List your Gen5 Problems

[mtnet2000]

I have a Gen5 with the folloiwng problems:
1. It shifts abnormal, between 2 and 3rd
2. Engine rattles and is to noisy, and to whiny
3. Small rattle on back door leak
4. Car vibrates when doing 70 to 80 MPH
5. Really poor gas Mileage
6. To much Sulfur odor

and by the way check out some of these TSB Recalls:Bulletins for 2002 Toyota Camry LE Sedan V6-2995cc 3.0L DOHC (1MZ-FE) MFI

Service Bulletins

TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title

1. BO002-03 JAN 03 Body - Sliding Roof Malfunctions/Popping Noise
2. SU003-03 JAN 03 Suspension - Front Suspension Ticking/Creaking Noise
3. SS003R-01 JAN 03 Antitheft Systems - Immobilizer Key Code Reset
4. EL008R-02 JAN 03 Keyless Entry - Transmitter Programming/Identification
5. EL004R-01 JAN 03 Keyless Entry Remote Transmitter - Programming
6. SU001-03 JAN 03 Suspension - Front Suspension Thump/Knock Noise
7. SU002-03 JAN 03 Suspension - Rear Suspension Knock/Thump Noise
8. EG022-02 DEC 02 A/T - Light Throttle 2nd - 3rd Gear Shift Shock/Shudder
9. BO020-02 DEC 02 Body - Difficult Trunk Opener Lever Operation
10. PG027-02 DEC 02 Steering/Suspension - Ball Joint Inspection
11. EG001R-02 OCT 02 Engine Controls - MIL ON/ DTC's Set
12. NV002R-02 OCT 02 Exhaust System - Catalytic Converter Shield Rattles
13. EG002R-02 OCT 02 Fuel System - Gas Cap Sticking
14. BO017-02 SEP 02 Interior - Seat Belt Extender Availability
15. EG013R-01 AUG 02 A/T - Poor Shift Quality
16. EG017-02 AUG 02 Engine Controls - Light Throttle Engine Surge
17. EL006-02 AUG 02 Navigation System - Identification Method/DVD Map Data
18. AU002-02 MAY 02 JBL Audio System - Popping Noise
19. TC001-02 MAY 02 A/T - Fluid Requirements
20. EL005-02 MAY 02 Electrical - Junction Block Connector Update
21. EG003R-02 MAR 02 Emissions - OBD II Readiness Monitor Drive Patterns
22. PG010-02 MAR 02 Engine Coolant - New Color
23. EG007-02 MAR 02 Valve Cover Oil Baffle - Damage Prevention
24. EL003-02 MAR 02 Theft Deterrent System - Passive Mode Programming
25. SS001-02 MAR 02 Drive Shaft - Nut Chisel Tool
26. BO007-02 MAR 02 Roof Molding - Deformed
27. EG005-02 FEB 02 Radiator - Replacement for Towing
28. BO005-02 FEB 02 Seat (Rear) - Release Knob Sticking/Binding
29. EL001-02 JAN 02 Speedometer Needle - Resistance to Movement
30. BO003-02 JAN 02 Trunk Liner - Comes Loose From Rear Seat Brace
31. PG008-02 JAN 02 Certification Label - Replacement Availability
32. PG009-02 JAN 02 VIN Plate - Replacement Availability
33. PG007-02 JAN 02 Brake Rotor - Rust Prevention
34. PG002-02 JAN 02 Service Manual Corrections - Availability
35. PG001-02 JAN 02 Technical Service Bulletin - Information
36. ST005R-01 DEC 01 Steering - Vehicle Pulls To One Side, Manual Supplement
37. SS009-01 DEC 01 Air Bag - Wire Sub-Harness 8 Required for Deployment
38. BO031-01 DEC 01 Windshield Wiper - Identification and Replacement
39. BO030-01 DEC 01 Windshield Wiper Blade - Maintenance and Cleaning
40. NV011-01 NOV 01 Sliding Roof Sunshade - Crackle Noise
41. ST003-01 SEP 01 Steering Wheel - Off Center
42. PG017-01 SEP 01 Disc Brakes - Anti-Rust Cover Removal During PDS
43. BO023-01 SEP 01 Seat Belt Extender - Increases Belt Length
44. PG015-01 AUG 01 Moon Roof - Initialization
45. PG013-01 AUG 01 Fuse (D.C.C.) - Installation During PDS (Japan Built)
46. PG014-01 AUG 01 PDS - Updated Checking Procedures
47. PG011-01 AUG 01 Front License Plate - Installation
48. PG012-01 AUG 01 Front Strut Spring Spacer - Removal During PDS
49. PG008-01 JUL 01 Compass - Initial Calibration During PDS
50. PG010-01 JUL 01 Door Mirror - Installation During PDS
51. PG009-01 JUL 01 Rubber Body Plugs - Installation During PDS

[BenG]

Whoa...that's a lot of TSBs!

