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.
Structure, Mar 23, 2005
DRIVER NOTICED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS INOPERATIVE. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. A FEW YEARS LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THEN, MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 22, 2005
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH OR WITHOUT THE REMOTE OR THE KEY. NO ONE CAN ENTER INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT.*AK
Steering, Mar 15, 2005
WHILE TURNING AND DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS DRIVER HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT STEERING WHEEL NEEDED LUBRICATION. *AK DEALER LUBRICATED STEERING COLUMN BOOTH ACCORDING TO TSB RELATING TO PROBLEM. CONSUMER FELT THIS IS JUST A TEMPORARY FIX, AND PARTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. MANUFACTURE NOTIFIED. *TT
Power train, Feb 28, 2005
I BOUGHT A 2002 TOYOTA SOLORA IN MAY OF 2002. I HAVE HAD 3 NEW TRANSMISSIONS IN THE CAR. IT NEEDS ANOTHER. I WILL BE FILING LEMON LAW ON MY CAR.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2005
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION. OWNER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. WHEN THE OWNER APPLIED THE BRAKES , THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE OWNER HAD TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 17, 2005, crash
FAILURE OF ABS ON 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. *BF THIS PROBLEM CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. TOYOTA BLAMED THE INCIDENT ON WORN TIRES. *SC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 16, 2005
TOYOTA CAMRY 2002 BRAKE PROBLEMS. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER GRACIOUSLY FIXED THE BRAKE AND REQUESTED THAT THE FILE TO BE CLOSED. *JB
Structure, Feb 16, 2005
WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE FLOOR BOARDS, CAUSING A PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE FLOOR, AND THE PEDALS WOULD BE SLIPPERY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Visibility, Feb 2, 2005
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WATER WOULD COME IN FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND LEAKED DOWN FROM THE WINDSHIELD ONTO FOOT BOARD. THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS BECAME SLIPPERY. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED ,AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 1, 2005
JANUARY 31,2005 DEAR TOYOTA CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE: I HAVE BEEN A TOYOTA OWNER AND BUYER SINCE 1976. I PURCHASE A NEW TOYOTA ABOUT EVERY TWO OR THREE YEARS. I PRESENTLY HAVE A 2002 CAMRY XLE THAT A PURCHASED NEW FROM STEVENS TOYOTA, HUNTING STATION,NY 11746, TEL # 631-423-5013 IN 2002. THE VEHICLE HAS REFORMED VERY GREAT WITH LITTLE OR NO PROBLEMS AS ALL MY PAST TOYOTAS. THE OTHER MORNING I WENT IS OPEN MY GAS FILLER CAP AND THE CAP BROKE IN THREE PIECES LEAVING ONE PIECE STILL IN THE FILLER LINE AND THE OTHER TWO PIECES IN MY HAND. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE PIECE OFF AND FILL THE CAR WITH GAS AFTER A PERIOD TIME. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE GAS CAP HAS OF THIS TIME. I BELIEVE THAT TOTOTA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE MANUFACTURING OF THE GAS FILLER GAS FILLER CAP. DID TOYOTA RECALL THEIR GAS CAPS OR REPLACING THEM UNDER A GOOD CUSTOMER RELATIONS POLICY?*AK VEHICLE ID # [XXX] #[XXX] CAMRY HOPING TO HEAR FROM YOU BEFORE I PURCHASE MY NEXT TOYOTA. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
Vehicle speed control, Jan 21, 2005, crash
THE THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN ON THE CAR WHEN PUT IN REVERSE, FROM A PARKED POSITION. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO GO COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL STRIKING SEVERAL OBJECTS COMING TO REST IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROAD. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Jan 17, 2005, crash
WHILE PULLING INTO A PET STORE PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO A RETAINING WALL IN FRONT OF THE STORE. THERE WERE PREVIOUS INCIDENTS INVOLVING THE ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE IN THE HOUR IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE CRASH OCCURRED. *JB
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
Seats, Jan 4, 2005
THE SEAT RECLINER BROKE, AND COULD NOT BE RAISE UP SO THAT CONSUMER COULD OPERATE THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND WILL DO REPAIRS AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 4, 2005
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL PRECEDED TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK
Power train, Jan 4, 2005
ONCE YOU COME TO A STOP DURING NORMAL BREAKING, AND TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE BREAK PEDAL TO START MOVING FORWARD, THERE IS A ?THUMP? AS IF YOU ARE BEING HIT FROM THE REAR. THIS IS SIMILAR AS BEING REPORTED IN ODI?S 10089480 AND 10092834. DEALER STATES THIS IS NORMAL IN TRUCKS, THAT IT IS THE NATURAL SPACING IN THE DRIVE SHAFT WITH REAR WHEEL DRIVE.THE ONLY WAY FOR THE PROBLEM NOT TO OCCUR, IT TO GLIDE TO A SMOOTH STOP.*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
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
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
Power train, Dec 20, 2004
TWO COMPLAINTS: VEHICLE SHIFTS VERY HARSHLY WHEN PLACED INTO DRIVE WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THERE IS A MILD TO LOUD CLUNKING SOUND. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE NOISE WAS SO LOUD, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND A TRANSMISSION SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. FORTUNETLY, I HAVE A GREAT SERVICE DEPT AT TOYOTA. THEY UNDERSTOOD MY COMPLAINT AND IS CURRENTLY REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION. *AK
Suspension, Dec 19, 2004
I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY AND THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL MAKES NOISE. THIS IS THE SECOND CAMRY THAT I HAVE OWNED AND OUR FIRST ONE ALSO HAD THE DEFECT. IT WAS A 1999 CAMRY. EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP THERE IS A NOISE IN THE WHEEL AREA. NOT SURE WHAT IT IS BUT SINCE THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED ON MY SECOND CAMRY OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A DEFECT. *JB
Tires, Dec 19, 2004
THE ORIGINAL TIRE THAT TOYOTA PLACED ON MY 2002 CAMRY XLE V6 WAS UNSATISFACTORY TO THE POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. EVEN IN A NEW CONDITION, THE TIRES NEVER PROVIDED ADEQUATE TRACTION IN RAIN OR SNOW, FREQUENTLY SLIDING WITH THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGED. I NOW NOTICE ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT COMPLAINT OF MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SPECIFIC TIRE, EVEN ON OTHER THAN TOYOTA MANUFACTURED VEHICLES. THE TIRE IN QUESTION IS THE BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92 P215/60R16 94V. TOYOTA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *JB