2001 Toyota Camry solara problems

General information about Toyota-Camry solara
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Toyota Camry Solara, popularly known as the Toyota Solara, is a mid-size coupé/convertible built by Toyota. The Camry Solara is mechanically based on the Toyota Camry and effectively replaced the discontinued Camry Coupé (XV10); however, in contrast with its predecessor's conservative design, the Camry Solara was designed with a greater emphasis on sportiness, with more rakish styling, and uprated suspension and engine tuning intended to provide a sportier feel. The coupe was launched in late 1998 for model year 1999. In 2000, the convertible was introduced, effectively replacing the Celica convertible in Toyota's North American lineup.

The second-generation Camry Solara debuted in 2003 for model year 2004, initially offered as a coupe; the second-generation convertible was introduced in the spring of 2004 as a 2005 model. Coupe production ended in mid-2008. Despite official statements that the convertible might be sold until 2010 if demand was sufficient, production was suspended in December 2008 and never resumed.

First generation (XV20; 1998–2003)

The Solara was created to appeal to a demographic of more sport-minded drivers than those who prefer the Toyota Camry sedan, while still needing "room and comfort." The Camry Solara thus aspired to blend "sporty" looks and style with spacious practicality. Prior to the production of the Camry Solara, the 2-door version of the Toyota Camry was simply known as the Camry Coupe. It was added to the third generation Camry lineup in 1993 for model year 1994 to compete with the Honda Accord and other cars in its class. However, due to it never being nearly as popular as the 4-door sedan of the Camry, the Camry Coupe was dropped in 1996 when the sedan was redesigned for model year 1997. A distinct successor went into development in the mid-1990s, resulting a winning design entry in 1995 from Warren J. Crain of Calty Design and Research. After design approval, production development ran from 1995 to the first half of 1998. Patents were filed at the Japan Patent Office on January 18, 1996, under 1020408 and November 14, 1996, at the United States Patent Office USPTO under D407350.

The first generation Camry Solara went on sale in the third quarter of 1998 as a 1999 model to replace the Camry Coupe. It was based on the mechanical platform of the previous generation XV10 Toyota Camry and was built at the TMMC facilities in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. This model featured a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 136 hp (101 kW) and 150 lb⋅ft (203 N⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm, and a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 200 hp (149 kW) at 5,200 rpm, and 214 lb⋅ft (290 N⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engines are the same as the ones used in the fourth generation Camry, but slightly revamped to have a small gain in power (two and six horsepower, respectively). The V6 claimed a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of 7.1 seconds.

TRD Solara

"The TRD recipe starts with a tasteful seven-piece body kit ($1675) available in all '99-'00 factory colors. To be sure the sporty look is backed by more straightline performance, TRD developed a supercharger kit (around $3300) for the 3.0-liter V-6 engine. According to TRD, it bumps horsepower to 262, a 62-horsepower gain over stock. Torque is also raised, going from 214 pound-feet to a much stronger 268. The TRD Solara we tested (equipped with five-speed manual transmission) produced a strong 0-60-mph time of 5.6 seconds compared with 6.9 for stock, a noticeable improvement on the street.

The Solara has been criticized as being too soft in the handling department, and TRD comes to the rescue. New parts include sport springs ($278) that drop the car 1.25 inches in front and 1.75 inches in the rear. Next, come a set of gas-pressurized front struts and rear shocks ($1230) and a larger rear anti-roll bar (price N/A). The final items are 17x7.0-inch TSW aluminum wheels wrapped in 225/45ZR17 Toyo tires ($1859). When installed on our test car, these parts dramatically improved the handling numbers over stock (see chart). On the road, the car is noticeably stiffer, telegraphing more road feel up to the driver. However, the ride is more than tolerable. Besides, we've driven plenty of sports cars that ride worse and don't handle as well. TRD will soon introduce a front strut tower brace as a part of the supercharger package that should further improve handling.

Other upgrades include a sport muffler ($391, nice deep tone), a quick-action manual shifter ($163, faster gear changes), and stainless-steel brake lines (price N/A) and carbon-metal brake pads ($70, improved braking performance).

