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, Feb 1, 2003
THE 2002 CAMRY HAS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF SQUEAKS AND RATTLES. I HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THE RATTLE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. NEVER HAD THIS EXPERIENCE WITH THE OLDSMOBILE AND MERCEDES C CLASS THAT I HAVE OWNED OVER THE PAST THIRTY YEARS. TS
Visibility, Jan 24, 2003
CONSUMER STATES EVERY TIME HE GETS INTO HIS VEHICLE IT'S A TERRIBLE SMELL DO TO THE DEFROST. TS
Visibility, Jan 24, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHEN SHE CUTS ON HER VEHICLE THEIR IS A ROTTEN SMELL WHEN THE HEAT IS ON. TS
Suspension, Jan 24, 2003
THE VEHICLE DRIFTS TO THE LEFT/RIGHT AT MID TO HIGH SPEEDS, AND BECOMES HARD TO CONTROL WHEN THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT (THE DRIVER MUST HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTLY TO RESIST THE PULLING). BOTH FIRESTONE AND TOYOTA SUGGESTED THAT THE PROBLEM IS AN UNBALANCED SUSPENSION. SCC
Air bags, Jan 22, 2003
CAR WAS HIT IN BETWEEN THE DRIVER'S FRONT WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE'S FRONT FENDER VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Steering, Jan 17, 2003, crash
I BOUGHT MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY AS A USED CERTIFIED VEHICLE FROM A TOYOTA DEALER. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP IT ON THE HIGHWAY. TS
Vehicle speed control, Jan 15, 2003, crash
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED WHEN SUFFER A SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSING A DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Jan 15, 2003
THERE WAS A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO TO THE FLOOR, AND IT WOULD FEEL AS IF THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, THE CARPET HAD TO BE REGLUED IN THE TRUNK WHICH WOULD HANG DOWN, THERE WAS AN INTERIOR RATTLE IN THE CARPET, AND THE WASHERS FELL OUT THE RIGHT REAR DOOR, THE BRAKE PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR ON DRY TO NORMAL ROAD SURFACES. SCC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 14, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR BEFORE THE VEHICLE STOPS, INCIDENT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, IN WHICH THE VEHICLE HAD STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. (VERY UNSAFE) THE DEALER BLAMES IT ON THE DESIGN. *SCC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 13, 2003, crash
CONSUMER STATED WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, JUMPING OVER A PARKING BLOCK AND KNOCKING DOWN A TREE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURED HAD BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB UPDATED 7/2/12 *CN UPDATED 07/12/12*JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 10, 2003, crash
CONSUMER WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THIS RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 7, 2003, crash
THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT A SPEED OF 3 MPH WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMER ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE PEDAL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. TS SCC SEE VOQ 10003640. *DSY UPDATED 7/2/12 *CN UPDATED 07/12/12
Air bags, Jan 3, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY A DEER COME OUT ON ROAD, VEHICLE HIT WAS INVOLVED IN COLLISION WITH ANIMAL, FRONT END OF VEHICLE IS DEMOLISHED, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
Air bags, Jan 2, 2003, crash
CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT GOING 60 MPH AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. TS
Structure, Dec 31, 2002
THE REAR LIFTGATE DOOR HAS TWO HYDRAULIC POLES THAT SUPPORT DOOR WHEN OPEN. THE HYDRAULIC POLE AND HINGE ON BOTH SIDES HAVE FALLEN OFF. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Air bags, Dec 30, 2002, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDTIONAL INFORMATION.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2002
CONSUMER STATED WHILE REMOVING A STONE FROM THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, HE NOTICED THE EXTREMELY LOW STRUCTURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH IS ONLY 5 1/4 INCHES ABOVE STREET LEVEL AT THE LOWEST POINT, CONSUMER FEELS THE PIPE COULD EASILY BE PUNCTURED OR OTHERWISE DAMAGED WHILE ASCENDING OR DESCENDING A STEEP DRIVEWAY OR BY HITTING AN OBSTRUCTION ON THE ROAD, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THE DESIGN WAS INHERENT ON ALL 2002 CAMRY'S.*JB
Service brakes, Air, Dec 26, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, IN SNOWING WEATHER CAR SLIPPERY, DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CHANGE TIRES, AND THE PROBLEM IS RECURRING . PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
Power train, Dec 26, 2002
