2002 Toyota Camry recalls and problems

The 2002 Toyota Camry has 4 safety recalls and 953 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

953

Crashes / fires

252 / 20

Injuries / deaths

135 / 12

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Toyota Camry vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Toyota Camry recalls

Recall 04V-346: Air Bags

Reported Jul 13, 2004 · 128,316 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 01V-372: Air Bags

Reported Dec 11, 2001 · 19,587 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If this should occur, there is a possibility that the detached bottom portion may strike the driver causing personal injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 01V-302: Tires

Reported Oct 1, 2001 · 19 vehicles affected · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS

Problem: 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.

Risk: The tires do not conform to the speed rating for the vehicle. If the vehicle exceeded the maximum speed rating (112 MPH), possible tire failure could occur.

Fix: 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.

Recall 01V-306: Air Bags

Reported Sep 25, 2001 · 2 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Incomplete deployment of the front passenger side air bag could occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.

Fix: 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.

2002 Toyota Camry problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Vehicle Speed Control	282
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	151
Engine and Engine Cooling	110
Air Bags	91
Power Train	68
Structure	58
Engine	58
Tires	54
Steering	43
Electrical System	36
Suspension	34
Latches/Locks/Linkages	31

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 43
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 40
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 30
Air Bags › Frontal — 27
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 27
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 22
Structure › Body — 21
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 16

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Toyota Camry complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 283,000 miles · reported Aug 18, 2025

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.

Engine · reported Aug 29, 2024

Toyota dealer contacted me; said my car will cost $15000 to fix. He said people at Toyota who has my exact car costed $15000 to fix! itâs known in automotive circles this year make model & engine size has this factory defect of the rear head studs stripping out and becoming loose. This causes combustion failure of the head gasket and engine block. The cylinder heads will be warped & cracked. Engine wonât hold coolant! Gauge jumps to H after brief attempt at combustion. Replacing the head g. Cylinder heads or engine block is insufficient due to the factory defect . only a total engine…

Air Bags · reported Jun 27, 2024

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…

Steering · at 180,000 miles · reported Sep 27, 2023

The contact owned a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the steering wheel had seized up and the vehicle had begun to lose forward momentum. The contact heard an abnormal "popping" sound at the moment the steering had stopped functionality. The contact stated she was not aware of any warning lights. The contact pulled off of the roadway and stopped, as she placed the vehicle in park (P) she noted smoke coming from the front. The contact stated she exited the vehicle and saw that there were flames from under the vehicle. The contact stated that after…

Visibility · at 130,000 miles · reported Jul 17, 2023

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.

Other Toyota Camry years

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all Toyota Camry years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Toyota Camry have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Toyota Camry: 04V-346 (air bags), 01V-372 (air bags), 01V-302 (tires), 01V-306 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Toyota Camry?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (282 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (151). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.