1983 Toyota Camry problems

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The Toyota Camry (/ˈkæmri/; Japanese: トヨタ・カムリ Toyota Kamuri) is an automobile sold internationally by the Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota since 1982, spanning multiple generations. Originally compact in size (narrow-body), the Camry has grown since the 1990s to fit the mid-size classification (wide-body)—although the two widths co-existed in that decade. Since the release of the wide-bodied versions, Camry has been extolled by Toyota as the firm's second "world car" after the Corolla. As of 2022, the Camry is positioned above the Corolla and below the Avalon or Crown in several markets.

In Japan, Camry was once exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store retail dealerships. Narrow-body cars also spawned a rebadged sibling in Japan, the Toyota Vista (トヨタ・ビスタ)—also introduced in 1982 and sold at Toyota Vista Store locations. Diesel fuel versions have previously retailed at Toyota Diesel Store. The Vista Ardeo was a wagon version of the Vista V50.

Etymology

The name "Camry" derives from the Japanese word kanmuri (ja:冠, かんむり), meaning "crown". This follows Toyota's naming tradition of using the crown name for primary models starting with the Toyota Crown (1955), continuing with the Toyota Corona (1957) and Corolla (1966); the Latin words for "crown" and "small crown", respectively. Maintaining this theme was the Toyota Tiara (1960) named after the "tiara" form of crown. The Atara trim level name used on the Camry in Australia since 2011 means "crown" in Hebrew. The rebadged Camry variant for Japan, the Toyota Scepter (1991)—took its name from "scepter", a royal accessory to a crown.

1983 Toyota Camry

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Common 1983 Toyota Camry problems

The Toyota Camry, first introduced in 1983, is known for its reliability and performance. However, like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems. This article focuses on the 1983 Toyota Camry and its most frequently reported issues, based on complaints from owners.

  • Faulty Oxygen Sensors: A check engine light appearing on the dashboard can be concerning. In many cases, this is caused by a faulty oxygen sensor, which can lead to inaccurate air-fuel mixture readings, affecting engine performance. Replacing the oxygen sensor is a straightforward process, but it's essential to diagnose and address the issue promptly.
  • Transmission Unable to Shift Correctly: Some automatic Camry models from the 2000s experience issues with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) transmission, which can cause the car to suddenly drop in speed, potentially leading to collisions. Transmission failures are most common in models with over 100,000 miles. The torque converter is often the culprit and may need to be replaced.
  • Lack of Heating and Air Conditioning: Temperature control issues are common in 2012, 2013, and 2014 Toyota Camrys. The heating or air conditioning may stop blowing warm or cool air through the cabin vents, often due to a faulty blower motor or air conditioning compressor. Both components are relatively inexpensive to repair or replace.
  • Unresponsive Door Locks: Automatic door locks in Camrys from the early 2010s can become unresponsive, making it difficult to lock or unlock the doors using the key fob or interior buttons. This issue is typically caused by a faulty door lock actuator, which can be replaced by accessing the door latch assembly behind the door panels.
  • Loss of Power Steering: Some eighth-generation (2018-present) Toyota Camry owners with V6 engines have reported reliability problems with the power steering system. Leaks can form at the power steering pump or hose, leading to a loss of power steering. It's essential to address this issue promptly to maintain safe driving conditions.

In summary, the 1983 Toyota Camry, like any other vehicle, has its share of common problems. These issues range from heavy oil consumption and faulty oxygen sensors to transmission problems, temperature control issues, unresponsive door locks, and power steering reliability concerns. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the Camry's performance, safety, and overall longevity.

1983 Toyota Camry engine

What was the bad year for Camry?

2007 Toyota Camry

The 2007 model is on the top of the list for Toyota Camry years to avoid, simply because it has the most problems. One of the most significant complaints, according to RepairPal, is issues with the automatic transmission.

What is the most common problem with Toyota Camry?

The motor mounts at higher mileage May wear out causing extra stress on other motor mounts. It's best to replace these motor mounts as they go.

What year is the most reliable Toyota Camry?

The 2005 Camry is a dependable model that should be affordable for most customers. While you won't enjoy the newest and flashiest technology, you will get fantastic reliability from this used car. 2009-2011 Toyota Camry – The used Toyota Camrys from 2009-2011 all won 4/5 or 5/5 scores for reliability in every category.

What was the gas mileage on a 1983 Toyota Camry?

Introducing the Toyota Camry: economy

The consumption at 56mph was 47.9mpg and at 75mph it returned an impressive-for-the-era 35.8mpg.

What is the most common problem with Toyota Camry?

The motor mounts at higher mileage May wear out causing extra stress on other motor mounts. It's best to replace these motor mounts as they go.

What was the gas mileage on a 1983 Toyota Camry?

Introducing the Toyota Camry: economy

The consumption at 56mph was 47.9mpg and at 75mph it returned an impressive-for-the-era 35.8mpg.

How much horsepower does a 1983 Toyota Camry have?

