This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, she was advised that the front passenger side struts were leaking oil. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000. Updated 12/30/13
My engine seized and needs complete replacement due to this oil sludge problem. As a result of the gelled oil, one of the pistons broke off creating a hole in the engine and the motor mount became displaced from the engine, causing the engine block to crack while I was driving the car. I bought the car used from greer Toyota in millbrook, NY in August of 2001 and was told that one of their mechanics would complete a thorough inspection before the car was turned over to me. I have since had the oil changed every 3,000 miles by a trusted mechanic. During that time, I had to replace the oxygen sensor at my own cost, but did not have any other problems until this month. Now in addition to the engine, it appears that my struts are failing as well. I am in the process of submitting a claim for the engine.
It is impossible to align vehicle's camber to specifications without replacing major suspension parts. The manufacturer does not manufacture an adjustable driver's side suspension component to adjust camber. The only way to align the car is either to buy costly new suspension parts from Toyota or resort to an aftermarket cam bolt.
The vehicle experienced a vibration at normal speed, the dealer stated the tires were the problem, which were then replaced and a alignment was performed, however the problem recurred.
- Iselin, NJ, USA
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The vehicle experienced a vibration at normal speed, the dealer stated the tires were the problem, which were replaced and a alignment was performed, however the problem recurred.
Front and rear struts failed, dealer knows this is an issue. Car is unstable on any uneven road over 25 mph, all but bottoms out, steering correction is needed on the smallest of bumps above 25mph.
Toyota acknowledges to have issued only a "service bulletin" to its dealers on this issue. It does acknowledge a high number of incidents of failed struts and mounts on 1997, 1998 and1999 Camry.
These parts should be recalled and replaced by Toyota and we owners should be reimbursed the cost. Several service writers at a local Toyota dealer have told me that many of these strut assemblies have failed. I've driven other Toyota models, 3, over 900,000 and have never replaced the strut assemblies. Please investigate, as if this assembly breaks, while driving, you may have a major accident.
The front upper strut housings on 1997 - 1999 Toyota Camry's are defective. When going over any kind of bump in the road the entire front strut assembly shakes and rattles terribly. Toyota has acknowledged the problem with the front strut upper assembly and will only repair if the vehicle is on the 3/36 warranty. In most cases, as in mine, the rattle and severe vibration did not occur until the vehicle was off warranty. I have discussed this with autofair Toyota in manchester, nh and they stated that the problem is the upper strut assembly. The service manager stated it could only be repaired on warranty. It was further stated that it was not a safety hazard and that it would not strand or disable the car. I also had the vehicle checked out at grappone Toyota in concord, nh and they also indicated that the problem was the defective strut assembly. I have also known many Camry owners who have had this problem and either had the work done on warranty, or paid the $450 dollars to have it repaired. I have also brought this matter to Toyota usa headquarters, only to have them say that the repair would only be done if it was brought back on warranty. I am concerned that this strut defect is going to contribute to a serious crash with resulting fatalities. Although Toyota insists that the problem does not impact safety, I beg to differ, as the noise and rattle from the front end is clearly indicative of a compromised front end. There is no doubt that this defective equipment will ultimately be a contributory element in a crash. I would greatly appreciate your organization investigating this matter. The only acceptable resolution is to have Toyota replace the defective strut assembly's on the impacted Toyota Camry's.
Front end rattle-most severe when driving over bumpy roads and when driving car at the beginning of day. Noise abates some what after driving for approx. 15 minutes. Took car to Toyota dealer. Dealer said upper front struts need to be replaced. Confirmed by independent mechanic. Bought car used and noticed problem almost immediately. Car had 58000 miles at that time. Problem is getting worse. Seems that Toyota has a problem with this car and does not want to recall. I have owned Camry's in the past. Never had a problem like this. Even on high mileage cars inaddition the car sets to low to ground and mthe front end scraps when pulling into driveways or other steep inclines. I have owned cars and been driving for the past 45 years and have never had a problem with a car or truck of this nature.
Right front strut bushing needs replaced. Dealer said this is a common complaint but it is not covered under warranty. I feel this is a defect Toyota should take care of given the number of failures of this component.
Right front strut rod knocking while driving. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that part on back order for two to three months. Asking NHTSA help on this matter.
The front end of the vehicle rattles as if the struts are loose. Dealer states upper strut bushings are now worn out, but not a hazard. People riding in my car state that it sounds like the front wheels are going to fall off, when the car runs over bumps. This noise started during my warranty period on the front right side only. The dealer told me the right strut was fine. Today, they still say the struts are still fine, but now both left and right front wheels sound loose.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Millburn, NJ, USA