2003 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 2003 Toyota Camry problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2003 Toyota Camry, several common problems have been reported:
- Cooling System Problems: Complaints regarding the engine cooling system include coolant leaks, overheating, and rattling noises. These issues are often attributed to a loose head bolt and have led to several complaints from owners.
- Airbag Deployment Failure: Some drivers have reported instances where the airbags failed to deploy during accidents. While the number of complaints has decreased over the years, this remains a safety concern for Camry owners.
- Starter Failure: Starter failure has been a common problem with the 2003 Toyota Camry. Owners have reported instances where the car simply wouldn't start, often due to issues with the battery, alternator, or starter. This problem can be frustrating and inconvenient for drivers.
- Braking System Issues: Problems with the braking system have also been reported, including issues with brake response and the brake light coming on randomly. These issues can affect the vehicle's safety and performance, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of the braking system.
- Transmission Problems: The 2003 Toyota Camry has experienced transmission issues, such as shifting delays, stalling, grinding or jumping during acceleration, shaking while in motion, burning smells, and whistling sounds from under the hood. These transmission problems can lead to performance issues and decreased fuel economy, necessitating attention from certified repair centers for proper diagnosis and repair.
These common problems reported by owners of the 2003 Toyota Camry highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and awareness of potential safety concerns to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What issues does the 2003 Toyota Camry have?
Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
How many miles can a 2003 Camry last?
between 200,000 and 300,000 miles
The Toyota Camry is one of the most well-regarded midsize vehicles available, and its Toyota durability means that you can expect to get between 200,000 and 300,000 miles of use out of your Camry with proper vehicle maintenance.
Is the 2003 Camry reliable?
Is the 2003 Toyota Camry a Good Used Car? Overall Rating 8/10 – In this price range, and in this size class, the 2003 Camry is simply one of the best, most reliable, and most comfortable used cars on the market today.
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 issues does the 2003 Toyota Camry have?
Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
Is a 2003 Toyota Camry a good car?
Its comfort, room, and quietness suggest a larger, more expensive car. The four-cylinder engine is particularly smooth and refined. Stability control and side curtain airbags were optional on higher trim lines, making the Camry one of the first family sedans to offer these safety features.
How many miles can a 2003 Camry last?
between 200,000 and 300,000 miles
The Toyota Camry is one of the most well-regarded midsize vehicles available, and its Toyota durability means that you can expect to get between 200,000 and 300,000 miles of use out of your Camry with proper vehicle maintenance.
Is 2003 Camry fuel efficient?
Toyota Camry 2003 Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption for the 2003 Toyota Camry is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Toyota Camry currently offers fuel consumption from 7.8 to 8.7L/100km. The Toyota Camry is available with the following fuel type: ULP.
2003 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:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Toyota Camry vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Toyota Camry
The NHTSA has received 813 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Toyota Camry. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Toyota Camry vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
- VIN: 4T1BF32K93U
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: No incident. But it's a problem with the ABS. Dealership says it's nothing wrong with the brakes. But it is. Had a diagnostics done at Auto Zone, and it came back showing a code for the ABS system. But showed the service dept the code that it showed something is wrong with ABs. They still say nothing is wrong.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-15
- VIN: 4T1BF32K43U
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for service and the mechanic informed her that the subframe, muffler, the brakes, and the gas tank were extremely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-26
- VIN: 4T1BE32K83U
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 48 degrees outside, sitting in my car waiting a few minutes for it to warm up, after about one minute of sitting in it, the rear driver side window just cracked everywhere and shattered. Glass all over. Not happy, no reason why this should have happened. No cars were around, nothing hit it, it just shattered with no warning or no reason. I always loved Toyotas but this is really discouraging.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-15
- VIN: 4T1BE32K73U
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle onto her driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine bolts had sheared off. The contact stated that the bolts were replaced and torqued to specs however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure however, no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-26
- VIN: 4T1BE32K23U
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Having purchased w 2003 Toyota Camry 2.4l, (with good paint, no rust, great interior, and new clear headlights) 3 days prior, the previous owner reported no current issues. The check engine light come on the 3 rd day as I drove away from the DMV having just titled it. AC was blowing cold, no other dash lights were on and I couldn't feel any apparent issues driving, so I proceed to my place of employment, where a friend whom is an independent mechanic had the machine to read check engine codes. I never made it. Had driven approximately 25 miles and came to a full stop for a red light. Upon turning green and beginning to accelerate, my Camry's engine died and would not start. When the key was turned it made no noise at all. Towed to a mechanic shop, I was asked if it had overheated, it had not. Without investing further and me acquiring a diagnostics charge, he said one apparent issue was the fact that there was absolutely no coolant in the engine. Dumfounded I had ittowed home where another Mechanic friend (licensed) was going to see about reapiring it. One of the code//errors read, was that the was no combustion, the radiator was full, but there was no traces of coolant in the engine, when took of the engine mainfold right away he noticed 3 cool packs that were damaged, as well as what appeared to be a used head gasket poorly installed, and worse if all the timing chain had jumped and made a mad mesh nightmare to the engine...so previous owners obviously sold me their night mare, I now am stuck with either replacing the engine (not) or bring carless once again.?? Note: Contacted the acclaimed christian, God fearing sellers, whom I paid $4000 and they kindly refunded me $1000, as they stated it was no fault of theirs ..
