2008 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility is the leading concern among 1,178 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 109 involved a crash and 17 involved a fire. 71 people were injured.
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
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
Representative owner complaints
1,178 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Jun 15, 2014
APPLIED BRAKES IN A PANIC STOP ON I-95, PEDAL DROPPED AND CHECK VSC LIGHT CAME ON. PEDAL WAS HARD TO MANAGE FOR SEVERAL MILES AFTER 1ST INCIDENT. PEDAL FEEL WOULD RISE AND DROP FEELING LIKE THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. WHEN ARRIVING HOME AND PULLING IN THE DRIVEWAY BRAKE PEDAL WOULD DROP AND CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS NOT GOING TO STOP GOING INTO THE GARAGE. ONCE INSIDE GARAGE I COULD HEAR WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A PUMP CONSTANTLY RUNNING. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HEARD THIS NOISE FOR THIS LONG SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. WHENEVER I APPROACH THE CAR WITH THE KEY OR OPEN A DOOR, THIS NOISE IS HEARD FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS, SOMETIMES REPEATEDLY. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND PARKED IN OUR GARAGE! NOT SURE WHAT TO DO...*JS
Structure, Jun 14, 2014
MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING. I AM NOT SURE EXACTLY WHEN IT STARTED BUT I NOTICED A VERY BAD GLARE ON MY WINDSHIELD A COUPLE OF YEARS AFTER WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE GLARE KEPT GETTING WORSE AND WAS MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD. IN 2012 WE REALIZED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS DISINTEGRATING. IF YOU TOUCH THE DASHBOARD YOUR HANDS WILL STICK TO IT AND THE BLACK STICKY SUBSTANCE WILL STAY ON YOUR HANDS UNTIL YOU WASH WITH SOAP AND WATER. I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM UNTIL TODAY WHEN I SAW A NEWS ARTICLE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. NOT ONLY AM I CONCERNED ABOUT THE LACK OF VISIBILITY DUE TO THE GLARE, I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF TOXIC FUMES FROM THE MELTING DASHBOARD INSIDE MY VEHICLE. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO MULTIPLE VEHICLE MECHANICS AND THEY ALL SAY THE DASHBOARD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AT THIS POINT WE HAVE PURCHASED A DASHBOARD COVER TO HELP WITH THE GLARE BUT I FEEL THE DASHBOARD IS A DEFECTED PRODUCT AND TOYOTA SHOULD REPLACE IT AT NO COST TO ME. *JS
Service brakes, Jun 13, 2014
HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. 6 MONTHS AGO I BROUGHT IT IN TO RIGHT TOYOTA FOR SERVICE DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH MY BRAKES. AFTER $6200, $2587 OF WITH WAS FOR A 'BRAKE ACCUATOR' THE CAR WAS 'FIXED'. TWO WEEKS AGO MY BRAKES ACTED UP AGAIN WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THE BRAKES CATCH OR GRAB WITHOUT WARNING, AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO PRESS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR BOARDS TO STOP THE CAR. I HAVE ALMOST HAD 2 INCIDENTS WHERE AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. I FEEL UNSAFE IN THE VEHICLE AN THE DEALER NOR TOYOTA USA HAS RESPONDED TO MY COMPLAINTS. NOW THE DEALER IS STATED IT IS A DIFFERENT PROBLEM AND NOT THE ACCUATOR. MY LITE CAME ON RECENTLY ABOUT THE VSC NEEDS TO BE CHECKED. *JS
Structure, Jun 13, 2014
MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THIS IS NOT A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IT IS A PROBLEM FOR MANY PEOPLE THAT OWN TOYOTA'S . IT IS BECOMING A HAZARD TO ME. THERE IS A VERY SHINY GLARE ON THE DASHBOARD WHICH MAKES IT VERY HARD FOR ME TO SEE OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD. I WENT TO A DEALER HERE IN FT. MYERS FLORIDA AND WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA WOULD COVER THE EXPENSE OF $1,600 FOR A NEW DASHBOARD AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $300. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY THE LABOR COST AS IT IS A DEFECT OF TOYOTA. I WOULD LIKE THEM TO REPLACE MY DEFECTED DASHBOARD AT NO COST TO ME. *JS