Unlike other markets, federalized quad headlamps were fitted for the 1983 and 1984 model years. Buyers could specify sedan or liftback bodies with a five-speed manual transmission or extra-cost four-speed automatic paired to the 2.0-liter gasoline 2S-ELC motor rated at 92 hp (69 kW).

What year Camry has transmission problems?

Toyota Camry Years With the Least Reliable Transmissions

The 2007 Toyota Camry is the worst year for the transmission. However, the 2002, 2003, 2008, 2011, and 2012 versions aren't too far behind. They also have serious transmission errors that might force users to pay high prices for repairs.

1983 Toyota Camry car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Camry problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Child seat problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Toyota Camry vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1983 Toyota Camry complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Toyota Camry.

2003-04-15

CHILD SEAT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-04-15
  • VIN: PLEASE FILL
  • Components: CHILD SEAT
  • Summary: WHILE PLACING THE CHILD INSIDE OF THE CAR SEAT THE RED BUTTON COLLAPSED. AS A RESULT THE CHILD WAS NOT RESTRAINED SECURELY IN THE SEAT. *NLM
2000-03-23

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: SDT4WEQTW
1995-11-20

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-30
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JT2SV16H2D0
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CAR REAR ENDED IN ACCIDENT. GAS TANK WAS RUPTURED. DRIVER FOUND OUT THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS VERY RUSTY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1995-06-22

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-15
  • VIN: JT2SV16E1D0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: LEFT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTON DETERIORATED/BROKE, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO FAIL. *AK
1995-06-13

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-06-06
  • VIN: JT2SV16E5D0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE CAR HAS TAKATA SEATBELTS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVERS BROKE. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
1995-05-15

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JT2SV16E8D0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONSUMER RECIEVE RECALL ON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REGULATOR HAD IT FIX 1987 IS NOW HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH CAR. TT

1983 Toyota Camry recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1983 Toyota Camry.

1990-02-28
  • Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CRUISE CONTROL COMPUTER MALFUNCTION COULD OCCUR UPON SHUTTING OFF THE CONTROL AFTER CONTINUOUS USE FOLLOWED BY COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.
  • Consequence: THERMAL SHOCK TO THE CRUISE CONTROL COMPUTER COULD RESULT IN ENGINE RACING IF THE ENGINE IS RESTARTED WITH THE MAIN CONTROL SWITCH IN THE 'ON' POSITION. THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT IF THIS IS PERFORMED IN NORMAL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
  • Remedy: REPLACE COMPUTER WITH ONE OF IMPROVED DESIGN.
1983-12-08
  • Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
  • Summary: VOLTAGE REGULATOR WHICH CONTROLS THE AMOUNT OF FLOW IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR, MAY HAVE MANUFACTURING ERRORS IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT. THE REGULATOR MAY OVERCHARGE THE BATTERY.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR AT NO CHARGE.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 Toyota Camry problems:

1991 Camry repeated electrical problems | Toyota Nation Forum
1991 Camry repeated electrical problems | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/1991-camry-repeated-electrical-problems.1628338/

Aug 4, 2018 ... The 10A engine fuse located on the driver's side. That one blows after the vehicle runs for maybe five-ten minutes. I remember reading something ...

2007 [6th-Generation] Toyota Camry Common Problems – Becker ...
2007 [6th-Generation] Toyota Camry Common Problems – Becker ...
https://beckerservicecenter.com/blog/2007-6th-generation-toyota-camry-common-problems/

Read on to learn more about the common issues that plagued this vehicle. Background. The Toyota Camry was introduced in 1983 and has been a staple in the brand ...

90 Camry Issues | Toyota Nation Forum
90 Camry Issues | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/90-camry-issues.1668144/

Nov 18, 2019 ... I have a 1990 Toyota Camry V6. She's old but loved. I've had this car for 4 years, no accidents. 158K on the engine. The last ...

Toyota Camry Reliability and Common Problems
Toyota Camry Reliability and Common Problems
https://www.stockwiseauto.com/shoptalk/toyota-camry-reliability-and-common-problems

Jul 24, 2023 ... These cars have been on the market in the U.S. since 1983 and span eight generations. Monitor your daily driver for these problems seen with the ...

'87 Camry Issues: Rough Idle, Warm Start Stall, No Heat, Coolant ...
'87 Camry Issues: Rough Idle, Warm Start Stall, No Heat, Coolant ...
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/87-camry-issues-rough-idle-warm-start-stall-no-heat-coolant-circulation-pressure.668961/

Jan 9, 2014 ... I have a 1987 Toyota Camry 2.0L 4CYL currently with 200,000 miles that I recently purchased back in August that has several issues I would ...

Other years of Toyota Camry

toyota camry 1984 photo
Camry 1984
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8

2

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toyota camry 1985 photo
Camry 1985
Toyota

19

0

0

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toyota camry 1986 photo
Camry 1986
Toyota

36

0

0

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  • 4
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toyota camry 1987 photo
Camry 1987
Toyota

68

3

0

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toyota camry 1988 photo
Camry 1988
Toyota

80

4

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  • 1
toyota camry 1989 photo
Camry 1989
Toyota

129

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1983 Toyota Camry photo