2003 Toyota Camry: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Mar 4, 2010 · Acceleration · 75,000 miles · KY · crash

I pulled into my brother's driveway and was getting ready to park when my car suddenly took off as if I had the gas to the floor(which I didn't). I crashed into my brother's truck knocking it into his house, still couldn't stop the car, it acted like it was going to climb his truck. It then veered to the left and side swiped his other vehicle. When I finally got it stopped, I had both feet on the brake and the engine was still revving and trying to go. I finally got it stopped where I could turn it off with the key. The damage to my car was nearly $14,000.00 plus the damage to my brother's property.

Filed Dec 11, 2006 · Steering · 40,000 miles · SC

At about 40,000 miles, a knocking sound began to be audible when turning the vehicle in both directions. It is most noticeable when turning the wheels several degrees at low speeds such as in parking. The knock appears to be associated with a slight vibration of the same frequency as the knock and a slight looseness in the steering. The noise and slight jerk in the steering wheel gradually worsened with time, and the car was just beyond the general warranty period when the problem was reported to the dealer. The diagnosis by the dealer was "bad steering column; needs to be replaced". As it was not considered a drive train component, there was no warranty coverage. The cost would have been about $1000 at the time. No repair has yet been done. The knock has continued and at about 80,000 miles a squeaking noise began to accompany the knock. No difficulty steering at normal speed (e.g. Drifting) has been experienced and no abnormal tire wear. The incidence date is the date the squeaking noise was first noticed.

Filed Nov 20, 2006 · Engine · 48,000 miles · GA

03 camry manifold at 45k took car to dealer with complaint of knocking/vibration coming from engine. Dealer replaced water pump under warranty and recommended tensioner be replaced, out of warranty item, to fully correct noise. Noise persisted and I learned to deal with it since it wasn't harming the engine. Progressively got more annoying and at 58k took back to dealer. Sservice rep listened to it for 2 minutes and said it was the intake manifold which would cost $591 for parts and labor. I decided not to leave car and have work done again since it was not harming the engine and more of a nuisance than anything. At 60,500k I e-mailed toyota and asked about the emissions warranty coverage and was told the intake manifold was covered up to 60k or 5 yrs. I only have self to blame for not being proactive sooner, but toyota should own up to this rather common problem. Please note that I was told by toyota that "the warranty coverage for the intake manifold is 5 yrs or 60,000 which ever comes first from the vehicles date of first use..."

Filed Jul 3, 2006 · Steering · 40,000 miles · SC

At about 40,000 miles, a knocking sound began to be audible when turning the vehicle in both directions. I am not aware of any precipitating incident; no collisions or hard contact with curbing, pot holes, etc.. The knock could also be felt as a slight jerk in the steering wheel. There was (and still is) no noticeable difficulty controlling the car. The noise and slight jerk in the steering wheel gradually worsened with time, and the car was just beyond the general warranty period when the problem was reported to the dealer. Diagnosis by the dealer was "bad steering column; needs to be replaced". As it was not considered a drive train component, there was no warranty coverage. The cost would have been about $1000 at the time. No repair has yet been done.

Filed Jun 4, 2006 · Brakes · 58,701 miles · NY

Brake failure. Has happened before and complaint filed previously. This time, brakes failed when approaching intersection. Vehicle speed before braking about 35 MPH. Vehicle had been driven about 5 miles with occasional gentle braking after being parked for approximately 6 hours. Outside temperature about 85 degrees, sunny and dry. Failure hadn't happened all winter, warmer weather only time problem occurs. In this instance, brake pedal went to floor upon initial application. Braking effort insufficient even though both feet pushing pedal. I'm 210 lb active cyclist. Pushing effort definitely not lacking. Nearly broadsided car in cross traffic. Swift evasive action by other driver only reason accident didn't occur. In past, dealer said they were unable to duplicate condition. Brake pedal has "quiver" when pressed quickly. Dealer replaced brake booster but problem not corrected. Brake pads, shoes, rotors and drums in excellent condition. Brake fluid clean and at correct level. Feels like flaw inside master cylinder or in pedal linkage design which is different than most motor vehicles. I feel car is dangerous to operate and I won't let other 2 drivers in the family use this vehicle. Toyota should know of camry braking problems as they are posted many places and have been brought to toyota's customer, including myself. Thses defective vehicles are highly prevalent on the highwqys and are a ticking time bomb waiting to kill or maim some unsuspecting person.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Acceleration · 5,500 miles · NV · crash

Consumer complained about unexpected acceleration problem. Consumer was driving and pulled into a parking space, and vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, knocking down a parking sign. *ak b