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jun 13, 2014
I BOUGHT MY 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY IN SEPTEMBER 2012 AND SHORTLY AFTER THE DASHBOARD STARTED MELTING. IT IS NOW VERY STICKY AND CONTINUES TO MELT. BECAUSE OF THE MELTING, THE WINDSHIELD PRODUCES A GLARE AND MAKES DRIVING VERY DIFFICULT DURING THE DAY. I CANNOT DRIVE UNLESS I AM WEARING POLARIZED SUNGLASSES, WHICH HELPS MINIMIZE THE GLARE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE CONSTANT GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE REFLECTION OF THE MELTING DASHBOARD. I AM ESPECIALLY NERVOUS WHEN I HAVE TO DRIVE MY 10 MONTH OLD NIECE AROUND! NOTHING WILL CLEAN THE DASHBOARD AND IT CONTINUES TO MELT BECOMING STICKIER WHICH IN TURNS CAUSES EVERY LITTLE PARTICLE OF LINT, DUST, GRIME, ETC TO STICK TO THE DASHBOARD. I EVEN USE A SUNSHADE DAILY TO HELP KEEP MY CAR COOLER AND I ALSO PARK IN THE GARAGE AT HOME, BUT THE DASH STILL MELTS AND IS STICKY. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED WITH TOYOTA'S QUALITY! *JS
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2014
SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING, BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, RPM GAUGE FLUTTERING, ABS LIGHT ON WE TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND HAD NO SUGGESTION FOR FIXING IT. TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED IGNITION. PROBLEM CONTINUES. TOYOTA NEEDS TO RECALL AND FIX. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE THE VSC LIGHT WARNING ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,800.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 4, 2014
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD. I HAD TO PUSH VERY HARD ON THE BREAKS TO MAKE THE CAR STOP AND LUCKILY I DID NOT CRASH INTO ANYONE. IT'S HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, ON THE FREEWAY, EVEN WHEN I WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE! I TURNED THE ENGINE ON AND BEFORE I PUT IT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD DISPLAY AND THE BREAKS WOULD FAIL. NOW THE NEW PROBLEM IS EVERY TIME I STEP ON THE BREAKS, MY CAR 'BARKS' OR 'CHIRPS' REPEATEDLY AT ME. I CAN PUSH LIGHTLY AND GET LESS OF A BARK BUT FOR THE MOST PART, IT TAKES A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. MY FATHER IS A MECHANIC AND HE'S HOOKED UP THE COMPUTER TO THE CAR BUT SINCE THE 'CHECK VSC SYSTEM" IS NOT DISPLAYED WHEN IT'S HOOKED UP, HE CAN'T TELL WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. IN AN UNRELATED COMPLAINT, WHEN THE WEATHER GETS HOT, AROUND 80 DEGREES, THE STEREO SYSTEM GOES BLANK AND SPITS OUT ALL OF MY CDS AND WILL NOT TURN ON. THEN IT WILL HAVE LINES ACROSS THE SCREEN AND DISPLAY "SCAN" ON THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER. IT WILL NOT TURN OFF OR ON UNLESS I USE THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER IT COOLS, IT WILL WORK AGAIN. *TR
Visibility, May 31, 2014
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR DROPPED DOWN, COMPLETELY BLOCKING MY VISION AND NO LONGER STAYS IN PLACE MAKING IT A PERMANENT SAFETY HAZARD TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR IN NO LONGER DRIVABLE. CHECKING THE INTERNET, I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT THERE IS NO SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 30, 2014
VSC AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS AND BUZZER CAME ON UPON JUST STARTING CAR. FRONT DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE CALIPER LOCKER UP. DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LOCKED UP. DEALER WANTS 2800 FOR REPAIR. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO LOTS OF OTHER 07 -11 CAMRY HYBRID OWNERS.THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. HOW DO I FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH TOYOTA??? *TR
Visibility/wiper, May 30, 2014
