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:
12 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,688 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.
My wife recently purchased a 2003 Camry le and has an issue with the braking on the vehicle. In our opinions there is excessive pedal travel before the braking systems starts to engage and you must press the brake pedal practically to the floor in order to stop. As a result, my wife nearly had two accidents during sudden stops. We brought the car back to the dealer and their assessment was that the brakes are fine and we must get used to them.
When the brake pedal was depressed at any speed, the vehicle failed to stop. This resulted in extended stopping distance. The dealership replaced the master cylinder because it was leaking, but the problem recurred, then the dealership cleaned and readjusted the rear brakes. The brake pedal traveled to the ground.
During a routine maintenance check, the dealer determined that the rear brake pads locked up and damaged the brake pads and rotors. The dealer resurfaced the rear brake rotors and replaced the rear brake pads.
Brakes do not react unless pressed to the floor. The consumer had taken the vehicle to two different Toyota dealerships where they suggested that the brakes were normal. The owner's manual stated that the minimum pedal clearance when depressed with force of 110 foot pounds with the engine running should be 2.5 inches. The consumer found that the brake measurement was 0.5 inches. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they stated that they didn't have the means to test the required pedal specification.
Brake pedal of 2003 Toyota Camry goes to the floor! dealer says they have had numerous complaints but corporate says that's normal. I feel it's dangerous especially to short drivers. This car is brand new and I have driven four other Camry's, a 2002 and 3-2003 S. the dealer says this has been happening in the newer body style but "there's nothing wrong with it." 8jb
- Franklin, PA, USA
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Consumer noticed that when depressing the brakes pedal it traveled to the floorboard. The manufacturer had been contacted. The vehicle had travel time on the pedal about one inch and spongy. Dealer stated all 2002's and 2003's had that problem.
The consumer wanted to know if there was a problem in manufacturing or quality control of 2003 Camry brake system. The consumer believed when the vehicle left the factory, the brakes were out of adjustment. When the consumer had to apply the brakes, he discovered the brakes were spongy and the brake pedal traveled to the floor. It was discovered the rear brakes were out of adjustment, the front brake pads contained glaze and the front springs were inoperative.
Consumer states that when trying to apply the brakes the brake pedal will go to the floor, causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.
I am very concerned with the brakes on my '03 Camry le. When continued or strong pressure is applied to the brakes the pedal goes to the floor. On said date I rear-ended someone because of this deficit. Toyota legal got involved and said it was 'normal'. the braking system is very dangerous & misleading!
I had backed out of parking space. When I put 2003 Toyota Camry in drive, it surged forward. I braked but the vehicle accelerated. I depressed brake fully, nonetheless the car accelerated uncontrollably and very quickly. Vehicle only stopped by violent collision with two parked vehicles and cement blocks. Only good fortune prevented deaths of any passers by. Witnesses observed my foot fully on the depressed brake pedal as the car was at rest after the accident.
Vehicle was at a complete stop. Consumer had their foot on the brakes, and the pedal went all the way to the floor. Consumer feels that the pedal are too soft. The dealership indicated that they were having problem with this model/year brakes, and thinks the cause is the master cyclinder.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Charlottesville, VA, USA