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
1,039 reports, newest first.
Child seat, Nov 28, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 EVENFLO DISCOVERY, MODEL NUMBER 4791255P1 CHILD SEAT. WHENEVER THE CONTACT PLACES THE CHILD SEAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BACK SEAT, THE BASE IS VERY UNSTABLE. SHE DOES NOT LIKE TO PLACE THE CHILD BY THE WINDOWS AND FEELS THAT THE MIDDLE OF THE SEAT IS THE SAFEST PLACE. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HER MOM OWNS THE CAR AND JENNIFER ROMERO IS THE COMPLAINANT. UPDATED 02/20/08 *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 19, 2007
BRAKES HAVE A LONG STOPPING DISTANCE; EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS. MECHANICS CAN'T FIX IT. THIS CAR HAS BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE IT WAS BROUGHT NEW. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Nov 16, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA WITH 62,000 MI. I HAVE BEEN TO TWO TOYOTA DEALERS TO FIGURE OUT MY PROBLEM. THE VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE COMING ON. FINALLY AFTER @$700 OF MY MONEY, THEY FIGURED OUT THE PROBLEM TO BE THE ECU. THIS WILL NOW COST ME @1800 FOR PARTS, AND WHO KNOWS YET FOR LABOR. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT MANY OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE SITUATION, UNLESS YOU HAVE THE EXT. WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT TOYOTA NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, MAYBE RECALL THIS AND FIX THESE CARS BEFORE THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. I LIVE IN NEW YORK WHERE THERE IS ALOT OF SNOW. MY VSC WILL NOT WORK UNTIL I GET THIS FIXED. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND HAVE TO RELAY ON STANDARD BRAKES IN THE SNOW UNTIL THIS IS FIXED. TOYOTA SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR REPUTABLE NAME AND FIX THESE PROBLEMS ASAP..... *TR
Structure, Tires, Nov 6, 2007
INSIDE DRIVER DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLE DID THE SAME THING IN 2003. *TR
Steering, Oct 3, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA PRIUS. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVING FORWARD OR IN REVERSE AT APPROXIMATELY 4 TO 10 MPH, IT SHAKES VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY AND USUALLY IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE SHAKES ROUGHLY AFTER IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WHILE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS. SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 20040604 WAS REFERENCED. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE STEERING RACK AND STEERING COMPUTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $2,200. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Power train, Sep 29, 2007
JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED (5 YEARS, 4 MONTHS) THE ?CHECK ENGINE? LIGHT CAME UP WITH THE GENERIC P0770 CODE OF WHAT SEEMS TO BE A FREQUENT TRANSMISSION/SOLENOID FAILURE PROBLEM FOR FEW TOYOTA MODELS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA CANADA FOR SUPPORT IN THIS MATTER TO ONLY EXPERIENCE MORE DISAPPOINTMENT. AFTER BEING ASSURED THAT A RESPONSE TO MY REQUEST WOULD NOT TAKE LONGER THAN SEVEN TO TEN BUSINESS DAYS, I HAD TO FOLLOW UP WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE ON FEW OCCASIONS, BY E-MAIL AND PHONE, UNTIL FINALLY RECEIVING A RESPONSE AFTER SIX WEEKS ? A NEGATIVE ONE. MY CURRENT DISAPPOINTMENT IS NOT SO MUCH DUE TO THE FACT THAT TOYOTA TOOK SUCH A LONG TIME TO REPLY, BUT TO THE INFLEXIBILITY PROVEN BY THOSE WHO ANALYZED AND ?SOLVED? MY CASE. ALSO, THEY SEEM TO SEND "CANNED MESSAGES". BUT, TO BE MORE SPECIFIC, HERE ARE THE QUICK FACTS ABOUT MY CAR AS ALSO PRESENTED IN MY CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE: 1. THE SOLENOID FAILURE WAS FIRST REPORTED AT 43,000 KM (25,000 MILES) WHEN THE CAR WAS 4 YEARS OLD, WELL UNDER WARRANTY. AT THAT TIME INSTEAD OF DEALING WITH THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM, A TRANSMISSION FLUSH WAS PERFORMED AND THE CODE RESET. BUT THE CODE REAPPEARED WHEN THE CAR WAS FIVE YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS OLD, AND ONLY 67,000 KM (40,000 MILES). JUST 4 MONTHS OUT OF THE OFFICIAL WARRANTY. 