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
816 reports, newest first.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 55-65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO JERK EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES WITH REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSIONS. THE FOUR TRANSMISSIONS FAILED WITHIN 45,000 MILES. WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. ALSO, DURING BRAKING THERE WAS A DELAYED RESPONSE. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE DRIVER WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. HE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE POLICE REPORT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 32,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010, crash
DRIVER/OWNER OF 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY IN GARAGE. PLACED VEH. IN REVERSE AND EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, CAUSING DRIVER TO ZOOM ACROSS STREET AND CRASH INTO A TREE, SUSTAINING SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEUROLOGICAL INJURIES, PARTIAL PARALYSIS, HEMATOMA, FRACTURED VERTEBRAE IN UPPER THORACIC AREA, SPINE DAMAGE, RECTUM/COLON DAMAGE AND INJURIES, REQUIRING DRIVER TO WEAR DIAPERS AND BE FED THROUGH FEEDING TUBE. PASSENGER SUSTAINED CHIPPED TOOTH, WHIPLASH, AND OTHER INJURIES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010, crash
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY, SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE PARKING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010, crash
BACKING INTO PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF BACK PORCH ABOUT 8 FEET FORM PORCH CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE CAUSING DAMAGE TO CAR AND PORCH. *TR
Seat belts, Mar 3, 2010
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES DEFECT WITH SEAT BELT IN WHICH THE SEAT BELT DETACHES BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. *TGW UPDATED 05/11/10.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 2, 2010
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 4 CYLINDER CAMRY. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN AUGUST, 2006. IN THAT YEAR AND THE YEAR AFTER, I HAD 2 OR 3 ACCELERATION PROBLEMS WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT DUE TO THE NEW PLASTIC FLOOR MATS I HAD INSTALLED OR WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, MY FOOT EXTENDED OVER THE END OF THE PEDAL AND WHEN I PRESSED DOWN, I HIT THE ACCELERATOR AS WELL. I HAVE HAD NO INCIDENTS SINCE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE DRIVER STATED THAT WHEN SHE DROVE ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, OVER A BUMP OR DOWN A HILL SHE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE DRIVER STATED THAT IT FELT AS IF HER WHEELS WERE BOUNCING. THE DRIVER ALSO STATED THAT IT SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE COMING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 2, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY 4CYL, LE MODEL. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE THE CRUISE/SPEED CONTROL WAS ON, THE CAR HAS ACCELERATED QUICKLY. BOTH TIMES, I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE SPEED CONTROL OFF AND IT WENT BACK TO NORMAL. SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT AND IT HAS NOT HAPPENED SINCE, I DID NOT TAKE IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT. THIS HAPPENED ONCE IN 2006 AND ONCE IN 2007. I DO NOT REMEMBER THE EXACT DATES (THE MONTH/DAY BELOW IS JUST A GUESS), BUT I DID WANT TO GET THIS INCLUDED IN ANY POSSIBLE PROBLEMS OTHER WERE HAVING.*TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Mar 2, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. I FREQUENTLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE ACCELERATION WHEN INITIALLY PUTTING THE CAR IN DRIVE. ALSO, ON OCCASION, THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ENGAGE AT THE SAME TIME, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE AN OPERATOR ISSUE. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS TO TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER LAST YEAR BUT THEY SAID IT INVOLVED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROLS AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. SEEMS THAT THE TOYOTA REPAIR PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM ALREADY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Feb 27, 2010
SUDDEN INCREASE IN RPMS AS I WAS BACKING UP MY CAR UP TO MY WOOD PILE..IT RAMMED INTO MY WOOD PILE AND THE WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING WHEN I FINALLY TURNED OFF THE CAR. SAME THING HAPPEN WHEN I WAS COASTING UP TO A STOP SIGN FEB 2010.. BOTH TIMES I PUT ALL THE STRENGTH I COULD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE CAR. IT NEVER STOPPED IN 2009 BUT I DID GET IT STOPPED ON THE 2010 INCIDENT BECAUSE I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. SOME MINOR DAMAGE TO THE BACK END OF THE CAR ON THE 2009 INCIDENT FROM THE CAR HITTING THE STACK OF WOOD.. WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT.. *TR
Steering, Feb 27, 2010
I HAVE A TOYOTA CAMRY 2003. SINCE AROUND 2007 I HAVE NOTICED THAT SOME KIND OF FLUID NOISE COME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AREA, ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING AND WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. SOMETIMES THE NOISE IS SO LOUD THAT THE OTHER PASSENGER CAN HEAR IT. IT SOUND LIKE A LOT OF FLUID IS MOVING ON THE DASH AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL. NO LEAK INSIDE THE CAR OBSERVED. FOR SEVERAL MONTHS FEEL LIKE CAR STEER MORE/EASILY WHEN DRIVING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 26, 2010, crash
WAS ENTERING A PARKING SPOT AT WALMART IN STAFFORD, VA. WHEN GAS PEDAL REV UP HIGH IN MY 03 TOYOTA CAMRY AND RAN OVER STEEL POLE BARRIERS . *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. YESTERDAY THE CONTACT WIFE EXPERIENCED AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UPON PUTTING THE GEAR IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ACROSS THE PARKING LOT AND CRASHED INTO AN IRON FENCE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALER HAS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND THE CONTACT WILL BE OBTAINING A POLICE REPORT. THE PASSENGER HIT HER HEAD BUT DID NOT SEE A DOCTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AS OF YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,220. UPDATED 04/09/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/16/10*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 25, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AT ANY SPEED HE HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING NORMALLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FAILURE SINCE THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90000.
