CarRecordBook

Model year record

2003 Toyota Camry recalls & problems

The 2003 Toyota Camry has 1 safety recall and 782 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is vehicle speed control (261 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints782filed by owners
Crashes · fires229 · 10reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths106 · 5reported in complaints
2003 Toyota Camry in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsJul 13, 2004

Side/window

Recall 04V346000128,316 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2003 Toyota Camry 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated
2003 Toyota Camry NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Camry

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Camry

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Camry

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Camry

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control26116905837,309 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe11535275,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Pedals and linkages962611012,850 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window754804777,125 mi
SteeringColumn; Steering wheel/handle bar5340136,725 mi
Engine52320128,400 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission4080313,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear2940221,822 mi
StructureBody; Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments2981258,000 mi
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery; Alternator/generator/regulator2133092,000 mi
Unknown or other20600120,000 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield2010121,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations