RoadVitals

2002 Toyota Camry 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.
953
Latest Nov 14, 2025
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.
273

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Toyota Camry, 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

Driver assistance

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

286
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD *TR

NHTSA ID 11175251 · filed Feb 22, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP ACCELERATING WHILE TURNING, EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT APPROACHED A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, BUT WAS NOT COMPLETED BY THE OFFICER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPORT WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE WITHIN TEN DAYS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED TWO BROKEN ARMS, A FRACTURE TO THE SECOND AND FIFTH RIBS, A DISLOCATED WRIST (SIDE UNKNOWN), A BROKEN RIGHT ANKLE, AND BRUISES TO THE RIGHT LEG. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED IN THE FORM OF SURGERY (BONE RESET). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SMASHED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE NEAR THE PASSENGER SEAT. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

NHTSA ID 11121490 · filed Aug 21, 2018
All 286 reports naming driver assistance

Brakes

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

176
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS COMING OUT OF MY MECHANIC DRIVEWAY AND I LET CARS GO BY DOWN A BUSY STREET> MY FOOT WAS CLEARLY ON THE BRAKE AND SUDDENLY I HEARD A WINING NOISE AND MY THE ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN AND WENT ACROSS THE ROAD AND HIT A CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. I SAID TO MYSELF THIS CAR IS CAUSING ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I HAD MY MECHANIC CHECK THE BRAKES ABS AND TRANSMISSION NO PROBLEM WITH THAT.

NHTSA ID 11205684 · filed May 6, 2019

DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD, BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED, VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN (NO PEDALS WERE WORKING), CAR CRASHED AND FIRE ENGULFED THE VEHICLE

NHTSA ID 11079137 · filed Mar 14, 2018
All 176 reports naming brakes

Engine

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

165
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Toyota dealer contacted me; said my car will cost $15000 to fix. He said people at Toyota who has my exact car costed $15000 to fix! it’s known in automotive circles this year make model & engine size has this factory defect of the rear head studs stripping out and becoming loose. This causes combustion failure of the head gasket and engine block. The cylinder heads will be warped & cracked. Engine won’t hold coolant! Gauge jumps to H after brief attempt at combustion. Replacing the head g. Cylinder heads or engine block is insufficient due to the factory defect . only a total engine replacement has worked for past owners at $15000 if Toyota dies it. A mechanic said if u can fine like a 2006 lower miles engine & get mechanic to instal maybe $2000, that’s $4000. Bridgetown automotive in my area said at the very minimum in a discounted price it will be $8000. He said only a totally rebuilt engine or a new one put in will work. I’m seeking Toyota to give me a new car that doesn’t have this issue. People posting at blogs said they spent the $2200 to disassemble their engines as the auto places told them it was definitely their head gaskets causing coolant. once opened though, it was found their head gaskets were fine. The issue was , from factory, the head studs had stripped out and were loose. This, according to engine experts is total engine failure. Only replacing everything can fix this.

NHTSA ID 11611504 · filed Aug 29, 2024

The components or systems that have failed are (Catalytic Converter, Exhaust Manifold, Air Bag Control Module, Engine including head gasket) My safety is at risk due to catalytic converter not functioning properly producing harmful carbon monoxide that can be smelled through air vents, Air bag control module not functioning which will not able to initiate the deployment of airbag in the event of a wreck/accident could lead to fatality. Engine not functioning properly due to blown head gasket which could lead to overheating amongst other things. Vehicle has been inspected by Dealership. Yes there are warning lights prior to failure (Check engine light)

NHTSA ID 11597202 · filed Jun 27, 2024
All 165 reports naming engine

Airbags

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

89
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11699360 · filed Nov 14, 2025

The components or systems that have failed are (Catalytic Converter, Exhaust Manifold, Air Bag Control Module, Engine including head gasket) My safety is at risk due to catalytic converter not functioning properly producing harmful carbon monoxide that can be smelled through air vents, Air bag control module not functioning which will not able to initiate the deployment of airbag in the event of a wreck/accident could lead to fatality. Engine not functioning properly due to blown head gasket which could lead to overheating amongst other things. Vehicle has been inspected by Dealership. Yes there are warning lights prior to failure (Check engine light)

NHTSA ID 11597202 · filed Jun 27, 2024
All 89 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

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

56
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED THE CAMRY FROM REYES AUTO GROUP IN LAKEWOOD, NJ. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO PA WHERE I LIVE AND 2 MECHANICS SHOWED ME THE RUSTED OUT UNDER CARRIAGE OF VEHICLE AND STATED THAT IT WILL NOT PASS THE PA SAFETY INSPECTION AND WOULD COST OVER $2000 TO FIX! GAS STARTED LEAKING FROM TANK BECAUSE OF RUSTED CONDITION.

