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.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD TICKING AND RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. SHE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST INDICATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS SEPARATING FROM THE INSIDE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000.
Structure, Sep 7, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLINER ROOFING MATERIAL FELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY GLUE OR WEAR AND TEAR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLINER IS DETACHING FROM THE BACK BY THE REAR ALL THE WAY ACROSS. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 28, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE BETWEEN 3-5 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. HER KNEES WERE BADLY BRUISED. THE HOOD AND FRONT BUMPER WERE DAMAGED, BUT THE MAJORITY OF THE DAMAGE WAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SIDE PANELS WERE MOVED AND MISALIGNED, WHICH IMPACTS THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE DOORS. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,500.
Steering, Aug 18, 2007
MY 2003 CAMRY HAS HAD A POPPING SOUND/FEEL IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I FIRST NOTICED IT IN 2004 AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THEY COULD VERIFY THE PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED SOMETHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH SOLVED THE PROBLEM UNTIL ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO. WHEN I GOT MY CAR FROM THE DEALER I ASKED IF THIS WOULD BE AN ON-GOING PROBLEM, AND THE SHOP MANAGER TOLD ME IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. WELL....4 MONTHS AGO IT STARTED POPPING AGAIN. MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST 900.00 TO BE REPAIRED. I JUST HOPE IT IS NOTHING GOING ON IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Tires, Aug 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD POP. SHE PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A BLOW OUT ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE ROAD WAS SMOOTH AND DRY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,628.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 17, 2007
BEGAN TO HEAR RATTLING NOISE SHORTLY BEFORE TAKING CAR TO DEALER FOR 90,000 MILE SERVICING. ADVISED BY DEALER THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $600. HAD MANIFOLD REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2007
2003 CAMRY LE, 39,000 MILES. THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS ITSELF DOWN WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY, THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT OF A DEALERSHIP WHEN WE BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR A SEEMLY UNRELATED ISSUE. SHOULD THIS HAPPEN OUTSIDE, IT COULD BE DEADLY. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM GIVEN ITS DANGEROUS FAILURE MODE. THE CAR INITIALLY HAD START ISSUE A DAY EARLIER. IT ONLY STARTED AFTER THE HOOD HAS BEEN OPENED FOR A FEW MINUTES. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NEXT DAY. THE START ISSUE HAPPENED A FEW MORE TIMES IN THE DEALERS LOT. AFTER IT FINALLY STARTED, IT HAD A POWER WINDOW FAILURE, FOLLOWED BY THE SHUTTING DOWN OF THE CAR BY ITSELF WHILE THE CAR WAS PHYSICALLY MOVING. THE DEALER COULD NOT PIN POINT THE PROBLEM BUT SUSPECTED THE BODY ECU (ENGINE CONTROL UNIT) BECAUSE OF THE POWER WINDOW FAILURE. THEY REPLACED AN ECU AND THAT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2007, crash
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY FAULTY ACCELERATION CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND CAUSED HER TO HIT ANOTHER CAR AND A HOUSE**SB *JB SEE ALSO 10183782 *SY
Vehicle speed control, Jul 9, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AUTOMATICALLY TO 45 MPH AS SHE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CEMENT BLOCK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND WAS TOWED AWAY. THE BODY DAMAGE MUST BE REPAIRED BEFORE THE DEALER CAN ATTEMPT TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 24,000.
Steering, Jul 7, 2007
DEFECTIVE INTERMEDIATE STEERING JOINT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *AK
Air bags, Jul 6, 2007
