2002 Toyota Camry Solara problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2002 Toyota Camry Solara sits mid-pack among Camry Solara years: 67 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 89, with no recalls and 3 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (14), airbags (12), and seat belts (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
67
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
23
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
10
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Camry Solara years?
What are the most common 2002 Toyota Camry Solara problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 14 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 12 | 18% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 12% | — flat |
| Brakes | 7 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 5 | 7% | — flat |
| Engine | 5 | 7% | — flat |
| Seats | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“MY TOYOTA SOLARA, CRASHED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. AAA INSURANCE PAID,BUT I DIDN'T AGREE TO SETTLEMENT BECAUSE I THINK THE CAUSE WAS FAILURE OF ACCELERATOR, AS BRAKING DID NOT STOP THE CAR -- GAS PEDAL DID NOT RELEASE. CAR REAR ENDED CAR AHEAD WHICH STOPPED AS ANOTHER CAR STOPPED SHORT AHEAD OF…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A DEER AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT INCURRED A MINOR HEAD INJURY DUE TO STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT PROCESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HE HAD TO CLICK THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR IT TO ENGAGE. EVENTUALLY THE SEAT BELT BECAME COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH AND ENTERING A TURN LANE CONSUMER PRESSED THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE NEVER SLOWED DOWN. BUT, SURGED FORWARD, AND COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THERE IS A FEDERAL INVESTIGATION CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. *AK”
“I WAS IN "REVERSE" AND BACKED INTO A CONCRETE POLE IN MY OFFICE PARKING GARAGE. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CAR JUMPED INTO "DRIVE," AND RAPIDLY ACCELERATED, AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO MY EFFORTS TO BRAKE. I THEN HIT A CONCRETE POLE HEAD ON, WHICH TOTALED MY VEHICLE.*AK ON A PRIOR…”
2002 Toyota Camry Solara — common questions
Is the 2002 Toyota Camry Solara reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 67 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Camry Solara year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2002 Camry Solara problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (14 complaints), airbags (12 complaints), seat belts (8 complaints).
Does the 2002 Toyota Camry Solara have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Toyota Camry Solara.
Is the 2002 Toyota Camry Solara under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Toyota Camry Solara years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry Solara years to avoid are 2004, 2007, 2006. The cleanest record among Camry Solara years belongs to 1998.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.