Vehicles / Toyota / Camry / 1989

1989 Toyota Camry

113 federal complaints (138 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 7 federal investigations · 18 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 42 model years of the Toyota Camry →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
4WD/AWD, FWD
EPA economy
19 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
113
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Seat belts
21
Speed control
16
Latches & locks
16
Fuel system
16
Electrical system
12
Body & structure
11
Brakes
10
Engine & cooling
8
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 3 complaints01 years old: 1 complaints2 years old: 1 complaints3 years old: 0 complaints4 years old: 2 complaints5 years old: 5 complaints56 years old: 13 complaints7 years old: 14 complaints8 years old: 14 complaints9 years old: 3 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 4 complaints12 years old: 5 complaints13 years old: 3 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 9 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 84 of 113 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Seat belts

21 complaint records3 crash reports
"DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT DOES NOT RETRACT ALONG THE RAIL, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seat belts parts in the directory →

Speed control

16 complaint records7 crash reports
"DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED WIDE OPEN THROTTLE THAT LED TO A FATAL ACCIDENT. *JB UPDATED 03/05/10 *BF UPDATED 09/28/10 UPDATED 9/21/2011*CW..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →

Latches & locks

16 complaint records
"REPAIRED UNDER RECALL # SSCN05, ON 8/9/94, CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEM AGAIN WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse latches & locks parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA97008
opened Apr 1997
closed Apr 1998Vehicle Speed ControlLEAKING FUEL TANK
CRACKS IN THE SOLDER JOINT OF THE FUEL FILL OR INLET PIPE IN THE FUEL TANK ALLOWS LIQUID FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE TANK
PE97003
opened Jan 1997
closed Apr 1997Vehicle Speed ControlLEAKING FUEL TANK
CRACKS IN THE SOLDER JOINT OF THE FUEL FILL OR INLET PIPE IN THE FUEL TANK ALLOWS LIQUID FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE TANK.
EA92044
opened Dec 1992
closed Jan 1994Vehicle Speed ControlTHROTTLE STICKING
There is no summary currently available
PE92065
opened Jul 1992
closed Dec 1992Vehicle Speed ControlTHROTTLE STICKING
There is no summary currently available
EA92013
opened May 1992
closed May 1993StructureSTUCK POWER DOOR LOCKS - led to recall 92V135000
There is no summary currently available
Show 2 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA90028
opened May 1990
closed Feb 1992Seat BeltsPASSIVE SAFETY BELT FAILS - led to recall 92V025000
===
PE90027
opened Dec 1989
closed May 1990Seat BeltsPASSIVE SAFETY BELT WARNIN
===

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
16V396000SeatsSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and...Normally free
92V135000Latches/Locks/LinkagesTHE 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...Normally free
89V175000Seat BeltsOCCUPANT RELEASE OF THE LAP BELT IN A CERTAIN MANNER COULD CAUSE THE BELT RETRACTOR TO LOCK AT THE RETRACTED AND STOWED POSITION.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1992124
1992-09-29
Electrical38,787CERTAIN RELAYS IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) MAY FAIL, CAUSING THEIR CONTACTS TO "WELD", RESULTING IN DOOR LOCK SOLENOID DAMAGE, POSSIBLY PREVENTING THE LOCKING OR UNLOCKING OF THE DOOR, EVEN UNDER MANUAL OPERATION.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Vehicle Speed ControlTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
TiresPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 2021
EquipmentTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-SB-0304-17 Obs
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
T-SB-0032-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17.
Show 13 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PG004-97-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG006-01-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jan 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos.
T-SB-0144-08_Obs
Nov 2017
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17
Oct 2017
StructureTSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
TSB018217
Jan 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded.
Safety Recall an
Jul 2016
EquipmentUpdate on Technician Certification Requirements.
T-SB-0101-11 Rev
Apr 2015
EquipmentTSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches.
T-SB-0185-13
Dec 2013
VisibilityThe following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
TS-BO030-01 Obso
Dec 2013
Visibility/WiperThis bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
T-PG007-01
May 2001
EquipmentReplacement vin plates.
T-PG002-91
Jan 1991
EquipmentProduct general information.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Pull and release every belt.A belt that retracts slowly or a buckle that will not latch matches this vehicle's seat-belt cluster.
  2. Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
  3. Close every door, hood, and tailgate gently, once.A door that needs a slam or springs back is the latch complaint on this vehicle. It is the kind of fault a seller has learned to hide by slamming.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Camry →