NHTSA ID 11407273 · filed Apr 9, 2021

I WAS COMING OUT OF MY MECHANIC DRIVEWAY AND I LET CARS GO BY DOWN A BUSY STREET> MY FOOT WAS CLEARLY ON THE BRAKE AND SUDDENLY I HEARD A WINING NOISE AND MY THE ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN AND WENT ACROSS THE ROAD AND HIT A CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. I SAID TO MYSELF THIS CAR IS CAUSING ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I HAD MY MECHANIC CHECK THE BRAKES ABS AND TRANSMISSION NO PROBLEM WITH THAT.

NHTSA ID 11205684 · filed May 6, 2019
All 56 reports naming body & structure

Tires & wheels

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

55
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR ASSURANCE COMFORTRED TOURING TIRES, SIZE 205/65R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVER SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BARRIER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD A THREE INCH CRACK PRESENT IN THE SIDEWALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID 10700731 · filed Mar 20, 2015

MY '02 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE HAS 115,530 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES FOUR TIMES OVER THIS PERIOD (DETAILS BELOW). AT THIS POINT, FIRESTONE BELIEVES THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE ENGINEERING OF THE CAR SOMEHOW BECAUSE THEIR MAINTENANCE LOG SUPPORTS THE FACT THAT I HAVE GIVEN THESE TIRES THE PROPER CARE (REGULAR ALIGNMENT CHECKS, TIRE BALANCE/ROTATION EVERY 4K MILES, AND MAINTAINING PROPER AIR PRESSURE) AND THEY ARE NO LONGER WILLING TO HONOR TIRE WARRANTIES FOR THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE EACH TIME THE TIRES ARE REPLACED, THEY ARE UNDER THE WARRANTY. THEY CLAIM THAT THE PROBABILITY OF THE PROBLEM LYING WITH THE TIRES IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE, GIVEN THIS TIRE HISTORY. HERE ARE THE DETAILS OF DATES, ODOMETER READINGS, AND TIRE DETAILS EACH TIME THEY WERE REPLACED: FIRST SET REPLACED 10/3/04 WITH 26,712 MILES ON ODOMETER (WITH FIRESTONE 106879 AFFINITY LH30 P215/60R16 TLBL PS). SECOND SET REPLACED 9/1/06 WITH 49,619 MILES ON ODOMETER (WITH BRIDGESTONE 109355 TURANZA LS-T W/UNI-T AW BL P215/60R16 94T 80,000 WARRANTY). THIRD SET REPLACED WITH 91,000 MILES ON ODOMETER (MISPLACED PAPERWORK ON DETAILS, BUT CAN PROVIDE FROM FIRESTONE DATABASE IF NEEDED). FOURTH SET REPLACED 7/23/13 WITH 115,530 ON ODOMETER (WITH BRIDGESTONE 147127 TURANZA W.SERENITY PLUS BL 215/60R16 95V 75,000 WARRANTY). *TR

