2000 Toyota Camry Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 1997 N/A Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt mechanism had malfunctioned, and the retractor was not working properly. Additionally, the latching mechanism failed to latch securely or release as intended. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,600.

NHTSA ID

11725602

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

Mileage

177,600 mi

@45,679 miles, the (plastic) driver door handle popped of the car when lifted without thumb just enough to begin to open the door. This was during the beginning of a big snowstorm. Luckily I was not idling the engine while cleaning the windshields or I could have been locked out of the car with the engine running. Now I must drive with 2 keys. The original owner of the vehicle, my mother was XXX when she bought it on 10/31/1999 for $23, 470 with 8 miles on the odometer; salespeople never mentioned the door handles were plastic. The failure was complete fracture all at once, not progressive; I suspect the plastic strain hardened from repetitive stress, making this a design defect rather than material quality. The driver's door latch is a safety issue; now I must struggle to enter the car, and you never know where you might be when you need quick entry, like in a rain. Paid cash w/ trade in for car. Door handle not yet repaired, but claim filed with Toyota Customer Experience Center (ref. # XXX). Request Toyota replace or repair door handle at their expense, preferably with aluminum handle on driver door lest problem recur. Also the car needs an OE solar panel to keep the battery charged for low mileage use. I replaced previous battery with new 7 yr warranty one on 1/22/25 and despite idling to recharge for 1 hr at a time, the battery now remains recurrently low. The vehicle was not sold for a given yearly mileage use, and my mom, now deceased, bought it for reliable safety during retirement & old age as my father died; the vehicle now belongs to our family trust, of which I am trustee. I request Toyota pay for a solar panel to be installed above rear window deck, on rubber tubed bolts spaced above the speakers, to keep battery recharged. Battery charge is obviously a safety issue, and idling is a pollutive, unforeseen expense. Both these issues should likely be recall issues because of the vehicle purchase price involved, as design negligence.

NHTSA ID

11715832

Incident

Dec 13, 2025

The contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V156000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. In addition, the contact lived in a hot climate area and believed that the recall would not affect the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11704532

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

The contact owned a 1997 N/A Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while an acquaintance was driving approximately 45 MPH, the acquaintance crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained neck pain and received medical assistance later. A police report was filed but the contact did not have the information available. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11672453

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

Mileage

143,000 mi

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately respond after the gear shifter was shifted into reverse(R). The contact stated that there was a hesitation before the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred after shifting into drive(D). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) vacuum switching valve needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 232,000.

NHTSA ID

11500303

Incident

Jan 5, 2023

Mileage

232,000 mi

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer however, it was not stated whether or not the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the EGR lines, oxygen sensor, and drive cycle. The contact stated that the failure recurred every year. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11477148

Incident

Jan 1, 2008

Mileage

80,000 mi

My car has recalls on it and I want to get this fixed

NHTSA ID

11454403

Incident

Feb 28, 2022

Driving lights and back up lights are not bright enough even when changing the bulb. The lights constantly dim while on. The front lights are always on no matter what time of day it is. The rear of the car sways dangerously if driving over anything smooth, bumpy, like a manhole. Or turning and running over a manhole.

NHTSA ID

11450608

Incident

Feb 5, 2022

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, THIS GUY IN A BLUE HYUNDAI WOULD STAY IN HIS LANE, SO I SPED UP TO GET AROUND HIM, IN TURN HE STARTED RACING ME, SO I WENT A BIT FASTER TO GET AROUND HIM, WAS ABOUT TO ROUND THE CORNER SO I WENT TO SLOW DOWN AND MY REAR END FISHTAIL, I HIT THE GUARDRAIL AND SPUN OUT. BOTH MY CRUMPLE ZONES ON THE BACK AND FRONT WERE AFFECTED BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! THANKFULLY I'M JUST REALLY SORE AND NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED!

NHTSA ID

11414801

Incident

Apr 30, 2021

Mileage

233,000 mi

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330281

Incident

Jun 23, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE PARKED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BEHIND THE BLOWER MOTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RESISTER THAT CONTROL THE HEATER BURNED. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE TO STOP THE SMOKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER DUE TO THE BURNING PLUG. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RESISTER SENSOR PLUG AND BLOWER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED BERGARON TOYOTA (1600 N STEPHENSON AVE, IRON MOUNTAIN, MI 4980) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,950.

NHTSA ID

11318257

Incident

Mar 14, 2020

Mileage

204,950 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SNOW BANK. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, WAITED TWO MINUTES, AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED AGAIN, BUT IN REVERSE AND STRUCK A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ROCKINGHAM TOYOTA (412 S BROADWAY, SALEM, NH 03079) AND WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY THE DEALER AND THEY WERE SENDING A MECHANIC FROM HEADQUARTERS TO EVALUATE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA ID

11186369

Incident

Mar 4, 2019

Mileage

117,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT FAILED TO DRIVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED PAPPAS TOYOTA AT (636) 928-1212 (LOCATED AT 10011 SPENCER RD, ST PETES, MO 63376) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

NHTSA ID

11170409

Incident

Jan 9, 2019

Mileage

171,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS CRACKED AND FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE TAILGATE METAL BEING EXPOSED TO WATER. ALSO, THE TAIL LIGHT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PERFORMANCE TOYOTA (5676 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014, (888) 928-4767) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PLASTIC HOUSING WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,983. *BF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11157302

