RoadVitals

2004 Toyota Camry Solara Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
161
Latest Sep 21, 2021
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
26

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED. PRIORITY TOYOTA HAMPTON LOCATED AT 2301 W MERCURY BOULEVARD, HAMPTON, VA 23666, (757)838-5000) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL HOWEVER, THERE WAS A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE FAILURE IN SIMILAR VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,151.

NHTSA ID 11297979 · filed Jan 8, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS CRACKED AND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT ALSO HAD MULTIPLE CRACKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CERRITOS TOYOTA IN CERRITOS, CA WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THEY COULD ONLY REPLACE THE DASHBOARD, AND NOT THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,838. UPDATED 10/24/17*LJ *JS

NHTSA ID 11011755 · filed Jul 31, 2017
All 35 reports naming body & structure

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON MARCH 6, 2016, MOVING WEST ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT ABOUT 20 MPH 10:45 P.M., LESS THAN 500' FROM HOME. CRYSTAL CLEAR NIGHT. CAR FREEZES, STEERING & BRAKES LOCK, CAR LURCHES FORWARD AND KEEPS MUCH HIGHER SPEED. WITH BOTH ARMS, I PULLED CAR FROM HEAD-ON WITH UTILITY POLE TO VERY HIGH PALM TREE. HEAD-ON ITH TREE, AIRBAG RELEASES, WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM HOOD. I TURNED CAR OFF, TOOK KEYS, CAR ENGINE CONTINUES AS DID HORN BLOWING & WHITE SMOKE. IT TOOK THREE AAA TRUCKS TO REMOVE CAR FROM TREE TRUNK, WITH STEERING AND BRAKES STILL LOCKED. CAR WAS ALONE ON A NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD MOVING WEST, DRIVER ALONE, VERY RESIDENTIAL WITH PEOPLE WALKING DOGS, PILOTS AND STEWS RUNNING, JOGGERS AND PUPS AND CATS PROWLING. NO ONE WAS AROUND. A GUARD FROM A GATED COMMUNITY ON THE STREET'S NORTH SIDE WAS THE 1ST TO APPEAR. EVENTUALLY 4 POLOCE OFFICERS WERE THERE, ONE TALKED TO ME OFTEN.

NHTSA ID 10979427 · filed Apr 20, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A POWER STEERING FAILURE. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V539000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED BY A DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA ID 10891672 · filed Jul 29, 2016
All 30 reports naming steering

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

EXITED FREEWAY AND HIT BRAKES TO SLOW AND STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE MOTOR ACCELERATED, THE BRAKES WERE TOO WEAK TO STOP THE VEHICAL, AND I CRASHED INTO THE STOPPED CAR AT THE TRAFFIIC LIGHT. IT SEEMED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT TURN OFF WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THEY FAILED TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF.

NHTSA ID 11175023 · filed Feb 7, 2019

PULLING INTO A DISABLED RETAIL PARKING SPACE AT VERY LOW SPEED, CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND HIT THE METAL PARKING POLE, DAMAGING THE FRONT BUMPER AND HOOD. EYEWITNESS TO COLLISION INCIDENT CONFIRMS THIS. CAR WAS BARELY IN MOTION AND MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I RECEIVED WHIPLASH REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION AND INJURY TO MY RIGHT KNEE. AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR COMPANY STATES IMPACT WAS SO SEVERE THAT FRAME WAS BENT, RESULTING IN THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARING VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THE BUMPER DAMAGE OCCURRED RIGHT AT THE AIR BAG LOCATION ON DRIVER SIDE. TOYOTA SOLARA AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE SUDDEN LURCH FORWARD SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AT THE TIME AND BARELY MOVING. PICTURES AVAILABLE. POLICE REPORT NOT POSSIBLE AS THEY DO NOT COME TO PRIVATE PARKING PROPERTY. VEHICLE STILL DRIVABLE, SO IT WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA-APPROVED AUTO REPAIR SHOP.

