2003 Toyota Camry Problems

Above Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2003 Toyota Camry. Part of Generation 5 (XV30) — 2002–2006.

20022004
Complaints
945
Crashes
299
Fires
13
Injuries
139
Fatalities
5
Recalls
0

Worst 2003 Toyota Camry Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1231 complaints

Unintended Acceleration

Avg mileage:50,403 mi
Crash-related:153
#252 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:127,370 mi
Crash-related:3
Fires:2
#352 complaints

Engine & Cooling

Avg mileage:90,867 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2003 Toyota Camry.

Unintended Acceleration
231
complaints
Crashes
153
Fires
—
Avg Miles
50,403
Engine Problems
52
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Avg Miles
127,370
Engine & Cooling
52
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Avg Miles
90,867
Hydraulic Brakes
52
complaints
Crashes
12
Fires
—
Avg Miles
41,438
Airbags
51
complaints
Crashes
31
Fires
—
Avg Miles
88,654
Steering Defects
38
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
43,151
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
32
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Avg Miles
74,861
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal
27
complaints
Crashes
15
Fires
—
Avg Miles
26,324
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
26
complaints
Crashes
11
Fires
—
Avg Miles
14,966
Automatic Transmission
22
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
—
Avg Miles
22,059
Suspension Failures
20
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
38,065
Air Bags:Frontal
17
complaints
Crashes
13
Fires
—
Avg Miles
49,132
Electrical Faults
16
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Avg Miles
102,596
Brakes
15
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
—
Avg Miles
84,176
Transmission / Drivetrain
13
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
—
Avg Miles
62,457
Body Structure
13
complaints
Crashes
7
Fires
1
Avg Miles
106,777
Seat Belt Issues
12
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
181,487
Structural Problems
10
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
31,202
Tire Defects
10
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
37,932
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
9
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
52,610
Steering:Column
9
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
44,738
Fuel System
8
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
—
Avg Miles
129,192
Latches / Locks
7
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
62,166
Service Brakes, Electric
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
55,142
Air Bags:Side/Window
6
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
—
Avg Miles
43,112
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
66,765
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
2,033
Gasoline Fuel System
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
57,310
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
26,869

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Toyota Camry. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Toyota Camry Years

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2003 Toyota Camry — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2003 Toyota Camry reliable?
Verdict: Above Average Complaints. The 2003 Toyota Camry has 945 NHTSA complaints, 299 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Unintended Acceleration with 231 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2003 Toyota Camry?
Top reported problems: Unintended Acceleration (231 complaints, avg 50,403 mi); Engine Problems (52 complaints, avg 127,370 mi); Engine & Cooling (52 complaints, avg 90,867 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Toyota Camry?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 62,600 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2003 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA complaints for the 2003 Toyota Camry include 299 crash-related reports, 13 fire reports, 139 injuries, and 5 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2003 Toyota Camry have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 2003 Toyota Camry as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 2003 Toyota Camry?
Slightly worse than average. Most owners are fine; problem clusters are concentrated around specific components. Check the issues table below and match against the specific car's mileage.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Toyota Camry reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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