I AM SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT, BECAUSE I HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR COLLISIONS DUE TO POOR WINDSHIELD VISIBILITY CAUSED BY MELTING DASHBOARD ON MY 2008, TOYOTA CAMRY. I FIRST NOTIFIED TOYOTA CORPORATE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE DASHBOARD DETERIORATING IN SEPT OF 2012 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT A WARRANTIED ITEM. THE FIRST NEAR ACCIDENT DUE TO POOR VISIBILITY(STICKY RESIDUE ON WINDSHIELD) OCCURRED IN OCT, 201. I MENTIONED THE MELTING DASHBOARD PROBLEM AND VISIBILITY TO MY DEALER(ED MORSE TOYOTA, DEL RAY, FL) AT MY NEXT OIL CHANGE AND THEY QUOTED ME A PRICE OF $1760.66 TO REPAIR, SOMETIME AROUND OCT 2012. THE RESIDUE HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY WORSE AND DUE TO MY AGE(81) IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CLEAN OFF THE WINDSHIELD USING STANDARD HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS. AFTER WATCHING A NEWS REPORT ON WFLX, WEST PALM BEACH BY [XXX] I CALLED AGAIN(MAY 2, 2014) AND WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. TO DATE I HAVE NEVER HEARD BACK FROM TOYOTA...I AM ANXIOUS ABOUT DRIVING THE CAR DUE TO THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, May 24, 2014, crash
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN INTERSTATE 40 EAST, THE STEERING LOCKED AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. ULTIMATELY THE VEHICLE FLIPPED AND ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES WINDING UP IN THE MEDIAN FACING WEST. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, May 23, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH INTO A PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE SURGED ON AN INCLINE, CRASHED INTO A FENCE, AND ALSO CRASHED INTO A REAR SLIDING DOOR OF A HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND WAS BEING TREATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Electrical system, May 20, 2014
THE ABS LIGHT ON MY DASH STARTED APPEARING INTERMITTENTLY IN OCTOBER; THE MECHANIC SAID THE CODES WERE INCONSISTENT AND MUST BE DIAGNOSED BY DEALER. DEALER EVALUATED IN FEBRUARY; THEY FIRST SUGGESTED IT WAS MY ABS ECU GOING BAD ($2400); UPON PRODDING, THEY SAID JUST MY REAR TIRE SENSOR MUST BE REPLACED ($600). THE INCONSISTENT ANSWER AND COST HAS DETERRED MY FROM REPLACING EITHER. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATED MANY PEOPLE HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM AND AFTER MANY MISDIAGNOSIS, ABS ECU APPEARS TO BE CULPRIT. LAST WEEK, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT LIT ON DASH; TACHOMETER, TEMP GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO. CAR DROVE AND BRAKED OK. GAUGES FLUCTUATED FROM NORMAL READINGS (AVERAGE TEMP, TACH 3000RPM, MID-LEVEL TEMP) TO ALL VALUES AT ZERO, EVEN WHEN I AM DRIVING 65MPH ACCORDING TO GPS READING. READINGS WOULD RECOVER AND FAIL CONTINUOUSLY, AND IN OTHER CASES WORKED PROPERLY FOR 30 MILES. IN SOME CASES, AC STOPPED BLOWING COLD. FURTHER INTERNET SEARCHES SUGGEST AC, DASH LIGHTS, ABS ALL POINT TO BOSCH ABS ECU. I FOUND THREE NHTSA COMPLAINTS THAT LOOK SAME/SIMILAR FOR CAMRY: 10587648, 10555094, 10521931. REPORTS FOR ABS ON OTHER CARS SOUND SIMILAR (POSSIBLY BOSCH ECU?). THE FAULT CODES POINTED TO MULTIPLE TIRE SENSORS FAILING AT ONE TIME; OTHER FAILURE CODES WERE ALSO REPORTED. THE FAULTS DID NOT POINT TO THE ECU. WHILE ABS IS NOT NECESSARY FOR DRIVING, IT IS DESIRABLE. HOWEVER, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A FINANCIAL BURDEN TO HAVE WRONG OR INCONCLUSIVE CODES THAT EITHER LEAD TO FIXING THE WRONG THING (TIRE SENSOR VS ECU) OR PREVENTING SAFETY INFORMATION FROM BEING PROPERLY REPORTED (0 MPH, ENGINE TEMP 0, BRAKE LIGHT ON, ETC). I HAVE NOT DECIDED TO REPLACE ECU YET, AS I AM STILL TRYING TO CONFIRM THERE IS NO OTHER POSSIBLE PROBLEM THAT WILL COST EVEN MORE THAN $2400. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, May 20, 2014
THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT ON AND IMMEDIATE THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE I WAS TRAVELING A CITY STREET IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (DEWEY BLVD). FORTUNATELY THE STREET IS FAIRLY LEVEL AND I WASN'T ON A HILL. I LOSS POWER TO THE BRAKE, STEERING AND EVERYTHING AS EVERYTHING WAS DEAD. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A CURB PUTTING ALL MY EFFORT TO STOP THE CAR. I TRIED STARTING AND MOVED ABOUT 10 FEET BEFORE EVERYTHING WENT DEAD AGAIN. I DID NOT MOVE IT FURTHER I CALLED FOR A TOW (AAA) AND THE INITIAL DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS DEAD. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO ALSO SAID THAT THIS ALTERNATOR WAS DEAD AND IT WAS REPLACED. I TOLD HIM WHERE IT HAPPENED AND HE SAID I WAS LUCKY THAT I WASN'T ON THE FREEWAY. *TR
Service brakes, May 19, 2014
WHILE LEAVING WORK NOTICED THAT BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND IT WAS VERY HARD TO STOP. I HAD TO LEAVE A LOT OF ROOM IN ORDER TO COME TO A FULL STOP. THERE WERE SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ON INCLUDING "CHECK VSC SYSTEM". TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. COST OF THE PART AND REPAIR WAS $3400. *JS
Structure, Visibility/wiper, May 16, 2014
THE DASHBOARD ON THE CAMRY IS MELTING IN THE TEXAS SUN. THE CAR IS PARKED INSIDE OUR GARAGE EXCEPT FOR THE EARLY MORNINGS. WHEN IT IS HOTTER THAN 75 OUTSIDE THE DASH BECOMES EXTREMELY SOFT AND STICKY. WHEN IT GETS ABOVE 80 THE DASH STARTS TO GET SHINY, REAL SHINY TO WHERE IT REFLECTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE. ADDITIONALLY THE OFF GASSING FROM THE DASH CAUSES A FILM ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT HAS TO BE CLEANED EVERY WEEKEND. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE FOR REPAIRS/REMEDIES AND HAVE COME ACROSS HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OWNERS IN HOT CLIMATE ZONES WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE ON THEIR CAMRY AND LEXUS OF THE SAME PRODUCTION MODEL YEARS. *TR
Steering, Structure, Vehicle speed control, May 16, 2014, crash
WHEN PULLING INTO A GRAVEL PARKING SPACE AT LESS THAN 5MPH. CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE, JUMPED A CONCRETE PARKING STOP, BECAME PARTIALLY AIRBORNE ON THE RIGHT SIDE , COMING DOWN IN A DEPRESSION AFTER 25 FT. BRAKE WAS FULLY DEPRESSED THROUGH EVENT. VISUAL INSPECTION AND MANUAL CHECK AFTER INCIDENT SHOWED NOTHING IMPEDING EITHER GAS PEDAL OR BRAKE. MATS FIRMLY ATTACHED. WE HAVE PHOTOS OF THE ACCELERATION TRACKS AND THE DITCH WHERE IT LANDED. DAMAGE TO FASCIA, BUMPER, AIR DAM. ALIGNMENT, POSSIBLE TIRE DAMAGE. EST. $800 - $1200. OUR COMPLAINT IS CAR SAT AT DEALER FOR 2 MONTHS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE OUTCOME WAS THAT NOTHING WAS RECORDED ON THE BLACK BOX AND VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTIONS ON A LIFT. THEREFORE EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ISSUE TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING. RECOMMENDATION FROM BOTH CONSUMER REPORTS AND EDMUNDS IS A BRAKE OVERRIDE SHOULD BE INSTALLED. WHEN THIS WAS MENTIONED THEY SAID NO THE CAR DOESN'T NEED IT. ONE OF OUR COMPLAINTS IS TOYOTA MOTOR SALES U.S.A. TOOK 2 MONTHS TO RESOLVE THIS. THEY DIDN'T RETURN PHONE CALLS OR NOTIFY THE DEALER OF ANY RESULTS. DEALER STATED TOYOTA WOULDN'T LET THEM WORK ON THE CAR AND IT WAS LISTED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DURING THIS 2 MONTHS WE HAD TO RENT A CAR OUT OF POCKET (INSURANCE PAID 2 WEEKS). OVER $1000. BOTH MY WIFE AND I FEEL VERY LUCKY THIS INCIDENT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY OR NEXT TO A SOLID WALL. IF IT HAD THERE WAS A GOOD CHANCE WE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED AND THE DAMAGE MUCH WORSE. DEALING WITH BOTH THE DEALER AND TOYOTA U.S.A. WAS FRUSTRATING AND POINTLESS. WE HAVE PICKED UP THE CAR AND ARE CONSIDERING TRADING IT IN BUT ARE SHOCKED TO FIND IN 2 YEARS IT HAS DEPRECATED BY $8000! THIS HAS BEEN A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE AND A MONETARY LOSS AS WELL. TO AT LEAST GET THE BRAKE OVERRIDE WOULD BE SOME SATISFACTION. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, May 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A CLANKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,800.
