2002 Toyota Camry: won't start

Filed Oct 2, 2017 · Engine · 98,000 miles · MO

The engine light came on and I took it to find out why, and was told it was the catalytic converter, so I had it repaired, the light was off. I was driving on the 70 highway in st louis, mo when going around a circular off ramp the car turned off and it would not turn back on. I lift the hood but could not tell what was wrong. Mo dot (highway tow service) pushed me off of the road, and the driver said it was the engine. I called aaa and had them take it to a repair station, but it was closed. I left it there till morning and went back the next morning to check on it. It started and I let it run a few minutes till someone could look at it. I drove it to the bay and the tech ran a computer check on it ( see printout). He said take it back to the other place but it stopped on the lot. The worker lifted the hood, and it was spewing from the radiator! He said turn it off, and after looking said the problem was with the radiator, the head gasket and the engine! It would not start back up, and I was told it would cost $4,500 to repair it!!! I had it towed to another repair place and was told the same!!! Before this, I had no problems, no lights had come on and no indicators of any problems!! I checked toyota's site and found that this is a common problem with the engines and head gaskets!!! This should be repaired!!!! Contact me!!! I am not in a position to purchase then repair this car that has unreported problems that you are aware of. !!!!!!! I am 63 years old with bad back issues, my toyota sitting in my driveway, and I am stuck at home, not even close to a bus stop!!!!!!!

Filed Jul 1, 2011 · Engine · 143,905 miles · HI

It is 2002 toyota camry le with 2.4l 2az-fe engine. It happened while car was driven. Engine produced a loud bang and stalled. Did not started after cranking it. Before trip there was noticeable steam out of exhaust. After considering head gasket failure there was attempt to replace the gasket. During repair was found that several head bolts were loose due to striping from their sits. After digging in google it was found that was a common problem for this engines. It seems like it is a manufacturer design flow. All 2az-fe engines are prone to this because of inadequate heat dispersion at the back of the engine. Toyota customer service response is that they have nothing to do with it. This is a major design flow and there should be a recall. All engines from 2002 are prone to it.

Filed Aug 11, 2010 · Engine · 79,000 miles · NY

Car was filled with gas on return trip and while in traffic suddenly began to decelerate with no warning. The car was pulled over and stopped. Samaritans stopped to support stranded car and when they tried to turn the car on , it would not turn over. When checked by a individual who identified himself as a mechanic, he said, he didn't understand the problem. It was clear that there was oil in the car and it was clean. Insurance company and towing service support called and $400.00 plus dollars later the car was returned to local dealer. After conversation with dealer representative , we were informed that our obvious negligence around regular maintenance and oil changes were the cause of the oil sludge that caused the damage to our car to the tune of $4,600. Several conversations later, allowing cooler heads to prevail, we were able to gain some support from the local dealer however we were still responsible for the cost of the second hand engine because toyota refused to cover the cost of the problem.because we live in a small community and have been doing business with this group for years, we were able to get the part of the car that contributed to the problem. The mechanic in question reported that he had never seen anything quite like this before and he ha been working for many years at the same location. Additionally, we have access to the paperwork from our local mechanic who has routinely done the oil checks since we've had the car. Even after phone calls and letter requesting that toyota "do the right thing" even though our situation was a few months shy of the "07 settlement, they refused to take any responsibility.

Filed Jun 6, 2009 · Engine, Fuel system · 45,000 miles · FL

2002 toyota camry, stalls as coming to a stop or slowing down for traffic, turning or someone pulling in front of me in traffic. Car will not start for 20 minutes. When trying to start car before 20 minutes it turns over but not start or has a hard time starting and sputters till I can pull over off the street and stalls in a parking lot. When I wait the full 20 plus minutes the car starts as if never had a problem. By the time I get to the dealer or another repair shop they can not find anything wrong or say it has to do with the emissions control and they do not guarantee that may be that problem & I may have to bring the car back in & I will not be refunded my money & will have to pay more out of the pocket. This has been going on for 2 years. It is worse in the heat & humidity (happens more often).

Filed Jun 28, 2006 · Electrical · 33,000 miles · CA

The car would not start. Jump started it. Drove around but just stalled after 2 miles. Again tried to start but could not. Battery ok. Called tow company and put the car back in my garage. Again jump started it to pull back into garage. Let the car remain started in parking position. Engine again died after 5 minutes.