Vehicles / Toyota / Camry / 2002

2002 Toyota Camry

953 federal complaints (1,183 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 173 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 42 model years of the Toyota Camry →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 29 hwy
Federal complaints
953
Recall campaigns
4
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.

Speed control
282
Brakes
178
Engine & cooling
168
Air bags
91
Power train
68
Body & structure
58
Tires
54
Steering
43
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: 182 complaints01 years old: 95 complaints2 years old: 119 complaints3 years old: 65 complaints4 years old: 41 complaints5 years old: 24 complaints56 years old: 45 complaints7 years old: 68 complaints8 years old: 64 complaints9 years old: 33 complaints10 years old: 21 complaints1011 years old: 28 complaints12 years old: 24 complaints13 years old: 26 complaints14 years old: 9 complaints15 years old: 11 complaints1516 years old: 13 complaints17 years old: 9 complaints18 years old: 4 complaints19 years old: 4 complaints20+ years old: 10 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 895 of 953 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 115 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 106 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 91 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 55 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 63 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 47 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 34 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 32 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 14 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 7 complaints200,000+ miles: 12 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 576 of 953 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

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.

Speed control

282 complaint records3 fire reports153 crash reports
"02 TOYOTA CAMRY ACCELERATED ON IT OWN X PROB CORRECTED ITSELF AS I WAS TAKING CAR OUT OF DRIVE X ONLY HAPPENED ONCE. *TR..."- 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 →

Brakes

178 complaint records1 fire report37 crash reports
"FAILURE OF ABS ON 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. *BF THIS PROBLEM CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. TOYOTA BLAMED THE INCIDENT ON WORN TIRES. *SC..."- 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 brakes parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

168 complaint records10 fire reports12 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER, DASHBOARD COMPLETELY ILLUMINATED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*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 engine & cooling 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
DP06003
opened Sep 2006
closed Apr 2007Vehicle Speed ControlENGINE SURGING
THE PETITIONER OWNS A MY 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH A 4-CYLINDER ENGINE THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JANUARY 2006. THE PETITIONER ALSO PREVIOUSLY OWNED A MY 2005 CAMRY.
DP05002
opened Aug 2005
closed Jan 2006Vehicle Speed ControlVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IN A LETTER DATED JULY 8, 2005, AND AFTER EXPERIENCING TWO INCIDENTS (AND ONE CRASH) WHERE HE ALLEGES HIS MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 CAMRY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT, MR.
PE04021
opened Mar 2004
closed Jul 2004Vehicle Speed ControlTHROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM
THE LEXUS MODELS WERE THE SUBJECT OF DEFECT PETITION (DP) 04-003.TWELVE ODI COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE TO TOYOTA REPORTS, INCLUDING THE TWO MINOR CRASHES.THE V6 EQUIPPED SOLARA MODELS HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED BECAUSE THEY DO NOT CONTAIN THE SUBJECT THROTTLE CONTROL...
PE02079
opened Oct 2002
closed Mar 2003Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
ODI'S DATA ANALYSIS FOUND THE FIRES RATES TO BE CONSISTENTLY LOW AND EVENLY DISTRIBUTED AMONG SIX MODEL YEARS AND SIX DIFFERENT ENGINE CONFIGURATIONS.ODI EXAMINED A VARIETY OF ROOT CAUSES, THOSE BEING DETONATION (RESULTING IN OIL PAN PUNCTURE FROM CONNECTING...

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
04V346000Air BagsON 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.Normally free
01V372000Air BagsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD...Normally free
01V302000TiresVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TOURING TIRES, P205-65R15 92S, INSTALLED AT THE PORTS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. THE INCORRECT TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES THAT HAD DAMAGED TIRES.Normally free
01V306000Air BagsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.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
2021723
2021-11-24
Electrical55,683Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships.
2004240
2004-07-12
Airbag1,112On certain vehicles equipped with the Curtain Shield airbag system, the curtain airbag may be twisted near the inflator due to improper assembly.
2001282
2001-12-05
Airbag805Certain passenger vehicles equipped with a three-spoke style steering wheel. During air bag deployment, it is possible that the bottom seam of the front driver's side air bag module cover (horn pad) could be torn away allowing the bottom...

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
T-SB-0035-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0035-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0035-24
Apr 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24
Apr 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24
Apr 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-PANT-2024-004-
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
T-SB-0043-14
Jan 2024
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
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 ?
T-SB-0057-18
May 2023
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Back Over PreventionTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
T-SB-0014-22
Mar 2022
Parking BrakeTSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
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.
Toyota Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsToyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
T-TT-0636-20 Rev
Mar 2021
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
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-TT-0636-20
Dec 2020
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0063-20
Jun 2020
WheelsTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST005-01, SU001-08, and T-SB-0391-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded.
T-SB-0391-08 Obs
Jun 2020
SuspensionTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0063-20.
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.
T-SB-0008-20
Jan 2020
EquipmentTSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak?
T-SB-0134-16-Rev
Jul 2019
Power TrainTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ?
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-0057-18
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No.
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-0229-12_Rev
Nov 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
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-0134-16_Rev
Oct 2017
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE October 30, 2017 Rev1: * Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13.
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.
T-SB-0218-17_Rev
Jul 2017
Air BagsTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling regulations at the state and local level define the pre-disposal deployment of airbag and pre-tensioner...
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.
T-SB-0012-13 Rev
Nov 2016
Electrical SystemTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: September 14, 2016: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0134-16.
T-SB-0134-16
Sep 2016
EngineTSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins.
Safety Recall an
Jul 2016
EquipmentUpdate on Technician Certification Requirements.
T-TT-0381-16
Jan 2016
EquipmentTECH TIP: SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY PROGRAMMING HOMELINK.
T-TT-0362-15
Sep 2015
EngineTT: THE VEHICLE MAY BE DIFFICULT TO START OR HAVE AN ABNORMALLY LOW OR ROUGH IDLE AFTER THE BATTERY HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED OR POWER TO THE ENGINE ECM HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED.
T-TT-0086-11
Aug 2015
EngineTechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
T-SB-0043-14 Rev
Jul 2015
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-0083-13 Rev
May 2015
EquipmentTSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
T-SB-0101-11 Rev
Apr 2015
Electrical SystemTSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches.
T-SB-0012-13 REV
Jan 2015
Electrical System"TSB: FLASH REPROGRAMMING ALLOWS THE ECU SOFTWARE TO BE UPDATED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ECU. FLASH CALIBRATION UPDATES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE MODELS/ECUS ARE RELEASED AS FIELD-FIX PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN INDIVIDUAL SERVICE BULLETINS.
TSB-0012-13 Rev2
Jan 2015
Electrical SystemTSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins.
T-SB-0014-11 Rev
Oct 2014
Power TrainTSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement.
T-SB-0134-14
Sep 2014
Power TrainTSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage.
T-SB-0043-14 Rev
Jul 2014
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-0043-14
Jul 2014
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-003-01 - OB
Jul 2014
Unknown Or OtherTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
T-SB-0012-13 Rev
Jun 2014
Electrical SystemTSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins.
T-TT-0010-10 Rev
May 2014
EngineTech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
T-SB-0034-08 Rev
Apr 2014
Back Over PreventionSome 2002 ? 2004 model year non-PZEV Camry vehicles with the 2AZ-FE engine may exhibit the following condition: A rattle noise from the engine area, most noticeable at idle or on light acceleration.

Showing 60 of 173 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

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

  1. 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.
  2. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 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 →