2. THE PROBLEM MY CAR HAS IS COMMON FOR TOYOTA CARS. ALTHOUGH THE P0770 CODE I GOT IS A GENERIC CODE, A GOOGLE SEARCH RETURNS ONLY TOYOTA REPORTED ISSUES IN THE FIRST 40 RESULTS. MY CAMRY HAS TRANSMISSION U140E WHICH IS SHARED WITH OTHER TOYOTA CARS. LEXUS RX300 (USING U140E) HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN (1999-2002): PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF THE 5 SOLENOIDS USED IN THE U140E/U140F TRANSMISSIONS (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 10009396) THERE ARE ALSO NUMEROUS TSB FOR SOLENOID PROBLEMS WITH THE FOLLOWING TOYOTA CARS: TUNDRA, HIGHLANDER, MATRIX, CAMRY, LEXUS RX300, SIENNA. THEY SEEMED TO BE PLAGUED BY THIS PROBLEM. EVEN SIENNA 2004 (5 YEARS LATER AFTER THE FIRST TSB IN 1999) STILL HAS THAT PROBLEM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 28, 2007
AT ABOUT 105,000 MILES ON MY 2002 CAMRY V6, THE CAR EXPERIENCED HESITATING DRIVING WHILE DRIVEN AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH WHEN REMOVING SLIGHTLY THE FOOT FROM THE THROTTLE PEDAL. THE CAR IS BUCKING BACKWARD AND FORWARD FOR INDEFINITE TIME UNTIL THE THROTTLE PEDAL IS FULLY DEPRESSED OR FULLY PRESSED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION SINCE ON THE HIGHWAY THE SPEED CANNOT BE DECREASED OR INCREASED ANY TIME. NOTIFIED DEALER AND TOLD THAT THIS CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED SINCE THERE IS NO ERROR CODE GENERATED (NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON). REPLACED ALL SPARK PLUGS AT 108,000 MILES ON AUG 24, 2007. PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. SPOUSE NOTICED INCREASED BUCKING WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL. WENT BACK TO THE DEALER. PERFORMED TEST DRIVE WITH TECHNICIAN IN THE CAR AND THE DIAGNOSE SYSTEM HOOKED TO THE CAR'S COMPUTER. DETECTED SOME MISFIRES ON CYLINDERS 5 AND 6. REPLACED SOLENOID IGNITION PACKS FOR CYLINDER 5 & 6 AND TEST DROVE AGAIN. PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT FUEL INJECTORS ARE CLOGGED. PERFORMED FUEL INJECTORS PURGE (CLEANING). PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE ALL FUEL INJECTORS AND SOLENOID IGNITION PACKS. CAR WAS MAINTAINED PROPERLY DURING THE OWNERSHIP. OIL & FILTER CHANGED EVERY 3000 MILES, REPLACED AIR FILTER EVERY 30,000 MILES, REPLACED TIMING BELT AND BELT TENSIONERS AT 87,000 MILES, REPLACED WATER PUMP AT 87,000 MILES, FLUSHED TRANSMISSION FLUID AT 87,000 MILES. FROM READING VARIOUS CUSTOMERS COMPLAINTS, IT APPEARS TO BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM BUT DEALER DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *JB
Structure, Sep 24, 2007
I PURCHASED A 2002 CAMRY (NEW) AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS FRONT DOOR HANDLES DUE TO BREAKAGE, WERE NOT TALKING EXCESSIVE FORCE HERE. THIS IS THE PART YOU PUT YOUR FINGERS IN TO PULL OPEN DOOR LATCH. THEY ARE BREAKING AT THE PIVOT POINT, WHERE THE PIN GOES THROUGH. TOYOTA IS CHARGING $37.00 APIECE FOR AN ITEM THAT WILL GET YOUR VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION STICKER REVOKED UNTIL REPAIRED, AS I JUST FOUND OUT. IN MY OPINION THE SAFETY ASPECT OF THIS( NOT BEING ABLE TO EGRESS THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY)CONSTITUTES A RECALL. THANKYOU, MARK GROSE *TR
Exterior lighting, Structure, Sep 21, 2007
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY INSIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILURE. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE INSIDE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES HAVE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CUSTOMER BELIEVES THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *KB THE LEFT BRAKE LIGHT BULB WAS INOPERATIVE.