Electrical system, Service brakes, May 11, 2014
ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00 PM, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, I NOTICED MY DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS FLUTTERING, AND THAT THE PANEL INSTRUMENTS WERE MOVING UP AND DOWN (SPECIFICALLY MY TACHOMETER AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE). MY SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT REGISTERING ANY SPEED, EVEN THOUGH I WAS DOING ABOUT 35 MPH, AND THE BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS WERE ON AND BRIGHT RED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER NEXT DAY, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE ABS ACTUATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND IT WOULD COST ME $2492.00, PLUS LABOR TO REPLACE THE ABS ACTUATOR. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT REGULAR BRAKING WOULD WORK, BUT THE ABS WOULD NOT. I LIKE MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2008. MY PRIOR 1996 CAMRY IS STILL RUNNING WELL, AND I ALSO LIKED IT. THAT'S WHY I BOUGHT THE 2008 MODEL. WHAT I DON'T LIKE A IS A CAR WITH UNDER PERFORMING, UNSAFE, FAULTY ENGINEERED OR SUBSTANDARD PARTS, WHICH MAY LEAD TO ACCIDENTS, LOSS OF LIFE AND CUSTOMER FRUSTRATION. *TR
Structure, May 10, 2014
DASHBOARD HAS MELTED. *TR
Service brakes, May 9, 2014
FIRST INCIDENT: WHEN IN REVERSE, ABOUT 5 WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON (ABS LIGHT, CAUTION LIGHT AND RED TRIANGLE AND OTHERS) AND BRAKING REQUIRED HARD DEPRESSING. I TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALER; THEY RESET THE WARNING LIGHTS AND SAID CAR WAS OK. WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DEALER, MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN AND IT TOOK FULL PRESSURE TO BRAKE, WHILE CAR ALSO SEEMED DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. I WOULD CLASSIFY IT AS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, AND WAS FORTUNATE TO BE DRIVING SLOW IN THE CITY. I RETURNED TO DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED AS C1247 ERROR AND RECOMMENDED REPLACING SKID CONTROL COMPUTER FOR $1,800. WHEN I COMPLAINED THAT THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A HYBRID WARRANTY, REGIONAL TOYOTA OFFERED $500 "TOWARDS REPAIR AS GOODWILL ASSISTANCE." *TR
Structure, May 8, 2014
THE DASHBOARD IS EXTREMELY STICKY / MELTING. IT CREATES A BAD GLARE MAKING IT HARD TO SEE WHEN DAYTIME DRIVING. *TR
Structure, May 3, 2014
I HAVE A TOYOTA CAMRY 2008. I REPORTED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS STICKY WHEN I WENT FOR MY 32,000 MILE CHECK UP. THE DEALER REP. SAID," OH DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT, I'M SURE THERE WILL BE A RECALL BECAUSE WE ARE SEEING IT ON LOTS OF CARS. MY DAUGHTER IN LAW HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON HER 2007 MODEL. BOTH OF OURS WERE GRAY IN COLOR. SEVERAL YEARS LATER AND NO RECALL AND A DISGUSTING DASH BOARD. IT IS SO MELTED THAT IN FLORIDA WITH OUR HIGH BUG COUNT, I HAVE TO PULL BUGS AND WINGS OUT WITH A TWEEZER WHEN WINTER ROLLS AROUND. THE DASHBOARD GETS A LITTLE LESS SOFT IN THE COLD WEATHER, BUT IS STILL STICKY AND CANNOT BE CLEANED. IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO LAND ON THE DASHBOARD, A FLOATING PIECE OF PAPER, A BOX IN THE FRONT SEAT THAT FALLS FORWARD AND IT EITHER STICKS OR TAKES A GOUGE OUT OF THE DASHBOARD. *TR
Structure, Apr 30, 2014
THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD OF THE CAR IS MELTING. IT IS VERY STICKY, SOFT AND CANNOT BE TOUCHED. IT APPEARS WET AND SLICK AND IS MAKING A GLARE APPEAR WHEN YOU LOOK OUT OF THE FRONT WINDOW. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS IT IS IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISION. *JS