The sulfur odour will go away after you put more miles on the car and the cat convertor "gets used to" the sulphur content in your gas.

Well, I havn't driven the Gen5 Camry a whole lot since I got my own car, but when we first got it these are what I thought weren't right on my mom's car.

1. Dead pedal loose and making clicking noises when stepped on.
2. Moonroof squeaking when closed and stuttering a little when opening
3. No throttle response when light pressure is applied to gas pedal, but then sudden surge when more pressure is applied. Very hard to modulate. (is the Gen5 an electronic throttle?)
4. Trunk doesn't close unless you apply the closing force in the center of the trunk over the latch
5. HVAC fans are too weak and there is insufficient air flow at the first two settings (using the digital climate control console)
6. Engine changes tone completely when cruising at above 140kph or 3000 rpm (don't remember which, and don't know if the change in tone is from VVTi changing valve timing)


Other things that I would consider problems with the Gen5 Camry are:

1. Bad bad bad ergonomic design. If you are tall (6'+) you cannot sit comfortably without either your hands or feet too close or too far from the steering wheel or pedals (consistant with all new Toyota cars)
2. More mad ergonomic design. Flat center console on a wide car means that it is hard to use and adjust radio and HVAC controls with out leaning forward.
3. Awful airflow management around the car. Opening and closing windows at any speed more than 30kph results in severe popping of ears due to sudden pressure changes.
4. WTF is up with the pedal style emergency brake? Hard to use, easy to over tighten, impedes into foot space in the foot well
5. A-pillar air bag covers are easily knocked out of place when entering and exiting the car


I know there were more things that I hated about my mom's new Camry, but I don't remember them now. I still think the Gen3's were the best value car that Toyota ever made. For the money, you got much better quality materials, fit and finish, ergonomic design, and useful standard equipment features.

[Mighty~Mart]

i get the squeaks in the moonroof also..... is this a defect?

[Nick]

automatic v6 camrys have had pedal e-brake for a while, and you can use it for handbrake turns just fine, hold the release out with your left hand and pump with left foot

[Silver Streak]

My check engine light came on, I got the MAF sensor replaced.

Actually, just yesterday, it makes a clicking noise when you drive and gets progessively faster the faster you go. Sounded like the drive axle, it's going to the dealership on Wednesday.

Man, even my 11 year old Gen 3 hasn't had any major problems at all.

[mtnet2000]

Is the clicking noise come from the engine?

[kocho]

Hey, do you have more info on #6 and #7 on your list?

6. SU001-03 JAN 03 Suspension - Front Suspension Thump/Knock Noise
7. SU002-03 JAN 03 Suspension - Rear Suspension Knock/Thump Noise

Just curious if this is the same issue as with G4 camrys ('97-'01) and if there is a fix for it...

Originally posted by mtnet2000
I have a Gen5 with the folloiwng problems:
1. It shifts abnormal, between 2 and 3rd
2. Engine rattles and is to noisy, and to whiny
3. Small rattle on back door leak
4. Car vibrates when doing 70 to 80 MPH
5. Really poor gas Mileage
6. To much Sulfur odor

and by the way check out some of these TSB Recalls:Bulletins for 2002 Toyota Camry LE Sedan V6-2995cc 3.0L DOHC (1MZ-FE) MFI

