1987 Toyota Camry problems
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.
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Common 1987 Toyota Camry problems
The Toyota Camry from 1987 is known for several common problems, primarily related to engine issues, excessive oil consumption, and heating system malfunctions.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: This issue is common in the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Toyota Camry models, with average costs to fix ranging from $1,200 to $2,700 and average mileage at the time of repair between 96,000 to 107,000 miles.
- Heating System Malfunctions: A 1987 Toyota Camry owner reported issues with the heating system, including no warm or hot air blowing from the heater, coolant not circulating well, and the car overheating when all fans are killed.
- Vibrations: The 1987 Toyota Camry may experience vibrations, especially when the car is in drive or reverse and stopped, with the vibrations seeming to come from under the hood.
- Radiator and Alternator Failure: As the Camry engine ages, the radiator or alternator may be the first to fail, followed by a leaky water pump driven by the cam belt and hidden from view for disaster if not caught in time.
- Valve Stem Seals: Replacing Camry valve stem seals to reduce excessive oil consumption can be a challenge, as the seals harden and allow the engine's 16 valves to rapidly empty the sump of oil without the owner knowing.
- Fuel System and Electrical Issues: The 1989 Camry has 1 complaint about tail lights keeping blowing fuses, and the 1990 Camry has 1 complaint about power steering fluid leakage.
- Transmission and Windows Issues: The 1990 Camry has 1 complaint about transmission problems and 2 complaints about windows issues.
In summary, the 1987 Toyota Camry has several common problems related to the engine, excessive oil consumption, heating system malfunctions, vibrations, radiator and alternator failure, valve stem seals, fuel system and electrical issues, transmission, and windows. It is essential to be aware of these issues and address them promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What was the worst year for Toyota Camry?
Q: Which Toyota Camry years should be on my avoid list? A: You should avoid the Toyota Camry models from the years 2007, 2008, and 2009. These years have been identified as having various issues, from transmission problems to excessive oil consumption, which have led to significant owner complaints and repairs.
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 are the best years for an older Camry?
Best Used Toyota Camry Years
- 2005 Toyota Camry. The 2005 Toyota Camry is a great choice for drivers who want to enjoy a smooth ride while on a budget. ...
- 2009 Toyota Camry. ...
- 2011 Toyota Camry. ...
- 2017 Toyota Camry. ...
- 2021 Toyota Camry.
Can a Toyota Camry last 30 years?
A well-maintained Toyota Camry can easily have a 200,000-mile lifespan. Assuming you drive 10,000 miles a year, the car can still last 20 years, which is nice if you buy an off-lease vehicle. But the Camry has also been known to reach the 300,000-mile mark.
What was the worst year for Toyota Camry?
Q: Which Toyota Camry years should be on my avoid list? A: You should avoid the Toyota Camry models from the years 2007, 2008, and 2009. These years have been identified as having various issues, from transmission problems to excessive oil consumption, which have led to significant owner complaints and repairs.
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.
Which year of Camry is most reliable?
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.
Can a Toyota Camry last 30 years?
A well-maintained Toyota Camry can easily have a 200,000-mile lifespan. Assuming you drive 10,000 miles a year, the car can still last 20 years, which is nice if you buy an off-lease vehicle. But the Camry has also been known to reach the 300,000-mile mark.