NHTSA ID 10994160 · filed Jun 9, 2017
All 29 reports naming driver assistance

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY HUSBAND WAS REPLACING DOOR HANDLE WHEN HE TOOK OFF THE LEFT FRONT DOOR PANEL, HE FOUND THAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR HAS DISINTEGRATED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. WE TOOK PICTURES TOOK IT INTO DUBLIN CA TOYOTA. THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THIS. I THEN HAD SOME REPAIR WORK DONE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR AND THE OWNER OF THE SHOP ALSO REPORTED THAT THE SAME THING ON THE RIGHT SIDE . HE STATED THAT THIS IS A DEFAULT AND IT COULD VERY LIKELY CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO GO OFF PREMATURELY OR NOT WORK IF THERE WAS AN IMPACT , THAT THIS WAS A DANGER TO WHO EVER WAS DRIVING MY CAR. I HAVE PHOTOS AND ALSO A REPORT FROM DUBLIN TOYOTA . I'M NOT ONLY IN FEAR FOR MY SAFETY BUT THE FACT THAT TOYOTA SHOWS NO CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY AND HOW MANY OTHERS COULD HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 11119445 · filed Aug 12, 2018

PULLING INTO A DISABLED RETAIL PARKING SPACE AT VERY LOW SPEED, CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND HIT THE METAL PARKING POLE, DAMAGING THE FRONT BUMPER AND HOOD. EYEWITNESS TO COLLISION INCIDENT CONFIRMS THIS. CAR WAS BARELY IN MOTION AND MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I RECEIVED WHIPLASH REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION AND INJURY TO MY RIGHT KNEE. AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR COMPANY STATES IMPACT WAS SO SEVERE THAT FRAME WAS BENT, RESULTING IN THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARING VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THE BUMPER DAMAGE OCCURRED RIGHT AT THE AIR BAG LOCATION ON DRIVER SIDE. TOYOTA SOLARA AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE SUDDEN LURCH FORWARD SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AT THE TIME AND BARELY MOVING. PICTURES AVAILABLE. POLICE REPORT NOT POSSIBLE AS THEY DO NOT COME TO PRIVATE PARKING PROPERTY. VEHICLE STILL DRIVABLE, SO IT WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA-APPROVED AUTO REPAIR SHOP.

NHTSA ID 10994160 · filed Jun 9, 2017
All 19 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

EXITED FREEWAY AND HIT BRAKES TO SLOW AND STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE MOTOR ACCELERATED, THE BRAKES WERE TOO WEAK TO STOP THE VEHICAL, AND I CRASHED INTO THE STOPPED CAR AT THE TRAFFIIC LIGHT. IT SEEMED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT TURN OFF WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THEY FAILED TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF.

NHTSA ID 11175023 · filed Feb 7, 2019

ON MARCH 6, 2016, MOVING WEST ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT ABOUT 20 MPH 10:45 P.M., LESS THAN 500' FROM HOME. CRYSTAL CLEAR NIGHT. CAR FREEZES, STEERING & BRAKES LOCK, CAR LURCHES FORWARD AND KEEPS MUCH HIGHER SPEED. WITH BOTH ARMS, I PULLED CAR FROM HEAD-ON WITH UTILITY POLE TO VERY HIGH PALM TREE. HEAD-ON ITH TREE, AIRBAG RELEASES, WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM HOOD. I TURNED CAR OFF, TOOK KEYS, CAR ENGINE CONTINUES AS DID HORN BLOWING & WHITE SMOKE. IT TOOK THREE AAA TRUCKS TO REMOVE CAR FROM TREE TRUNK, WITH STEERING AND BRAKES STILL LOCKED. CAR WAS ALONE ON A NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD MOVING WEST, DRIVER ALONE, VERY RESIDENTIAL WITH PEOPLE WALKING DOGS, PILOTS AND STEWS RUNNING, JOGGERS AND PUPS AND CATS PROWLING. NO ONE WAS AROUND. A GUARD FROM A GATED COMMUNITY ON THE STREET'S NORTH SIDE WAS THE 1ST TO APPEAR. EVENTUALLY 4 POLOCE OFFICERS WERE THERE, ONE TALKED TO ME OFTEN.

