2003 Toyota Camry Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2003 Toyota Camry recalls

Most common 2003 Toyota Camry problems

Problem areas named in the 782 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Vehicle Speed Control	261
Engine And Engine Cooling	115
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	96
Air Bags	75
Steering	53
Engine	52
Power Train	40
Suspension	29
Structure	29
Electrical System	21

What owners report

2026-10-16, Air Bags
Sudden Unintended Acceleration: I had been out doing errands in the morning. I returned home, pulling up in front of my townhouse which is on a cul de sac. After gently coming to a stop, I planned to back up just a bit to park my car along the curb. (I did not have my foot on the accelerator, as the car normally goes gently backwards when you put it in reverse.) When I put it in R, the car accelerated backwards and crashed into a car that was parked along the curb about 15-20 ft behind me. I instinctively put the car in D to stop going uncontrollably backwards. The car shot forward; the brakes did not work. The car was out of control, making very loud revving sounds and loud screeching sound

2026-10-04, Exterior Lighting
I am reporting a serious nighttime visibility and roadway-safety concern involving excessive glare from modern LED headlights while driving my 2003 Toyota Camry. When vehicles equipped with extremely bright LED headlights approach from the opposite direction or follow behind me, the glare can temporarily impair my vision and make it difficult to see the roadway, lane markings, pedestrians, hazards, and other vehicles. The effect is especially severe when the headlights are very high intensity, have a high color temperature, or are mounted on taller vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. This is not simply a complaint about brightness or personal preference. The glare creates periods of significan

2026-05-06, Vehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle would suddenly accelerate or lunge forward and had done so several times, both while idle, pressing the brakes, and while driving at various speeds. Suddenly accelerated downhill, and when approaching the inner section, the contact immediately turned the vehicle to avoid hitting another vehicle and ended up crashing into a nearby residence's garage, causing the vehicle to stop. The air bags did not deploy. The garage door was damaged, and the contact's vehicle's front-end was damaged. A police report was filed. The contact had stated they had experienced sleep issues and a fear of driving the vehicle since the incident

2025-07-28, Electrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,888, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 165,064.

2024-09-20, Unknown Or Other
No incident. But it's a problem with the ABS. Dealership says it's nothing wrong with the brakes. But it is. Had a diagnostics done at Auto Zone, and it came back showing a code for the ABS system. But showed the service dept the code that it showed something is wrong with ABs. They still say nothing is wrong.

2003 Toyota Camry questions

Does the 2003 Toyota Camry have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2003 Toyota Camry: Air Bags:Side/Window. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Camry?

Based on 782 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Vehicle Speed Control (261), Engine And Engine Cooling (115), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (96).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Toyota Camry has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.