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.
Steering, Dec 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, SHE WOULD HEAR A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THEY REFERRED HER TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE STOPPED A TRAFFIC STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A FENCE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO A RESIDENTIAL HOME. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE AND WAS TREATED FOR A CONCUSSION, BRUISES AND LACERATIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND RULED AS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Engine, Dec 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE COOLANT FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOLTS BECAME DETACHED FROM THE ENGINE BASE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Engine, Nov 25, 2012
INTAKE MANIFOLD NOISE. DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. NO RECALL AVAILABLE. *TR
Visibility, Equipment, Nov 5, 2012
2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCESSORY OUTLET(CIGARETTE LIGHTER) AND REAR WINDOWS NOT WORKING. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO HER, SHE WAS INFORMED THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER HAD A SHORT AND HAD BEEN FIXED. SHE WAS ALSO TOLD THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW MOTOR WAS BURNED OUT AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE TWO FRONT WINDOWS WERE WORKING. THE CONSUMER DECLINED THE REPAIRS FOR THE WINDOW. HOWEVER, THE NEXT WEEK, THE PASSENGER WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. A FEW WEEKS LATER, SHE RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL, IN WHICH A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR A FAULTY WINDOW CONTROL BUTTON ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR, BUT FOR THE 2006 MODELS. THE CONSUMER STATED ONE DAY IT RAINED, AND AFTER IT STOPPED, THE WINDOWS STARTED TO WORK AGAIN. *JB
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 25, 2012, crash
ON OCTOBER 24, 2012, I PARALLEL PARKED MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY ON THE STREET. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS LEAVING, SO HE ASKED ME TO MOVE BACK A FEW INCHES SO HE COULD GET OUT. MY CAR WAS STILL RUNNING SO I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO REVERSE, AND AS I BEGAN TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, MY CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AT A VERY FAST SPEED INTO THE CAR BEHIND ME. WANTING TO PULL UP A FEW INCHES TO GET OUT AND ASSESS THE DAMAGE, I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND AS I DID, MY CAR ACCELERATED FORWARDS INTO THE PARKED CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT ACCELERATED AT SUCH A HIGH SPEED THAT IT PUSHED THE THREE CARS IN FRONT OF ME TOGETHER. AT NO POINT DURING THESE TWO RAPID ACCELERATIONS DID I EVER APPLY MY FOOT TO THE GAS PEDAL. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO SEVERAL CARS AND COULD HAVE ENDED UP WITH MUCH MORE SEVERE CONSEQUENCES HAD I NOT BEEN IN THAT LOCATION. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2012
I HEARD ABOUT THE RECALL THAT TOYOTA HAD ON OR ABOUT TUESDAY 10/9/2012 ON THE PWMS DRIVERS SIDE LAST MONTH I STARTING HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE IS A RECALL , SO I E-MAIL TOYOTA TO LET THEM KNOW THAT MY TOYOTA WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND WASN'T IT INCLUDED THE AUTO BUTTON STARTING STICKING AND THE WINDOW SOMETIMES STICKS TRYING TO GO DOWN, THEY STATED THAT MY CAR WAS NO LONGER IN WARRANTY I DIDN'T THINK A RECALL HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH A WARRANTY,MY 2003 MEANS THE SAME TO ME AS A PERSON WHO HAS A 2007 THAT MAY NOT STILL HAVE A WARRANTY. MY WINDOW HAD NOT DONE THIS BEFORE THIS TIME STATED,MY LAST ANSWER FROM ASK TOYOTA STATED THAT THE 2003 IS NOT INCLUDED SO I DID ASK THEM TO LET ME KNOW WHO THE REPORTING AGENCY WAS BUT I STARTED TO DO A LITTLE RESEARCH ON MY ON AND I FOUND YOUR AGENCY. I PAID FOR MY TOYOTA THE SAME AS A PERSON WITH A 2007 OR 2009. PLEASE HELP WITH SOME INFO. *TR
Air bags, Sep 28, 2012
A LARGE GAP DEVELOPED BETWEEN PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG COVER AND THE DASH BOARD. INSIDE THE GAP, A YELLOW COVER, POSSIBLE AIRBAG, CAN BE SEEN. NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED. *TR
Air bags, Sep 14, 2012, crash
I AM MAKING THIS REPORT FOR MY MOTHER, WHO WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH SHE HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH AND RAN INTO A STOPPED VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG IN HER VEHICLE DID NOT ENGAGE IN THE COLLISION. THANK GOD THE SEAT BELT WORKED. I AM FILING THIS REPORT WITH HER NAME AND PERSONAL INFORMATION, EXCEPT THE EMAIL ADDRESS IS MINE, AS SHE DOESN'T USE EMAIL. *TR
Engine, Sep 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE ENGINE HEAD BOLT STRIPS ITSELF CAUSING THE COOLANT TO LEAK OUT AND BLEW THE HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Engine, Sep 2, 2012
CAR SMOKES DURING START UP. STARTED LAST WINTER. RESEARCH INDICATES STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS. PULL AND CLEAN THE PLUGS ABOUT ONCE A MONTH DUE TO FOULING. WAITING FOR IT TO BLOW. WILL NOT TAKE IT OUT OF TOWN OR THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,740 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,754.
