Toyota

Camry (XV30)

2002-2006 · Midsize Sedan ยท 5 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.7)
3,803 NHTSA Complaints
11 Recalls
60 Fire Reports
1,074 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Toyota Camry → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

3MZ-FE

3.3L 6-cyl / 230 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.4)
223 complaints 59.0 per year Gasoline
6 fire reports 3 fatalities
View details

2AZ-FE

2.4L 4-cyl / 157 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
2,179 complaints 434.8 per year Gasoline
31 fire reports 29 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
715
engine
317
brakes
303
safety systems
247
cooling
191

Known Issues

Engine Issues (317 complaints)
Typical onset: 78,750โ€“145,750 mi Est. repair: $908โ€“$4,000 (66 reports)
Brakes Issues (303 complaints)
Typical onset: 36,000โ€“107,885 mi Est. repair: $450โ€“$4,000 (13 reports)
Safety Systems Issues (247 complaints)
Typical onset: 48,608โ€“131,000 mi Est. repair: $305โ€“$3,227 (15 reports)

9 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Toyota Camry regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (412 complaints)
brakes critical
Engine Issues (363 complaints)
engine critical
Safety Systems Issues (344 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Steering Issues (250 complaints)
steering critical
Cooling System Issues (193 complaints)
cooling critical

Recalls (11)

16V396000Feb 5, 2016serious
Seats

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

14V743000Nov 18, 2014serious
Seats

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

11V539000Sep 10, 2011serious
Engine & Cooling

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.

10V035000Mar 1, 2010cosmetic
Equipment

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

10V036000Mar 1, 2010serious
Equipment

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

05V539000Nov 21, 2005serious
Equipment

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS" THE VEHICLES' TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL OR PLACARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE B-PILLAR INCORRECTLY INDICATES THE SPARE TIRE SIZE.

04V595000Dec 14, 2004cosmetic
Seat Belts

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PASSENGER POWER SEAT, WHEN INSTALLING CERTAIN REAR-FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT BASES ONTO THE SEAT WITH AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH SEATBELT TENSION, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO UNSEAT A COMPONENT CALLED THE BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.

04V346000Jul 12, 2004serious
Air Bags

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAGS (CSA), ONE OR BOTH OF THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY BE TWISTED NEAR THE INFLATOR DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY.

01V306000Sep 24, 2001serious
Air Bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

01V372000Nov 11, 2001serious
Air Bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.

01V302000Jan 9, 2001cosmetic
Tires

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TOURING TIRES, P205-65R15 92S, INSTALLED AT THE PORTS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. THE INCORRECT TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES THAT HAD DAMAGED TIRES. THE TIRES WERE DAMAGED DURING A PORT UPGRADE TO ALUMINUM WHEELS.

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2006 Toyota Camry problems?

The 2002-2006 Toyota Camry has accumulated 3,803 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Engine, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Toyota Camry engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2006 Toyota Camry was offered with 14 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2006 Toyota Camry a good used car?

The 2002-2006 Toyota Camry can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 3,803 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2006 Toyota Camry have?

The 2002-2006 Toyota Camry has 3,803 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2006 Toyota Camry?

There are 11 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2006 Toyota Camry vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota Camry?

Before buying a used Toyota Camry, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Engine, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Camry have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002-2006 Toyota Camry. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 3,803 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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