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-01
- VIN: 4T1BE32K23U
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I was going 45 to 50 mph and my car shut off in middle of highway and we barely got out of highway before getting hit there is recall on same kind of car for throttle body and that's what's wrong with mine so it has too be that they missed my car
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-01
- VIN: 4T1BE32K33U
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Driver seat belts releases on its own especiall while driving. I stop and push metal clasp back into position, sometimes with force to make sure it is engaged. Sometimes it stays in place, sometimes not. I also check to make sure nothing is in the way of metal clasp before pushing it into the slot. I never know when it will pop back again undtil the light on the dashboard starts to flash. This has been going on for about 2 months.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-26
- VIN: 4T1BE32KX3U
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I have a 2003 Toyota Camry le (4 cylinder, 2. 4 l) which began leaking engine coolant from around the engine block. My mechanic determined that the root cause of the leak was loose head bolts in the engine block. I was advised to either replace the engine or rebuild it both of which are cost prohibitive given the value of the car at 114,000 miles. I have come to learn that this is a very common problem with 2003 Camrys and Toyota has issued no recall for this issue. This particular car was well maintained by Toyota dealership service.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-12
- VIN: 99999999999
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DISPLAYING A DEFECT IN THE DASH AREA WHERE THE AIR BAG IS LOCATED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT THE VEHICLE AND HOW TO PROCEED WITH REPAIRS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4t1bf32kx3u
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I started my car and began to back up, when the rear-view mirror burst into smoke, it began filling the car with smoke. I reached up and pulled the wires out of the mirror and the wires were arcing. After I pulled the wires out the smoke started subsiding. I opened the doors and aired out the car.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-27
- VIN: 4t1bf30kx3u
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: After oxygen sensors were changed the VSC and track off lights came on and wouldn't turn off and it's using a lot of fuel consumption and it takes a second for the car to pick up after stepping on the gas pedal
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BE32K03U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Front passenger side collision at 30+ mph, NO airbags deployed
SEATS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-27
- VIN: 4T1BE32K23U
- Components: SEATS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE POWER SEAT IS STUCK IN FORWARD. EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT WORK. ENGINE REQUIRES 1 GALLON OF OIL EVERY 2 THOUSAND MILES.
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-22
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BF32KX3U
- Components: STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: AS I TURNED SLIGHTLY RIGHT INTO MY PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT LIFTING FROM THE GAS PEDAL TOWARD THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY TOOK ON A LIFE OF ITS OWN AND SPED UP THEN CRASHED RIGHT THRU THE GATE THAT DIVIDED THE PARKING SPACE FROM THE SIDEWALK. I WAS IN SHOCK AND THOUGHT THERE WAS A GHOST OF SOME KIND THAT JUST TOOK OVER THE GAS PEDAL AS IT SPED UP. MY FRONT BUMPER WAS DESTROYED AND FRONT GRILL ALONG WITH THE LOWER HEAD LIGHTS OF VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE HOOD OF THE CAR.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-23
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TO SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO HER DESTINATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-01
- VIN: 4T1BF32K43U
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELT WON’T CLICK INTO THE BUCKLE AND OR RELEASE ON THEIR OWN HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND THEN HAVE IT EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY I CANNOT BUCKLE MY DRIVER SEAT BELT
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
- VIN: JTDBE32K030
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED TO HOT, INDICATING THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER RAY BRANDT TOYOTA LOCATED AT 2460 VETERANS BLVD, KENNER, LA 70062, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE'S HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN, DUE TO THE ENGINE BOLTS FAILING AND COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-07
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BE30K13U