Air bags, Jul 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS THEN DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS TO THE ARMS AND NECK AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER HOME AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 16, 2012
LETTER TO THE ADMINISTRATOR FROM SENATOR GRASSLEY TRANSMITTING QUESTIONS RE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION *TGW INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED TO THE SENATORS OFFICE, WITH SUPPORTED DOCUMENTATION, WHICH RAISED CONCERNS THAT THE SCOPE OF THE NHTSA AND NASA INVESTIGATIONS MAY HAVE BEEN TOO NARROW. A PHENOMENON KNOWN AS "TIN WHISKERS" WITHIN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND POSSIBLY OTHER VEHICLE ELECTRONICS MAY BE A CAUSE FOR CONCERN. THE NASA REPORT DEFINED "TIN WHISKERS" AS ELECTRONICALLY CONDUCTIVE, CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURES OF TIN THAT SOMETIMES GREW FROM SURFACES WHERE TIN; ESPECIALLY ELECTROPLATED WAS USED AS A FINAL FINISH. IN A SEPARATE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION VEHICLE STUDY OF A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY CONDUCTED LAST FALL, A NASA EXPERT EXAMINED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND FOUND TWO "TIN WHISKERS" INSIDE. HE CONCLUDED THAT, ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE OPERATED, IT WAS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE DRIVABLE. *JB
Suspension, Visibility, Jul 8, 2012
I HAVE 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY LE.. I GOT INTO MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. FIRST ONE IS THE SUN ROOF/MOON ROOF GETTING JAMMED AND NOT CLOSING PROPERLY RESULTING IN WATER LEAK AND AS WELL AS HIGH CABIN NOISE. DEALER TOLD IT WILL COST 2000 + TO FIX THE SUNROOM/MOON ROOF AS THIS NEED TO BE REPLACED COMPLETE. ALSO WHILE DOING THE 110000 SERVICE DEALER SAID THE FRONT AND RARE SUSPENSION SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WHICH WILL COST 2000 + USD. I AM REQUESTING TOYOTA TO LOOK INTO THIS AND GET THIS FIXED FOR ME. *TR
Visibility, Jul 8, 2012
SUN ROOF/MOON ROOF GETTING JAMMED AND NOT CLOSING PROPERLY. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2012
THE KEY IS UNABLE TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DRIVERS' SIDE DOOR. THE KEY FOB STILL IS ABLE TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO WAY POSSIBLE TO USE THE KEY IN THE KEY HOLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AND DISENGAGE THE DOOR LOCK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2012
THE VEHICLE ENGINE WAS RUNNING VERY RUFF AFTER START THEN SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FAULT CODES ON THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS A NUMBER TWO AND THREE CYLINDER MISFIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANALYSIS. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING BETWEEN THE NUMBER TWO AND THREE CYLINDERS (NO COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUTSIDE THE ENGINE). THE DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE HEAD, BUT THE FIRST BOLT STARTED TO STRIP AND THE TECHNICIANS STOPPED AT THAT POINT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE AND THE REPLACEMENT COST WAS $4,600 FOR A USED 80,000 MILE ENGINE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL SHOP AND HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED WITH A 30,000 MILE ENGINE FOR $3,000. COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS ONE (THE HEAD BOLTS STRIPING OUT THE ALUMINUM ENGINE BLOCK) ARE ALL OVER THE INTERNET. TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE DESIGN FLAWS. 1) THE HEAD GASKETS SHOULD NOT BE FAILING ON VEHICLES WITH LOW MILLAGE. 2) THE HEAD BOLTS SHOULD BE REMOVABLE WITHOUT DAMAGING THE ENGINE.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE PARKED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED TWO OXYGEN SENSORS. AFTER THE REPAIR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO AND THE MILEAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO FURTHER REPAIRS PERFORMED TO THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Engine, May 31, 2012
