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Toyota Camry: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • doogs37doogs37 Member Posts: 2
    I have discovered that my 1999 Camry (68,000 miles) stalls when it is wet outside. This has happened on two occasions. The dealer said that I needed new spark plugs, a new "arc" and some wiring. The total cost was $300. Anyone have problems of this sort?
  • dcmikedcmike Member Posts: 53
    I have an 02 V6 XLE with 12,500 miles. I noticed during one of our several rainstorms in the DC area that the right side airbag (head restraint, not front airbag) had water running from it into my vehicle. Hs anyone else experienced this? I tell you what, from the short and non-adjustable seat cushion, to the wobbly driver's seat, to the leaking airbag, to the various squeaks and rattles, I am far less than happy with this purchase of mine.
  • branch15_5branch15_5 Member Posts: 44
    I had a similar problem, and it was the EGR valve. If it happens fairly regularly, you can test to see if this is the problem: (Assuming you know where the EGR valve is) Disconnect the vacuum tube running to the EGR value, plug it with a golf tee or something similar, then drive the car. The Check Engine light will come on, but you can drive normally. If the problem goes away, it's the EGR valve.

    It's a $200-300 repair bill.
  • tester2tester2 Member Posts: 12
    I had a quick look on the dipstick (it was poor lighting) and in the owners manual and I cannot find out how to check the trans fluid on a 4 cylinder 2002 Camry. Warm engine? Cold engine? Neutral? Park? Where are the instructions for this?
    There is a label on the dipstick that says under normal driving you never have to change the fluid. Since the trans pan has a convenient drain plug I think I would do it every few years. Comments welcome.
  • deni3deni3 Member Posts: 3
    Is there a "generic" substitute for a 2002 Camry
    air conditioning filter? My local parts stores
    do not have them. Also, is it advisable or
    possible to clean the original filter? Thanks
  • jack103jack103 Member Posts: 1
    I need to remove the starter in my 4 cyl. camry
    can this be done from the engine compartment or must i lift the car? Can anyone give me info to find a rebuild kit for the solenoid?
  • jander111jander111 Member Posts: 31
    You remove the starter from above, not under. Maybe you want to remove the battery and cruise control actuator to gain better access, but I found it unnecessary for V6. I think 4 & V6 are very similar.

    Go to ebay, maybe you can find cheap used parts from wrecked cars.
  • toy123toy123 Member Posts: 5
    New to this, so please be patience as I learn . . .

    I have a 2001 Camry, with a 2.2 motor and an automatic transmission. The car has 50,300 KM showing and as been service by Toyota according to their recommended service intervals. Within the last week the car began to surge, between 200 and 400 rpms with going up hills. This as occurred only twice, both times I was driving around town. I am unable to duplicate the problem and it has never happened at highway speeds, at least not yet. I love this car and in two weeks will be taking an extended road trip, so any suggestions would be appreciated. The surging while only happening twice is making me nervous about the up and coming road trip.

    Cheers
  • chuckielainechuckielaine Member Posts: 10
    We all read everyones complaint. We all have the same issues. The problem is, Toyota was on top with the Camrys for years. Now, they have a line of cars with alot of problems. They either , (1)can't admit them, or (2) are panicking because they never had to deal with a screw up in manufacturing like this. What really sucks is, I bet down the road after all is said and done they are going to recall some of the problems. That's after all of our warranties run out and we start spending our money to try and fix the problem. For instance. Cold shift lock. I was a mechanic for a long time. Do you know what that jerking is going to do to our motor mounts and transmission mounts? Wear them out. They don't care. That all takes time. After the warranties run out. We will be there replacing them. I am so dissatisfied with this car (02 Camry SE LOADED.) Does anyone have a suggestion as to what we can do? I personally don't want the car any more. I refuse to drive a car with all these problems that are told to me, "that's how the 02 Camrys are". I spent too much money to have to be told that!
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    It is unusual to see the score on both rear disc rotors. It occurred since the car was little over 400 miles. The front rotors are in excellent shape. I didn't do any hard braking during the break-in period. It is just over 600 miles.

    I looked at all disc rotors on my Kia Sorento with nearly 7000 miles on it. I don't see any score or scratch at all.

