Family: Camry · filed with NHTSA as CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA
Owner report 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD *TR
Owner report 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 POLIC…
Owner report WHILE DRIVING, AFTER THE VEHICLE GETS HOT, NOT OVERHEATED, THE BRAKES GO SOFT AND YOU CANT STOP! IF YOU SLAM THEM THEY WORK, IF YOU PRESS NORMALLY, NOTHING. WE REPLACED, MASTER CYLINDER, BRAKE BOOSTER, BRAKE LINES, CALIPERS, AND ALL PADS, HAD A PRESSURE BLEED PERFORMED, NOTHING HELPS! IT'S THE SEAL ON THE FIRE WALL THA…
Owner report THE BRAKE SYSTEM IN THIS KIND OF VEHICLE ARE DEFECTIVE. I ALMOST CRASHED ANOTHER CARS BY REAR ENDING THEM WHEN THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPONDED AND WENT ALL THE WAY WITHOUT THE CAR STOPPING. I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AND HE REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND PURGED THE LINES BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS; BY THE WAY THE PADS A…
Owner report 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 …
Owner report I did the texas inspection test, and my vehicle failed the test, and the report with catalyst, evap, and O2 sens was not completed. I'm wondering what is the problem and how I can fix it. I would like to have my vehicle get checked out and find the problem.
2% of complaints name no specific component and are left out of the shares above.
To compare years fairly, each year is counted over the same span: complaints received up to two calendar years after its model year. A year is compared only when that span is over and it holds at least 50 complaints. Median of the comparable years: 270.
| Model year | All complaints | First three years | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1,013 | 409 | most complaints |
| 2003 | 806 | 271 | |
| 2004 | 799 | 270 | |
| 2005 | 813 | 186 | |
| 2006 | 435 | 91 | fewest complaints |
Whether a recall has been fixed on a specific car depends on its VIN; check it at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAGS (CSA), ONE OR BOTH OF THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY BE TWISTED NEAR THE INFLATOR DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE CSA MAY NOT DEPLOY RAPIDLY ENOUGH WHEN ACTIVATED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THIS MAY RESULT IN FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INTENDED HEAD PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CSAS AND REPLACE THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
Risk: IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED BOTTOM PORTION MAY STRIKE THE DRIVER CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TOURING TIRES, P205-65R15 92S, INSTALLED AT THE PORTS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. THE INCORRECT TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES THAT HAD DAMAGED TIRES. THE TIRES WERE DAMAGED DURING A PORT UPGRADE TO ALUMINUM WHEELS.
Risk: THE TIRES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE SPEED RATING FOR THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM SPEED RATING (112 MPH), POSSIBLE TIRE FAILURE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FIVE TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 13, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Risk: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY. BOTH OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100% COMPLETED. BOTH OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND THEIR VEHICLES REPAIRED.
| Action | Component | Opened | Closed | Recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DP06003 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL | 2006-09-14 | 2007-04-03 | |
| DP05002 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2005-08-05 | 2006-01-05 | |
| PE04021 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2004-03-03 | 2004-07-22 | |
| PE02079 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2002-10-22 | 2003-03-18 |
DP06003: ENGINE SURGING
DP05002: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PE04021: THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM
PE02079: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camry | 2.4L 4cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2600 |
| Camry | 2.4L 4cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2600 |
| Camry | 3.0L 6cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2950 |
| Camry Solara | 2.4L 4cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2600 |
| Camry Solara | 2.4L 4cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2600 |
| Camry Solara | 3.0L 6cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3100 |
| Camry Solara | 3.0L 6cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3100 |
| Camry Solara Convertible | 2.4L 4cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2700 |
| Camry Solara Convertible | 3.0L 6cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3300 |
Fuel cost is EPA's estimate at the fuel prices of its last update, not today's.
| Variant | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Toyota Camry 4-DR. | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated |
Toyota issued 301 service bulletins listed against this model year, most often about equipment.
A bulletin tells dealers how to fix a known condition. It is not a recall and not a defect finding. Most bulletins cover several model years at once, so one listed here may not be specific to this year. The number of bulletins tracks how long and how widely a model was sold, so it is not a measure of reliability.
| Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-12-06 | STRUCTURE:BODY | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood… |
| 2024-12-06 | STRUCTURE:BODY | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and in… |
| 2024-12-06 | STRUCTURE:BODY | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicl… |
| 2024-12-06 | STRUCTURE:BODY | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood… |
| 2024-12-06 | STRUCTURE:BODY | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and in… |
| 2024-12-06 | STRUCTURE:BODY | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicl… |
| 2024-12-05 | STRUCTURE:BODY | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure … |
| 2024-12-05 | STRUCTURE:BODY | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure … |
| 2024-12-03 | STRUCTURE:BODY | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the … |
| 2024-07-12 | STRUCTURE:BODY | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood… |
Complaint counts are not failure rates. A model that sells more cars draws more complaints, and owners file more often after news coverage or a recall. That is why this page compares a model year only with other years of the same generation, never with other models.
Each complaint is counted once, even when it names several components; a complaint that names several systems appears under each of them. Owner reports are quoted as filed and have not been verified by NHTSA or by us.
Every model year of this Camry, including the ones without a page of their own, is listed on the Toyota Camry model page.
MotorAlmanac is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA, EPA or any manufacturer. This page summarises public records; it is not a mechanical inspection. Before buying a used car, check its VIN for open recalls and have it inspected.