Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH depressing the brake pedal the vehicle accelerated. This occurred four times. The first 3 times the vehicle was stopped with excessive pressure to the brake pedal. The last time the vehicle struck a pole. There was a police report taken at the scene of the accident. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for body repairs caused by the crash. When the vehicle was inspected the first three times diagnostic testing did not identify any codes. Also, while carrying 125 pounds of bird seed in the trunk, the vehicle began to veer to the left on a slushy road. When the bird seed was moved to the front passenger seat the vehicle operated normally. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 7/11/2006 - the consumer reported these incidents to the dealer but they told the consumer that nothing was wrong.
2003 Toyota Camry suspension complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 29 of 29, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Dt: the contact stated the vehicle pulled to the left and to the right. However, more to the left. The tires have been maintained with proper air inflation. Road conditions or speed did not appear to impact the pulling. After the first incident the dealer aligned the front of the vehicle. This did not correct the pulling problem. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the rear of the vehicle was aligned. This, too, did not correct the problem. The vehicle has not been returned to the dealer for further inspection.
Dt: the consumer stated that his 2003 toyota camry was having a problem with the front end of the car. The car was pulling to the left when driving. The car was taken to the dealership three times, but problem recurred. The alignment has been checked five times to see if that was the cause of the problem. There has been so success in the correction of the pulling to the left. The manufacturer has been contacted, and a claim was filed for the consumer. The vehicle was involved in an accident since the last time that the dealer saw it. The car pulled to the left and ran off the road. Then, hit a tree. The consumer could not prove that the car was at fault. There were no injuries. A police report was taken. At this point, no one could determine what was wrong with the car, it could be the suspension or the steering. The speed was 35 MPH when the accident occurred.
While driving 40 MPH front end vibrated violently.
Complaint received via e-mail this car pulls to the left and steering feels loose and car drifts. Dealership is not providing any assistance. Alignment and tire balancing did not help. This is a safety issue.
2003 toyota camry problems with left pull.*mr the vehicle pulled to the left while driving. The technician test drove the vehicle and indicated it was either an alignment problem or tires. The technician then realigned the vehicle but the alignment was outside of the manufactures specification. The consumer indicated that the pull is diminished, if not generally gone, but is concern about the parameters of the alignment. The consumer believes if the vehicle had to be aligned out of specification that the problem may be with the tires.
2003 camry le [xxx]. Currently 7585 miles/17 months since purchase new. Gradually drifts right (began from buy date). Onset of drift is approximately 3 sec. After steady track established. Requires constant attention/correction. Vehicle is not safe to drive, other than for local short trips. Tires as cause have been eliminated. (six new tires have been mounted; rf, then lf, then all 4 tires). Toyota dealer check of alignment at 2049 miles--"..all in spec". Toyota dealer, after test drive at 7468 miles revealed vehicle did indeed drift exclusively right, and informed me: (1) vehicle drives like all 2003 camry's (2) that he could make no alignment adjustment that would improve car's driving performance, (3) that the onset of right drift as early as 2 sec. After establishment of a straight track was toyota-acceptable, (4) that drift exclusively right was toyota-acceptable, (5) that problem often is "over-sensitive" driver, (6) that he would not consider exploring applicability of tsb st002-04 as possible correction, and (7) that my options are to either accept the condition or go to arbitration. At regional level (toyota customer experience center, torrence, ca) I was told that all such problems were handled exclusively at the dealer level, and that I should consider driving other 2003 camry's (implied: I might thereby convince myself that my vehicle drove "normally"! A most interesting and revealing approach to a customer complaint!) I have recently contacted a second toyota dealer that indicated that it is indeed possible to get a "field technical rep" to look at the problem (I am anxious to see how this plays out, but my frustration is obvious). Meanwhile, I have taken step of advising my lawyer in writing to carefully explore the possibility of this unsafe steering problem as a possible primary and/or contributory cause factor, should I ever be involved in a death or severe injury accident in this car. *jb updated 07/25/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (
Update to complaint 10047147 on 2003 camry le- vehicle constantly drifts to the right.*mr the tires were eliminated as a cause of the drifting. The dealer indicated that a right drift onset as soon as two seconds was considered acceptable by toyota. The only other recourse the consumer has is to seek correction at the dealer level or arbitration.
I bought a 2003 toyota camry le in jan.04 and test drove it and it pulled to the left and the salesperson said it was tire pressure so they adjusted it. We drove the car a long distance and the whole time it pulled to the left. I have just found out that toyota has a tsb out on 2003-2004 camry's with this problem. This is a safety concern and there should be a recall on these vehicles.
