That engine uses a timing chain not belt. Rarely will a chain fail and I haven't seen any Toyota recommendation for change intervals, tensioners and guides will start to rattle and make noise but chains are very reliable.

 

Depends on the engine, that year had a 4cyl chain/6cyl belt.

 

SDSPEED: SO Helpful; U R the Best!!!

 

so the 4 Cyl 2.4?

 

Unless I missed it, I don’t know if you have the four cylinder or six cylinder engine. If your 2003 has the 2.4L I4 it uses a timing chain, however if you have the 3.0L V-6 engine, it uses a traditional timing belt which is subject to periodic maintenance (replacement). So if you do have the V-6 3.0L it would now be due for replacement.

As far as damage if the timing belt/chain breaks, the rule of thumb for Toyotas is simple: for I4s and V6s, belts are NON interference, and chains ARE interference. Interference engines can destroy themselves if the timing chain breaks as the valve train can run into the pistons and take your engine out.

 

My 2003 Camry LE is a 4 cylinder built in Japan. I have now been advised it is a chain in my engine..

 

100k is the time, with both OHC chains & belts systems, regardless of interference or not. You just don't want the extra hassle of finding additional broken bits like tensioners, etc.

On pushrod engines that were non-interference, you could go indefinitely even with some chain stretch. It wouldn't run as good, but there wasn't any other bits involved outside of the chain, two gears & crank keyway/cam bolts. If the keyway somehow failed, that would be the most serious situation.

I'd advise getting it done between 90-100k along with guides & tensioners. If you have a V6 which has a belt, it wouldn't hurt to get it done now considering the age.

Here's a guide to tell if you have a belt or chain.