NHTSA ID 10531514 · filed Jul 23, 2013
All 55 reports naming tires & wheels

Transmission

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

52
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FROM PARK TO REVERSE. IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE. I HAD IT IN REVERSE BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER A FEW TRIES IT ENGAGED. I SLOWLY DROVE A COUPLE BLOCKS TO ROSSI'S AUTO SERVICE AND LEFT IT FOR THE WEEKEND. I LEARNED IT WAS LOW ON TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO SIGN ANYWHERE OF ANY LEAKAGE. I HAD IT SERVICED AT SALINAS TOYOTA ON 01/22/15 FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE FRONT BRAKES. I RETURNED 02/03/15 TO HAVE A FRONT ENGINE MOUNT INSTALLED. ON 02/27/2015 IT WAS MISSING APPROXIMATELY A QUART OF TRANSMISSION FLUID WITH A FEW MINOR METAL FOUND IN THE DIRTY FLUID. I'VE SPOKEN NUMEROUS TIMES WITH ROSSI'S AND SALINAS TOYOTA AND THEY HAVE SPOKEN TO EACH OTHER. NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHERE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WENT. THE SALINAS TOYOTA ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER HAS TRIED TO FIND AN ANSWER BUT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO. I NEED THIS EXPLAINED OR SOLVED IN ORDER TO FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE ON BEING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP MAKING SURE I AM SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10701937 · filed Mar 26, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE CLUTCH PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. SHE HAD TO REACH DOWN AND PULL THE PEDAL UP IN ORDER TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

NHTSA ID 10405797 · filed Jun 9, 2011
All 52 reports naming transmission

Steering

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

43
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the steering wheel had seized up and the vehicle had begun to lose forward momentum. The contact heard an abnormal "popping" sound at the moment the steering had stopped functionality. The contact stated she was not aware of any warning lights. The contact pulled off of the roadway and stopped, as she placed the vehicle in park (P) she noted smoke coming from the front. The contact stated she exited the vehicle and saw that there were flames from under the vehicle. The contact stated that after about 2 to 3 minutes the entire front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the flames using foam and other chemicals. The police were also on scene and filed a report. The vehicle was towed away to an impound lot. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ID 11546975 · filed Sep 27, 2023

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CAR RIDE IS JERKY . AT ANY LEFT EXIT THE CAR SHUTS OFF ON EXIT RAMP ON LEFT TURN. STEERING TIGHTENS AND LOCK-UP. THE CAR SHUTS DONE WHILE STILL IN DRIVE MODE. THE ENGINE GOES QUITE AND DIES.THE GAS PEDAL STOP PRODUCING POWER. THE CAR SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY WITH KEY IN IGNITION AND STILL IN DRIVE . ALSO GOING DOWN HILL THE CAR BECOMES IMMOBILE AND STALL. ON OTHER OCCASIONS CAR STALL AT LIGHTS ON LOCAL ROADS SHORTLY AFTER MAKING LEFT TURNS AND STOP LIGHT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO TOYOTA SUPERSTORE WESTON ST HARTFORD CT. ON THREE OCCASIONS. THEY KEPT IT FOR A DAY, TWO DAYS, A WEEK AND THERE IS STILL NO SOLUTION. . NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO STOP THE CONDITION. I TOOK IT TO LOCAL MECHANICS, AUTO ZONE. THEY SEE THE CAR ACT UP BUT THERE ARE NO CODES AND NO SYSTEM ERROR ACTIVITY SUMMARY. DEALERSHIP OFFER NO SOLUTION . ALWAYS THERE ARE 3 LIGHT THAT COMES ON. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CHECK BATTERY LIGHT AND CHECK FUEL LIGHT . TRIPLE A TOLL THIS CAT ON 3 OCCASIONS. ON ONE OCCASION DURING THE SNOW IT HAD CHECK TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS TO GET THE NECESSARY OIL CHANGE BECAUSE I HAVE LIFETIME OIL AND LUBE. THEY ARE THE ONES SERVICING THE CAR SO IF ANY PARTS GO WRONG THEY ARE THE ONES CHANGING THEM.. THEY WANT ME TO BUY A NEW CAR. I TOLD THEM I CANNOT AFFORD ONE. I WONDER IF THEY ARE SABOTAGING MY CAR. IN HOPES THAT I WILL PURCHASE A NEW ONE. PLEASE HELP ME! I LEARNED THAT THE CAR STOPS AND STARTS UP AGAIN AFTER YOU SHUT IT DOWN TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION FOR A WHILE SO THIS IS HOW I AM SURVIVING. THIS IS VERY SCARY! HELP! *TR

NHTSA ID 10694025 · filed Mar 13, 2015
All 43 reports naming steering

Interior & seats

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

41
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. AFTER THE HOOD WAS SHUT FROM THE VEHICLE BEING SERVICED, THE HOOD LATCH FAILED TO OPERATE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

NHTSA ID 10861665 · filed Apr 27, 2016

SEAT NO LONGER MOVES FORWARD OR BACKWARD BUT TWISTS LIKE ONLY THE INSIDE TRACK IS MAKING CONTACT WITH THE GEARS. I CAN SEE THE OUTER GEAR TURNING BUT NO CONTACT WITH WORM GEAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10641233 · filed Oct 3, 2014
All 41 reports naming interior & seats

Electrical

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

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 283,000.

NHTSA ID 11681457 · filed Aug 18, 2025

The components or systems that have failed are (Catalytic Converter, Exhaust Manifold, Air Bag Control Module, Engine including head gasket) My safety is at risk due to catalytic converter not functioning properly producing harmful carbon monoxide that can be smelled through air vents, Air bag control module not functioning which will not able to initiate the deployment of airbag in the event of a wreck/accident could lead to fatality. Engine not functioning properly due to blown head gasket which could lead to overheating amongst other things. Vehicle has been inspected by Dealership. Yes there are warning lights prior to failure (Check engine light)

NHTSA ID 11597202 · filed Jun 27, 2024
All 39 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

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

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was sold an bad car

NHTSA ID 11501977 · filed Jan 16, 2023

PURCHASED THE CAMRY FROM REYES AUTO GROUP IN LAKEWOOD, NJ. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO PA WHERE I LIVE AND 2 MECHANICS SHOWED ME THE RUSTED OUT UNDER CARRIAGE OF VEHICLE AND STATED THAT IT WILL NOT PASS THE PA SAFETY INSPECTION AND WOULD COST OVER $2000 TO FIX! GAS STARTED LEAKING FROM TANK BECAUSE OF RUSTED CONDITION.

NHTSA ID 11407273 · filed Apr 9, 2021
All 38 reports naming fuel system

Suspension

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

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED THE CAMRY FROM REYES AUTO GROUP IN LAKEWOOD, NJ. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO PA WHERE I LIVE AND 2 MECHANICS SHOWED ME THE RUSTED OUT UNDER CARRIAGE OF VEHICLE AND STATED THAT IT WILL NOT PASS THE PA SAFETY INSPECTION AND WOULD COST OVER $2000 TO FIX! GAS STARTED LEAKING FROM TANK BECAUSE OF RUSTED CONDITION.

NHTSA ID 11407273 · filed Apr 9, 2021

TOOK THE CAR TO GOOD YEAR CHANGE A BUNCH OF PARTS. AFTET THAT TOOK THE CAR TO GET THE OIL CHANGED. ON THE 01/27/2016 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON THE THE VEHICLE. I SENT YOU ARE REPORT LAST WEEK AS WELL. I NEED YOUR INTERVENTION. PLEASE STOP TOYOTA FROM RIPPING CONSUMER OFF. IT NOW STATES THAT THE GAS CAP IS OFF AND OR LOOSE. THIS IS NOT THE CASE.

NHTSA ID 10823559 · filed Feb 1, 2016
All 34 reports naming suspension

Visibility

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

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while parked, the sunroof shattered from the center of the glass. The contact stated that because of the failure, the contact was treated for a concussion. The contact stated that there was no impact on the sunroof prior to the failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11532845 · filed Jul 17, 2023

2008 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID FLOOR BECAME WET DUE TO ROOF DRAIN HOSES BECOMING DISCONNECTED FROM DRAIN PAN. CONSUMER FEELS THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CONSUMER ALSO FOUND A TSB ISSUED IN APRIL 2011. *KB

NHTSA ID 10420282 · filed Aug 17, 2011
All 19 reports naming visibility

Powertrain (other)

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

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR IS EXPERIENCING SUDDEN ACCELERATION IT IS LUNGING FORWARD. THE LAST OCCURRENCE WAS AROUND 20 MINUTES AGO, IT HAS HAPPENED TO TWO FAMILY MEMBERS SO FAR, WHILE DRIVING NO EXTRA PRESSURE ON THE GAS THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATE.