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY 4CYL CAR WITH 150,000 MILES, THAT HAS A COOLANT LEAK FROM THE BACK OF THE ENGINE NEXT TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AFTER REPLACE MOST OF THE COOLING SYSTEM SUCH AS FAN, THERMOSTAT TRYING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM ON FURTHER INSPECTION AND RESEARCH, IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE LEAK IS COMING FROM THE HEAD GASKET AREA, DUE TO STRIPPED OUT BLOCK/HEADBOLT, AS A CLEAR SIGN OF MANUFACTURER DEFECT INDICATED AND SUBSTANTIATED BY THE AMOUNT OF SIMILAR CASES FOUND ON INTERNET FORUMS SUCH AS: HTTP://WWW.TUNDRASOLUTIONS.COM/FORUMS/CAMRY/148454-CAMRY-WITH-STRIPPED-HEAD-BOLTS-2/. IT SEEMS CAR MAKERS WILL NOT DO THE RIGHT THING UNLESS THEY ARE FORCED TO AND THIS IS WHY I AM TRYING TO DO MY PART TO INVOKE A VEHICLE RECALL FOR THIS DESIGN FAILURE, BY A COMPANY CLAIMING TO PUT COSTUMERS FIRST, BUT INSTEAD IGNORES SO MANY OF US THE FIRST CHANCE THEY GET. CONSUMERS NEED HELP WITH THIS ISSUE WITH TOYOTA; PLEASE HELP US. THE BEST FIX SO FAR REPORTED IS PURCHASING ANOTHER TOYOTA 4CYL MOTOR WITH THE SAME FLAWED ENGINEERING AND TOYOTA WANTS NO PART OF BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SHORT COMING. , THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE MOST DISAPPOINTING EXPERIENCE WITH THEM AND TO KNOW THERE ARE SO MANY INSTANCES OF THE SAME PROBLEM AND YET THIS COMPANY REFUSES TO DO THE RIGHT AND RESPONSIBLE ACTION AND ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THEIR FAILURE. ANY AND ALL THE ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER IS NEEDED. *TR
Seat belts, May 3, 2012
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT NO LONGER UNLATCHES. THE PROBLEM INITIATED WITH DIFFICULTY GETTING THE FREE END COMPONENT TO LOCK INTO THE RECEIVING END. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 16, 2012
I BOUGHT THIS 2003 CAMRY FROM TOYOTA SUNNYALE (898 W EL CAMINO REAL, SUNNYVALE, CA 94087) ON 3/18. I NEGOTIATED THE PRICE BASED ON THEIR DESCRIPTION OF THE VEHICLE ON WEBSITE BEFORE I WENT IN. HOWEVER, WHEN I WENT IN, I FOUND OUT THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE LAMP CASE WAS BROKEN. I INDICATED THAT WATER LEAK WILL CAUSE ISSUE. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX IT AND TOLD ME THERE WON'T BE SUCH ISSUE. I TOOK MY KID TO DRIVING TEST TODAY (4/16) WITH THIS VEHICLE. ONLY THEN THAT I FOUND OUT FROM THE DRIVING EXAMINER THAT BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING AND HE REFUSED TO LET MY KID PROCEED WITH HER DRIVING TEST CITING SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS DEFINITELY VERY FRUSTRATING NOT TO MENTION THE FEW HOURS WASTED IN DMV. WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN HEAVY RAIN ON AND OFF OVER THE 2 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THAT CAR. THE WATER DID INDEED GO INTO THE LAMP CASE AND CAUSE THE HOT LIGHT BULB TO BURST. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO WHEEL WORKS TO FIX THIS ISSUE TODAY AND THE MECHANICS CONFIRMED THE ABOVE EXPLANATION. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR ON FREEWAY TO WORK EVERYDAY WITH A BROKEN BRAKE LIGHT AND WITHOUT KNOWING THAT. I COULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED A TICKET, OR SOMEONE COULD HAVE RUN INTO ME ON FREEWAY BECAUSE OF THE FAILED BRAKE LIGHT. AFTER DRIVING 20 YEARS OF TOYOTA VEHICLE, I AM COMPLETELY SHOCKED THAT TOYOTA DEALER CHEATED ME ON SAFETY ISSUE. SIMPLY SPEAKING, TOYOTA TRADED HIS BEST CUSTOMERS' LIFE FOR FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE DEALER THOUGH WILLING TO PAY FOR THE BULB (WHICH IS A CHEAP $5) AND WAIVE THE LABOR COST, SIMPLY REFUSE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEARING THE COST OF THE LAMP CASE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT SEE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAD THIS ISSUE FIXED TO BEGIN WITH BEFORE DELIVERING THE CAR TO CUSTOMER. I DO ASK THAT TOYOTA REIMBURSE ME THE SAME FULL PART AND LABOR COST THAT THEY WERE TO CHARGE THIS REPAIR TO CUSTOMERS. *JS
