2007 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 3,615 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 314 involved a crash and 72 involved a fire. 199 people were injured and 4 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 10, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 12V491000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJan 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 10V017000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 5, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 09V388000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentSep 26, 2007
CERTAIN ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS (AWFM) SPECIFICALLY SOLD AS AN OPTIONAL ACCESSORY FOR USE ON THE 2007 AND 2008 MODEL YEAR LEXUS ES350 AND TOYOTA CAMRY VEHICLES. THE AWFM INCLUDES TWO GROMMET HOLES AND RETAINING HOOKS (CLIPS) TO SECURE THE MAT TO THE VEHICLE'S CARPET. IF THE AWFM IS NOT SECURED BY ITSELF OR IF IT IS PLACED ON TOP OF AN EXISTING CARPETING FLOOR MAT, THE MAT COULD MOVE FORWARD DURING THE VEHICLE USAGE AND IT MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION WHEN RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, IT MAY INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF ALL 2007 AND 2008 LEXUS ES350 AND TOYOTA CAMRY VEHICLES ABOUT THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH NOT ALL OF THESE OWNERS WILL HAVE PURCHASED THE ALL WEATHER MATS. IF THE OWNER HAD NOT PURCHASED THE MATS, THEY ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. THIS LETTER WILL ADVISE OWNERS WHEN REPLACEMENT MATS WILL BE AVAILABLE OR HOW TO RETURN THE ALL WEATHER FLOOR MAT SET TO OBTAIN A REFUND. A SECOND LETTER WILL BE SENT AFTER MATS ARE AVAILABLE REQUESTING OWNERS TO RETURN THEIR MATS TO A LEXUS OR TOYOTA DEALER FOR EXCHANGE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE MAT. THE FIRST LETTER IS EXPECTED TO BE SENT DURING EARLY OCTOBER 2007 AND THE SECOND IN LATE NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT THE LEXUS CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-255-3987 OR THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AT 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 07E082000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 3, 2006
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 06V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
290 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Jan 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT OTHER MOTORISTS WERE BECOMING IMPATIENT WITH HIM. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, HE USED THE GPS TO CHECK THE SPEEDOMETER AND IT INDICATED THAT HE WAS TRAVELING 63 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT WAS BETWEEN THE TOLERANCE AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT WAS WITHIN THE NATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS. HE WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA IF HE HAD QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STANDARD. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 02/14/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Equipment, Jan 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATES AT INTERSECTIONS OR WHILE IDLING AT STOP SIGNS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY TEN TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CPU ON THE COMPUTER AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITHIN TEN KEY TURNS, THE VEHICLE REPROGRAMMED ITSELF AND HE MUST DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO REPROGRAM IT TO ITS ORIGINAL SETTING. THE FAILURE REMAINS UNCORRECTED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 02-12-08 *BF THE DEALER STATED REPLACED INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY, A/C VENT CLOSEST TO STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE,AND HESITATION BETWEEN FIRST AND 2ND GEAR. UPDATED 02/12/08 *TR
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED DURING ACCELERATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ECU MODULE SHOULD BE REPROGRAMMED. THEY REPROGRAMMED THE ECU MODULE, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,600.
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2007
CAMRY 2007 STALLS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 13, 2007
