OF I-74 ONTO 53RD ST. IN DAVENPORT, IA, WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED THE CAR SPED UP RATHER THAN SLOWED DOWN. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN TOWARDS THE END OF NOVEMBER WHILE TRAVERSING FROM US-6 ONTO I-80 IN GENESEO. BOTH TIMES I HAD BEEN USING THE CRUSE CONTROL, DISENGAGED IT BY APPLYING THE BRAKE AND AS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN REAPPLICATION OF THE BRAKE CAUSED THE CAR TO SPEED UP. BY TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THEN REAPPLYING THE BRAKE CAR SLOWED NORMALLY ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF DECEMBER I HAD A MORE SERIOUS INCIDENT WHILE PULLING INTO A CONVIENCE STORE OFF OF WOLF ROAD IN GENESEO. I DIENGAGED THE CRUSE AND PULLED INTO A PARKING PLACE. THE CAR SLOWED NORMALLY AND WAS ALMOST TO A STOP WHEN IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. I TURNED THE CAR TO THE RIGHT, AND JUST MISSED THE BUILDING, BUT TOOK OUT A 4X4 SUPPORT FOR THE ROOF OVERHANG. DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO DENTS ON THE CAR AND THE 4X4. NO PERSONAL INJURIES WERE INVOLVED. AFTER THE FIRST OCCURANCE I THOUGHT IT WAS MY MISTAKE, I APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR WHEN I MEANT TO APPLY THE BRAKE. THE SECOND TIME I FELT IT WAS PROBABLY A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, AND WOULD BRING IT UP WITH TOYOTA NEXT TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR IN. THE THIRD TIME I WAS SURE THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA AND I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE TOYOTA DEALER. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND SAID NEITHER THEY OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAD HEARD OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM BEFORE. WE THEN CONTACTED THE TOYOTA OFFICE IN CALIFORNIA, AND THEY TOOK DOWN THE INFORMATION, INFORMING US THIS PROBLEM HAD NOT OCCURED BEFORE. LAST WEEK SCOTT YON OF THE NHTSA CONTACTED US AND ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE THREE OCCURANCES. AFTER LOOKING AT THE NHTSA WEB SITE AND FINDING MANY SIMILAR INSTANCES I DECIDED TO ADD MY COMPLAINT TO THE LISTING.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jun 14, 2004, crash
VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN IN REVERSE, AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND MAILBOX. *AK SEE VOQ 10073601. *DSY *NM UPDATED 7/5/12 *CN THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/23/12
Vehicle speed control, Jun 14, 2004, crash
WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A TREE. THE CAUSE OF INCIDENT HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *LA THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MOVE OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AS THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE SHOT BACK AND HIT A TREE. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jun 9, 2004
1). SOON AFTER PURCHASE OF CAR, PROBABLY IN MAY OR JUNE OF 2002, I BEGAN TO PARK IN SPACE AT TARGET ON SAWMILL ROAD IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FOWARD AND STRUCK THE REAR BUMPER OF PICKUP TRUCK. NO PERSONAL INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO CAR OR TRUCK. 2.) ON 5-9-04 SURGE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY, LOOKING AT CONDOMINIUMS, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. NO CRASH, NO INJURIES, NO DAMAGES TO CAR. 3.) ON 6-1-04, I ENTERED PARKING SPACE ON SIDE OF CVS PHARMACY, 1885 W HENDERSON RD., UPPER ARLINGTON, OH 43220, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD EVEN WITH BRAKE APPLIED AND STRUCK CONCRETE COLUMN. NO INJURIES OR MECHANICAL DAMAGE, BUT FRONT BUMPER WAS DENTED AND SCRATCHED. TOOK CAR TO TANSKY SAWMILL TOYOTA, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND OR DUPLICATE THE SURGE. THEY CHECKED THE BRAKES, AND THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. SEE VOQ 10074942 (DUPLICATE) *DSY. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jun 7, 2004, crash
1.) SOON AFTER PURCHASE OF CAR, PROBABLY IN MAY OR JUNE OF 2002, I BEGAN TO PARK IN SPACE AT TARGET ON SAWMILL ROAD IN COLUMBUS OHIO, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AND STRUCK REAR BUMPER OF PICKUP TRUCK. NO PERSONAL INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO CAR OR TRUCK. 2.) ON 5-9-04 SURGE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY, LOOKING AT CONDOMINIUMS, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. NO CRASH, NO INJURIES, NO DAMAGES TO CAR. 3.) ON 6-1-04, I ENTERED PARKING SPACE ON SIDE OF CVS PHARMACY,1885 W HENDERSON RD., UPPER ARLINGTON, OH 43220, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD EVEN WITH BRAKE APPLIED AND STRUCK CONCRETE COLUMN. NO INJURIES OR MECHANICAL DAMAGE, BUT FRONT BUMPER WAS DENTED AND SCRATCHED. TOOK CAR TO TANSKY SAWMILL TOYOTA, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND OR DUPLCATE THE SURGE. THEY CHECKED BRAKES, AND THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS . *AK SEE VOQ 10075107 (DUPLICATE). *DSY