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

Mileage

38,983 mi

2000 TOYOTA CAMRY CAUGHT ON FIRE AUGUST 7TH, 2018. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND MY RADIO KEPT GOING ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING, I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND PARKED THE CAR. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE. I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE ON THE RIGHT SIDE NEAR THE BATTERY. I WAS ABLE TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT I HAVE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. I HAVE NOT SEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT MY CAR SHOULD NOT START ON FIRE. I SUBMITTED A CLAIM TO TOYOTA (CLAIM# 180808-000043) ASKING IF THERE IS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN. TOYOTA SENT THEIR INSPECTOR AND HE NOTED THE STARTER FAILED TO DISENGAGE FROM FLYWHEEL CAUSING FIRE. THE STARTER KEPT RUNNING BURNING IT OUT AND ALSO BURNING THE POSITIVE CABLE TO THE BATTERY. TOYOTA DID NOT SHARE A COPY OF THE REPORT WITH ME. THE DAMAGE WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO WRITE OFF THE CAR WITH ONLY 95,000 MILES ON IT. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. WHY WOULD MY CAR STARTER CATCH ON FIRE LIKE THIS?

NHTSA ID

11153233

Incident

Aug 7, 2018

Mileage

95,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY EARLY IN THE MORNING WITH MY MOM, AND DAUGHTER WHO WAS IN AN INFANT CARSEAT. MY HUSBAND WAS FOLLOWING ME IN THE UHAUL WHEN I HIT A DEER GOING 55MPH. I NEVER SAW THE DEER JUMP OUT IN FRONT OF ME, AND MY HUSBAND SAID I WOULDNT HAVE HAD TIME TO STOP REGARDLESS. BUT MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS HURT. AT THE TIME WE LIVED IN KANSAS BUT WERE GETTING READY TO MOVE TO TEXAS.

NHTSA ID

11102113

Incident

Mar 3, 2018

Mileage

280,000 mi

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWS NOTHING AS A PROBLEM WITH MOTOR. CAR WILL DRIVE WITH LIGHT ON, BUT CAN NOT FIND REASON.

NHTSA ID

11076666

Incident

Nov 1, 2017

THE HOOD HAS BEEN "POPPING" UP WHEN DRIVING... THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. USUALLY I OPEN THE HOOD AND SLAM IT DOWN AND ITS OK FOR A WHILE LATELY IT HAPPENED MORE TIMES. I TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE GARAGE AND THEY SAID IT LOOKED FINE.. ( BUT IT COULD BE A CABLE??) ALTHOUGH THERE IS A SAFETY LATCH WHEN IT "POPS" ITS STILL VERY SCARY WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. NOT SURE WHAT MAYBE THE CAUSE OF THIS?

NHTSA ID

11072878

Incident

Feb 12, 2018

Mileage

88,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY EQUIPPED WITH OHTSU FT 7000 (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 205/65R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AT THE SIDEWALL. DIRECTLY AFTER, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. PEPBOYS IN SUNNYDALE, CALIFORNIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH/TIRE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH/TIRE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,617.

NHTSA ID

11061425

Incident

Dec 25, 2017

Mileage

94,617 mi

TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY ----VEHICLE ACCELERATED GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK AND RAN INTO A LIGHT POLE ---TOW TRUCK DRIVER STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS TOTALED---CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS FILED ABOUT TOYOTA ACCELERATION PROBLEMS OR GAS PEDALS STICKING --- VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND YARD ---- 0 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN

NHTSA ID

11058198

Incident

Jan 2, 2018

Mileage

289,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT ABOUT 40 MPH ON THE ROAD, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED . I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THE CAR KEPT GOING AT THE ACCELERATED SPEED FOR ABOUT 3/4 MILE. IT FINALLY SLOWED ENOUGH FOR ME TO TURN OFF THE ROAD INTO A HOUSING COMPLEX. I THEN WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN PARK. THE CAR KEPT IDLING AT THE SAME RATE EVEN WHILE IN PARK POSITION. SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD; THEREFORE, I GOT OUT AND WITHIN 1 MINUTE, IT WENT UP IN FLAMES. THE POLICE & FIRE TRUCK CAME AND PUT OUT THE FLAMES. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ID

11021656

Incident

Sep 1, 2017

Mileage

221,000 mi

THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID

11014095

Incident

Aug 7, 2017

Mileage

128 mi

FEBRUARY 22, 2017 7:15PM : I WAS ON MY WAY TO PICK MY 3 CHILDREN UP AT MY PARENTS. I WAS GOING THE SPEED LIMIT 50MPH WITH MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER FOLLOWING BEHIND ME. A DEER JUMPED ONTO THE ROAD AND I SWERVED THE VEHICLE TO AVOID HITTING THE DEER. I SWERVED 3 TIMES BEFORE HITTING A CULVERT. UPON HITTING THE CULVERT, MY VEHICLE FLIPPED AND ALSO ROLLED INTO THE DITCH. ALTHOUGH I WALKED AWAY WITH A FEW SCRATCHES AND A BRUISE ON MY LEG, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. TWO DAYS LATER, I WENT TO THE IMPOUND TO GET MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS OUT OF MY VEHICLE. I REALIZED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE IS PLENTY OF DAMAGE DONE TO THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ATTACHED PHOTOS TO SUPPORT MY COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ID

10957894

Incident

Feb 22, 2017

Mileage

260,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

10957204

Incident

Aug 15, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT PURCHASED AN AFTERMARKET EVERSTART PLUS 36R (NA) BATTERY, UPC CODE: 681131441896. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS WERE PRESENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE BATTERY WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR

NHTSA ID

10924269

Incident

Nov 13, 2015