Air bags, Sep 11, 2007
THERE WAS A VIBRATION SOUND ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER CHECKED OUT THE VEHICLE AND INDICATED AIR BAG MALFUNCTION PROBLEM, AND THAT IT MAY DEPLOY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF ACCIDENT. DRIVING THE VEHICLE IS NOT RECOMMENDED DUE TO SAFETY ISSUE. *TR UPDATED 10/10/07 *TR
Tires, Jun 30, 2007
SIDEWALL IS BULGING - WILL BE RETURNING TO DEALER (COSTCO). HAS NOT COMPLETELY FAILED. TIRE IS A MICHELIN MXV4 S8 ALL SEASON P215/60R16 94V RRBL. INSTALLED 1/10/06. ABOUT 10,000 MILES OF USE. *TR
Visibility, May 22, 2007
I PURCHASED A 2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA IN NOVEMBER 2002. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE SALES PERSON TOLD ME THAT THE HEATING/AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM APPEARED TO BE A POORLY DESIGNED, BUT I DID NOT THINK THAT A BIG OBSTACLE TO MY PURCHASE. I HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS TRYING TO REGULATE THE TEMPERATURE IN THE VEHICLE. IT WAS EITHER 65 DEGREES AND THE NEXT LEVEL DOWN WAS COLD. I WAS ALWAYS FLIPPING THE KNOB BACK AND FORTH TRYING TO REGULATE THE TEMPERATURE. THIS WAS NOT A BIG SAFETY ISSUE UNLESS TAKING MY EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR THESE ADJUSTMENTS CAN BE CONSIDERED HAZARDOUS. BUT I LIVE IN A SOMEWHAT COLD CLIMATE AND I HAVE HAD TROUBLE KEEPING THE WINDOWS DEFROSTED ON SOME DAYS PARTICULARLY IF THE HUMIDITY WAS HIGH. THIS COULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. I JUST TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE AIR CONDITIONER LIGHT WAS BLINKING. LOOKING AT A REPAIR BILL OF AROUND $1,600.00 FOR A NEW COMPRESSOR AND CLUTCH. OF COURSE, I DO NOT HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AS THIS WAS MY SIXTH TOYOTA ,AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS SUCH AS THIS IS THE PAST. SINCE I HAVE READ THAT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS I WOULD URGE SOMEONE TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GOT KILLED BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO SEE OUT THE FRONT WINDOW. *AK
Power train, May 19, 2007
ONE WEEK AGO I WAS RUNNING ERRANDS WITH THE TOYOTA SEQUOIA, BUT THE CAR REFUSED TO START ONCE I COMPLETED MY ERRANDS. EVENTUALLY, THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AND THE REPAIR SHOP REPORTED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT BRACKET AND LEVER WERE BROKEN AND THEREFORE PREVENTED THE GEAR FROM PROPERLY GOING INTO PARK. THE REPAIR SHOP REPORTED SEEING SEVERAL SUCH CASES RECENTLY BUT STATED THAT TOYOTA HAS INFORMED HIM THAT THE PROBLEM RESULTED FROM IMPROPER HANDLING OF THE GEAR SHIFT. I HAD THECAR FOR MORE THAN 5 YEARS AND HAVE ALWAYS FOLLOWED THE PROPER PROCEDURE. PERHAPS THIS NEEDED FURTHER INVESTIGATION. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 25, 2007
TOYOTA CAMRY LE 2.4 L WINTER WEATHER CAUSE TO VVT ON AUTO TO FAIL AND STALL ENGINE. STALLED ENGINE CAUSED LOST OF CONTROLS, STEERING, BRAKES, ETC..PARTS REPLACED WERE OXYGEN SENSORS, CAT.CONVERTOR, ETC.. THE VVT IS VARIABLE VALVE TIMING CONTROL ALONG WITH OCM, PCM, THROTTLE SENSOR, MASS AIR SENSOR WHICH REGULATES THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 20, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. SHE NOTICED GAS FUMES AND A GAS LEAK COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE GAS TANK WAS OVERFILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CHARCOAL CANISTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY OTHER OCCURRENCES SINCE THE REPLACEMENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70000. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE ALWAYS TOPPED OF THE TANK AND THERE WAS NO WHERE IN THE MANUAL WHERE IT SAID IT COULDN'T BE DONE. UPDATED 04//12/07. *JB
Equipment, Feb 13, 2007
MY 2002 CAMRY HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR EXCEPT FOR THE FOUL ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AS WELL AS TOYOTA ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN FIXED. WE ARE STILL DEALING WITH THE ODOR FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. *JB
Suspension, Feb 2, 2007