Steering, Mar 8, 2012
I BOUGHT MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2003 LE BRAND NEW FROM KOONS TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN TYSONS CORNER, VIRGINIA BACK IN 2003. FEW MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE I NOTICED CAR ALWAYS PULLING TO THE LEFT. I WENT BACK TO DEALER BUT THEY CLAIM IT WAS JUST ROAD PULLING AND THAT IT WAS NORMAL. I ACCEPTED THAT AS AN ANSWER FROM CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALER AND WENT ON WITH MY LIFE. THIS WAS MY SECOND CAR SO I WAS NOT DRIVING IT MUCH AT THE TIME BUT I HAD REPLACED TIRES TWICE AND HAD DONE ALIGNMENT SEVERAL TIMES IN LESS THEN TWO YEARS. I STARTED DRIVING THIS CAR MORE AROUND THE TIME MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEN REALIZED THAT THIS PROBLEM REQUIRES ME TO REPLACE MY TIRES AFTER EACH MAJOR TRIP...WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES. I KEPT ON DOING ALIGNMENT AND EVEN TRIED DIFFERENT TYPE OF TIRES, DIFFERENT DEALERS, ETC. I EVEN FOUND A TSB RELEASE FROM TOYOTA THAT MANY CLAIM FIXES THIS PROBLEM BUT DEALERS CLAIM IT DOES NOT APPLY TO TOYOTA CAMRY 2003 LE, THE DOCUMENT IN QUESTION IS TSB-ST0002-04. DO THIS DAY I HAVE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND NO WAY TO FIX IT. SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH ON TOYOTA CAMRY 2003 LE LEFT PULL PROBLEM WILL SHOW HOW BIG AND WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THIS IS. THIS IS A RATHER FRUSTRATING PROBLEM BECAUSE EACH DEALER CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR YET I CANT BUY ENOUGH TIRES TO DRIVE THIS CAR. *TR
Visibility, Mar 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DROPPED AND BLOCKED THE CONTACT'S VISION OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUN VISOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Visibility, Seats, Feb 26, 2012
THERE'S A DESIGN FLAW IN TOYOTA SOLARA MODELS 1999-2003 (THE MODEL CHANGED IN 2004), AND IT'S THIS: AT THE VERY TOP OF THE BACK OF THE BACK SEAT, WHERE THE SEAT FABRIC IS TUCKED INTO THE PLASTIC BACK, THIS BACKING HAS A 'LIP' THAT STICKS OUT AND CATCHES ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP EACH TIME IT'S LOWERED OR RAISED, USUALLY SNAGGING THE TOP OF THE BACK WINDOW. THIS CONSTANT SNAGGING OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP ON THIS HARD PLASTIC LIP CAUSES TWO ISSUES: 1) THE PLASTIC 'LIP' ITSELF IS WEAKENED, LOSES INTEGRITY, SUFFERS A FATIGUE CRACK, AND BREAKS. 2) THE STITCHING OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP AT THE TOP OF THE BACK WINDOW LOSES ITS INTEGRITY, AND THE BACK WINDOW BECOMES SEPARATED FROM THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. THIS RESULTS IN A GAP BETWEEN THE CONVERTIBLE TOP AND THE TOP OF THE BACK WINDOW, WHICH CAN (AND DID, IN MY CASE) RESULT IN THE WINDOW CATCHING ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT AND COMPLETELY SHATTERING. WHEN MY WINDOW SHATTERED, I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE PERSON THERE TOLD ME HE HAS FREQUENTLY SEEN THIS ISSUE WITH MY MODEL OF SOLARA (UP TO YEAR 2003) SOLELY DUE TO THE LIP AT THE TOP OF THE SEAT BACK ITS ALWAYS SNAGGING THE CONVERTIBLE ROOF WITH EACH OPENING OR CLOSING. HE TOLD ME THAT THIS DESIGN FLAW WAS CORRECTED IN THE REDESIGNED TOYOTA SOLARA THAT WAS RELEASED IN 2004, AND ALL SUBSEQUENT MODEL YEARS. FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE COVERAGE, THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. FOR THOSE, LIKE ME, WHO HAVE COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE COVERAGE, THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO PAY FOR. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AS A CONSUMER, AND FEEL TOYOTA SHOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM -- AT NO CHARGE -- OF ALL EFFECTED MODELS. THE REPAIR IS SIMPLE: THEY NEED ONLY CUT AWAY THE LIP FROM THE SEAT BACK, AS IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE INTEGRITY OF THE BACK SEAT, ITSELF, AS SHOWN BY ITS DISAPPEARANCE IN THE LATER MODELS. *TR