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ON AUGUST 7, 2020 I WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF A SUBWAY RESTAURANT. I WENT IN AND PICKED UP MY ORDER TO GO. WHEN LEAVING I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT. THERE WAS A LARGE POLE ABOUT 15 FEET BEHIND ME THAT I SLIGHTLY BACKED INTO. PUTTING MY CAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE SUBWAY RESTAURANT , JUMPING A CURB AND SIDEWALK CRASHING INTO THE BUILDING. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE ACCELERATION, BRAKES DID NOT ALLOW ME TO BRAKE. THANKFULLY NO ONE IN THE BUILDING OR MYSELF WAS INJURED. THE POLICE OFFICER THAT MADE OUT THE ACCIDENT REPORT TOLD ME HE COULD NOT GIVE ME LEGAL ADVICE BUT THAT THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND THAT I MAY WANT TO GOGGLE IT. I DID GOGGLE THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND MANY OTHER INSTANCES WHERE THIS HAS OCCURRED. I CALLED A TOYOTA DEALER AND GAVE HER MY VIN NUMBER AND SHE SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS AND SHE HAD NOT HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. I CONSIDER THIS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND THAT SOMEONE COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. THE CAR IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP BUT I DO NOT WANT IT BACK UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS FIXED. NEXT TIME THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAPPENS THE OUTCOME COULD BE DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT. PLEASE NOTIFY ME WITH ANY INFORMATION YOU HAVE. THANK YOU. PICTURES AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-29
- VIN: 4T1BE32K03U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED IN PARK MODE LIKE LOUD BOOM AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD DID NOT EVEN MOVE THE CAR. COUPLE METAL PIECES HIT ME
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-16
- VIN: 4T1BE32K33U
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: HEAD BOLTS STRIPPED CAUSING ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF ENGINE. THIS IS A COMMON AND KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS ENGINE. A GOOGLE SEARCH TURNS UP HUNDREDS OF EXAMPLES OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM. EXAMPLE: GOOGLE "2003 CAMRY STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS".
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BE32K33U
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ALMOST AT END OF EXIT RAMP FROM I264 TO BARDSTOWN RD NEAR GARDINER LANE INTERSECTION. HAD GREEN LIGHT. MY VEHICLE WAS GOING APPROX 25 MPH WITH NO CAR IN FRONT OF ME TO EXIT ONTO BARDSTOWN RD (HWY 31?). ONLY MYSELF, DRIVER. I WAS IN LEFT HAND LANE TO EXIT TO WESTBD (?) BARDSTOWN RD. TOWARD DOWNTOWN AND A SMALLER CAR WHIPPED RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME FROM RIGHT HAND KANE (TWO EXIT LANES GOING IN SAME DIRECTION. PERHAPS, THIS CAR WANTED TO CROSS OVER THREE LANES ON BARDSTOWN RD TO GET TO FAT LEFT TURN LANE AT GARDINER LN. THIS LIGHT IS OFTEN BACKED-UP. EVEN THOUGH I APPLIED MY BRAKES, THEY WERE NOT STOPPING MY CAR IN TIME AND I HOPPED CURB TO LEFT TO SMSLL TRIANGULAR MEDIAN. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I COULD NOT MAKE WISE DECISIONS WITHOUT SEEING AND I WAS HIT BY AIRBAGS, BRUISED IN FACE, ETC. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT. I VIEWED THAT THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC COMING TOWARD ME AS I WAS NOW PERPENDICULAR TO TRAFFIC INTO TEO LANES OF BARDSTOWN RD. I COULD HAVE TURNED RIGHT AND AVOIDED HITTING ANY OTHRR VEHIVLE IF IT WERE NOT FOR AIRBAGS BLOCKING MY VIEW. I HAD NOT HIT ANY OBJECT OR VEHICLE AT THIS POINT. I KEPT APPLYING PRESSURE TO MY BRAKES ON WHICH I HAD SPENT THOUSANDS IN REPAIR. THE BRAKES STILL DID NOT STOP ME. I NEVER SAW WHY I STOPPED. AIRBAG BLOCKED VIEW. THE CAR I WAS DRIVING FINALLY HIT SOMETHING (LATER FOUND OUT) ANOTHER CAR IN TURN LANE TO GET ONTO I 264 IT FINALLY STOPPED. MY HEARING AID IN MY RIGHT EAR WAS EJECTED WHEN AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I FOUND IT LATER ON PASSENGER MAT IN REAR. THE AIRBAGS HAD TO BE DEFECTIVE TO DEPLOY FROM JUMPING ONE SMALL CURB. NO AIRBAG I AM ABLE TO TURN RIGHT WHETHER BRAKES WORK OR NOT. NO ACCIDENT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BE32K03U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CAR CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUFFERED WHIP LASH AND CONCUSSION.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-15
- VIN: 4T1BE32K83U
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MY SEATBELT WON'T CLICK INTO THE BUCKLE AND OR RELEASE ON THEIR OWN HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THEN HAVE IT EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY I CANNOT BUCKLE MY DRIVER SEAT BELT AND ONE OF THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS HAS STARTED DOING THE SAME THING I AM ABOUT TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM REPLACED BEFORE I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT I WOULD HATE TO FIND OUT THAT THE SEATBELT THAT DOES WORK NOW STOPPED WORKING WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR IN AN ACCIDENT
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-01
- VIN: 4T1BE30K53U
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE OVERHEATED AND HEAD GASKET BLOWN DUE TO HEAD BOLT THREADS BEING STRIPPED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE OF BEING STUCK ON A DANGEROUS ROAD OR LEFT TO WALK ALONE IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. TOYOTA SHOULD REPAIR THIS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-30
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BE32K43U
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. WHEN MY CAR STALED AND WAS SHAKING IN REVERSE. I SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS BECAUSE I THOUGHT I BACKED UP INTO SOMETHING. WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN DRIVE AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. MY CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO FULL SPEED OUT OF NO WHERE AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO TWO CARS.