NHTSA ID 10979427 · filed Apr 20, 2017
All 12 reports naming brakes

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry Solara. The contact stated that the dashboard started to crack exposing the air bag. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID 11433838 · filed Sep 21, 2021

DRIVER'S SEAT SLIDES WHEN I ACCELERATE OR STOP. IT OCCURS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND I HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO CHECKERED FLAG TOYOTA IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VA TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. IT IS OBVIOUS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRACK THE SEAT SITS ON. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN ASKED THE SERVICE ADVISER HOW HEAVY I WAS (I WEIGH 135LBS) AND TOLD HER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FIXED, THE ENTIRE SEAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. CHECKERED FLAG WILL NOT RESPOND TO MY SERVICE REQUESTS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10409362 · filed Jun 29, 2011
All 11 reports naming interior & seats

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE'S REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER, WHICH I BELIEVE IS A REQUIRED SAFETY ITEM IN NJ, DOES NOT WORK. PER TOYOTA, ENTIRE CONVERTIBLE TOP MUST BE REPLACED TO REPAIR WINDOW, AND THE NEW DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK EITHER. TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND REFUSES TO REPLACE THE TOP UNDER WARRANTY OR REPAIR THE WINDOW SO THAT THE DEFROSTER WORKS. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SOLARA CONVERTIBLE HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SPANNING MANY YEARS, STARTING WITH 2004 MODEL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10324505 · filed Apr 8, 2010

I AM THE AUTHOR OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10253724, RELATING TO SUN GLARE ON MY 2004 SOLARA. ABOUT 5,000 MILES AGO I PURCHASED BLACK FELT FROM A LOCAL FABRIC STORE AND COVERED THE TOP PORTION OF THE DASH BOARD, WHERE THE SUN HITS, USING DOUBLE SIDED TAPE. IT IS NOW LIKE LOOKING THROUGH NEW GLASS. THERE IS NO MORE GLARE, EVEN NOW IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER. I STILL BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD MAKE SOME TYPE OF DASH COVER AVAILABLE, THOUGH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10275940 · filed Jul 7, 2009
All 10 reports naming visibility

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WEST HERR TOYOTA (4141 S. WESTERN BLVD, ORCHARD PARK, NY) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL CYLINDER SENSORS ONE AND TWO WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,231. *BF *JB

NHTSA ID 11245446 · filed Aug 21, 2019

EXITED FREEWAY AND HIT BRAKES TO SLOW AND STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE MOTOR ACCELERATED, THE BRAKES WERE TOO WEAK TO STOP THE VEHICAL, AND I CRASHED INTO THE STOPPED CAR AT THE TRAFFIIC LIGHT. IT SEEMED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT TURN OFF WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THEY FAILED TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF.

NHTSA ID 11175023 · filed Feb 7, 2019
All 10 reports naming engine

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2004 TOYOTA SOLARA SEV6 SPORT- VEHICLE HAS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN TRAVELING AT "PARKING LOT SPEEDS" OR IN "STOP & GO TRAFFIC" , OR BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP - ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARNING AND WHEN BRAKES (ANTI-LOCK YET) ARE DEPRESSED, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO RESISTANCE. VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP!! ENGINE SURGES. FLOOR MATS NO ISSUE. FIRST INCIDENT 2008 OR 09, I HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. VEHICLE SURGED, JUMPED A CURB & INTO A RAVINE. ENGINE WAS STILL SURGING (WHILE DOWN IN THE RAVINE!) UNTIL IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. 2 WEEKS AGO, DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, (OVERCAST BUT DRY CONDITIONS APPROXIMATELY 1:00PM) I WAS THROWN BACK IN MY SEAT SUDDENLY. I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN REAR-ENDED INITIALLY DUE TO THE THRUST BACK, BUT NO ONE HAD IMPACTED THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. REALIZING THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN, I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. AGAIN, NO RESISTANCE, THEY WENT FLAT. MY VEHICLE REAR ENDED AND DROVE UNDER THE BACK END OF AN SUV. UPON IMPACT, MY KNEE SLAMMED INTO THE DASHBOARD, AND THE STEERING WHEEL BRUISED UP MY THIGH. SWELLING IN SHOULDER DUE TO BELT. NO INJURY TO PERSON IN OTHER VEHICLE. NO SKID MARKS ON ROADWAY. FILED CLAIM W/TOYOTA HOME OFFICE. THEY ARE INSPECTING THE CAR THIS WEEK @ DEALERSHIP. IF ANYONE HAD BEEN WALKING IN FRONT OF THIS CAR WHEN THESE INCIDENCES HAPPENED? THEY WOULD BE DEAD. THIS IS A SERIOUS & POTENTIALLY DEADLY ISSUE. I WILL NEVER GET BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THAT CAR EVER AGAIN. NOT FOR A MILLION DOLLARS! LIFE IS TOO PRECIOUS TO ME. AS A FORMERINVESTIGATOR/AGENT MYSELF, I IMPLORE YOU TO PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ASAP BEFORE THIS VEHICLE (OR OTHERS OF THE SAME) KILL SOMEONE. THIS CAR (2004 TOYOTA SOLARA {2 - DOOR CAMRY}) IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I AM NOW WITHOUT A CAR. I HAVE BEEN SPARED FROM BROKEN BONES, BUT I MAY NEED KNEE SURGERY. WAITING ON THE RESULTS OF AN MRI. PLEASE TAKE THESE VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. SO THANKFUL MY CHILD WASN'T DRIVING OR IN THE CAR WITH ME. FILED A POLICE REPORT WITH THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10332716 · filed May 28, 2010

