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2002-2006 Toyota Camry Reliability
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Camry/Solara includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Camry/Solara.
2002-2006 Toyota Camry Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Engine noise: Belt squeal and rattle on cold engine due to faulty tensioner on 2AZ-FE engine requires updated tensioner. (2002-04)
Engine stalling: The check-engine light may come on when the temperature is below freezing (32 degrees F) accompanied by poor engine performance. This requires replacement of the throttle body, gasket, and intake surge tank. (2002)
Fuel pump: If the gas cap gets stuck, it can be replaced with an improved cap. (2002)
Poor transmission shift: Early production vehicles with automatic transmissions may shift poorly. The revised engine-control module designed for 2003 models can be installed in older vehicles. (2002)
Valve cover leaks: If service personnel using bulk oil-fill equipment are not careful, the oil-fill nozzle may bend or break the oil baffle inside the valve cover. (2002-03)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $655
Alternator $490
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,430
Brakes $450
Constant Velocity Joints $950
Exhaust System $475
Radiator $510
Shocks and/or Struts $900
Timing Chain or Belt $375
NHTSA Recall History
2002 Camry w/3-spoke steering wheel: During airbag deployment, it is possible that the bottom portion of the airbag cover may strike the driver causing personal injury. Dealers will replace the driver's-side airbag module.
2002-04 Camry w/curtain shield airbags: One or both of the curtain airbags may be twisted near the inflator and may not deploy rapidly enough.
2004-05 Camry w/front passenger power seat: When installing certain rear-facing infant seat bases onto seat with excessively high belt tension, buckle status switch could become unseated and system might not suppress deployment of the front airbag.
2004-06 Camry: Some air bag inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas may be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag.
2006 Camry: Tire information sticker gives incorrect spare tire size. Correct information and instructions are distributed.
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