2003 Toyota Camry recalls
Reported Jul 13, 2004 · 128,316 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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.
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.
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.
2003 Toyota Camry problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 262 | |
| 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 | |
| Unknown or Other | 20 | |
| Visibility | 20 | |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 32
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 28
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 26
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 22
- Air Bags › Frontal — 17
- Structure › Body — 13
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 9
- Steering › Column — 9
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 48,785 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Toyota Camry complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Nov 8, 2026
On XXX in [XXX], my well-maintained 2003 Toyota Camry LE (69,019 miles) experienced Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA). After stopping with my foot on the brake, I shifted into reverse without touching the accelerator. The engine surged to full throttle, launching backward into a parked car (totaled) and then surging forward uncontrollably around my cul-de-sac while I slammed on the hard, ineffective brake pedal. No Check Engine light was on before or after, and two local mechanics found no stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). I filed Toyota Claim #XXX. On XXX, Toyotaâs contractor…
Air Bags · reported Oct 16, 2026
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…
Exterior Lighting · reported Oct 4, 2026
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…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 75,000 miles · reported May 6, 2026
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…
Electrical System · at 165,064 miles · reported Jul 28, 2025
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.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Toyota Camry have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Toyota Camry: 04V-346 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota Camry?
Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (262 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (115). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 48,785 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.