Vehicle speed control, Jun 5, 2004, crash
TOYOTA CAMRY 2002 WAS PARKED. WHEN I PUT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE, W/ FOOT ONLY ON BRAKE, IT SURGED FORWARD , CRASHING THE CAR THROUGH THE COMMON GARAGE WALL WHICH SEPARATES TWO PATIO HOMES. I WAS THROWN FORWARD AS THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE WALL, HITTING THE CAR IN THE OTHER GARAGE WHICH WAS PUSHED BACKWARDS INTO THE OTHER GARAGE DOOR. BOTH CARS HAD TO REPAIRED, A NEW GARAGE WALL AND GARAGE DOOR WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS KILLED. I HAVEN'T TAKEN THE CAR TO MY TOYOTA DEALER AS IT HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY AND I AM SURE THEY WILL NOT FIND ANY FAULT IN THE CAR EVEN THOUGH NTSA HAS SUPPORTED THAT THIS CAR MAKE AND MODEL HAS HAD INCIDENTS OF THIS SURGING OCCURRING. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WILL BE 50% OF WHAT THE BLUE BOOK STATES IT WILL BE WORTH WHEN I SELL IT. I NEED INFORMATION AND YOUR SUPPORT IN THIS CAUSE. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jun 4, 2004
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMER PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO SLOW IT DOWN , BUT TO NO AVAIL. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK *SC *JB
Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 26, 2004, crash
I AM ATTORNEY FOR A VICTIM IN A COMA AND IN INTENSIVE CARE. HER VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY A TOYOTA CAMRY 2002 DRIVEN BY A 68 YEAR OLD LADY. CAMRY VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND THEN CRASHED INTO A STOREFRONT AFTER GOING FORWARD. BACKED INTO TRAFFIC 40 FEET AWAY, STRUCK VEHICLES, AND WENT FORWARD AGAIN KILLING PEDESTRIAN AS WELL. CASE UNDER INVESTIGATION. RECENT ACCIDENT. PREVIOUS REPORTS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. ALL CAMRYS SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE MORE LOSS OF LIFE. POSSIBLE POWER TRAIN/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. UPDATED 03/05/10 *BF UPDATE 9/21/2011*CW
Vehicle speed control, May 21, 2004
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *MR THIS INCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO A GARAGE, AND HIT THREE OTHER PARKED VEHICLES. THIS PROBLEM RECURRED ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS. CURRENTLY THE GEARSHIFT BEGUN TO GIVE THE CONSUMER PROBLEMS. *SC
Vehicle speed control, May 20, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. WHILE PARKING INTO A SPACE AT A SCHOOL VEHICLE SURGED AND LUNGED FORWARD WHILE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKES. *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
Vehicle speed control, May 19, 2004
WHEN VEHICLE IS ENGAGED IN REVERSE IT ACCELERATES. *AK
Vehicle speed control, May 18, 2004
WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO SLAM THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB UPDATED 7/5/12 *CN THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/13/12
Vehicle speed control, May 14, 2004, crash
MAKIA CAFUA, DRIVING HER 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WAS ENTERING I-93 AT EXIT 39 AT 5:30 IN THE MORNING WHEN HER CAR SUDDENLY SHOT ACROSS THREE LANES OF TRAVEL AND WAS HIT, BROAD SIDE, BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING IN THE HIGH SPEED (3RD) LANE. TRAFFIC AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS LIGHT. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE CAMRY EXPERIENCED AN UN-COMMANDED ACCELERATION CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL RESULTING IN THE ACCIDENT AND HER DEATH. THE CAMRY HAS BEEN STORED SINCE THE ACCIDENT AND NO CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO ITS POST ACCIDENT CONDITION. VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INPECTION/TESTING BY NHTSA. *AK UPDATED 03/05/10 *BF UPDATED 06/25/10 UPDATED 9/21/2011*CW
Vehicle speed control, May 13, 2004, crash
VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN IN REVERSE, AS A RESULT, VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND MAILBOX. *AK SEE VOQ 10073604. *DSY UPDATED 7/5/12 *CN THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/23/12
Steering, Vehicle speed control, May 11, 2004
THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO FELT LOOSE WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BUT FOUND NO PROBLEMS. *MR AT A STOP LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES DOWN TOWARDS THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE REMAINS STATIONARY AND THE BRAKES ALWAYS STOP THE CAR. DSY THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IS STILL EXPERIENCING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *NM