2003 camry le purchased august 2003. Car pulls/veers to left at speeds below 50-55 MPH. When reaching speeds above this, the pull /veering to the left is very pronounced (especially interstate driving). Have taken the car to the dealership twice; the first visit they checked the tire pressure, tires, etc. And was told they couldn't find a problem and stated variations in the roads traveled may cause this. Second visit, routine items were checked again and was told technician couldn't find the problem. After taking him on a drive on the interstate, he "saw the problem" and the car was left at the dealership until the following afternoon. They adjusted alignment to specifications and said they rotated the upper spring insulators (?). The problem persists and once again contacted the dealership. (they have been very courteous throughout) was told they have basically done all they can or know of, but would contact toyota for further ideas. This steering defect can be a significant safety risk and needs to be corrected.
While driving at highway speed vehicle vibrated. Dealer stated they were unable to duplicate the problem.
2003 camry se makes "thumping" sound over even the slightest of bumps. On some paved road conditions the vehicle bounces and bucks so much it is difficult to control. Dealer states this is normal for the se since it has a sport-tuned suspension.
This car pulls left and tracks poorly under most driving conditions. It is especially bad in crosswinds and on wet roadways. It was originally established by the dealership that low caster angle was to blame. The dealer was able to loosen and jiggle the engine cradle to get the caster on the minimum specification for caster, but this has done nothing to correct the poor handling. After 4 visits and much unnecessary delay, the dealership and toyota now claim there is nothing wrong with the car. This defect represents a significant safety issue with lane driftage, and limits the use of the car. I am deeply disappointed with the dealership's and toyota's position. I selected toyota for their apparent good reputation for integrity and service, but my experience has shown otherwise. My interactions with toyota through their agents has shown that their reputation appears to be largely based on their own public relations campaign--not on service and quality. I am now faced with the prospect of arbitration and lawsuit to force toyota motor corp to honor their warranty. I cannot in good conscience knowingly sell this vehicle to another unsuspecting buyer, so I must choose to either sue toyota or repair the vehicle myself.
Gas tank thump when starting from stop. Slight thump and heavy thump all depends how much fuel in tank. Suspension bolts tightened to factory specs. Parking brake out of adjustment coming up to high hard holding on hill and brake pedal to soft.
2003 camry purchased jan 03: complaint was--car has to be "herded" continually. Will not maintain straight line of travel. Feels like it is "on top of the bubble." annoying. Dealer checked alignment and said "all within specifications--no problem found." it still does it! (checked 5/22/03) *la the vehicle drifted to the right about 3 seconds after the pressure was released from the steering wheel. The vehicle only drifted to the right not the left, therefore constant pressure on the left side of the steering wheel was always needed. The vehicle tires were replaced but that did not stop the problem. The consumer was told by the dealer that drift exclusively to the right was acceptable to toyota.
I purchased a toyota camry v6 se model in july of 2003. Since purchase there is a steering pull/veer to the left requiring over correction to the right. I brought car into several dealerships 4 times, 1st time was told the problem was nonexistent; 2nd time, no problem, noticeable again; 3rd time tire rotation performed, but car still veers to the left. Two weeks ago, car was driven by factory representative who commented that the car was mechanically perfect. Service manager suggested checking tires but would not admit that there was a significant problem. I test drove a brand new se v6 model directly from the dealers lot and found the same characteristic steering behavior, witnessed by the service manager. I have difficulty controlling this vehicle (between 20 & 40 MPH) but have been told that this is the nature of the car and I can begin arbitration if I choose. I am extremely frustrated and have been greatly inconvenienced by the number of fruitless trips to the dealership. There is a serious problem with the steering that the dealership and apparently toyota's specialists will not acknowledge is abnormal and in my opinion (as well of those I have read on the internet) is a driving hazard. I want this to be fixed, but basically have nowhere to turn. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Consumer stated that while driving, the vehicle pulled to the left at any speed. *ak on a flat road, the vehicle pulled to the left slightly. On crowned roads in passing lanes, the vehicle pulled more dramatically to the left. On three different occasions the dealership attempted to remedy the problem, but suggested the vehicle was within the specifics. In attempts to fix the vehicle the tires were replaced. *scc
My 2003 toyota camry, bought new, steers to the left. The service manager agreed that the car pulls to the left. After two visits to the dealer's service center, the car has not been fixed. The service manager claims that the alignment is within specifications and nothing can be done.
While driving the front suspension would vibrate. The dealer was notified.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Toyota Camry?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history