    I haven't brought this issue to my dealer yet. I assume they will say this is normal. However, the score on the rotors are not getting wrong.
  • toy123toy123 Member Posts: 5
    Hi,

    New to this, so please be patience as I learn . . .

    I have a 2001 Camry, with a 2.2 motor and an automatic transmission. The car has 50,300 KM showing and as been service by Toyota according to their recommended service intervals. Within the last week the car began to surge, between 200 and 400 rpms with going up hills. This as occurred only twice, both times I was driving around town. I am unable to duplicate the problem and it has never happened at highway speeds, at least not yet. I love this car and in two weeks will be taking an extended road trip, so any suggestions would be appreciated. The surging while only happening twice is making me nervous about the up and coming road trip.

    Cheers
  • ozfan321ozfan321 Member Posts: 1
    Within the past month, I've taken a lot of trips in a friends 2003 Camry LE V6. While we're in the car and the A/C is on, an awful smell fils the car and we need to turn the A/C off and air out the car. Her dad borrowed the car to see if he smelled it and I told her to bring it to the dealer. I thought there was some kind of leak, but I'm not familiar with the car so Im not sure what may cause it. the smell is similar to that of manure or rotten eggs and only seems to occur when the A/C is on. I dont recall if this happened with the heat on. Any info?
  • kirspin1kirspin1 Member Posts: 1
    Recently on my 2001 Camry the Check Engine light came on after a short drive at Highway speed! When I consulted the Manual it said to take Vehicle to a Toyota Dealer, on doing so they found that the Emissions Control was malfunctioning VSV at Charcoal Canister not Switching, to clear the problem they replaced the VSP unit under warranty, just wondering if this is a common fault? Thanks
  • pushanpushan Member Posts: 15
    I had similar problem with 1991 Camry. I tried changing spark plugs, distributor cap, and cables. But it did not fix the problem. Finally, someone suggested to change the ignition coil. It really solved the problem. My cost was in the range of $200.
  • chuckielainechuckielaine Member Posts: 10
    You can drive the car. The dealer told me it's the "Throttle Body Injection" That this is normal. I don't know how your car is going to drive in the future. But, mine got worse. I can drive it. But don't like it!! . It's just a BIG annoying thing to deal with. The dealer told me it's common in these cars. Good luck trying to tell them different. Every problem I have they tell me it's the way these cars are. I'm so pissed off at this car, I can't even begin to tell you. Good luck! If you find out something, or get better service then me let me know. Via E-Mail. SeaGainee@aol.com Thanks.
  • toy123toy123 Member Posts: 5
    Hi,

    Will try to see the dealership this week... Hope that is might be just "gear hunting" but will keep you posted.

    Cheers
  • jdeibjdeib Member Posts: 70
    I had the same problem on my 2002 SE a few months after taking delivery. I wash my car myself and I noticed that the right side was leaking through the side airbag cover when it was sprayed with a hose. It turns out that there was a pinched drain hose on the right side of the moonroof that developed a small pinhole leak. It was an assembly problem and the dealer was able to fix it. I hope this helps.

    Jayme
  • jgameenjgameen Member Posts: 3
    I tried turning up the base idle and that didn't work. The stalling has been occurring pretty much every day now. I took branch15_5's advice and plugged the EGR valve with a golf tee. I've only driven the car 50 miles but so far so good. I'll drive around for a week like this to see if the problem goes away. If it does I'll buy a new EGR and put it on the car. Thanks for your inputs.