1987 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
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Toyota Camry vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1987 Toyota Camry
The NHTSA has received 68 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Toyota Camry. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Toyota Camry vehicles.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-03
- VIN: JT2SV22E8H3
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT ON DRIVER SIDE DOES NOT RETRACT BACK WHEN DOOR HAS BEEN CLOSED
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 TOYOTA CAMRY. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A NEARBY BUILDING. SHE SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES, INCLUDING A BROKEN RIGHT LEG, RIGHT SHOULDER AND STERNUM. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND WOULD NOT ASSIST DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/07/10. *LJ UPDATED 07/13/10*JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-12
- VIN: JT2SV21E8H3
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DT: CONTACT STATES THAT THE RUST ON THE VEHICLE IS CAUSING GAS FUMES TO COME INTO THE CAB OF VEHICLE. THE RUST IS IN THE REAR WHEEL WELLS. HE BELIEVES THE RUST WEAKENS THE STRUCTURE. DEALER WOULD OFFER NO HELP AT THEIR EXPENSE. MANUFACTURER OFFERED THE CONTACT $500.00 OFF OF A NEW VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-05
- VIN: JT2SV21E2H3
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 92 V 025 000. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY CAR KEEPS STALLING OUT. I CAN SMELL GAS MOST OF THE TIME. WE CANNOT LOCATE A LEAK - HAVE CHANGED THE FUEL FILTER, DISTRIBUTOR CAP & OXYGEN SENSOR BUT WHEN IT RAINS OR IS HUMID THE CARS STALLS UNTIL IT GETS WARM (AFTER RUNNING FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES). THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL EVEN SLIGHTLY. NO ONE CAN LOCATE THE PROBLEM - SOMEONE I WORK WITH HAD ONE THAT DID THE SAME THING UNTIL THEY SOLD IT. YOU CAN PAD THE PEDAL AND SOMETIMES GET PAST THE POINT OF STALLING. *NLM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-16
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE DRIVER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING A RATTLE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ACCOMPANIED BY ERRATIC SWAYING OF THE REAR END AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS SINCE MAY OF 1996. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IN DEC2001. THE REAR TORSION BAR WAS BROKEN AT A BEND AT IT CROSSES NEAR THE EXHAUST PIPE. A REPLACEMENT BAR WAS SOUGHT AT AN AUTO JUNK YARD AND IT WAS NOTED THAT ALL 5 OF THE SAME MODEL CARS AT THE YARD HAD THE SAME FAILURE AT THE SAME LOCATION!!!! THIS FALURE CAN CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL DIRECTIONAL CONTROL PROBLEMS AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND SHOULD MAY EASILY BE CONFUSED AS A FAILURE CAUSED BY THE SUBSEQUENT ACCIDENT. IN FACT THE FAILURE JUST PRIOR TO ACCIDENT CAN CAUSE THE ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEED AND SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR AFTER ANY REPORTED ACCIDENT WITH THIS CAR. THE FAILURE CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO EASILY LEAVE THE ROAD OR DRIVE ERRATICALLY AND MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO DRIVER ERROR RATHER THAN MECHANICAL FAILURE, WHICH IT APPEARS IS HAPPENING FREQUENTLY IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-05
- VIN: JT2SV21EXH3
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH THE DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT ARE DEFECTIVE ALONG WITH BOTH LAP BELTS THEY DO NOT LOCK UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2SD21E8H3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE LINES FROM THE FRONT TO REAR OF VEHICLE HAVE RUSTED THROUGH; CONSUMER HAVE REPLACED BRAKE LINE, AND HAD OLD LINE AVAILABLE FOR ANALYSIS. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2SV22W9HO
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4T1BG22K9VU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: A LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE OCCURS WHEN DRIVING OVER DIPS OR SPEED BUMPS IN FRONT END. *AK THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE STRUT TOWER SUPPORT MOUNT AT THE CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *YH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-01
- VIN: JT2SV21W3H0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE BELT HAS A PLASTIC HOUSING ON FEMALE SIDE THAT CAME OFF AND WITHOUT THAT ON CAN'T FASTEN BELT. CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO USE LAP BELT.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-17
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 70 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JT2SD22E8H3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WITH ENGINE RUNNING WHEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM NEAR THE WINDSHIELD, AND FLAMES STARTED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HOOD, MOSTLY TO THE LEFT OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2SV21W7H0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DOOR SWITCH THAT RETRACTS SAFETY BELT LEAVES THE CONSUMER BELTED IN UNLESS THE DOOR IS SLIGHTLY OPEN, WITH THE DOOR FULLY OPEN THE SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2SV21W7H0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO TURN OFF AND ON WHILE USING THE TURN SIGNALS. NL,
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2SV21W7H0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DOOR SWITCH THAT RETRACTS SAFETY BELT LEAVES THE CONSUMER BELTED IN UNLESS THE DOOR IS SLIGHTLY OPEN, WITH THE DOOR FULLY OPEN THE SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2SV21W7H0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO TURN OFF AND ON WHILE USING THE TURN SIGNALS. NL,
