2002 Toyota Camry recalls and problems

4 recalls and 953 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota Camry.

4
recalls
953
owner complaints
252
complaints mentioning a crash
20
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Toyota Camry recalls

Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 04V346000 · reported July 13, 2004 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 128,316 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If this occurs, the csa may not deploy rapidly enough when activated in a side impact collision. This may result in failure to provide the intended head protection, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the csas and replace the air bag assembly if necessary. The recall began on august 6, 2004. Owners should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 01V372000 · reported December 11, 2001 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 19,587 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If this should occur, there is a possibility that the detached bottom portion may strike the driver causing personal injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag module. Owner notification began december 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-888-333-9376.

Tires

NHTSA campaign 01V302000 · reported October 1, 2001 · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS · 19 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
The tires do not conform to the speed rating for the vehicle. If the vehicle exceeded the maximum speed rating (112 mph), possible tire failure could occur.
The fix
Dealers will replace all five tires. Owner notification began september 13, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 01V306000 · reported September 25, 2001 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 2 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Incomplete deployment of the front passenger side air bag could occur in the event of a crash.
The risk
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag assembly. Both owners were notified by telephone and arrangements have been made to correct this problem. This campaign is 100% completed. Both owners have been notified and their vehicles repaired.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 14, 2025 · Air bags

See attached document for complaint.

Aug 18, 2025 · Electrical system · 283,000 miles

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 283,000.

Aug 29, 2024 · Engine

Toyota dealer contacted me; said my car will cost $15000 to fix. He said people at Toyota who has my exact car costed $15000 to fix! it’s known in automotive circles this year make model & engine size has this factory defect of the rear head studs stripping out and becoming loose. This causes combustion failure of the…

Jun 27, 2024 · Air bags

The components or systems that have failed are (Catalytic Converter, Exhaust Manifold, Air Bag Control Module, Engine including head gasket) My safety is at risk due to catalytic converter not functioning properly producing harmful carbon monoxide that can be smelled through air vents, Air bag control module not…

Sep 27, 2023 · Steering · 180,000 miles · fire reported

The contact owned a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the steering wheel had seized up and the vehicle had begun to lose forward momentum. The contact heard an abnormal "popping" sound at the moment the steering had stopped functionality. The contact stated she was not aware…

Camry model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 245410628
2001 22727011
2002 495325220
2003 178222910
2004 363819911
2005 572122310

Across all years, the 2007 Camry has the most complaints (2,888). All Toyota Camry years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Toyota Camry have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Toyota Camry, the most recent reported on July 13, 2004 (Air bags: side/window). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Camry?
Owners have filed 953 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (281 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (146).
How many 2002 Toyota Camry complaints mention a crash or fire?
252 of 953 complaints report a crash and 20 a fire; 135 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 14, 2025.