WHEN DRIVING MY CAMRY AT A MAINTAINED SPEED THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO ABRUPTLY DOWNSHIFT AND THEN UPSHIFT CAUSING THE CAR TO BOUNCE FORWARD AND THEN BACKWARDS. THIS PROBLEM USUALLY OCCURS WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILLS BUT WILL SOMETIMES HAPPEN ON LEVEL ROADS. THE CAR WILL SOMTIMES DO THIS UP TO 6 TIMES BEFORE GOING BACK TO DRIVING LIKE NORMAL. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS WITH THE CAR IN EITHER OVER-DRIVE OR DRIVE. TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED ARE UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER TO ALLEVIATE THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY FEEL IT IS A "NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC" OF THE VEHICLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Dec 24, 2002
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED ACCIDENTALLY, WHICH CAUSED UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. TS THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD GONE TO THE FLOOR, BELOW THE GAS PEDAL WHICH HAD FELT SPONGY. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE DEALER WHICH STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS DONE, THE BRAKES STILL REMAINED THE SAME. SCC
Tires, Dec 13, 2002
I PURCHASED A TOYOTA CAMRY 2002 SE IN DECEMBER OF 2001AND DISCOVERED AFTER DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK DURING A SNOW STORM 12/5/02 THAT THE CAR WAS EQUIPED WITHOUT ALL SEASON TIRES. I NARROWLY AVOIDED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS THAT DAY, AS DID OTHERS I AM SURE. HOWEVER, I DISCOVERED WHILE SPEAKING WITH THE TIRE MANUFACTURER(TOYO) THAT THE TIRES ARE CONSIDERED "SUMMER" TIRES AND ARE NOT MADE FOR SNOW AND/OR ICE. THEY STATED THE TYPE OF TIRE PLACED ON THE CAR IS DETERMINED BY THE CAR MANUFACTURER NOT TOYO. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AS I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE PURCHASING CAMRYS WITHOUT KNOWING THEY NEED TO PURCHASE SNOW TIRES OR ALL SEASON TIRES. THEY APPARENTLY ARE NOT AS CONCERNED AS I AS THEY STATED THEY WOULD NOT DEBATE ON WHAT I WAS TOLD AT THE TIME OF THE SALE AND THE ONLY THING THEY COULD DO FOR ME IS TO ORDER REPLACEMENT TIRES AT A DISCOUNT. I THEN PROCEEDED TO CALL THE TIRE MANUFACTURER BACK TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD PAY 75% OF THE COST OF THE SAME TIRE (TOYO, J33, P21560R 16 94V), TO REPLACE THE EXISTING TIRES. THEY STATED I COULD REPLACE THE TIRES WITH ANY MAKE OF MY CHOICE. IT WAS THEIR PREFERENCE THAT I USE A LOCAL COMPANY THAT SELLS TOYO TIRES. I STOPPED TO ORDER REPLACEMENT TIRES AND FOUND AFTER INSPECTION, THE TIRES ARE BARE DOWN THE CENTER AND ARE WORN DOWN TO THE WEARBARS. SO NOT ONLY AM I DRIVING, WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE, A CAR THAT DOES NOT HAVE ANY TYPE OF TREAD FOR SNOW/ICE I AM DRIVING WITH MINIMAL TREAD. I UNDERSTAND THE TIRES ARE HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES, HOWEVER I DO NOT FEEL THEY SHOULD HAVE WORN IN THE MANNER THEY DID AFTER 14000 MILES. I HAVE SEVERAL CONCERNS, ONE BEING WITH TOYOTA AND THE FACT THAT THE DEALER OR DEALERS ARE NOT INFORMING THE BUYER OF THE NEED TO PURCHASE ALL SEASON OR SNOW TIRES AT THE TIME OF THE SALE. HOW MANY CONSUMERS OR INNOCENT VICTIMS WILL BE OR HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS SAME ISSUE. SECONDLY, THE TIRE MANUFACTURER FOR PROCUDING WHAT APPEARS TO ME DEFECTIVE TIRES.
Steering, Dec 10, 2002, crash
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT CAUSING LOST OF CONTROL AND RESULTING IN A ACCIDENT. TS
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 9, 2002
CAR PRODUCES A HORRIBLE ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC. DT
Tires, Dec 6, 2002
ON HWY CAR PULLED LEFT. AFTER CANADIAN TRIP BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER WHO ROTATED TIRES & DID ALIGNMENT. CAR STILL PULLED LEFT. RETURNED TO DEALER WHO ROTATED LEFT FRON TIRE. CAR STILL PULLED LEFT. BROUGHT TO DEALER 3RD. TIME AND SHOP FOREMAN SAID IT WAS "TIRE KINETICISM". DEALER REMOVED TIRE FROM RIM, INVERTED TIRE, AND REMOUNTED AND BALANCED TIRE. DEALER TEST DROVE AND SAID NO MORE PULL. WHEN ASKED WHO WOULD PAY FOR FUTURE INVERTING OF TIRE DURING 5 WHEEL ROTATION DEALER COULD NOT ANSWER. SPOKE TO TOYOTA REGINAL SPERVISOR WHO TEST DROVE CAR AND SAID RIGHT REAR OUT OF ALIGNMENT. I REQUESTED MICHELIN TIRE UPGRADE AND WOULD SPLIT DIFFERENCE IN COST WITH TOYOTA. TOYOTA SAID ALIGNMENT AND INVERTING TIRE WOULD SOLVE PROBLEM. TOYOTA NEVER RESPONDED TO QUERY RE: WHO PAYS COST OF RE- INVERTING ONE TIRE AND INVERTING ANOTHER TIRE DURING ROTATION. I'M CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY & FUTURE ROTATION COSTS WITH THESE BRIDGESTONES. WANT UPGRADED TIRE REPLACEMENT & THESE TIRES SENT BACK TO BRIDGESTONE FOR ANALYSIS. I ALSO WENT TO A BRIDGESTONE DEALER IN FRAMINGHAM AND THEY SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF "KINTETICISM" AND TIRE INVERTING TO RESOLVE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. I SUSPECT A WEAK SIDEWALL CAUSING CAR TO PULL LEFT AND WORRY ABOUT SAFETY. REQUEST DOT TAKE PROMPT INVESTIGATIVE ACTION. SO FAR TOTAL OF 4 VISITS TO DEALER WHO HAS ACKNOWLEGED THE PROBLEM BUT DENIES IT IS A PROBLEM. IN OTHER WORDS LIVE WITH IT. DT
Seats, Dec 6, 2002
PLAY IN ELECTRIC MOTORS ALLOW SEATS TO MOVE DURING BRAKING; DEALER NOTIFIED AND SAYS HAS HAD SIMILAR COMPLAINTS; SAID TOYOTA KNOWS OF PROBLEM BUT HASN'T MADE ANY EFFORT TO FIX THE CAUSE. DT