1:40 PM, JAN 20, 2007, I WAS DRIVING MY SEQUOIA N/B ON SIERRA HWY IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA. I WAS TRAVELING APPROX 40-45 MPH. I NOTICED A SLIGHT STIFFNESS IN THE STEERING. A SHORT TIME LATER THE LEFT FRONT OF MY VEHICLE VIOLENTLY FELL TO THE GROUND. THERE WERE VEHICLES BEHIND ME AND WITH DIFFICULTY I STEERED TO THE CURB. WHEN THE VEHICLE FELL TO THE GROUND, I HEARD A LOUD 'BANG', AND I FELT THAT I LOST SOME OF MY BRAKES. ONE OF THE DRIVERS BEHIND ME TOLD ME SHE SAW SPARKS COMING FROM UNDER MY VEHICLE. I LOOKED AT THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. I SAW THE LEFT FRONT TIRE, WHEEL & HUB (ALL STILL ATTACHED) FOLDED UNDER THE LEFT RUNNING BOARD PREVENTING THE FRONT FENDER AND BUMPER FROM FALLING DIRECTLY TO THE ROADWAY. I SAW THAT THE BRAKE LINES APPEARED TO BE BROKEN. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO TOYOTA ON MON, JAN 22, 2007. I WAS TOLD THAT IT APPEARED THE LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT HAD BROKEN CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP CONTACTED THEIR SERVICE DIRECTOR TO DETERMINE WHAT REPAIRS SHOULD BE MADE. I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT TOYOTA HAD 'NO LIABILITY' TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE AT THEIR EXPENSE. REPAIR ESTIMATE IS APPROX $5,000. + THE RENTAL VEHICLE THEY ARRANGED. I WAS TOLD A REGIONAL SERVICE INSPECTOR WOULD LOOK AT MY VEHICLE. I TOLD THEM THAT I WANTED THE OLD PARTS IF REPAIRS WERE TO BE MADE. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I WENT TO THE TOYOTA WEB SITE AND NOTICED NUMEROUS RECALL NOTICES FROM TOYOTA FOR FRONT BALL JOINT FAILURES ON MY TYPE OF VEHICLE. I RECEIVED NO RECALL NOTICES FROM TOYOTA. TOYOTA STATED MY VIN WAS NOT ON THE LIST FOR ANY RECALL NOTICES. THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPT STATED THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED 'NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR' THAT WOULD REQUIRE ME TO HAVE THIS ITEM CHECKED DURING ALL OF MY REGULAR MAINTENANCE SERVICES. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. AS OF THIS DATE I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THE REGIONAL INSPECTOR HAS INSPECTED MY VEHICLE. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 23, 2007
TL* - WHILE BACKING UP OUT OF A PARKING LOT THE 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE WITH FULL FORCE IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE INTO THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 21265 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE IS 21200.*AK CONSUMER HAS INCLUDED THE REPAIR ORDER AND WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED. UPDATE *4/17TR
Air bags, Jan 18, 2007, crash
MY WIFE, AMY S. JENSON, REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON S MAIN ST IN FINDLAY, OH. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF HER CAR. THE ENGINE WAS PUSHED BACK THE BEST PART OF A FOOT BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THERE WAS NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT OF ANY SORT FROM THE ACCIDENT. ISN'T THAT WHAT AIR BAGS ARE THERE FOR? AS A RESULT THERE IS SIGNIFICANT BRUISING OF MY WIFE'S HEAD WHERE IT HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND BROKE IT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS DEFECTIVE AIR BAG IS COMMON AMONG HER CAR TYPE. SHE DRIVES A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 6, 2007
APPLIED BRAKES TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP AT 25 MPH. THE BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR(SPONGY) AND ALSO ABS GOT ACTIVATED BUT DID NOT STOP. IT HIT VEHICLE IN FRONT AND STOPPED WITHOUT ANY DAMAGE. THIS HAPPENED COUPLE OF TIMES EARLIER, BUT NOT INVOLVED ANY ACCIDENT. BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT, GOT THE BRAKES ADJUSTED 3 TIMES AT DEALER FOR LOW PEDAL. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS DONE, THE BRAKES STILL REMAINED THE SAME. ON BUMPY ROADS ABS GETS ACTIVATED DIRECTLY. I PAID FINE FOR THE ACCIDENT FOR TOYOTA FLAW. WILL GET RID OF THIS CAMRY IF TOYOTA DOES NOT RECALL. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 12, 2006