The Toyota Camry Solara is also the first vehicle in the Toyota lineup, after their 1997 partnership agreement, to feature a JBL premium stereo option. All models came with a single-slot in-dash CD player and cassette deck from JBL. The SE models come standard with 15-inch steel wheels and hubcaps, upgradable to 15-inch alloy wheels. The Sports Package also adds a retuned suspension, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated eight-way power-adjustable leather seats, an upgrade to 16-inch alloy wheels, retuned steering, minor trim changes and a rear lip spoiler.

In 2000, the SE and SLE convertibles were added to the lineup; these cars were built as semi-finished coupes, shipped to an American Sunroof Company (ASC) facility where the roofs were removed and convertible tops installed, and were then shipped back to Toyota for painting and final assembly. Claiming that the car's basic structure was designed for this treatment, Toyota made no suspension changes from the coupe. Toyota did strengthen the rocker sections by doubling them up, while adding steel bracing between the wheel wells, adding 171 lb (78 kg) over the coupe's weight. Nonetheless, the car was considerably less rigid than the coupe.

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Common 2001 Toyota Camry solara problems

The Toyota Camry Solara, produced between 1998 and 2008, is known for its reliability and durability. However, like any car, it has some common problems that owners have reported. Here are the details of these issues:

Cracking Dashboard: The most common problem with the Toyota Camry Solara is a cracking dashboard, particularly in the 2004 model year.

Faulty Oxygen Sensors: Another common issue with the Toyota Camry Solara is faulty oxygen sensors, which may not seem as serious as engine or transmission issues but could be a bad sign for the engine's health.

Bad Ignition Coil: The ignition coil delivers power to the spark plugs and enables the firing of cylinders inside an engine.

Oil Thickness Problem: The first-gen Toyota Camry Solara equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine has problems with oil forming into sludge within the engine.

Interior Accessories: The 2004, 2006, and 2007 model years have a high number of complaints related to interior accessories, such as dashboard cracking, ripping, and glossy looks that create a reflective hazard for drivers.

Engine: The 2004, 2006, and 2007 model years have a significant number of engine-related complaints, including sluggish acceleration, rough idling, and increased exhaust gases due to faulty oxygen sensors.

Exhaust System: The 2004, 2006, and 2007 model years have a few complaints related to the exhaust system, such as leaking valve cover gaskets and increased exhaust gases due to faulty oxygen sensors.

Transmission: The 2004 model year has one complaint related to the transmission, which could lead to reduced engine power output and unpredictable acceleration at high speeds.

Seat Belts & Air Bags: The 2004 model year has three complaints related to seat belts and airbags, which could affect the safety of the vehicle.

Windows & Windshield: The 2004 model year has three complaints related to windows and windshields, which could affect the overall driving experience and safety of the vehicle.

In conclusion, while the Toyota Camry Solara is known for its reliability and durability, it has some common problems that owners have reported. These issues include a cracking dashboard, faulty oxygen sensors, bad ignition coil, oil thickness problems, interior accessories, engine, exhaust system, transmission, seat belts & air bags, and windows & windshield problems. It is essential to inspect these areas when considering purchasing a used Toyota Camry Solara to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

What are the recalls on a 2001 Toyota Solara?

2001 Toyota Camry Solara Recalls

COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Is Toyota Camry Solara a reliable car?

In terms of reliability, Toyota is known for setting a high standard, and the Solara is no exception. Although it had a production run from 1998 to 2008, certain years stand out as exceptionally dependable: 1999 Toyota Solara. 2001 Toyota Solara.

Why was the Toyota Camry Solara discontinued?

From model year 2005 to 2008, sales fell from roughly 50,000 units annually to just over 20,000. After the 2008 model year, the coupe was discontinued due to faltering sales, but the convertible, which accounted for the majority of units sold, continued to be produced.

Does the Solara have the same engine as the Camry?

The Solara was manufactured to replace the Toyota Camry Coupe from four years earlier (competition to the Honda Accord Coupe). It was designed to be a mid-sized car with sporty features and it had a four-cylinder engine with more power than the standard Camry.

Is Toyota Camry Solara a reliable car?

Why did Toyota stop making the Solara?

What are the recalls on a 2001 Toyota Solara?