2003 Toyota Camry recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 Toyota Camry.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2003 Toyota Camry car reviews
Positive 2003 Toyota Camry car reviews
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I've had this car for 3 years and drive 70 miles a day to work. All I've needed to do is regular oil changes and general maintenance. I haven't experienced any breakdowns, and the car runs just as well as it did when it was new. I did have to check the brake linings again recently, but even after 100,000 miles, there was still 1/3 of the original pads left. I've never had this happen with any other car, so I'm really impressed with this one!
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After 205,000 miles, I am still amazed every day by how great this car is. It's comfortable for long trips, and the 4-cylinder engine provides plenty of power for any situation. Plus, it consistently gets 25-27+mpg in the city and 35-38mpg on the highways. I do need to replace a valve gasket and I'm about due for struts, but other than that, it's been trouble-free driving. I fully expect it to easily make it to 300,000 miles.
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your car! It sounds like it's a dream to drive, and reliability, ride comfort, and safety are all top priorities for you. It's interesting that you find it to be a better fit for you than the Honda, which seems to be more of a sports car wannabe.
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This car is amazing! Even after 60,000 miles, it still runs and looks great. The leather interior shows no signs of wear and tear. I get an impressive 29 miles per gallon, which is a great mix of city and highway driving. The V
engine delivers exactly what I want, when I want it, without any delays. Whenever I think about trading it in, I get in the car and end up asking myself, 'Are you crazy?' I've looked at other cars like the 2007 Lexus, Camry XLE, and Avalon, but none of them compare to this one. The design of the interior, especially the dash and consoles, is top-notch. Plus, it's super low cost to maintain - just change the oil and filter and you're good to go. The paint is in excellent condition and the seats are exceptionally comfortable. It truly rides like a dream!
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I owned the car from 2003 until 2009 and put about 80000 miles on it. It was always fun to drive, and I enjoyed the experience. However, I did have some concerns about the tires and suspension, which could cause the steering column to shake if the tires weren't perfectly inflated or the weight on the axles wasn't great. Additionally, the suspension was a bit loose, causing some scratching. Despite these issues, I generally felt safe in my Camry. Although, there were some stubborn moments, possibly due to a bad mechanic at the dealership.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Toyota Camry problems:
2003 Toyota Camry Problems and Complaints - 24 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Toyota Camry? Our list of 24 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Toyota Camry.
2003 2.4cyl problems | Toyota Nation Forum
Aug 26, 2008 ... The only real common problem is the water pump leaking, which has happened to mine. They're easy to replace. I've seen where some of the earlier ...
2003 Toyota Camry Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Dec 24, 2022 ... There's not much to complain about in a 2003 Camry, but it is a twenty year old car, so expect repairs for things like exhaust pipes and fidgety ...
2003 Toyota Camry Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say ... "water leaks in around the door seals causing mold. Also water is some how getting in the ceiling and f)odds the back seat and floor." ... "The ...
Q&A: 2003 Toyota Camry Gas Tank Size & Common Problems
Jul 29, 2014 ... The VSV is near the air filter housing. It redirects fuel vapors from the tank into the intake to be burned. If this valve is sticking or ...
Other years of Toyota Camry
Are you having problems with your 2003 Toyota Camry?
Braulio Mitchell 2024-09-18
I bought the car from a dealer. Unfortunately, the car needed the starter and fan system replaced just 2 days after purchase. Additionally, the car runs really hot and oil is seeping out of the engine. Although this Toyota has 103,000 miles on it, I expected better quality. It's worth noting that there is a known issue with Camrys from 2002-2006 with the headbolts stripping off the engine block, causing the engine to overheat and potentially blow at any given time. While Toyota has not been very supportive, I still believe in the brand and hope for a resolution. If I could go back in time, I would have considered other options. Overall, my experience with this car has been frustrating, but I remain hopeful for a positive outcome.
Marcelino Herzog 2024-05-14
This car is a great choice for families, with plenty of space and a comfortable ride. While it may not be the most exciting car on the road, its reliability is top-notch. The seats could be a bit more comfortable, but overall it's a solid choice.