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WAS IN REVERSE ON THE MORNING OF 12/22/06 AT 5 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO GO IN REVERSE AND WOULDN'T STOP. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING IN REVERSE THERE WAS A SCREECHING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IT HIT A CURB AND TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK WHILE IT WAS STILL GOING IN REVERSE TO STOP IT. THERE WERE WITNESSES, AND THEY TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A SOUND THAT THE GEARS WERE STUCK. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FLOOR MAT WAS PUSHED UNDER THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT INSISTED THAT COULDN'T BE TRUE BECAUSE OF THE NOISE THAT WAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME IT WAS GOING IN REVERSE AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10177856 · filed Jan 5, 2007
All 10 reports naming transmission

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY HUSBAND AND I JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2004 SOLARA. AT FIRST EVERYTHING WAS GOOD THEN THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NEVER TURN OFF. THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR LIKE 4 MONTHS NOW. THE BIG INCIDENT/PROBLEM IS I WAS DRIVING 10MPH AND THE CAR STARTED TO DRIFT TO THE RIGHT. I ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE BY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT BUT IT WOULD NOT CORRECT. SO I SLOWLY PUSHED ON THE BRAKES AND IT WOULD NOT STOP. WHAT FINALLY STOPPED ME WAS THE WHEEL FELL OFF. YES THE WHEEL FELL OFF. AND DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE WHEEL FELL OFF I ENDED UP SIDESWIPING 2 CARS IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. WHEN THE POLICE GOT THERE THEY SAID IT WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE AND THAT THE TIRE ROD HAD SNAPPED WAY BEFORE I SIDESWIPED THE FIRST CAR CAUSE HE FOUND A SNAPPED BOLT AND PARTS 3 FEET AWAY FROM THE FIRST VEHICLE. THEN HE TOLD ME THAT THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO SOMEONE ELSE A FEW DAYS AGO AND THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE. I HAD 3 BABIES IN THE CAR RANGING IN AGE FROM 2 1/2 TO 6 WEEKS OLD. I AM VERY UNHAPPY CAUSE THE CAR IS TOTALED AND IT WAS NOT EVEN MY FAULT. THE ACCIDENT REPORT WAS MADE OUT AND IN IT IT SAYS IT WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE AND THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY SO I WAS NOT SPEEDING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. I JUST THINK ABOUT IT NOW AND THANK GOD IT HAPPENED IN A NEIGHBORHOOD AND NOT ON THE STREET FOR IF IT HAD I WOULD PROBABLY RAN INTO THE GAS STATION RIGHT OUTSIDE OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD. I FEEL THIS CAR IS VERY UNSAFE AND THAT THE TIRE RODS AND SUSPENSION SHOULD BE CHECKED REGULARLY . THE SAD PART IS IT HAD JUST GONE IN FOR SERVICING ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. I JUST WISH I HAD KNOWN THIS CAR DOES THAT AND THAT IT HAD AS MANY PROBLEMS AS IT DID BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. I FEEL SINCE IT WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AND NOT ME BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MY DOING IT WAS THE CARS.SEEING AS HOW IT JUST HAPPENED I DO NOT KNOW IF IT WILL BE FIXED.

