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.
Tires, Mar 20, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR ASSURANCE COMFORTRED TOURING TIRES, SIZE 205/65R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVER SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BARRIER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD A THREE INCH CRACK PRESENT IN THE SIDEWALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 13, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CAR RIDE IS JERKY . AT ANY LEFT EXIT THE CAR SHUTS OFF ON EXIT RAMP ON LEFT TURN. STEERING TIGHTENS AND LOCK-UP. THE CAR SHUTS DONE WHILE STILL IN DRIVE MODE. THE ENGINE GOES QUITE AND DIES.THE GAS PEDAL STOP PRODUCING POWER. THE CAR SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY WITH KEY IN IGNITION AND STILL IN DRIVE . ALSO GOING DOWN HILL THE CAR BECOMES IMMOBILE AND STALL. ON OTHER OCCASIONS CAR STALL AT LIGHTS ON LOCAL ROADS SHORTLY AFTER MAKING LEFT TURNS AND STOP LIGHT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO TOYOTA SUPERSTORE WESTON ST HARTFORD CT. ON THREE OCCASIONS. THEY KEPT IT FOR A DAY, TWO DAYS, A WEEK AND THERE IS STILL NO SOLUTION. . NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO STOP THE CONDITION. I TOOK IT TO LOCAL MECHANICS, AUTO ZONE. THEY SEE THE CAR ACT UP BUT THERE ARE NO CODES AND NO SYSTEM ERROR ACTIVITY SUMMARY. DEALERSHIP OFFER NO SOLUTION . ALWAYS THERE ARE 3 LIGHT THAT COMES ON. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CHECK BATTERY LIGHT AND CHECK FUEL LIGHT . TRIPLE A TOLL THIS CAT ON 3 OCCASIONS. ON ONE OCCASION DURING THE SNOW IT HAD CHECK TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS TO GET THE NECESSARY OIL CHANGE BECAUSE I HAVE LIFETIME OIL AND LUBE. THEY ARE THE ONES SERVICING THE CAR SO IF ANY PARTS GO WRONG THEY ARE THE ONES CHANGING THEM.. THEY WANT ME TO BUY A NEW CAR. I TOLD THEM I CANNOT AFFORD ONE. I WONDER IF THEY ARE SABOTAGING MY CAR. IN HOPES THAT I WILL PURCHASE A NEW ONE. PLEASE HELP ME! I LEARNED THAT THE CAR STOPS AND STARTS UP AGAIN AFTER YOU SHUT IT DOWN TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION FOR A WHILE SO THIS IS HOW I AM SURVIVING. THIS IS VERY SCARY! HELP! *TR
Engine, Mar 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTED TO FLUCTUATE AS HOT AIR BLEW INTO THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Engine, Feb 12, 2015
DEFECTIVE VALVE COVER GASKET REFER TO CHRYSLER VALVE COVER RECALL. *TR
Steering, Feb 12, 2015
VEHICLE SHAKE AT 55 MPH. *TR
Power train, Jan 8, 2015
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I AM SURPRISED THAT A CAR WITH JUST 117K MILES COULD HAVE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I WAS PARKED AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN IT TURNED GREEN MY CAR JUST STOPPED MOVING. I SHOWED MY CAR TO MULTIPLE AUTO SHOPS AND THEY SAY THEY ARE HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE WITH 2002 CAMRY XLE AND NOT SURE WHY SINCE CAMRYS ARE GENERALLY CONSIDERED RELIABLE AND HAVE A LONGER LIFE OF 200K PLUS. MAYBE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT? *TR
Air bags, Jan 4, 2015
APROX. TWO YEARS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE NEW..A SMALL TEAR...STARTED ON THE PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG..PRESENTLY IT HAS INCREASED IN SIZE OF THE TEAR.. A LOT WORSE..I'M CONCERNED FOR THE SAFTEY OF OCCUPANTS. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Dec 23, 2014, crash
I WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON LAKESHORE DR WHEN WITH NO WARNING OF A TURN SIGNAL A TOW TRUCK DRIVER CUT ME OFF AND SLOWED ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO BRACE FOR IMPACT AS I STOMPED DOWN ON MY BRAKES. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS TOTALED AS THE FRONT RIGHT END OF MY CAR MADE IMPACT WITH THE LEFT REAR END OF HIS TOW TRUCK. AFTER THE DIST SETTLED I LOOKED AROUND AND REALIZED THAT NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I FOUND THIS REALIZATION EXTREMELY ALARMING, NOT ONLY FOR THE CHEST PAIN THAT I WAS EXPERIENCING ON MY RIGHT SIDE WHICH I FELT WAS FROM MY CHEST HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL (EVEN THOUGHT I WAS INDEED WEARING MY SEATBELT) BUT BECAUSE EARLIER THIS YEAR TOYOTA HAD COME OUT WITH A RECALL LIST, AND WHEN I CALLED TO FIND OUT IF MY CAR WAS ON THE RECALL LIST I WAS TOLD NO. I DON'T KNOW HOW MY CAR WAS LOOKED OVER BUT THIS IS A SITUATION THAT SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY RECTIFIED. THANK GOD MY SITUATION WASN'T WORSE THAN IT WAS AND MY 5 YEAR OLD SON WAS NOT IN THE CAR, BUT THERE ARE OTHERS ON THE ROAD WHO MAY NOT MEET THE SAME OUTCOME. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 22, 2014
FIRST TIME. (SECOND TIME DEC. 12,2014) HOLE CHEWED IN TOP OF GAS FILLER HOSE. GAS LEAKED FROM TOP OF HOSE WHEN REFUELING. *TR
Steering, Dec 18, 2014
AS MANY OTHERS HAVE REALIZED WITH THEIR CAMRYS, MINE TOO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE RACK AND PINION. IT IS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE RACK AND PINION BOOTS, AS WELL AS THE STEERING PUMP. I AM NOW FACED WITH A $1600 REPAIR BILL. DESIGN ERRORS OCCUR, AS AN ENGINEER I UNDERSTAND THIS. BUT THE PROBLEM IS TOYOTA WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AND ADMIT TO THE ERROR. THIS IS MY FIRST TOYOTA. I HAD HEARD HOW RELIABLE THEY WERE. I AM NOT SO SURE NOW. I AM CURRENTLY SHOPPING FOR A NEW CAR, AND I HAVE SCRATCHED TOYOTAS OFF OF MY LIST. I CAN NOT GIVE BUSINESS TO A COMPANY THAT TREATS CLIENTS THIS WAY. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Dec 11, 2014
PASSENGER AIRBAG IS SEPARATING FROM DASHBOARD. IT'S APPROXIMATELY 3" LONG. BROUGHT VEHICLE INTO DEALERSHIP BUT IT'S NOT CURRENTLY LISTED ON THE RECALL LIST. INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED AND VERIFIED THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Engine, Nov 19, 2014
CYLINDER HEAD GASKET LEAK, CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS STRIPPED. COOLANT LOST. *TR
Air bags, Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 16, 2014, crash
I WAS ON A RAMP TO I-520 AT A SPEED BETWEEN 45-50 MILES.HR AND THE RAMP IS STRAIGHT. SUDDENLY THE CAR LOST CONTROL AND SPINNING - FINALLY, I NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE IS FLAT. THE PROBLEM IS THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED THOUGH THE FRONT (BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT) HIT THE CONCRETE WALL BADLY AND DAMAGED BADLY. ALSO THE ABS WAS NOT ENGAGED. *TR
Air bags, Nov 3, 2014, crash
DRIVER OF TOYOTA CAMRY 2002 HAD 3 SPOKE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG WHICH HAD BEEN SUBJECT OF RECALL. FAILED TO INFLATE PROPERLY AND FACE AND NECK OF DRIVER SPRAYED WITH METAL FRAGMENTS ON FACE AND ALL AROUND EYES. DRIVER WAS ON NON-IMPACT SIDE OF RIGHT FRONT IMPACT. DRIVER HOWEVER SUFFERED FAR WORSE FACIAL INJURIES FROM EXPLODING AIR BAG CANISTER THAN PASSENGER THAT WAS KILLED ON IMPACT SIDE OF CAR FROM OTHER INJURIES. PLASTIC SURGEON PICKED METAL FRAGMENTS OF ALL SIZES OUT OF FACE OF TOYOTA DRIVER FOR OVER 8 HOURS AND SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET IT ALL. HE COMPARED HER FACE TO BEING SHOT BY A SHOTGUN SEVERAL TIMES FULL OF METAL FRAGMENTS. MRI AND CT SCAN CONFIRM EXTENSIVE METAL STILL LEFT IN FACE OF DRIVER-- ESPECIALLY ALL AROUND EYES, NOSE AND FOREHEAD AREA. PIECES OF METAL IN NECK AS WELL DUE TO THIS DRIVER CAN NEVER HAVE AN MRI AGAIN DUE TO THE METALLIC MAGNETIC DANGER. PLASTIC SURGEON COMMENTED-- WORST FACIAL DAMAGE HE HAD EVER SEEN ON NON IMPACT SIDE OF ACCIDENT. SUSPECTED AIR BAG DEFECT AND CANISTER OF CHARGE FOR AIR BAG EXPLODED DEFECTIVELY-- SENDING HUNDREDS OF METAL FRAGMENTS INTO FACE AND NECK OF DRIVER. ....UPDATED 01/12/15*BF..UPDATED 05-27-15 *BF...UPDATED 06-12-15 *BF UPDATED 6/11/2015 *JS UPDATED 09/01/2017*CN
Engine, Oct 31, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXHAUST SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT ENGINE PRESSURE WAS EXCESSIVE CAUSING THE ENGINE BOLTS TO SEPARATE AND THE HEAD GASKET TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Seats, Oct 3, 2014