I BOUGHT A 2007 CAMRY (6 CYLINDER) WITH 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION IN SEPT. 2006. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEARS WHEN IT IS COLD. IT WORKS NORMALLY AFTER IT HAS WARMED UP, ALTHOUGH IT SEEMS TO BE SOMEWHAT INDECISIVE, ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING. IT HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR NORMAL SERVICE THREE TIMES. IT HAS 15,300 MILES ON IT NOW. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT WANTS TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER BUT DOES NOT SEEM VERY CONFIDENT THE REPROGRAMMING WILL HELP. I WILL TRY THIS BEFORE I TRADE IT FOR A NEW HONDA ACCORD. SO FAR NO SITUATIONS INVOLVING SAFETY HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 17, 2007
2007 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE WITH SMART KEY , KEYLESS IGNITION. PAGE 320 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES CAUTION "DO NOT TOUCH THE ENGINE START STOP SWITCH WHILE DRIVING", IN BRACKETED YELLOW BACKGROUND. NEXT PARAGRAPH STATES IN REGULAR BW PRINT; "IF YOU HAVE TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP,PRESS AND HOLD THE ENGINE START SWITCH FOR MORE THAN THREE SECONDS. THE FALLACY OF THIS IS THE VEHICLE SPEED MUST BE UNDER 3 MPH. IF YOU APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE/PARKING BRAKE THE ENGINE WILL QUIT AT BELOW 40 MPH. I WENT THRU SEVERAL TESTS TO DETERMINE THIS FLAW. THIS IS POOR DESIGN. I HAVE HEARD VIA TV THAT THE LEXUS 350 ,ALMOST SAME VEHICLE AS CAMRY XLE EXCEPT FOR NICER INTERIOR AND SEATS, HAS AN UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION PROBLEM. PROBABLY ALL 2007 LEXUS VEHICLES HAVE KEYLESS ( SMART KEY) IGNITION. IF YOU WERE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH AND GOT UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION WITH SMART KEY YOU WOULD BE IN A BAD SITUATION. I HAVE NOT HAD AN UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION AND DO NOT WANT ONE AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AND WAS INFORMED OF A CRACK IN THE BATTERY. TOYOTA IS UNSURE IF THE BATTERY CAN BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 6,146. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED THE REPAIR INVOICE. UPDATED 08/20/07 *TR
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2007
CAR HESITATED BADLY ON ACCELERATION. AT FIRST THE DEALER SAID IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE ACCELERATOR WAS CONNECTED THROUGH A WIRE TO THE COMPUTER, BUT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE ,AND NEEDED TO BE INVESTIGATED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IF NECESSARY. I WILL STATE MY DEALER WAS NOW TRYING TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE BECAUSE IT HAS ALSO EFFECTED THE GAS MILEAGE, AND A SEE IT AS A SAFETY HAZARD. IF NECESSARY I WILL CONTACT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MY HOME STATE BECAUSE I SEE THIS AS A NON PERFECTED PIECE OF EQUIPMENT PUT UPON THE PUBLIC . *AK
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2007
I DO NOT OWN THE 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY OR THE LEXUS ES350 , BUT IN THE COURSE OF TEST DRIVING BOTH OF THE VEHICLES, I WAS SHOCKED TO DISCOVER THAT THE START/STOP BUTTON DEFEATS THE OLDER IGNITION KEY IINTERLOCK SYSTEM. IN THE OLDER KEYED IGNITION SYSTEM THE CAR MUST BE IN PARK TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. IN THE 2007 MODELS OF LEXUS AND CAMRY THE ENGINE CAN BE TURNED OFF WITH THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE SIMPLY BY TOUCHING THE BRAKE. HERE IS NO IGNITION KEY TO PLACE IN THE STEERING COLUMN.. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING WHICH I SENT TO YOUR SITE THIS MORNING AND WAS ASKED TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT: 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY AND LEXUS ES 350 DO NOT USE AN IGNITION KEY. THEY USE A "REMOTE" WHICH MUST BE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE VEHICLE WHEN THE "START/STOP" BUTTON IS PRESSED. OTHER MANUFACTURERS (BMW, VOLVO) USE BOTH A "KEY" IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE "START/STOP" BUTTON. WHILE THIS SECOND OPTION AT FIRST SEEMS REDUNDANT, IT IS A SAFETY FEATURE AND TOYOTA/LEXUS PRODUCTS MAY BE PRONE TO "ROLLING WHEN STOPPED" IN THE FOLLOWING SCENARIO: TOYOTA/LEXUS: DRIVER TOUCHES BRAKE AND HITS THE "START/STOP" BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, BUT DRIVER FORGETS TO MOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM "DRIVE" TO "PARK". UPON