Service Bulletins

TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title

1. BO002-03 JAN 03 Body - Sliding Roof Malfunctions/Popping Noise
2. SU003-03 JAN 03 Suspension - Front Suspension Ticking/Creaking Noise
3. SS003R-01 JAN 03 Antitheft Systems - Immobilizer Key Code Reset
4. EL008R-02 JAN 03 Keyless Entry - Transmitter Programming/Identification
5. EL004R-01 JAN 03 Keyless Entry Remote Transmitter - Programming
6. SU001-03 JAN 03 Suspension - Front Suspension Thump/Knock Noise
7. SU002-03 JAN 03 Suspension - Rear Suspension Knock/Thump Noise
8. EG022-02 DEC 02 A/T - Light Throttle 2nd - 3rd Gear Shift Shock/Shudder
9. BO020-02 DEC 02 Body - Difficult Trunk Opener Lever Operation
10. PG027-02 DEC 02 Steering/Suspension - Ball Joint Inspection
11. EG001R-02 OCT 02 Engine Controls - MIL ON/ DTC's Set
12. NV002R-02 OCT 02 Exhaust System - Catalytic Converter Shield Rattles
13. EG002R-02 OCT 02 Fuel System - Gas Cap Sticking
14. BO017-02 SEP 02 Interior - Seat Belt Extender Availability
15. EG013R-01 AUG 02 A/T - Poor Shift Quality
16. EG017-02 AUG 02 Engine Controls - Light Throttle Engine Surge
17. EL006-02 AUG 02 Navigation System - Identification Method/DVD Map Data
18. AU002-02 MAY 02 JBL Audio System - Popping Noise
19. TC001-02 MAY 02 A/T - Fluid Requirements
20. EL005-02 MAY 02 Electrical - Junction Block Connector Update
21. EG003R-02 MAR 02 Emissions - OBD II Readiness Monitor Drive Patterns
22. PG010-02 MAR 02 Engine Coolant - New Color
23. EG007-02 MAR 02 Valve Cover Oil Baffle - Damage Prevention
24. EL003-02 MAR 02 Theft Deterrent System - Passive Mode Programming
25. SS001-02 MAR 02 Drive Shaft - Nut Chisel Tool
26. BO007-02 MAR 02 Roof Molding - Deformed
27. EG005-02 FEB 02 Radiator - Replacement for Towing
28. BO005-02 FEB 02 Seat (Rear) - Release Knob Sticking/Binding
29. EL001-02 JAN 02 Speedometer Needle - Resistance to Movement
30. BO003-02 JAN 02 Trunk Liner - Comes Loose From Rear Seat Brace
31. PG008-02 JAN 02 Certification Label - Replacement Availability
32. PG009-02 JAN 02 VIN Plate - Replacement Availability
33. PG007-02 JAN 02 Brake Rotor - Rust Prevention
34. PG002-02 JAN 02 Service Manual Corrections - Availability
35. PG001-02 JAN 02 Technical Service Bulletin - Information
36. ST005R-01 DEC 01 Steering - Vehicle Pulls To One Side, Manual Supplement
37. SS009-01 DEC 01 Air Bag - Wire Sub-Harness 8 Required for Deployment
38. BO031-01 DEC 01 Windshield Wiper - Identification and Replacement
39. BO030-01 DEC 01 Windshield Wiper Blade - Maintenance and Cleaning
40. NV011-01 NOV 01 Sliding Roof Sunshade - Crackle Noise
41. ST003-01 SEP 01 Steering Wheel - Off Center
42. PG017-01 SEP 01 Disc Brakes - Anti-Rust Cover Removal During PDS
43. BO023-01 SEP 01 Seat Belt Extender - Increases Belt Length
44. PG015-01 AUG 01 Moon Roof - Initialization
45. PG013-01 AUG 01 Fuse (D.C.C.) - Installation During PDS (Japan Built)
46. PG014-01 AUG 01 PDS - Updated Checking Procedures
47. PG011-01 AUG 01 Front License Plate - Installation
48. PG012-01 AUG 01 Front Strut Spring Spacer - Removal During PDS
49. PG008-01 JUL 01 Compass - Initial Calibration During PDS
50. PG010-01 JUL 01 Door Mirror - Installation During PDS
51. PG009-01 JUL 01 Rubber Body Plugs - Installation During PDS

[Daffunda]

I had rattles on the driver's side door, but it's fixed now.

[BenG]

Originally posted by Oldman
automatic v6 camrys have had pedal e-brake for a while, and you can use it for handbrake turns just fine, hold the release out with your left hand and pump with left foot

The pedal e-brakes no longer have a release handle anymore. You press once to engage the e-brake, and then you press it again to disengage. It's like a push button switch now, so you can't really use it to do handbrake turns anymore. But that's not what bugs me about it. I just don't like it down in the foot well. I think it's unintuitive and obtrusive down there.

[mkII]

so far i haven't had some of the problems others have described, i.e. leaky window, loose dead pedal, or squeeky sunroof. the biggest problem i had was the power steering pump was faulty and the dealer replaced it. it was under warrenty.

i have a 2002 v6 le non-vvti. and that one has a hand brake. i hate the foot emergency brake.

[Silver Streak]

Originally posted by mtnet2000
Is the clicking noise come from the engine?

No, it's coming from the drive axle I believe. I jacked up the front end and turned the wheels manually as fast as I could. I kinda heard the clicking noise.....

[denuder]

2003 Camry SE 4cyl with manual transmission. Only problem so far is condensation build up in the headlights.

[khanhdom]

hmmm...i have a 03 4 banger with no problems at all lucky me i guess

[SKYravefever]

Maybe the notorious first year bugs since most of which are 2002. Almost on par with my '99, which has a little bit over 50

[jimkuo]

So far the only problem I have noticed is the sulfur smell. That has been really annoying me and I hope it will go away with time. Other than that no problems at all, however, I don't really like the way water drips in the car when you open the front doors due to the way the doors are designed.