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2010, crash
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE 4-CYL WITH 79,000 MILES. I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, CAR STARTED REVVING. WHEN I SHIFTED INTO PARK, IT REVVED OUT OF CONTROL, JUMPED A CURB AND SIDEWALK, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THAT WAS THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE CAR. BRUISED AND SHAKEN BUT NO LASTING INJURIES FOR ME OR PASSENGER. TOYOTA CLAIMED THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CLOSED MY INQUIRY. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2010
I OWN A 2003 CAMRY XLE PURCHASED NEW FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN CARSON CITY, NV. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SURGING, LURCHING AND HESITATING SINCE PURCHASED. I REQUESTED THE SERVICE DEPT TO CHECK IT OUT MANY TIMES. THEY ALWAYS SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG LEADING ME TO BELIEVE I WAS CRAZY. AFTER THE 4TH TIME I PRINTED OUT MANY OTHER CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, THEY STILL TOLD ME "NOTHING WAS WRONG" BUT THEY SAID TOYOTA IS PUTTING IN A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION. THAT WAS IN 2006. WOW, IF NOTHING WAS WRONG WHY WOULD THEY GO TO THAT EXPENSE? NOW AFTER ALL THAT HAS COME TO LIGHT WITH THE TOYOTA PROBLEMS, I SEE WHY. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THIS CAR AND KNOW THAT IT HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. UPDATED 03/19/10
Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2010
I AM WRITING ABOUT MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. I HAVE HAD THE SAME GAS PEDAL STICKING PROBLEM. I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR REVVED UP AND WOULD NOT STOP. I HAD TO USE ALL OF MY POWER TO STOP THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT STOP. I HAD TO TURN THE KEY OFF FOR IT TO STOP. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECOURSE FOR ME. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I WOULD NOT BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IF IT HAD NOT HAPPENED TO ME. THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN BUT I AM VERY FEARFUL NOW THAT I HEAR THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2010, crash
MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE V6 INEXPLICABLY ACCELERATED WHILE I WAS DRIVING INTO MY GARAGE ON DEC 28 2006. THE CAR STRUCK THE BACK OF THE GARAGE WALL AND CAUSED THE WALL TO FAIL AND PARTIALLY FALL INTO MY HOUSES DEN. AT THE TIME I ASSUMED I HAD HIT THE ACCELERATOR INSTEAD OF APPLYING THE BRAKE. WHEN I THINK BACK THE CAR REALLY ACCELERATED HARD AND WHEN IT FIRST HIT THE WALL IT STOPPED THEN LURCHED FORWARD AGAIN. IN LIGHT OF ALL OF THE ISSUES SURROUNDING TOYOTAS AND UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION I SUSPECT THE CAR ACTUALLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND I DID NOT TOUCH THE ACCELERATOR ACCIDENTALLY. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND IS STILL OWNED BY OUR FAMILY. I AM RELUCTANT TO DRIVE IT GIVEN ALL OF THE ISSUES SURROUNDING TOYOTA ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2010, crash
FAX FWD LTR (OH) THEY PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY THAT HAD EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS SINCE 2006, CONCERNED THAT TOYOTA RECALL IS NOT BROAD ENOUGH, REPLY PAINESVILLE, OH. *TGW ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. IN APRIL 2006, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO HIT A CONCRETE PILLAR TO AVOID HITTING OCCUPIED VEHICLES. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2010, crash
ON 11/10/09,WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED COLLIDING WITH A PARKED UTILITY TRUCK. MY INSURANCE COMPANY PAID APPROXIMATELY $9800 FOR REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE. ON 1/4/2010 MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, EVEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. I WENT OUT INTO THE MAIN TRAFFIC STREAM. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, JUST IRATE DRIVERS. EACH INCIDENT LASTED ONLY SECONDS THEN WENT TO NORMAL OPERATION. I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY, XLE, V-6 WHICH I PURCHASED NEW AND THE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MILES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED NO OTHER PROBLEMS BUT AM WONDERING IF I WILL AND WHEN. HAVE YOU HAD ANY OTHER REPORTS SUCH AS MINE? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2010
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT HIS/HER VEHICLE YEAR SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *KB
Power train, Feb 23, 2010
ON 2 OCCASIONS OUR 2003 CAMRY LE ACCELERATED. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE IN A PARKING LOT. THE SECOND TIME IT OCCURRED WHILE PREPARING TO MOVE INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP. NO INJURIES BUT MINOR DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER FROM THE FIRST INCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Feb 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING LOW SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGED. I TOOK TWO TO THREE SECONDS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT IN GEAR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER CHIP AND UPGRADED THE TRANSMISSION WHICH ONLY MINIMALLY CORRECTED THE FAILURE. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 87,000. UPDATED 03/11/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO HESITATE FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DID ENGAGE, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 22, 2010, crash
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE WE HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA CAMRY AND A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. MY WIFE GENERALLY DRIVES THE 2003 CAMRY. I HAVE ALWAYS FELT THAT THE BRAKES WERE UNRESPONSIVE OR PRESSING THE BRAKES WOULD GENERALLY CAUSE THE CAR TO SKID IRRESPECTIVE OF ROAD CONDITIONS - WET /DRY. I HAVE TAKEN THE CARE TO THE SHOP TO CHECK IF THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM, ENSURED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE NEW ETC. 3 WEEKS AGO I WAS IN A REAR END COLLISION - I HAD PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP AND HIT THE BRAKES AND THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND CONTINUED TO SKID. I USED THE CAR IN FRONT TO EFFECTIVELY HALT OUR CAR. WITH ALL THE DISCUSSION OF THE TOYOTA RECALLS, I BELIEVE THERE ARE MORE CARS THAT TOYOTA IS NOT REVEALING. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I DROVE THE 1999 CAMRY AND THERE IS DEFINITELY A DIFFERENCE I THE RESPONSIVENESS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE BRAKES/BRAKING SYSTEM. *TR