RELEASING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE, IF NOT ON LEVEL GROUND. BMW/VOLVO: AS ABOVE, BUT DRIVER IS UNABLE TO PULL "KEY" FROM STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE VEHICLE IS NOT IN "PARK". THEREFORE, DRIVER PLACES TRANSMISSION IN "PARK" BEFORE EXITING THE CAR, OTHERWISE HE WILL NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE "KEY" WITH HIM ON LEAVING THE CAR. THE INFINITI M35X AWD USES A "START/STOP" BUTTON, BUT "BEEPS" AN ALARM WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED IN DRIVE. IN SUMMARY: REDUNDANCY (KEY/START-STOP BUTTON) AND ALARMS SERVE A USEFUL SAFETY PURPOSE AND SHOULD BE INCORPORATED INTO THE TOYOTA/LEXUS PRODUCTS. ALTERNATIVELY, THE "START/STOP" BUTTON SHOULD BE ACTIVE ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. *AK
Electrical system, May 15, 2007
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE ENGINE HESITATED SEVERELY. ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION ATTEMPTS TO CROSS AT A CROSSROADS OR ENTER A FREEWAY WITH PLENTY OF TIME BEFORE TRAFFIC ARRIVED RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR MISSES WITH OTHER CARS. THE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT TO OCCUR. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO GREENVILLE TOYOTA IN GREENVILLE NC, AND THEY SAID IT WAS A CHIP IN THE COMPUTER AND THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WERE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. GREENVILLE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVES ADVISED IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE. *AK
Electrical system, May 11, 2007
THE BLUISH GREENISH AND GREY LIGHTING ON THE 2007 CAMRY RADIO WAS SO BRIGHT THAT IT WAS DISTRACTING AT NIGHT. IT I WASSO BRIGHT THAT THE PEOPLE IN THE FRONT SEAT WERE ILLUMINATED BY IT, AND HAD TO WORK VERY HARD TO SCAN OUTSIDE THE CAR SINCE IT COMPLETELY RUINED NIGHT VISION. THERE WAS A DIMMER SETTING, BUT IT WAS TIED TO THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. WHEN DIMMING THE RADIO ONE LOST THE ABILITY TO READ THE GAUGES. I WASVERY CONCERNED THAT THIS WAS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. WE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER CARE CENTER. DESPITE THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM THE REPRESENTATIVE WITH HER OWN CAMRY THAT IT WAS A VERY BRIGHT LIGHT. TOYOTA WILL NOT WORK WITH US TO CHANGE IT IN ANYWAY, STATING THAT IT WAS A DESIGN ISSUE WITHOUT ENOUGH COMPLAINS. THEY WERE NOT INTERESTED IN SEEKING WAYS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. *AK
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 4, 2007
I PURCHASED A NEW 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY IN JUNE 2006. AFTER RETURNING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THE SLUGGISH ACCELERATION FROM A STOP WAS CONSISTENT AND THE PASSING GEAR DOWNSHIFT FELT DELAYED AS IF THERE WAS A COMMUNICATION LAG BETWEEN THE TCM AND ACTUAL SWITCHING OF THE SHIFT SOLENOIDS AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 50 MPH. THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT SET SPEED. ON STEEPER GRADES AND ON THE INTERSTATE THE DOWN SHIFTS ARE VERY FREQUENT AND AT TIMES VERY DRAMATIC. WHEN CRESTING A STEEP HILL THE TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS AT THE CREST AND TAKES 2 OR 3 SECONDS TO RELEASE THE THROTTLE, PICKING UP ANYWHERE FROM 10 TO 15 MPH AND I HAVE TO BREAK SUDDENLY IN ORDER TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE THAT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CAME OUT IN SEPTEMBER OF 2006 FOR AN ECM CALIBRATION ENHANCEMENT TO SHIFTING PERFORMANCE AND SMOOTHNESS AND THIS NEW COMPUTER SOFTWARE HAD TO BE DOWNLOADED IN THE CAR AND THIS WOULD RECALIBRATE ECM (PCM) ENGINE & TRANSMISSION. THE CATCHER TO THIS IS THAT THE CUSTOMER HAS TO REQUEST THIS DOWNLOAD BEFORE THE DEALERSHIP WILL FOLLOW THROUGH. IF YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE BULLETIN HOW CAN AN AVERAGE CUSTOMER REQUEST THIS? THE DOWNLOAD WAS PERFORMED ON THIS CAR BUT DIDN'T HELP ANY. THE DEALERSHIP TOOK THE CAR BACK AND I WAS GIVEN A NEW ONE IN DEC. 2006. SAME THING WITH THIS ONE. I HAVE BEEN THROUGH NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT WITH AN APPOINTED ARBITRATOR WHO HAD THE CAR INSPECTED BY AN ASE INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR. HE AGREED WITH THE ABOVE BUT IN CONCLUSION STATED THAT TOYOTA SHOULD "DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY". I FEEL THAT THIS IS A NO WIN SITUATION FOR THE CONSUMER AND TOYOTA KNOWS ALL ABOUT THE PROBLEMS BUT JUST DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO CORRECT THEM. BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF SAFETY THE "LEMON LAW" SHOULD BE PUT INTO EFFECT AND THESE CARS RECALLED. TOYOTA IS NOT GOING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY UNLESS FORCED. THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST TOYOTA VEHICLE. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 29, 2006