NHTSA ID 11316195 · filed Mar 5, 2020

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I AM SURPRISED THAT A CAR WITH JUST 117K MILES COULD HAVE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I WAS PARKED AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN IT TURNED GREEN MY CAR JUST STOPPED MOVING. I SHOWED MY CAR TO MULTIPLE AUTO SHOPS AND THEY SAY THEY ARE HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE WITH 2002 CAMRY XLE AND NOT SURE WHY SINCE CAMRYS ARE GENERALLY CONSIDERED RELIABLE AND HAVE A LONGER LIFE OF 200K PLUS. MAYBE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT? *TR

NHTSA ID 10670853 · filed Jan 8, 2015
All 16 reports naming powertrain (other)

Other / unspecified

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

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILES DRIVING EAST ON I-20 THE TREAD ON MY REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE CAME OFF ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH. I WAS TRAVELING AROUND 65 MPH & ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. AFTER PULLING OFF, I FOUND DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL-WELL. I ALSO THINK SOMETHING IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BECAUSE THE CAR SOUNDS DIFFERENT.

NHTSA ID 10816228 · filed Dec 26, 2015

I WAS ON A RAMP TO I-520 AT A SPEED BETWEEN 45-50 MILES.HR AND THE RAMP IS STRAIGHT. SUDDENLY THE CAR LOST CONTROL AND SPINNING - FINALLY, I NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE IS FLAT. THE PROBLEM IS THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED THOUGH THE FRONT (BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT) HIT THE CONCRETE WALL BADLY AND DAMAGED BADLY. ALSO THE ABS WAS NOT ENGAGED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10655299 · filed Nov 16, 2014
All 16 reports naming other / unspecified

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The drivers side seat belt even tho put in the position of “locked in” it comes out or doesn’t latch at all.

NHTSA ID 11523375 · filed May 23, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE STRUCK AN OBJECT AND BURST. THE VEHICLE DROVE INTO A DITCH AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY AN INCH OF SNOW ON THE GROUND. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT UNLATCHED AND FRACTURED INTO PIECES. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT UNLATCH AND WAS CUT OFF TO FREE THE DRIVER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED AWAY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.

NHTSA ID 11057181 · filed Dec 28, 2017
All 12 reports naming seat belts

Exterior lighting

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

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD A WRECK IN JAN., 7TH, 2005. I WAS TRAVELING BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT AND THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME WAS DEAD STOPPED AND I COLD NOT STOP MY CAR. I HIT HER STOPPED CAR, DOING 45 MPH AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! NOW THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, IS NOT RIGHT. IT HAS MOVED AND SEPARATED AS IF IT IS ABOUT TO POP OPEN, SINCE THE WRECK AND THE PEOPLE THAT DID THE SERVICE ON MY CAR TO FIX THE FRONT END (VIA MY INSURANCE CO. - USAA) HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE COVER HAS MOVED EVEN MORE, SINCE MY WRECK IN JAN. 7TH, 2015 AND I AM REALLY SCARED. MY 84 YEAR OLD MOTHER AND MY SERVICE DOG RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. PLEASE HELP ME BEFORE IT DEPLOYS IN HER FACE!

NHTSA ID 10721251 · filed May 24, 2015

TWO COMPLAINTS (1) HEADLIGHTS ARE DELAMINATING WHICH I UNDERSTAND IS A COMMON, EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. (2) INSIDE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE SO I COULDN'T GET OUT OF THE CAR. BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS, I HAVE LEARNED ARE QUITE COMMON TO OTHER CAMRY OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10234738 · filed Jul 17, 2008

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 2002 CAMRY HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR EXCEPT FOR THE FOUL ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AS WELL AS TOYOTA ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN FIXED. WE ARE STILL DEALING WITH THE ODOR FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. *JB

NHTSA ID 10182434 · filed Feb 13, 2007

WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC CHANGED THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE. *AK THE A/C DID NOT COOL PROPERLY, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. SUDDEN ACCELERATION ALSO OCCURED WHEN BRAKING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, EVEN AFTER 443 MILES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB

NHTSA ID 10062931 · filed Apr 8, 2004

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

Data on this page last refreshed .