I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2001, USED WITH 17K MILES, FORM TOYOTA OF DURHAM. I HAVE 105K MILES NOW ON IT. I KEPT THE ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND HAD SLUGGISH OIL PROBLEMS EVERY TIME I GOT MY OIL CHANGED. THERE WAS NO DOCUMENTED OIL SLUGGISH PROBLEM FROM TOYOTA. MY VEHICLE IS CLICKING WITH A STRANGE SOUND. I HAD IT LOOKED AT AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE TIMING BELT IS GOING. BUT HE ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. I DID AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE ENGINE. I NEED A NEW ENGINE. A NEW ENGINE, NO WAY. HOW IS IT THAT A TOYOTA CAMRY WITH BARELY 100K MILES NEED A NEW ENGINE AND NOTHING IS SAID TO BE WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE OWNED TOYOTA AND LEXUS MODELS FOR A LONG TIME NOW AND HAVE YET TO DEAL WITH SUCH SHAME IN THEIR MODELS. I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED AT THIS MESS OF A CAR. SURELY, WE KNOW THAT THERE ARE SOMETHING THAT NEED TO BE DONE AT A CERTAIN TIME BUT WHY IS IT THAT A NEW ENGINE WOULD BE REQUIRED? I AM REALLY NOT GOING TO BE THE BEST PERSON PROMOTING TOYOTA CARS IN THE FUTURE. I HAD PLANS ON LOOKING INTO THE TOYOTA SIENNA FOR MY FAMILY. BUT THE ODYSSEY IS LOOKING MUCH BETTER NOW. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2006, crash
WE OWN A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY LAST NIGHT MY WIFE, SON AND A FRIEND WERE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER CAR. WITH MY WIFE'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR REVVED UP AND LUNGED INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. IMMEDIATELY AFTER HITTING HER ONCE, THE ENGINE REVVED UP EVEN HIGHER AND ACCELERATED INTO THE CAR AGAIN. HAD SHE BEEN FIRST IN LINE AT THE LIGHT, SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN THROWN INTO THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY FOUR LANE INTERSECTION AND MIGHT POSSIBLY NOT BE HERE TODAY. IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFO ON THIS, COULD YOU PLEASE SEND IT TO ME OR TELL ME WHERE IT COULD BE FOUND. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 8, 2006
I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE'S 2002 CAMRY SE V6. TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH APPLIED BRAKES TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AT TRAFFIC LIGHT (LIGHT WAS RED) AND BRAKES CONTINUED TO TRAVEL TO FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING VEHICLE. I QUICKLY RELEASED BRAKE PEDAL AND PUMPED BRAKE. CAR THEN SLOWED BUT I HAD TO MAKE A VERY AGGRESSIVE TIRE SQUEALING RIGHT TURN. IF I DID NOT THINK TO PUMP BRAKE I DON'T FEEL THAT CAR WOULD HAVE SLOWED AT ALL. IF I WAS NOT MAKING A RIGHT TURN, BY THE TIME THE BRAKES ACTIVATED THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE ENTERED OR PASSED THE INTERSECTION BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS HAPPENED AT APPROX. 5:30 AM. I TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AT 8 AM THE SAME MORNING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY "COULD NOT DUPLICATE CONCERN". *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 30, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT 10 MPH THROUGH A PARKING LOT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF ALL BRAKING POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD MOTION STRIKING THREE NEARBY PEDESTRIANS WHO SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE UPPER AND LOWER EXTREMITIES, AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THERE WAS MODERATE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AFTERWARDS, THE BRAKING PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AS WELL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 22, 2006
1. THE VEHICLE IN THE FRONT MADE A SUDDEN STOP AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. 2. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE CAR IN THE FRONT AS THEY WERE TOO SOFT. 3. BRAKES AND ASSEMBLY WAS CHECKED AND NOTHING WAS CHANGED AS THEY ARE AS PER THE STANDARDS. *JB