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JT2SV21W4H0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, DRIVER SMELLED BURNING RUBBER, LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, AND SPOTTED A FIRE NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD CLOGGED UP, CAUSING A FIRE TO START.*AK *ML
STEERING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-01
- VIN: JT2SV22E7H3
- Components: STEERING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE DOORS ARE STUCK LOOCKED AND IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT. THE COMPANY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THEM BUT, ARE THEY RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE HOOD LATCH CABLE THAT WAS BROKE IN THE PROCESS OF TRYINGTO GET INTO THE CAR TO FIND OUT WHY THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. ALSO, THE SEAT BELTS ARE DEFECTED AS WELL. IS THE COMPANY REQUIRED TO FIX THEM AS WELL? PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR TO BE FIXED WHEN I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THANK-YOU.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S AND THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLES DISINTEGRATED. AS A RESULT, SEAT BELTS WON'T PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN EVENT OF A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-05
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25MPH STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. HAD NOTICED A LOT OF BRAKE FLUID ON RIGHT HAND SIDE. HAD TAKEN PICTURES OF THE DUCT TAPE USED FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS BY ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL BEFORE HUSBAND REPAIRED THE BRAKES. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2SV21E0H3
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: IN THE MORNING AFTER THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN USED OR IN COLD WEATHER DURING SHORT PERIODS THE ACCELORATOR LINKAGE ON THE FOOT PEDAL STICKS REQUIRING ME TO PRESS HARD QUICKLY TO UNSTICK THE LINKAGE. AT TIMES IT WILL DO THIS WHILE TRAVELING ONLY WHEN REAL COLD AND AM AFRAID SOMETIME THAT IT WILL STICK IN TRAVELING OR LEAVING A CONGESTED AREA WHERE I CANNOT CONTOL THE SPEED OT THE CAR DUE TO THIS JERK OF ACCERATION.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: J5LSV22E1H3
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER BLOWER FAILED. *YC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: J5LSV22E1H3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: COLD STARTER SWITCH. *YC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-09-01
- VIN: J5LSV22E1H3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION FAILURE. *YC
1987 Toyota Camry recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1987 Toyota Camry.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE POWER DOOR LOCK SYSTEM CAN FAIL, CAUSING THE CONTACTS TO "WELD", AND RESULTING IN DOOR LOCK SOLENOID DAMAGE, WITH FAILURE OF THE DOOR TO LOCK OR UNLOCK, EVEN UNDER MANUAL OPERATION.
- Consequence: IF THE DOOR FAILS TO OPEN AFTER ECU FAILURE, VEHICLEOCCUPANTS WOULD HAVE INCREASED DIFFICULTY EXITING THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY.
- Remedy: INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL SUBCIRCUIT RELAY CONTROL TO PREVENT MALFUNCTION OF ORIGINAL RELAYS IN THE ECU.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: LIQUID SPILLED IN THE CONSOLE AREA CAN PENETRATE TO THE HOUSING OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE FRONT SEAT AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS. LIQUID CONTAMINATION OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THE UNIT SIGNAL NEEDED TO ACTIVATE THE MOVEMENT OF THE MOTORIZED SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE.
- Consequence: THE MOTORIZED SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES MAY NOT MOVEPROPERLY, RESULTING IN LACK OF SAFETY BELT PROTECTION FOR SEAT OCCUPANTS OF THEFRONT SEAT, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER TO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE AUTOMATIC SAFETY BELT SYSTEM.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
- Summary: OCCUPANT RELEASE OF THE LAP BELT IN A CERTAIN MANNER COULD CAUSE THE BELT RETRACTOR TO LOCK AT THE RETRACTED AND STOWED POSITION.
- Consequence: SEAT BELTS MAY BE UNUSABLE OR OCCUPANTS MAY BEDISCOURAGED FROM USING BELTS, INCREASING THEIR POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN ANACCIDENTAL OR SUDDEN STOP.
- Remedy: REPLACE LAP BELT WITH A REDESIGNED BELT GUIDE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Toyota Camry problems:
'87 Camry Issues: Rough Idle, Warm Start Stall, No Heat, Coolant ...
Jan 9, 2014 ... If an LE, you have bad solder joints on the control panel. If a base/DX, you probably have a clogged heater core that may be able to be flushed.
1987 Toyota Camry LE: Q&A on Intermittent Issues | JustAnswer
Dec 27, 2010 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
1987 Camry Transmission Issues | Toyota Nation Forum
Nov 27, 2021 ... If that looks fine inspect the neutral safety switch particularly the wiring and connector going to it, also have someone shift the transmission ...
Why is the 1987 Toyota Camry much more reliable than other cars in ...
Feb 5, 2022 ... Reliability: The Camry has a stellar reputation for reliability. It's known to run for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance.
2nd Generation (1987-1991) Camry Problems
Jun 13, 2016 ... The 2nd generation Camry (1987-1991) ranks 23rd in reliability out of 81 generations. There are 14 complaints mostly about engine problems.
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