Toyota Camry 2002–2006 problems by year and mileage
6th generation (XV30)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20263,411 complaints, 2,513 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2002 Toyota Camry
Close- Median failure report
- 50,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 953
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2002
- Throttle and speed control281 reports · median 39,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit146 reports · median 14,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system107 reports · median 83,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — side/window · Air bags — frontal · Tires
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2003 Toyota Camry
Close- Median failure report
- 49,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 782
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2003
- Throttle and speed control259 reports · median 37,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system112 reports · median 76,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit91 reports · median 14,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — side/window
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Toyota Camry
Close- Median failure report
- 45,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 638
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2004
- Throttle and speed control238 reports · median 45,000 mi
- Steering80 reports · median 39,000 mi
- Airbag system79 reports · median 64,000 mi
Recall areas Engine and engine cooling · Seat belts — front · Air bags — side/window
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Toyota Camry
Close- Median failure report
- 42,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 721
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2005
- Throttle and speed control272 reports · median 39,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline84 reports · median 23,000 mi
- Steering71 reports · median 47,000 mi
Recall areas Seats — front assembly · Engine and engine cooling · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Toyota Camry
Close- Median failure report
- 43,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 317
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2006
- Throttle and speed control108 reports · median 33,000 mi
- Airbag system59 reports · median 64,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit29 reports
Recall areas Seats — front assembly · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2002; earliest: the 2005, and the 2002 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2002–2006 Toyota Camry reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 46,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 130,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 2,513
- Recalls
- 11
Most reported
- Throttle and speed control33.9% of complaints · median 40,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit11.3% of complaints · median 15,000 mi
- Airbag system10.7% of complaints · median 60,000 mi
Owners filed 3,411 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002–2006 Toyota Camry; throttle and speed control leads with 33.9% of them, and half of the 2,513 that record an odometer reading came by 46,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 16,000 to 87,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2002–2006 Toyota Camry last?
On the 2002–2006 Toyota Camry, half of the 2,513 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 46,000 miles and 90% by 130,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
168 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 56 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Camry reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Toyota Camry 2002–2006 · 2,513 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 350 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 56 complaints (2.2%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 2,000
- 25%
- 16,000
- Median
- 46,000
- 75%
- 87,000
- 90%
- 130,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 350 | 13.9% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 133 | 5.3% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 125 | 5.0% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 107 | 4.3% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 105 | 4.2% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 95 | 3.8% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 92 | 3.7% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 109 | 4.3% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 112 | 4.5% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 105 | 4.2% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 110 | 4.4% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 70 | 2.8% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 77 | 3.1% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 65 | 2.6% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 65 | 2.6% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 71 | 2.8% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 60 | 2.4% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 64 | 2.5% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 49 | 1.9% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 49 | 1.9% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 67 | 2.7% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 32 | 1.3% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 59 | 2.3% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 26 | 1.0% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 39 | 1.6% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 16 | 0.6% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 21 | 0.8% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 23 | 0.9% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 30 | 1.2% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 19 | 0.8% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 21 | 0.8% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 17 | 0.7% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 17 | 0.7% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 13 | 0.5% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 7 | 0.3% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 10 | 0.4% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 13 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 5 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 8 | 0.3% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.0% |
| 200,000+ | 56 | 2.2% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Camry problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Toyota Camry 2002–2006
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Hydraulic brake circuit386 reportsmedian 15,000middle half 4,000–47,000
- Transmission and driveline258 reportsmedian 31,000middle half 1,500–81,000
- Throttle and speed control1,158 reportsmedian 40,000middle half 16,000–70,000
- Steering275 reportsmedian 43,000middle half 17,000–76,000
- Airbag system365 reportsmedian 60,000middle half 29,000–113,000
- Engine and its cooling system293 reportsmedian 74,000middle half 40,000–100,000
- Engine167 reportsmedian 112,000middle half 85,000–147,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Throttle and speed control | 1,158 | 33.9% | 40,000 | 16,000–70,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 386 | 11.3% | 15,000 | 4,000–47,000 |
| Airbag system | 365 | 10.7% | 60,000 | 29,000–113,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 293 | 8.6% | 74,000 | 40,000–100,000 |
| Steering | 275 | 8.1% | 43,000 | 17,000–76,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 258 | 7.6% | 31,000 | 1,500–81,000 |
| Engine | 167 | 4.9% | 112,000 | 85,000–147,000 |
| Electrical system | 147 | 4.3% | 72,000 | 30,000–104,000 |
| Body structure | 137 | 4.0% | 54,000 | 26,000–113,000 |
| Tyres | 130 | 3.8% | 20,000 | 10,000–42,000 |
Known problems with the 2002–2006 Camry
Engine 2002–2006
2AZ-FE cylinder head bolt threads strip in the aluminum block, causing head gasket leaks and coolant loss; Toyota issued a warranty enhancement and revised the block with larger head bolts.