    PS When I went to the Toyota dealer for the 4th time, they didn't have a clue as to what to do, so I didn't leave the car.
  • dougweaverdougweaver Member Posts: 48
    I must tell you I am suspicious that you either sell cars for either Honda, Mazda, or another competitor OR you have driven the crap out of your Camry. I just can't believe all the problems you say you have with your car. We have a 03 Camry SE and couldn't be happier with it. Whats the scoup? Is it the type driving you do or are you just trying to damage Camrys image and help your sales? OK I guess its possible you may have gotten a lemon ... but I doubt it. I did see on one of your posts you said you were a mechanic for 8 years ... another post it was 10 years? Just makes me wonder. Sorry if I'm wrong. dpw
  • chuckielainechuckielaine Member Posts: 10
    Doug, I don't work for another dealer. I have not owned any car besides Toyota since 1982.I have never had problems with any of my Toyota's until this one. I've had 2 Celica's, a Corolla, and the Rav 4. And yes I said I was a mechanic for 8 years. That was for a service station. I Got out of the Automobile field but continued to do side work for 2 more years. I can't explain all the problems either. When I read all the posts I seem to have alot of the similar problems. The rotors are a problem with 90% of the Camrys. The clunking in the rear is also a big problem with alot of them. As is my other problems. I don't know if you live where it snows. But trust me if you do, be very careful. I have ABS and Traction Control. The car is terrible in the snow. If I had to pick my top 3 problems, it would be tires, no traction in the snow. The hesitation when excelerating, and the rear clunking. But I still love Toyota. I will never buy anything other than Toyota.
  • 1200mk1200mk Member Posts: 14
    How can I tell if I have an alarm on my car? I have that little security light by the a/c controls but I dont think it has it. Thanks for any info.
  • dougweaverdougweaver Member Posts: 48
    I appreciate your response. Sorry for the mistrust but I've heard of people doing that on some of these boards. Hope you have better luck with your SE. Take care. dpw
  • driverjdriverj Member Posts: 8
    Can anybody advise if it is true that worn motor mounts would cause an automatic transmission to fail? The car has 92,000 miles and apparently, the motor mounts were worn and after it was replace, the dealer discovered that the transmission has also been damaged.

    Hope someone can help.
  • sdp0387sdp0387 Member Posts: 1
    I am a young, first-car buyer, and I recently bought a 4 cyl. 95 Camry 4-door LE autom. w/ 83,000 m. (I'm going to the dealership to pick it up tomorrow.) My question is this: I purchased a two year warranty with Western General from the dealer, but some of the language in the warranty contract scares me a bit.
         The warranty cost 980 bucks, and it covers engine, transmission, drive axle, steering, and electrical - but in small print on the contract, under claims, it says that the only "breakdown" it covers is "mechanical breakdown" and that "mechanical breakdown means the failure of a covered part due to a defect in the part or faulty workmanship as supplied by the manufacturer, making the part unable to perform the function for which it was designed. A Mechanical Breakdown does not include gradual reduction in operating performance as a result of normal wear and usage when no Mechanical Breakdown has occurred. There is no coverage for any Mechanical Breakdown caused by the failure of a non-covered part."
          This car has 83000 miles on it. how can I prove that the breakdown of a covered part is a mechanical breakdown and not the result of normal wear and tear? This language seems to allow the company to escape from any claim. Has anyone ever even heard of western general?
          Is this normal used car warranty contractual language, or should I cancel my warranty with this company and go with another company? I'm pretty worried about this.
        alright, thanks alot,
    camry man
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Try posting your question in this discussion on the FWI board.

    Extended Warranties
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    My neighbor complains of slow or hesitation on acceleration of her '97 4 cylinder automatic Camry with 105,000 miles, especially with the AC on. I can think of throttle body cleaning, plugs, plug wires, distributor rotor, fuel filter, what else do you think? Also, anything else to look out for with a higher mile '97 Camry? Thanks!
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    that's a big one. I would try that first.

    There is no distributor rotor.

    tester2: check with trans in Park, engine warm and running. I have the same message on my Matrix auto trans dipstick, and I am going to follow it just to see what happens. So, no auto trans fluid changes ever - oh, how times have changed.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • ecnirp1ecnirp1 Member Posts: 13
    From inside the my 1997 Camry LE, the right turn signal started going on/off much faster than the left signal normally does. I checked the front and back signals and the bulbs were working. Does this mean that one of the bulbs is about to blow? If so, short of replacing both, how would I determine if it is the front or back that is about to go.
  • yjacobyjacob Member Posts: 1
    I have a 99 toyota camry and the brake rattles when ever I apply them. The dealer changed the front brake pads the first time. It did not fix it. Second time they cleaned the rear discs. Still I am having the same sound while braking. Does anybody have the same problem and let me know if there is a fix. Thanks.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Enter "brakes" in the search this discussion box.There are quite a few previously posted messages concerning brake issues.
  • camrysev6ownercamrysev6owner Member Posts: 66
    I have noticed a very slight knocking on my 2003 Camry SE V6. I can hear it when I am accelerating in 2nd gear usually. I've read the Owner's Manual and they said that slight knocking is normal. Does anyone else have the same problem?
  • roby8roby8 Member Posts: 2
    2000 camry that shimmies at highway speeds
    changed tires, balance and alignment done.
    went on nhsta web site numerous complaints same problem, same year vehicle.

