2003 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 816 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 239 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 112 people were injured and 5 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
Representative owner complaints: steering
53 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Oct 3, 2003
I PURCHASED A TOYOTA CAMRY V6 SE MODEL IN JULY OF 2003. SINCE PURCHASE THERE IS A STEERING PULL/VEER TO THE LEFT REQUIRING OVER CORRECTION TO THE RIGHT. I BROUGHT CAR INTO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS 4 TIMES, 1ST TIME WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS NONEXISTENT; 2ND TIME, NO PROBLEM, NOTICEABLE AGAIN; 3RD TIME TIRE ROTATION PERFORMED, BUT CAR STILL VEERS TO THE LEFT. TWO WEEKS AGO, CAR WAS DRIVEN BY FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE WHO COMMENTED THAT THE CAR WAS MECHANICALLY PERFECT. SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED CHECKING TIRES BUT WOULD NOT ADMIT THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM. I TEST DROVE A BRAND NEW SE V6 MODEL DIRECTLY FROM THE DEALERS LOT AND FOUND THE SAME CHARACTERISTIC STEERING BEHAVIOR, WITNESSED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER. I HAVE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THIS VEHICLE (BETWEEN 20 & 40 MPH) BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS THE NATURE OF THE CAR AND I CAN BEGIN ARBITRATION IF I CHOOSE. I AM EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED AND HAVE BEEN GREATLY INCONVENIENCED BY THE NUMBER OF FRUITLESS TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP. THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING THAT THE DEALERSHIP AND APPARENTLY TOYOTA'S SPECIALISTS WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IS ABNORMAL AND IN MY OPINION (AS WELL OF THOSE I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET) IS A DRIVING HAZARD. I WANT THIS TO BE FIXED, BUT BASICALLY HAVE NOWHERE TO TURN. ANY ASSISTANCE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.*JB
Steering, Sep 25, 2003
WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 60-70 MPH THE STEERING WHILE VIBRATED SEVERELY. THIS MADE CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE AND MAINTAINING IT ON THE ROAD VERY DIFFICULT. THE CONSUMER WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *NLM
Steering, Jul 18, 2003, crash
THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND HIS KNEES WERE INJURED WHEN THEY HIT THE STEERING COLUMN ADJUSTMENT HANDLE BAR. THE DESIGN OF THE ADJUSTMENT HANDLE BAR WAS NOT CORRECT AND STUCK OUT OVER 1 INCH TO FAR. PH *CB *JB