2002 Toyota Camry: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 953 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (27% of complaints); the 2000 and 2001 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 953 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 283,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
“The components or systems that have failed are (Catalytic Converter, Exhaust Manifold, Air Bag Control Module, Engine including head gasket) My safety is at risk due to catalytic converter not functioning properly producing harmful carbon monoxide that can be smelled through air vents, Air bag control module not functioning which will not able to initiate the deployment of airbag in the event of a wreck/accident could lead to fatality. Engine not functioning properly due to blown head gasket which could lead to overheating amongst other things. Vehicle has been inspected by Dealership. Yes there are warning lights prior to failure (Check engine light)”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2024
“The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while parked, the sunroof shattered from the center of the glass. The contact stated that because of the failure, the contact was treated for a concussion. The contact stated that there was no impact on the sunroof prior to the failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“I did the texas inspection test, and my vehicle failed the test, and the report with catalyst, evap, and O2 sens was not completed. I'm wondering what is the problem and how I can fix it. I would like to have my vehicle get checked out and find the problem.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2022
“03/16/2021 - 2002 toyota camry 2.4l my regular auto shop revealed that the engine's head bolts are stripped and is a common issue amongst this camry year. It's going to cost $2,200 to repair albeit new radiator, and thermostat. Coolant was found in the engine block. Stripped head bolts. Mechanic says he's seen many camry's with this issue especially the 2002-2003. The kbb value is less than that. Thinking it makes sense to sell as salvage than repair. So disappointed! Long-time toyota fan but if this is a common issue indicative of a manufacture defect then what's the hold up for a recall.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2021
“Purchased the camry from reyes auto group in lakewood, nj. Took the vehicle back to pa where I live and 2 mechanics showed me the rusted out under carriage of vehicle and stated that it will not pass the pa safety inspection and would cost over $2000 to fix! Gas started leaking from tank because of rusted condition.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2021
“I had an accident because my 2002 toyota camry didn't stop when applying the brake but kept on going till it hi a fire hydra06nt. I had just pulled into a parking place but the car just didn't stop. It happened once before but just lasted a few seconds and it didn't cause an accident. I'm still driving but am afraid this mieht happen again. I can't keep driving a care that just drives itself.. I know this is a defect in the toyota and there have been recalls. I just can't find it in the 2002 modle.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2020
“Like many other 2002 camrys, I have a stripped threads for the head bolts in the 2.4l engine; this repair is expensive. Toyota issued a service bulletin describing the repair. Google 'toyota bulletin t-sb-0015-11' to read more. Toyota should be made to replace this engine.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2020
“The car is experiencing sudden acceleration it is lunging forward. The last occurrence was around 20 minutes ago, it has happened to two family members so far, while driving no extra pressure on the gas the car suddenly accelerate.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2020
“Every time I tried to use the ac air conditioner in the car it makes the car shut off if I use the cigarette lighter outlet to charge up my cell phone it drain the battery and that will cause the car to shut off also my front passenger door opens by itself even when I'm driving it will unlock and open on its own”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 252 of these complaints and injuries in 135 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY. BOTH OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100% COMPLETED. BOTH OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND THEIR VEHICLES REPAIRED.
VEHICLE 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. THE TIRES WERE DAMAGED DURING A PORT UPGRADE TO ALUMINUM WHEELS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FIVE TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 13, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
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.
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.
VEHICLE 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 BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Camry by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Toyota Camry reliable?
NHTSA has 953 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Toyota Camry. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota Camry problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 53,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Toyota Camry have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.