MY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COVER LOOKS LIKE IS COMING APART. I SEE A GOOD GAP BETWEEN THE COVER AND THE DASH-BOARD. INSIDE THE AIRBAG COVER, I CAN SEE A YELLOW PLASTIC SHEET KIND OF MATERIAL. I AM WORRIED WHETHER IT WILL AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AIRBAG OR WHETHER IF DUST OR SOMETHING GETS IN , IT WILL CREATE PROBLEM ON ITS FUNCTIONALITY. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, THE REPORT SAYS "TECH STATES SEPARATION APPEARS TO BE CAUSED DO TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. AIR BAGS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN TAMPERED WITH. COST TO REPLACE ....". THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT AN ISSUE AND IF I WANT I CAN REPLACE MY ENTIRE DASH-BOARD TO SEAL THE GAP ON MY EXPENSE. 1. IT MAY LOOK FINE NOW WHAT IF TOMORROW IF THE COVER COMES OUT FULLY THAT WHEN I AM DRIVING IN A HIGHWAY. 2. ANYTHING CAN GET-IN IN SUCH A BIG GAP. I HAVE PHOTOS FOR EVIDENCE. AND I HAVE ATTACHED IT. 3. EXCESSIVE HEAT ( THE MAX TEMPERATURE ON THIS MONTH-JUNE WAS AROUND 95+) SO THEY MEAN TO SAY THE DASH-BOARDS ARE NOT DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THAT OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE ?(PROBABLY IT WILL BE LITTLE MORE INSIDE). SO ARE THEY SAYING EXCESSIVE SUMMER HEAT CAN CREATE A GAP BETWEEN DASH-BOARD AND AIR BAG COVER FOR ANY CAR?. AIR BAG IS SUCH A CRITICAL SAFETY PART HOW CAN ALLOW SUCH GAP BETWEEN THE COVER AND DASH-BOARD FOR THE SUMMER HEAT? . I AM PLANNING TO TAKE THIS TO NHTSA TO SEE A PATTERN. THE EXPLANATION OF EXCESSIVE HEAT LOOKS UNREALISTIC. SAFETY IS MY FIRST CONCERN NOT ONLY THE PERSON DRIVING OR PASSENGERS AND TO THE OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD TOO. IF THE AIR BAG POPS OUT WHEN I AM DRIVING, IT CAN DEFINITELY DISTRACT ANY DRIVER. OR IF DUST GETS IN IT CAN MAL-FUNCTION TOO. WHETHER TOYOTA IS INSTALLING A CAR DASH BOARD WHICH CANT EVEN WITHSTAND SUN LIGHT TEMPERATURE ? IF THAT'S THE CASE, AM I GOING TO SEE THE GAP INCREASING BY END OF THIS SUMMER ? MY INCIDENT # WITH TOYOTA IS : 070625-000298 AND MY EMAIL IS DOCUMENTED AT THEIR TOYOTA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS UNDER FILE #200706260111. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 1, 2007
DELAYED RESPONSE OF ENGINE AND FORWARD MOTION OF THE CAR WHEN APPLYING ACCELERATION. FOR LACK OF BETTER WORDS, IT SEEMS TO CREATE A REVVING OR SURGE IN THE ENGINE...LIKE SOMETHING IS OUT OF SYNCH. OTHER ISSUES RELATE TO PERSISTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE AND GRINDING IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT HAVE BEEN DISMISSED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT WORKS ON MY CAR. AS OF TODAY, I CANNOT SAFELY DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE I AM NOT CONFIDENT I WILL BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. I AM SCHEDULED TO BRING THE CAR IN THIS WEEK, BUT WILL NEED TO EXPEDITE IT GIVEN THE RAPID CHANGE IN BRAKE RESPONSE IN THE LAST FEW DAYS. *TR
Structure, Jun 28, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A GAP IN THE DASHBOARD ABOVE THE AIR BAG COVER. THE AIR BAG CAN BE SEEN THROUGH THE GAP. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG IS IN STILL IN PLACE AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING ABLE TO SEE THE AIR BAG THROUGH THE GAP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 46,009.
Structure, Equipment, Jun 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT NOTICED HOLES IN THE REAR SPEAKER COVERS AND PIECES OF THE COVERS HAD FALLEN INTO THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE BEGAN IN MARCH OF 2007 AND STILL PERSISTS. THE DEALER AGREED TO SPLIT THE COST FOR PARTS, BUT THE CONTACT MUST PAY THE LABOR FEES. WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN, THE SPEAKER COVER FRAGMENTS FLOAT AROUND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 45,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Electrical system, Jun 25, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A GLITCH IN THE COMPUTER THAT PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING SAFELY. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 90,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 21, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. ON JUNE 21, 2007, THE VEHICLE SURGED WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SO QUICKLY THAT IT WHIPPED THE CONTACT'S HEAD BACK AND LEFT SKID MARKS ON THE GROUND. SHE HAD TO REMOVE HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE AND DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AGAIN BEFORE THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION (# DTO6003 - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL) THAT WAS CLOSED IN APRIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WOULD TAKE HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 67,000.