NHTSA ID 10201083 · filed Aug 29, 2007

2004 TOYOTA SOLARA THIS CAR IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT 100%. I HAVE REPLACED 2 SETS OF BRAKES, ROTORS, CALIPERS BOTH RIGHT SIDE. ALSO BOTH INNER TIE ROD ENDS AND RIGHT CV SHAFT, WHEEL BEARINGS. A NEW BATTERY THE INTERIOR IS FALLING APART AND THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD PULLING TO THE RIGHT. TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPLACE MOST OF THE PARTS AS THEY SAY NOT COVERED UNDER THE NEW WARRANTY. *JB

NHTSA ID 10172186 · filed Oct 30, 2006
All 8 reports naming suspension

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE WI 43 FREEWAY (SPEED APROX. 70 MPH) AT 2:00AM OF 09/28/2020. I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND SAW SPARKS COMING FROM UNDER MY DASHBOARD. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND CALLED 911. TWO OZAUKEE COUNTY SHERIFFS AND 1 PORT WASHINGTON FIRE TRUCK RESPONDED (INCIDENT NUMBER 20-27928). AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE ATTACHED PICTURES WHICH WERE TAKEN THE NEXT DAY AT THE TOWING YARD MY CAR'S DASH AND INTERIOR WAS TOTALLY MELTED BY AN ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT WAS SO HOT IT CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. ALTHOUGH THE CAR HAS SOME AGE ON IT, THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD EVER OCCUR WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOTALED AS IT WAS BEYOND REPAIR.

NHTSA ID 11362817 · filed Oct 5, 2020

WHEN TURNING RIGHT AT ABOUT 25MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. I APPLIED THE BRAKES IMMEDIATELY BUT THEY CAR STILL IMPACTED, THEN CONTINUED OVER THE CURB. THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINED LOCKED FOR A WHILE AFTER THE CAR CAME TO A STOP AND THEN FINALLY RELEASED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD LOCKED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ONLY WHEN THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF AND PARKED, ALTHOUGH IT REMAINED LOCKED STUBBORNLY EVEN AFTER THE CAR WAS PUT IN DRIVE AND THE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTED SLIGHTLY. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE CAR LOCKED UP WHILE THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION AND THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10712768 · filed Apr 25, 2015
All 8 reports naming electrical

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Solara. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the TPMS indicated that the tire pressure was low however, upon investigation the tires were at the correct tire pressure. The contact stated that the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ID 11423728 · filed Jul 7, 2021

TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT GOES OFF PERIODICALLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TO RESET THE SYSTEM WHICH DID NOT WORK THREE TIMES. RESET PROCEDURES ARE COMPLICATED, TIME CONSUMING AND DO NOT WORK. I HAVE CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE FOR SAFETY AND ITS CHECK OUT OK. *JB

NHTSA ID 10141820 · filed Nov 5, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 9,2008 I WAS DRIVING HOME ON I-95 WHEN MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SURGE IN SPEED, AS I WAS ABLE TO CAUTIOUSLY GET OVER IN THE MEDIAN LANE WHEN IT THEN SHUT OFF, I WAS ABLE TO CRANK IT BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM BUT AS SOON AS I ACCELERATED IT SLOWED DOWN AND I THEN TURNED IT OFF, WAITED A FEW MINUTES AN TURNED IT BACK ON WITH NO PROBLEM. SINCE I WAS CLOSE TO MY EXIT AND LIPTON TOYOTAS DEALERSHIP WAS RIGHT THERE I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET CHECKED OUT, WELL MUCH TO MY SURPRISE I AM IN NEED OF A THROTTLE BODY A $931.17 PART AND $13.?? GASKET ALONG WITH $85.00 PER HOUR SERVICE FEE. NOW EVEN THOUGH MY FACTORY WARRANTY ENDED ON THE 4 OF THIS MONTH, THIS VIABLE COMPONENT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE ABOUT 42,500 MILES ON MY CAR AND I DON'T DRIVE IT EVERYDAY. I AM VERY ANGRY THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE A PART THAT IS SO COSTLY IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, TOYOTA IS SUPPOSED TO BE ONE OF THE BEST CARS ON THE ROAD BUT AT THIS POINT I FEEL LIKE I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST ONE IT IS MY 3RD ONE PURCHASED BRAND NEW, AND MY CONCERN IS THIS IS THE FIRST TIME EVER HAVING A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. SO I WANT TO ASK YOU TO PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS AS A DEFECTIVE PART ISSUE BECAUSE WHEN I CALLED TOYOTAS CORPORATE OFFICE I SPOKE WITH SOMEONE WHO SEEMED AS IF SHE HAD AN ATTITUDE LIKE I HAVE SOME NERVE TO CALL AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR TOP NOTCH VEHICLES. I WAS READING SOME BLOGS ABOUT "04 CAMRY THROTTLE BODY FAILURE" ON WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/TOYOTA-CAMRY/TM6GC5T4DHVFS52CS I THINK THAT YOU WILL SEE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE, PLEASE CHECK THE SITE. I DON'T THINK ANYONE KNOWS MUCH ABOUT YOUR SITE AND THAT THEY SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT WITH YOU AND ATLEAST GET THE MATTER AT HAND LOOKED IN TO. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED THAT OTHERS MAY AND JUST NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO EXCEPT PAY FOR IT, IF THE CAN AFFORD IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10245130 · filed Oct 11, 2008

