CarComplaints.com Notes: Beware of the NHTSA complaint data for the 2003 Camry. It is almost certainly misleading.
The problem with NHTSA data for the 2003 Camry is that for months on end, the news media repeatedly told the public that several Toyota models had an unintended acceleration defect, & to go to safercar.gov (the NHTSA's website) to file a complaint.
So, the NHTSA received a disproportionate number of complaints about Toyota unintended acceleration issues because of the national news media attention, to the point where their data is unreliable taken in context with any other vehicle that did not receive national news attention.
CarComplaints.com typically receives more complaints per day about vehicles than the NHTSA does, but the news media did not repeatedly say "go to CarComplaints.com to report your Camry acceleration problems" like they did about the NHTSA -- so although we have less complaint data than the NHTSA for the 2003 Camry, our data for the Camry is a far more statistically accurate representation of the Camry's reliability than what the NHTSA data shows.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,264 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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.
I was driving my 2003 Toyota Camry on highway with cruise control on interstate I-40. I was driving 55 mph along a construction zone when it suddenly speed up, became uncontrollable and crash into the wall. I was unable to stop the vehicle by pumping on the brake and it was finally stopped when the vehicle was deep in the sand on the side of the highway. The vehicle was a total loss due to its severe damages.
In wet weather, I often find the brakes on my 2003 Toyota Camry failing, even after I have had new brake pads installed. Especially when I go downhill near my house, when I slowly apply the brakes in wet weather I hear a crunching sound and get little, and occasionally, no brake action. N.B. I am not sure of the day I am putting in below, but am picking the 4th as an approximate date so I can continue with the form.
I was pulling into a space in a parking lot in my 2003 Toyota Camry, when my car surged forward. I hit and damaged 2 parked vehicles as well as sustaining significant front-end damage to my own car, but no one was injured. I called the police and reported the accident, but I could not swear that my foot had not partially covered the gas pedal. It was winter and I was wearing heavy boots. I purchased the car new in 2003. Twice since then, in May 2006 and March 2008, my car surged on the highway. I took my foot off the gas pedal but the car did not slow down for about 30 seconds. I put my foot on the brake, but there was a delay before the car slowed down. In none of these incidents did I have a floor mat riding up under the gas pedal. I have called several Toyota dealerships, but when I leave a message to talk to a service manager I have not received a call back. A few days later I receive a trade-in offer from the dealership.
Car accelerated, could not stop in 5 different incidents. The latest one was on backing out of garage. Pressed hard on brake and car stopped just short of hitting another car.
- Jamaica, NY, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
2003 Toyota Camry discussion thread --------------------------------------------------------------- response (kwil) - 01/26/2010 04:26 pm we apologize for your concern with the performance of your 2003 Camry, and we appreciate you taking the time to let us know. Unintended acceleration involving Toyota and Lexus vehicles has been thoroughly investigated on several occasions over the last few years. None of these studies has found that an electronic throttle control system malfunction is the cause of unintended acceleration. Electronic throttle control, adopted in some form by nearly all automakers, has several fail-safe features and enhances safety by making possible functions such as traction control, stability control and adaptive laser cruise control. Toyota values the safety of our owners and the public. It is our utmost concern and Toyota has and will continue to take appropriate measures to address any defect trends that are identified. We have documented your email at our national headquarters under file. If we can be of further assistance, please click on the following link, www.Toyota.com/help/contactus.html, to contact us. Customer - 01/22/2010 06:21 am I have been concerned about my vehicle - since an experience I had in may of 2009 in nichols, SC. I was departing my sister's farm - had my car in reverse - when it acceralated at a high rate of speed in reverse. The engine had a very loud whine and in a matter of seconds went from 0 to 60 mph (my guess)it went in reverse ' almost causing a collision with horses and barn. I applied brakes and shifted gears ' all in vain. Only when I turned the key off ' did the car stop. My car received superficial damage. My car was examined by harrelson Toyota, rock hill, SC. ' nothing was found wrong. An incident report was filed.
ABS braking system on 2003 Toyota Camry le. After reading the NHTSA's February 4, 2010 release about your investigation into Toyota prius' allegations of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump, I finally felt vindicated, albeit I still have a problem. My 2003 Toyota Camry le has had the same type of braking problem since I purchased it April 2003 from the Toyota dealership in delta, co. Whenever I was braking to turn a corner or slow down going straight ahead, if I hit a bump or pothole the brake pedal would shudder, the pedal decreases and I lose my brakes! I have to start pumping the brake pedal immediately to get the brakes to work. One time recently, my brake pedal went to the floor and I had to slow down with the help of my emergency brake which didn't really work that well. And I was going slowly at the time. I took the car back to the delta, Colorado Toyota dealership shortly after my purchasing the car, however, as you can imagine, they found no problem with the ABS braking system. Can you guys help me? I am not looking for revenge against Toyota, my whole family save one person, drives Toyota. I just want brakes that work correctly. Thank you for any help you can provide me.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Albuquerque, NM, USA