Seats, May 8, 2007
THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHICH IS ADJUSTED USING BUTTONS ON THE SIDE OF THE SEA BECAME STUCK ALL THE WAY FORWARD 3 TIMES, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR MY HUSBAND TO DRIVE. THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT REMOVED THE SEAT, AND FOUND SHARDS OF PLASTIC IN THE TRACK. THEY SUGGESTED THAT I REFRAIN FROM MOVING THE SEAT ALL THE WAY FORWARD, WHICH IS TRICKY WHEN YOU ARE 5' 1" TALL. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Apr 10, 2007
I PURCHASED THE 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY IN SEPTEMBER 2005. WHILE I LOVE MY CAR I DO HAVE SOME CONCERNS AFTER HEARING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS. I HEAR SLOSHING SOUND UNDER THE DASH. IT IS REALLY LOUD WHEN BRAKING, ACCELERATING, OR PARKING. I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT IT SEVERAL TIMES, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL FOR YOUR CAR. ALSO , HEAR A SQUEAKY, GRINDING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO EITHER SIDE. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I TURN THE WHEEL, NO MATTER HOT OR COLD WEATHER. THE DELAERSHIP COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT THEM. THEY KEPT IT 2 DAYS, AND SAID NOTHIGN WAS WRONG. IT CONTINUED FOR ANTOHER WEEK, AND I RETURNED WITH IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT AND CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY, AND TOLD ME THEY DID NOT HAVE TIME TO LOOK AT IT, BUT THEY WERE SURE NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. THEY WILL NOT RETURN ANY PHONE CALLS OR EVEN TALK TO ME WHEN I GO THERE. THE LAS THING, WAS THE PAINT CONTINUALLY CHIPPING AND PEELING OF IN CHUNKS ON THE HOOD, FRONT BUMPER, AND REAR BUMPER. I HAVE SPOKEN TO TOYOTA ABOUT THIS SEVERAL TIMES, AND THEY CONTINUED TO SAY IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT, AND MY CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. SO THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. THIS ALL STARTED ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR AND CONTINUED TODAY. PLEASE ADVIS ME IF THEREWAS ANYTHING I COULD DO TO FIX ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS. THANKS. AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Mar 27, 2007
CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE UPON PRESSING BRAKE PEDAL. HYDRAULIC BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. METHOD USED TO STOP VEHICLE INCLUDED PUTTING VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND APPLYING EMERGENCY/PARKING BRAKE. NARROWLY AVOIDED COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES WHICH HAD STOPPED BY SQUEEZING BETWEEN THEM AND THE CONCRETE MEDIUM. MY VEHICLE WAS SCRAPED ON DRIVERS SIDE BUT NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED (THANK GOD!). COULD NOT DUPLICATE. *JB
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 12, 2007
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR ON MY VEHICLE DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. THE LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE "DOOR OPEN" LIGHT GOES ON. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 28, 2007
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD.***CC *JB SEE ALSO 10181803. *DSY
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 28, 2007, crash
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND REAR ENDED SECOND VEHICLE AND THEN A BUILDING BEFORE STOPPING. OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY FULLY DEPRESSING BRAKES, PUMPING BRAKES AND SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL TO NO AVAIL. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER FOR PROBLEM IN 06/06 AND AGAIN IN 02/07. IN 06/06 DEALER STATED THERE WAS A COMPUTER PROBLEM AND AN ADJUSTMENT WAS MADE. IN 02/07 DEALER STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. OPERATOR STATE HE HAD FOUR FAILURES BEFORE SERVICING IN 2006 AND ONLY ONE FAILURE BEFORE BRINGING IT IN IN 2007. THERE WAS DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT THAT CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *NM SEE ALSO 10196913 *SY
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2007
TOYOTA DEALER ADVISES REPLACEMENT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD ON 2003 CAMRY 4-CYLINDER DUE TO LOUD RATTLING NOISE. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS NOTED. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Feb 20, 2007, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS FOOT REMAINED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, IT LUNGED FORWARD OVER A CURB AND HIT A TREE. THE REAR AXLES WERE DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND THE CONTACT HAD PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AT THIS TIME.*AK THE VEHICLE LUNGED IN REVERSE, ONTO A MANIN STREET, JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT A TREE. UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2007
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW TOYOTA CAMRY XLE IN MAY 2003. ABOUT 1 1/2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASING IT, I BEGAN TO HEAR A SLOSHING SOUND UNDER THE DASH BOARD. THE PRODUCING OF THE SOUND WASN'T CONSISTENT BECAUSE SOME DAYS IT WASN'T PRESENT AT ALL. WHEN THE SOUND FIRST STARTED IT WAS VERY FAINT AND THE PASSENGER COULD NOT HEAR IT EVEN WHEN I POINTED IT OUT. I CHECKED FOR LEAKS BUT I COULD NOT FIND ANY. TODAY, THE SOUND IS A LOT MORE NOTICABLE; HOWEVER, IT STILL DOES NOT PRESNET ITSELF EVERYDAY. I TRIED TO OBSERVE IF IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS COLD OUT SIDE OR HOT, BUT THE SOUND IS NOT CONSISTENT. WHEN THE SOUND IS PRESENT, I WOULD HAVE TO TURN MY MUSIC UP A LITTLE TO IGNORE IT. MY CAR'S PERFORMANCE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE HAMPERED BY THIS SLOSHING OR SPLASHING NOISE SO I THOUGHT MY FLUIDS WERES JUST CIRCULATING. BUT IT HAS BECOME QUITE EMBARASSING AND ANNOYING HAVING TO DEAL WITH IT. I READ ANOTHER CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND TOYOTA COULD NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE SO THEY BOUGHT THEIR CAR BACK. I AM NOW INQUIRING TO TOYOTA ABOUT THE ISSUE, BUT I WISHED I HAD WHEN MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM FIRST ARISED AT THE 20,000 MILE MARK. *JB