2004 TOYOTA SOLARA THIS CAR IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT 100%. I HAVE REPLACED 2 SETS OF BRAKES, ROTORS, CALIPERS BOTH RIGHT SIDE. ALSO BOTH INNER TIE ROD ENDS AND RIGHT CV SHAFT, WHEEL BEARINGS. A NEW BATTERY THE INTERIOR IS FALLING APART AND THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD PULLING TO THE RIGHT. TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPLACE MOST OF THE PARTS AS THEY SAY NOT COVERED UNDER THE NEW WARRANTY. *JB

NHTSA ID 10172186 · filed Oct 30, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE HEAD RESTRAINTS TAKE 50% OF THE REARVIEW. THIS MAKES THE ABILITY TO SEE VEHICLES DIFFICULT WHEN IN REVERSE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.*AK

NHTSA ID 10106938 · filed Jan 6, 2005

CAR'S DESIGN MAKES CHANGING LANES HIGHLY DANGEROUS: THE BACK WINDOW IS EXTREMELY SMALL AND NARROW, AND THE TWO BACK SEATS HAVE UNUSUALLY HIGH HEAD RESTS WHICH COMPLETELY BLOCK THE SMALL WINDOW.*AK

NHTSA ID 10091304 · filed Sep 19, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE PULLING LEFT INTO A PARKING PLACE THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND VIOLENTLY SLAMMED INTO A PARKED CAR OPPOSITE ME. THE POLICE SAID MY FOOT PROBABLY SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE AND HIT THE GAS PEDAL. IT WAS A VERY VIOLENT HIT AND I WAS VERY SHAKEN. NOT HAVING A RECALL ON MY CAR, I WENT ALONG WITH THE POLICE UNTIL THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2014. LUCKILY, THIS SECOND INCIDENT ONLY THREW THE CAR INTO A PLOWED SNOW BANK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10577210 · filed Apr 3, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA CONVERTIBLE EQUIPPED WITH 17" WHEELS AND BRIDGESTONE TURANZA P215/55R17 MUD AND SNOW TIRES HAVE EXPERIENCED TWO SIDEWALL FAILURES AT APPROXIMATELY 800 MILES AND 1700 MILES REQUIRING TIRE REPLACEMENT. UNSURE OF EXACT CAUSE OF FAILURE, POTENTIALLY ROAD IMPERFECTIONS OR CURB BUMPS, (NO DAMAGE TO ALLOY WHEELS) . BOTH HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED RAMIFICATIONS IF HIGH SPEED COULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE. THESE "LOW PROFILE" TIRES ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND CAN BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE REPLACED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10081223 · filed Jul 16, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WITHOUT INCIDENT THE SEAT HEATER CAUGHT ON FIRE. OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO REMOVED THE SEAT, AND INSTALLED A NEW SEAT. *AK *TC

NHTSA ID 10109252 · filed Mar 2, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO HIGH. ONCOMING TRAFFIC WILL FLASH THEIR LIGHTS ON AND OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY ADJUSTED THE HEADLIGHTS, WHICH DID NOT HELP. IT GOT WORSE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT LENS HAD A SEAM ACROSS THE TOP WHERE THE PLASTIC IS JOINED. THE SEAM CAUSES DISTORTION AND AN ABRUPT CUT OFF OF LIGHT. *TC

NHTSA ID 10106817 · filed Feb 16, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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