BLINDING LIGHTS ON RADIO IN DASH. LIGHTS ON THE RADIO FOR THE 2007 CAMRY ARE SO BLINDING AT NIGHT THAT IT MAKES DRIVING AT NIGHT A SAFETY HAZARD. YOU CAN DIM THE RADIO LIGHTS ONLY SO FAR AND THEN THE REST OF THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS GO OUT BUT YET THE RADIO LIGHTS ONLY DIM TO A POINT. THIS IS ALSO A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 4, 2006
AFTER 4985 MILES, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ACTIVATED. THERE WAS A SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRES. DEALER/SERVICE ORIGINALLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE OF THE "VARIABLE VALVE TIMING ACTUATOR," BUT LATER RE-DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE OF THE WIRING HARNESS. THE CAR WAS RETURNED 11/30/06. AFTER 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT REACTIVATED. I RETURNED THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. ON 12/01/06, THE DEALER/SERVICE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AND SAID A "VACUUM TUBE" DISCONNECTED. I PICKED UP CAR ON 12/01/06. AFTER A COUPLE HOURS OF DRIVING, THE "P" FOR PARK LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE I WAS IN DRIVE. (THE "P" AND "D" INDICATORS WERE BOTH ILLUMINATED AS I WAS DRIVING. ALSO, THE DOOR LOCKS ON ALL DOORS ENGAGED AND DISENGAGED UNCONTROLLABLY AND CONTINUOUSLY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO MANUALLY LOCK OR UNLOCK MY CAR DOORS USING THE "LOCK/UNLOCK" SWITCH ON THE DRIVE-SIDE DOOR SINCE IT WAS DEACTIVATED AS A RESULT OF THE MALFUNCTION. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER/SERVICE ON 12/02/06 FOR THIS PROBLEM. DEALER/SERVICE DIAGNOSES THE PROBLEM AS A ELECTRICAL SHORT DUE TO A COOLANT LEAK. I WAS PROMISED THAT THE CAR WOULD BE RETURNED 12/4/06 AFTERNOON. *NM
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 1, 2006
THROTTLE RESPONSE DELAY IN 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY (4 CYL. AUTO) CAMRY - BOUGHT NEW 4/06 FROM TOYOTA OF NASHUA (NH). DEFECT IS A DELAY OF 1 1/2 SECONDS IN THROTTLE RESPONSE. DELAY WAS MOST NOTICEABLE AT NORMAL URBAN TRAFFIC SPEEDS OF 35 TO 45 MPH. A LIGHT INCREASE IN THROTTLE AT CONSTANT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN THE 35 TO 45 MPH RANGE RESULTED IN THE ENGINE 1) USUALLY NOT REMAINING IN HIGH GEAR 2) HAVING NO RESPONSE FOR 1 1/2 SECONDS, AND 3) THEN ROUGHLY DOWN-SHIFTING, AS IF THE DRIVER HAD CALLED FOR STRONG ACCELERATION. THE CAR'S SPEED "SAGGED", AND THEN THE CAR'S ENGINE OVERSPED. THE DRIVER THEN HAD TO DECREASE THROTTLE TO PREVENT OVERSPEED IN TRAFFIC. PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC BECOMES UNPREDICTABLE AND DANGEROUS. DELAY AND/OR OVER-RESPONSE IN THE THROTTLE CONTROL'S ACTION MAY CREATE SKIDS ON WET AND ICY ROADS. LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVERS MAY BECOME UN-NERVED BY THIS KIND OF THROTTLE RESPONSE. TOYOTA'S RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS CONSISTED OF THESE REPLIES: (LISTED IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY WERE GIVEN OVER MULTIPLE SERVICE VISITS) 1. "WE KNOW WHAT IT IS. IT IS THE FLY-BY-WIRE CONTROL. THEY ALL DO IT AND THE OWNER HAS TO LIVE WITH IT" (SPOKEN OVER THE PHONE PRIOR TO THE FIRST SERVICE VISIT) 2. "OPERATING AS DESIGNED".. "THIS ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE". 3. "THE CAMRYS HAVE A DRIVER HABIT IMPRINT FEATURE WHICH ADAPTS TO THE DRIVER'S STYLE". 4. "THE CAR IS PRETTY MUCH NORMAL". 5. "HE HAS SEEN A FEW OF THESE". (GARAGE TECH REP.) DURING SERVICE APPOINTMENTS, THE DEALERSHIP SUPPLIED THREE 4 CYLINDER, AUTOMATIC 2007 CAMRYS AS "LOANERS". NONE OF THESE CARS DEMONSTRATED THE SAME DRIVE-TRAIN BEHAVIOR. THE WRITER HAS BEEN TOLD OF TWO OTHER CAMRYS WHICH EXHIBIT THE PROBLEM: HEY ARE SERIAL #S: 4T1BE46K27UXXXXXX AND 4T1BE46K87UXXXXXX A SIMILAR COMPLAINT IS DOCUMENTED ON-LINE IN THE "CAR AND DRIVER" MAGAZINE'S USER REVIEW. *NM