    any solutions?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    check for TSBs on this one - Toyota made some kind of fix to something, I just can't remember what. It might have been the suspension, or something in the steering? Check with your dealer if you do not have detailed access to TSB information on-line.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • everydayeveryday Member Posts: 53
    If you have wheel covers, you might want to check their condition. I've heard damaged covers can throw wheels out of balance.
  • ron_toyron_toy Member Posts: 3
    My 02XLE w/V6 was doing the same thing. Dealer could find nothing until after a month, the check engine light came on. Then found one (how many are there?) of the air/fuel sensors was defective, replaced and problem is gone. Smooth as silk now.
    15,000 miles and that is the only problem I have had; great car!
  • cduongcduong Member Posts: 70
    Does this mean that one of the bulbs is about to blow?
    Yes... this is the indication. It happened to my '87 Camry. You could wait until it's out. I bought them (package of 2) at Pepboys... cheap...
  • iamstepheniamstephen Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2003 camry xle v6. Since day one I noticed a very obvious hesitation when I put it to drive and step on the gas. I also have to press the gas pedal hard in order to get it going and the gear shifting is very rough. Also road noise is relatively loud compared to my 98 Camry LE v6, which doesn't have the hesitation and slow response issue. Anyone experiencing the same problems?
  • slov98slov98 Member Posts: 112
    the hesitation is on mine also,le v6, probably on all the new engine camrys, it has gotten better lately as I'm up to 5000 miles, I don't notice it as much
  • raytoy44raytoy44 Member Posts: 10
    1.Front Driver Seat shifting/sliding - now Toyota has a fix bulletin finally and will try to fix it again. Seat slides aroung on the track on acceleration or stopping.

    2. Knocking engine --especially on acceleration and up small hills.

    3. Transmission/Engine - "jumps into drive" --shifts hard into drive when cold out of park if under 50 degrees outside.

    4. Tires - wore out very quickly--Continental brand tires

    5. AM FM Radio--has poor reception in FM

    6. Water leaks in on to window control after rain stops if the window is open.

    7. Drivers seat is uncomfortable.

    8. Engine is underpowered.

    This Toyota Camry has many problems and is very annoying to own and drive. It is a lemon.
    I hate this car.

    Is Toyota going Down Hill??

    Ray
  • raytoy44raytoy44 Member Posts: 10
    2002 CAMRY PROBLEMS--MANY: seat moves, engine noise, tranny jumps, tires, FM... MANY PEOPLE POST ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS I SUMMARIZE BELOW on 2002 CAMRY:
              (I have them all--sadly)

    1.Front Driver Seat shifting/sliding - now Toyota has a fix bulletin finally and will try to fix it again. Seat slides around on the track on acceleration or stopping.

    2. Knocking engine --especially on acceleration and up small hills.

    3. Transmission/Engine - "jumps into drive" --shifts hard into drive when cold out of park if under 50 degrees outside. It will only happen again if for 12 hours the car is n NOT used.

     4. Tires - wore out very quickly (3000 miles)--Continental brand tires

    5. AM FM Radio--has poor reception in FM

    6. Water leaks in on to window control after rain stops if the window is open.

    7. Drivers seat is uncomfortable.

    8. Engine is underpowered.

    This Toyota Camry has many problems and is very annoying to own and drive. It is a lemon.
    I hate this car.

    Toyota CAMRY has gone Down Hill.

    Ray
  • raytoy44raytoy44 Member Posts: 10
    HI PEOPLE,
    To frustrated 2002 CAMRY OWNERS (and me too).

