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Toyota Camry

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2003 Camry is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2003 Toyota Camry has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2003 Toyota Camry owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"Code 420 has been resolved."

Anonymous, RI (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"Catalytic converter failed (maybe age related) causing serious engine problems when accelerating or climbing hills."

Anonymous, FL (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Exhaust leaks

"The bolts that hold the pipes on rusted and had to be soldered. They tell me theres nothing left that can be fixed anymore."

Anonymous, NJ (2003 Toyota Camry Unsure 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"Needed a new starter & exhaust."

Anonymous, MA (2003 Toyota Camry LE Unsure)

"We have a engine gasket leak. Expensive to have replaced. We are driving the car until it dies."

Anonymous A., WA (2003 Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-L V6)

""The rubber hose from gas cap to the gas tank was ruptured, probably as a result of an animal gnawing on it.""

Anonymous, PA (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"Starter was hicupping and at 160,000 miles I knew it was time to be replaced. Bought an OEM starter and being right on top of the transmission it was almost too easy to replace. Should get another 160,000 miles out of the new one."

Anonymous A., NC (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Pipes

"I had the pipes soldered two times to correct leaks. Its very rusted and the dealer says I should replace the entire assembly and has not started leaking again yet so Im not done it."

Anonymous, NJ (2003 Toyota Camry Unsure 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Bushings

"Bushing on driver side control arm worn down. Excessive and very loud clanging noise. I replaced control arm myself. Part cost about 100 dollars."

Anonymous, IL (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"Defective bushings were reported by dealer when I brought car in for routine servicing."

Anonymous, CA (2003 Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-L V6)
Shocks or struts

""Front struts were not performing properly (some leakage), as diagnosed by dealer, when I brought my car in for routine maintenance.""

Anonymous, CA (2003 Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-L V6)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

""Power steering pump failed destroying the rack & pinion caused $1,200+ repair""

Anonymous, FL (2003 Toyota Camry Unsure 3.0-L V6)

"1st seemed to be low power steering fluid and tight steering. turned out power steering pump failed and caused destroy the rack and pinion system. Both pump and rack and pinion had to be replaced. Pump =$800 Rack & pinion expected over $1,200"

Anonymous A., FL (2003 Toyota Camry Unsure 3.0-L V6)
Wheel bearings

""Rear wheel bearings failed, left then right, roughly within 12 months of each other""

Anonymous, NY (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"The trunk latch no longer connects easily. It has to be open and closed multiple times to get it to latch when closing. Otherwise works okay. Have been living with it and not paying for a repair."

Anonymous, CA (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Seat controls - power

"Electronic seat suddenly stopped moving forward or backward. Had to replace entire seat"

Anonymous A., CA (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"driver's seat can no longer be reclined or raised. It's kept in up position."

Anonymous, TX (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"Power seats can't be moved forward or backward with controls. All other controls work properly."

Anonymous A., FL (2003 Toyota Camry Unsure 3.0-L V6)
Windows

"Both back windows cannot be lowered. Probably a fuse blew."

Anonymous, TX (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Compressor locked up. Started about a year ago and I have not had it repaired."

Anonymous A., KY (2003 Toyota Camry Unsure 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"Air conditioner was not cooling car. Started in May 24. Replaced immediately."

Anonymous, OH (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Blower (fan) motor

"Fan is restricted causing fuse to blow"

Anonymous, FL (2003 Toyota Camry Unsure 3.0-L V6)
Condenser

"AC not working; condenser was replaced. Cost = $1100.00"

Anonymous, NJ (2003 Toyota Camry LE 3.0-L V6)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Coil

""The first time in 22 years that the Check Engine light came on. But car was running, so I stopped at auto-parts store where they were happy to hook up an engine diagnostic device, and it reported that one of the (four) ignition coils was giving an error. But car was still running. The next day I bought a set of coils and, very happily, installed them myself. That took care of the problem and made me feel like I can still work on my car!""

Anonymous A., WA (2003 Toyota Camry XLE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Heated or cooled seats

"Seats cushion coming apart, like 4 to 8 inch cuts. Drivers seat only. It is like leather."

Anonymous A., CA (2003 Toyota Camry SE 3.0-L V6)
Starter

""The starter went out after 21 or so years. We were able to get the car started so I could drive to my mechanic, who put in a new starter, which fixed the problem.""

Anonymous A., WA (2003 Toyota Camry XLE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"It was something that turned on the check engine light. It was an emission leak somewhere near the top of the gas tank. I believe. They had to drop the gas tank to replace a small plastic part. It cost $500 at the mechanic to get this done."

Anonymous, NV (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Other emissions/fuel system problem

"This just popped up yesterday and I haven't taken it to a mechanic yet. That's all I have right now."

Anonymous, AZ (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

""Check engine light came on at approx 133K miles. Simply code reader test by mechanic identified the defective sensor, which was replaced and which repaired the issue.""

Anonymous, TX (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Radiator

"Crack in the radiator and no coolant present"

Anonymous, MA (2003 Toyota Camry XLE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"The radiator started to leak.I replaced it"

Anonymous, NY (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"The engine was burning excessive amounts of oil and one cylinder failed.I was loosing power when driver on upgrades or hills,So I had to replace the engine"

Anonymous, NY (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Head gasket

"Common problem with this year of Toyota engine. Started leaking around 100,000 miles. Bad head bolt threads in cylinder block leading to loosening of cylinder head. This caused the head gasket to leak antifreeze at rear of cylinder head. Had to remove head and over-size the threaded holes for new cylinder head bolts. Have not had any problems since."

Anonymous, WA (2003 Toyota Camry XLE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveline vibration

"Driveline vibration was due to wheel bearings"

Anonymous, NY (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"Normal wear"

Anonymous A., NY (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Interior lights

"The light surrounding the gear knob, for P, R, N is out and has gone out several times in the ownership of this car. Apparently is a difficult repair and thus expensive. Can be problematic at night time driving."

Anonymous, CA (2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS
Jul 13, 2004
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.
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V346000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 128316
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