2003 Toyota Camry Solara problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2003 Toyota Camry Solara is among the quieter years of the Camry Solara on NHTSA's books: 34 complaints (62% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (8), speed control (4), and electrical system (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
34
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other Camry Solara years?
What are the most common 2003 Toyota Camry Solara problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 8 | 24% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DRIVER AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN FRONTAL PASSENGER SIDE CRASH. THIS CRASH WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO DESTROY FRONT BUMPER, HEADLIGHTS, HOOD, PASSENGER SIDE FENDER, WHEEL/ TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTAL LOSS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO FACE & EYES WITH SEVERAL…”
“ WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED SHOT ACROSS THE STREET HITTING THE CURB BLOWING THE TIRES AND HITTING A TELEPHONE POLE AND TORE UP THE NEIGHBORS LAWN BEFORE COMING TO A STOP DUE TO THE LACK OF TRACTION. MY WIFE WAS STEPPING ON THE BRAKES…”
“EXTREME SULPHUR SMELL INSIDE CABIN OF AUTOMOBILE. THIS AIR QUA;ITY CANNOT BE BENEFICIAL TO THE OCCUPANTS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN ONGOING TO LOCAL DEALER, BUT NOT YET RESOLVED ECU MUST BE ADJUSTED AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED. *AK”
“DRIVER AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN FRONTAL PASSENGER SIDE CRASH. THIS CRASH WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO DESTROY FRONT BUMPER, HEADLIGHTS, HOOD, PASSENGER SIDE FENDER, WHEEL/ TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTAL LOSS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO FACE & EYES WITH SEVERAL…”
“DRIVER AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN FRONTAL PASSENGER SIDE CRASH. THIS CRASH WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO DESTROY FRONT BUMPER, HEADLIGHTS, HOOD, PASSENGER SIDE FENDER, WHEEL/ TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTAL LOSS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO FACE & EYES WITH SEVERAL…”
2003 Toyota Camry Solara — common questions
Is the 2003 Toyota Camry Solara reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 34 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Camry Solara year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2003 Camry Solara problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (8 complaints), speed control (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).
Does the 2003 Toyota Camry Solara have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Toyota Camry Solara.
Is the 2003 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.