    KNOW THE LEMON LAW IN YOUR STATE and document each time you go to the dealer and PUT IT IN WRITING and ensure you get it all on the RECEIPT IN WRITING from the dealer EACH TIME to BUILD YOUR LEMON LAW CASE. In NJ, you go three times with the SAME issue and DEALER DOES NOT FIX IT, you have a LEMON. THEN FIND a LEMON LAW SPECIALIST in your state who will take your case on contingency. If you win you pay or really the LAWYER GETS a cut from the settlement.

    The DEALERS are telling us all "this is normal" or to "spec". It is BS --they fix almost nothing. They don't seem to KNOW HOW to fix it all!!!
    Ray
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    I posted a discussion about score on the rear disc rotors few weeks ago. I noticed this on my friend's Camry. We both have a 2003 Camry SE (bought in June) and both just over 1000 miles. I first noticed the score when it was around 400 miles. The front rotors are perfectly smooth.

    Beside this, anyone who has 2002 and 2003 Camry with 4 cylinder (don't know about the V6) notice the steering wheel a kind of loose at highway speed? I think it is not tight at high speed because it is not a speed sensitive power steering. The 03 Camry brochure just said "variable-assist power rack-and-pinion". Any comments?
  • martensmartens Member Posts: 6
    My remote sometimes works from 25 yds away, sometimes not 'til I'm standing right next to the car. Battery is fresh. Also, sometimes car will respond with a "beep", other times, silence. Any ideas? Thank you!
  • 1200mk1200mk Member Posts: 14
    Yeah, I have a 03 se v6 and the steering is like a video game. When I first drove on the freeway for a fair amount of time, it felt as though it was driving by itself. When I drove my moms 02 CRV the steering wheel is tighter (which i like) and it drives like a car.
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Did you see any score on the rear disc rotors on your Camry too? At least mine and my friend's 03 Camry SE (4 cyl) with 4 wheel disc brakes have the same issue. The front rotors are still in perfect shape. I didn't bring this issue to my dealer yet. I am sure it wasn't cause by sand and small stone on the brake pads or disc rotors because I wash and detail my car very often. And it can't be happened on both rear rotors and both Camrys at the same time. I just want to see if any Camry owners notice anything unusal.

    For the power steering, I am not sure this variable-assist power rack-and-pinion" is same as those speed sensitive power steering. It is not tight at highway speed.
  • dcmikedcmike Member Posts: 53
    Just a note regarding Side Curtain Airbags - I have a 2002 Camry XLE V6, all options but navigation. I put my car in for the 15K service with 13,800 miles on it. I mentioned to the person writing up the order that water runs into the car from the right curtain air bag when raining, and could this be checked. I just got the call from the service department that aside from needing new rotors and pads (on a car with only 13K - supposedly there is a TSB issued, so the repairs will be free), when installing the side curtain bags, a hole was punctured in the tubing that moves water from the sunroof the outside of the car. Instead of the water running outside, it was coming inside!!!! Needless to say, I'm not very happy about this, and was told that parts would be ordered to fix the problem. I'm tempted to contact Toyota directly about this, as I hope that I experience no further damage as a result of their installation error. What a disappointment. I too was under the assumption that Toyota's were first class vehicles.
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    I just curious what's wrong with the disc rotors and brake pads. I mean 13800 miles is still too early for the replacement unless something. And I guess you have read my messages about scores on the rear disc rotors. My 03 Camry SE is only 1000 miles.
  • dcmikedcmike Member Posts: 53
    I'm not sure what the issue is, and I agree with you that 13,800 is waay to soon to have to replace rotors, pads and shims. All I can tell you is that when I would apply my brakes, my steering wheel would shake like crazy. All the service department told me was that there was a bulletin issued, and that they would be replaced for free. You may want to check with your dealership as your car might be affected as well.
  • everydayeveryday Member Posts: 53
    Anybody know if seat belts are covered under a 5/60 warranty for 2000 Camry? One of my pretensioners lost all its tension.
  • everydayeveryday Member Posts: 53
    Anybody know if seat belts are covered under a 5/60 warranty for 2000 Camry? One of my pretensioners lost all its tension.
This discussion has been closed.