2001 Toyota Camry Solara Recalls

Is a 2002 Toyota Solara a good car?

Excellent vehicle

This car has good power and great gas mileage. It has a sleek interior and nice outer appearance. Very stylish and economical vehicle.

2001 Toyota Camry solara complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Toyota Camry solara.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2001 Toyota Camry solara recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2001 Toyota Camry solara.

2006-06-29

Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

2006-03-23

Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Negative 2001 Toyota Camry solara car reviews

Adolphus Christiansen 2024-03-06

Hi there! I bought this car with 70,000 miles and overall it's not bad. Although, I did have some problems here and there, like the brakes not feeling as good as they could be. I've had the brakes done by the dealership, but unfortunately, I still don't feel a major difference. Also, I think the headlights could be better. But, all in all, it's a good car. :)

Positive 2001 Toyota Camry solara car reviews

Rylan Lind 2025-01-05

The Solara is definitely an underrated car. To fully enjoy its benefits, I recommend going for the full SLE class. I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible value I received for such an affordable price. It's a semi-luxury car that falls within a mid-price range. If you were to purchase a similar car with the same features and smoothness from a different brand, it would cost you at least an extra $10K. The car is stunning both inside and out, with ample room for passengers and top-notch leather quality. The engine runs as smoothly as a Lexus (or so it seems) but with the speed of a cheetah. Toyota has truly outdone themselves with this major quality accomplishment.
Sylvan Botsford 2025-01-02

I owned a Chrysler Sebring Convertible (1998) which I bought new, but I wouldn't buy another one. However, when I purchased this Certified 2001 Solara Convertible (SLE V6), I found it to be a superb vehicle. Over the years, I have owned Audi, Mercedes, Infiniti, Volvo and Toyota automobiles, and I can confidently say that this is the best one.
Brooks Hilpert 2025-01-02

It's great to hear that you're enjoying your car! I noticed that you added a Magnaflow exhaust system, which must sound amazing with your 5M V6. The V6 also seems to have great passing power and handles well in snow. I'm glad you're enjoying the JBL! system as well. While the throws may be a little long, it's great to hear that the car is overall very smooth. The only downside seems to be the turning radius and handling in extremely tight quarters.
Fletcher Harvey 2024-11-29

I bought this V6 5-speed car about 6 months ago and I've been really happy with it. It's a spacious 2-door coupe with similar room to the Camry. The engine is reasonably powerful and the interior ride is quiet. I have the JBL radio, which is pretty good, but some songs seem to be unbalanced. The suspension isn't sporty, it's very soft and there's a lot of body roll. However, the clutch has a very smooth feel and the gears shift quickly. The gas mileage is 25 city and 31 highway. I added the TRD struts, springs and swaybar to improve the handling of the car, which makes the Solara handle like a much smaller car. If you like the small car feel, this is definitely the way to go!
Johathan Vandervort 2024-11-05

I really like my first car! It's so much fun to drive and has great control and handling. The quality is just as good as a Toyota Camry, which is why its resale price is so high. It only has two doors, so it's perfect for young people who don't have too many passengers. Although there is a check engine light on (due to a broken wire, which can be fixed for just $35) and the clock/mirror is off (which can be fixed for $10), it's still a very reliable car. I definitely recommend it to young people as it's not expensive and is a quality car.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Toyota Camry solara problems:

2001 Toyota Solara Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2001-toyota-solara/problems

Top 2001 Toyota Solara Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor Component · Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Control Valve · Debris in ...

First Car. Thinking A Toyota Solara 2001 or maybe a 2005 : r/Toyota

https://www.reddit.com/r/Toyota/comments/wzmy0s/first_car_thinking_a_toyota_solara_2001_or_maybe/

Aug 28, 2022 ... It'll be my first car aswell since I heard that camrys are super reliable and the solara is like a drop top camry. ... of minor issues like slight ...

Toyota Solara Problems and Solutions — Car Forums at Edmunds ...

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/5618/toyota/camry-solara/toyota-solara-problems-and-solutions

Aug 1, 2006 ... I have a 2001 Toyota Solara. It has about ... Home › Toyota › Toyota Camry Solara. Edmunds ... There's a discussion about the Solara's headrests/ ...