SEAT NO LONGER MOVES FORWARD OR BACKWARD BUT TWISTS LIKE ONLY THE INSIDE TRACK IS MAKING CONTACT WITH THE GEARS. I CAN SEE THE OUTER GEAR TURNING BUT NO CONTACT WITH WORM GEAR. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2014
CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION(SLUGGISH) AND WOULD DIE WHEN CAR CAME TO A STOP. MOSTLY HAPPENED WHEN EXITING HIGHWAYS, THEN HAPPENED DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE CAR WOULD IDLE VERY ROUGHLY AND DIE IF GAS PEDAL WASN'T DEPRESSED. IF CAR SAT FOR A WHILE, THEN IT WOULD START UP AND RUN JUST FINE. HAD IT INTO THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES, BUT UNLESS THE PROBLEM WAS CURRENTLY HAPPENING, IT COULDN'T BE DIAGNOSED. THE PROBLEM IS THE IDOL THROTTLE BODY(SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PART). THE COST OF THE PART WAS $1014.45(RIDICULOUS). LABOR $68. WHAT'S GOING ON? TOYOTA IS FAILING TO PROVIDE A GOOD QUALITY PRODUCT AND I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THEIR PRODUCT. LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE AT STAKE, ESPECIALLY IF PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE YOU ARE STALLED AND RUN INTO YOU. I'VE BEEN SCARED FOR MY LIFE SEVERAL TIMES. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 21, 2014
IGNITION KEY WAS REMOVED WITH TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE AND IGNITION SWITCH NOT IN OFF POSITION. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED AT LEAST TWICE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2014
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS SERVICE BULLETIN. *SMD THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, LESS THAN SIX MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER, AFTER THE DAMAGE AND THE EXTENSIVE RE-BUILD OF THE ENGINE, OTHER PARTS WOULD BEGAN TO FAIL. *JB
Engine, Aug 8, 2014
ENGINE HEAD BOLTS STRIPPED CAUSING ANTIFREEZE LOSS, HEAD HAD TO BE RESURFACED, NEW HEAD GASKET, AND A SPECIAL KIT WAS NEED TO RE-THREAD THE LOOSE BOLTS REPAIRS COST OVER $3000 . WHICH IS BETTER THAN A NEW ENGINE BUT REPAIRS AREN'T GUARANTEED BECAUSE THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE. HAD I KNOWN THIS I WOULDN'T HAVE PURCHASED THIS PARTICULAR MAKE OF CAR. *TR
Air bags, Jul 22, 2014
2002 TOYOTA SOLARA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *SMD
Engine, Jul 15, 2014
COOLANT LEAK DUE TO APPARENT STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 4, 2014
THIS VEHICLE (AND MANY OTHER SOLARA'S) SEEMS TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE ACCELERATION. AT TIMES, THE CAR ACCELERATES A LITTLE BIT BY ITSELF. IT HAS NEVER CAUSED ME TO CRASH OR ANYTHING MAJOR, BUT I'VE HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES REAL HARD BECAUSE ITS TAKEN ME BY SURPRISE. THIS MAINLY HAPPENS WHEN I'M NOT MOVING, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN I'M WAITING AT A RED LIGHT. THE CAR MAKES NOISES THAT TECHNICIANS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE. I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS 2002 TOYOTA SOLARA AND I HAVE A REPORT FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER DATING BACK TO 2002. THIS OWNER DESCRIBES WEIRD NOISES COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE BUT THAT TOYOTA WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. AS IT SEEMS, THIS CAR HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH UNEXPLAINABLE NOISES SINCE ITS DAY OF MANUFACTURE. I'VE BEEN REPLACING MANY THINGS ON THE CAR THINKING BECAUSE OF AGE IT IS MAKING SUCH NOISES, BUT NOISES PERSIST. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENDLY ACCELERATED AND WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHIFTED INTO THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 8/12/14*CN UPDATED 8/23/2017*CT
Seat belts, Jun 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HE HAD TO CLICK THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR IT TO ENGAGE. EVENTUALLY THE SEAT BELT BECAME COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147.200.