Engine 2002
Tail end of the 1MZ-FE oil gelling program (engines built through 2002).
Airbags 2002–2006
Takata front airbag inflator propellant degradation; large-scale recall coverage across this generation.
Before you buy a 2002–2006 Camry: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,513 mileage-tagged complaints, 11 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2002–2006 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine on 2002 cars.
- Check airbags on 2002–2006 cars.
- Years differ here: from 317 to 953 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Camry problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi60% below | At 90k mi76% below | At 120k mi87% below | At 150k mi93% below | At 200k mi98% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Throttle and speed control | 16,000–70,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 4,000–47,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 29,000–113,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 40,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 17,000–76,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 1,500–81,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 85,000–147,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Toyota Camry 2002–2006 · 2,513 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 60% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 76% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 87% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 93% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2002–2006 Toyota Camry recalls (11)
NHTSA records 11 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around equipment (3), the airbag system (3), seats (2) (why one area can repeat).
Jun 2016 · 2005–2006 · SeatsIf damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact…
Nov 2014 · 2006 · SeatsDamage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected…
Nov 2011 · 2004–2005 · Engine and Engine CoolingIn some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of…
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the u.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no…
Feb 2010 · 2005–2006 · EquipmentA driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact…
Feb 2010 · 2005–2006 · EquipmentThis does not meet the standard requirements.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. This does not meet the standard requirements.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…
Nov 2005 · 2006 · EquipmentA misprinted label would lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A misprinted label would lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Owners will be provided with new tire information placards and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can perform the installation for them. The recall began on december 28…
Dec 2004 · 2004–2005 · Seat BeltsIf the switch becomes unseated, the front passenger occupant classification system may mistake the…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If the switch becomes unseated, the front passenger occupant classification system may mistake the rear-facing child restraint for an unbelted adult occupant, and may not suppress the deployment of…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the front passenger seatbelt buckle status switch. This safety improvement campaign (ssc 40m) began on december 20, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus…
Jul 2004 · 2002–2004 · Air BagsIf this occurs, the csa may not deploy rapidly enough when activated in a side impact collision.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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 free 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.
Dec 2001 · 2002 · Air BagsIf this should occur, there is a possibility that the detached bottom portion may strike the driver causing…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If this should occur, there is a possibility that the detached bottom portion may strike the driver causing personal injury.
The free 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…
Oct 2001 · 2002 · TiresThe tires do not conform to the speed rating for the vehicle.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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 free 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…
Sep 2001 · 2002 · Air BagsUnexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Incomplete deployment of the front passenger side air bag could occur in the event of a crash.
What can happen. Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
The free 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…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 3,411 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 1,004 (29.4%)
- Fires
- 55
- Injury reports
- 408
- Fatality reports
- 27
Camry problems by model year
The 2002 drew the most complaints of this generation, 953, most of them about throttle and speed control, and the 2006 the fewest, 317. A typical year drew about 721.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 953 | 610 | 50,000 | Throttle and speed control (281) | 4 |
| 2003 | 782 | 575 | 49,000 | Throttle and speed control (259) | 1 |
| 2004 | 638 | 514 | 45,000 | Throttle and speed control (238) | 3 |
| 2005 | 721 | 575 | 42,000 | Throttle and speed control (272) | 5 |
| 2006 | 317 | 239 | 43,000 | Throttle and speed control (108) | 5 |
What Camry owners reported
The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Camry. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed into a street pole and rolled several times before crashing into a parked vehicle, where it came to a stop. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter-in-law and the contact's nephew were…
2006 · 240,000 miles · Airbag system
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…
2003 · 75,000 miles · Throttle and speed control
The contact owned a 2005 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that his daughter's vehicle caught on fire while parked in a residential area. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire; the contact was alerted by the fire department. The fire originated from the engine, it was reported that the cause of the fire was faulty…
2005 · 142,000 miles · Electrical system
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…
2002 · 180,000 miles · Engine
Built from 2,513 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Camry generations
- Camry 1992–1996 231 reports with mileage, most about body structure
- Camry 1997–2001 815 reports with mileage, most about the engine and its cooling system
- Camry 2007–2011 5,430 reports with mileage, most about throttle and speed control
- Camry 2012–2017 1,456 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Camry 2018–2024 639 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline