VehicleVerdict

2003 Toyota Camry problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 946 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Camry year — the 2003 model ranks #6 of 43 Camry years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 5 deaths and 140 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Speed Control leads the complaint categories with 261 reports (28% of the total).

946

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

300

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

140

Injuries

5

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Camry years?

Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted3,669 complaints1983: 6 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 19 complaints1986: 35 complaints1987: 70 complaints1988: 88 complaints1989: 138 complaints1990: 160 complaints1991: 186 complaints1992: 646 complaints1993: 334 complaints1994: 364 complaints1995: 373 complaints1996: 567 complaints1997: 685 complaints1998: 751 complaints1999: 661 complaints2000: 577 complaints2001: 356 complaints2002: 1,183 complaints2003: 946 complaints2004: 798 complaints2005: 905 complaints2006: 393 complaints2007: 3,669 complaints2008: 1,139 complaints2009: 1,611 complaints2010: 764 complaints2011: 779 complaints2012: 807 complaints2013: 377 complaints2014: 637 complaints2015: 362 complaints2016: 249 complaints2017: 206 complaints2018: 1,082 complaints2019: 551 complaints2020: 374 complaints2021: 192 complaints2022: 87 complaints2023: 85 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 198 complaints
Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Toyota Camry problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control26128%
Engine16718%
Brakes12313%
Airbags748%
Steering536%
Transmission404%
Suspension293%
Body & Structure293%
Electrical System273%
Other263%
Tires & Wheels222%
Visibility & Wipers222%
Fuel System202%
Seat Belts192%
Latches & Locks121%
Lighting81%
Seats71%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)40%
Child Seat30%

Does the 2003 Toyota Camry have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V346000AirbagsJuly 13, 2004 · 128,316 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY WITH RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE MY 2003 CAMRY SUDDENLY ACCELERATED STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN THE SAME DRIVEWAY. SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAS BEEN A FREQUENT PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND IS CORRECTED BY TAPPING THE BRAKE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 21, 2010 · crash

“I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, STOPPED, AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING UP THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR BOLTED GOING OVER THE PARKING CURB AND CONTINUING ON INTO A BUILDING, ALL WITH NO MOMENTUM AS THE CAR WAS STOPPED. ONE WITNESS SAID IT WAS A VERY LOUD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 8, 2014 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, AND WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO AVOID A COLLISION. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS CITED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE CONCERNING THE BRAKES. DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 23, 2003 · crash

“WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A TREE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST AT A COMPLETE STOP, IN WHICH THE CONSUMER HAD HER FOOT LIGHTLY RESTING ON THE BRAKE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 26, 2004 · crash

“WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT, THE WHEEL TURNED SHARPLY RIGHT INSTEAD AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE WHEEL. I COULD NOT TURN IT BACK. THE CAR CROSSED FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY TO PAST THE RIGHT SIDE (ABOUT 4 LANES), HIT A RAILING, AND FLIPPED OVER. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 19, 2014 · crash

2003 Toyota Camry — common questions

Is the 2003 Toyota Camry reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 946 complaints put the 2003 model at #6 of 43 Camry years. It is one of the Camry years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Camry problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (261 complaints), engine (167 complaints), brakes (123 complaints).

Does the 2003 Toyota Camry have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Toyota Camry under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Camry years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry years to avoid are 2007, 2009, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2003, 2005, 2012, 2004, 2011, 2010, 1998, 1997, 1999, 1992, 2014, 2000, 1996, 1995. The cleanest record among Camry years belongs to 1983.

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.