Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Toyota
  6. /
  7. Camry
Toyota · Known Issues

2003 Toyota Camry Problems: 4 Known Issues

2003 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2003 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Toyota Camry has 4 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Camry Engine2
  • Camry Interior1
  • Camry Suspension1
  • Recalls10
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Engine2
  • Interior1
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls10
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992

On the 2002-2017 Toyota Camry, owner discussions document drain-plug leaks or damaged threads after oil service on individual Camrys. This is a service-related condition, not evidence of a sixteen-year model defect. A leak at the plug can involve a missing or reused gasket, plug damage, dirt, sealing-face damage, incorrect torque, cross-threading, cracked or deformed pan material, or oil traveling from above.

Common Symptoms

  • Fresh oil at the drain plug after service
  • Drain plug will not tighten normally
  • Damaged or missing drain-plug gasket
  • Visible thread or sealing-face damage

How to Fix

Confirm the leak source, then inspect the plug, gasket, sealing face, pan material, and threads. Choose repair only after measuring the damage and checking wall thickness, alignment, and chip-control requirements. Do not install an oversize or self-tapping plug or insert from this page without a qualified assessment and the exact service procedure.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Manually Verified
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry, owner and how-to discussions describe throttle-body cleaning during troubleshooting of idle or starting concerns. They do not establish faster-than-normal deposit buildup or prove that deposits cause every rough or high idle, stall, hesitation, or pedal-to-start event. Battery voltage and relearn state, air leaks, PCV flow, MAF data, fuel delivery, ignition, compression, temperature inputs, throttle actuation, and ECM logic can produce overlapping symptoms.

This issue also affects: Toyota RAV4

Common Symptoms

  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Unexpectedly high idle
  • Stalling or difficult starting
  • Hesitation with no confirmed cause

How to Fix

Record stored codes and scan data, check battery and charging voltage, inspect the complete induction system for leaks, and follow Toyota's exact engine diagnostic procedure. Inspect the throttle bore only when the symptom and data support it. If cleaning is selected, use the applicable service instructions and do not force an electronic throttle plate or spray solvent into electronics.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Manually Verified
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry, camry owner discussions document headliner fabric detaching on individual vehicles. Loose fabric can reflect degraded backing or adhesive, moisture intrusion, board damage, prior trim removal, or hardware around lamps, handles, and a sunroof. The reports do not establish that all 2002-2011 cars share one defect or progression.

Common Symptoms

  • Headliner fabric hangs or separates
  • Loose material approaches an occupant or sight line
  • Detachment near edges, lamps, handles, or a sunroof

How to Fix

If loose material blocks visibility or contacts occupants, secure the vehicle and arrange trim inspection before driving. Check for water intrusion and damage to the board, retainers, wiring, side-curtain-airbag areas, and sunroof hardware before choosing localized repair, professional re-covering, or exact-application assembly replacement. Avoid pins or aerosol adhesive near wiring, airbags, or unseen hardware.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Manually Verified
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2003-2006 Toyota Camry, toyota T-SB-0296-08 applies to some 2003-2006 Camry vehicles that exhibit a clunk, pop or knock when the steering wheel is turned left or right. It supersedes ST001-06 and explicitly changes the repair from shaft replacement to removal, lubrication and reinstallation of the intermediate shaft. The bulletin does not support extending the condition to 2002 or 2007-2011 Camrys, identifying every bump-related front-end rattle as the shaft, or describing the condition as proven looseness or impending steering loss.

This issue also affects: Lexus RX, Toyota RAV4

Common Symptoms

  • Clunk, pop or knock when turning the steering wheel left or right

How to Fix

First reproduce the noise while turning and isolate it from tie rods, ball joints, rack mounting, strut mounts, sway-bar links and other steering/suspension sources. When the vehicle and symptom match T-SB-0296-08, a qualified technician secures the steering wheel/front wheels, match-marks and removes the intermediate shaft, applies Toyota grease kit 04007-76133 to both machined spline locations, cycles the shaft, reinstalls it to the specified torque and road-tests. Do not replace either prior shaft or buy the grease kit from this card without diagnosis.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Toyota 04007-76133 steering intermediate-shaft grease kit

    diagnosis-gated bulletin consumable; professional steering-shaft procedure still required Fitment/availability: exact two-cylinder grease kit named by T-SB-0296-08 for the confirmed 2003-2006 Camry steering intermediate-shaft turn-noise …

    AutoPartsPrime

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipConfirm the noise occurs while turning and isolate suspension/rack sources before applying the bulletin; a bump-related clunk alone is not enough.
  • WarningThe bulletin requires steering-wheel restraint, match marks and specified fastener torque. Uncontrolled steering-wheel rotation while the shaft is disconnected can damage the spiral cable.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
NHTSA Recalls10 recalls

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #19V50300028/06/2019

AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon, and 2017 Camry vehicles manufactured August 3, 2016, to September 12, 2016. The front passenger knee air bag module may have been attached to the lower instrument panel with incorrect fasteners.

Campaign #16V90600016/12/2016

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Toyota Camry problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Toyota Camry. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

Other Toyota Models

Toyota RAV460Toyota Corolla54Toyota Highlander51Toyota 4Runner47Toyota Tacoma46Toyota Sienna32

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Camry problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Toyota Camry has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Oil Leak at the Drain Plug After Service — Owner Reports, Rough or High Idle, Stalling, or Pedal-to-Start Concern — Owner Reports, Sagging or Detached Headliner — Owner Reports. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Toyota Camry reliable?

The 2003 Toyota Camry has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 2002-2017 Toyota Camry Oil Leak at the Drain Plug After Service — Owner Reports?

Owner discussions document drain-plug leaks or damaged threads after oil service on individual Camrys. This is a service-related condition, not evidence of a sixteen-year model defect. A leak at the plug can involve a missing or reused gasket, plug damage, dirt, sealing-face dama… Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry Rough or High Idle, Stalling, or Pedal-to-Start Concern — Owner Reports?

Owner and how-to discussions describe throttle-body cleaning during troubleshooting of idle or starting concerns. They do not establish faster-than-normal deposit buildup or prove that deposits cause every rough or high idle, stall, hesitation, or pedal-to-start event. Battery vo… Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry Sagging or Detached Headliner — Owner Reports?

Camry owner discussions document headliner fabric detaching on individual vehicles. Loose fabric can reflect degraded backing or adhesive, moisture intrusion, board damage, prior trim removal, or hardware around lamps, handles, and a sunroof. The reports do not establish that all… Severity: low.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #17V29500002/05/2017

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

Campaign #16V42000009/06/2016

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon and Camry vehicles manufactured November 30, 2015 to March 4, 2016. The occupant classification system (OCS) that activates or deactivates the front passenger seat air bag system may have been improperly calibrated. As a result, the front passenger air bag and the front passenger knee air bag may not deploy as intended in certain crash scenarios. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #16V21500014/04/2016

+ 5 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2003-2006 Toyota Camry 2003-2006 Steering Intermediate-Shaft Noise - T-SB-0296-08?

Toyota T-SB-0296-08 applies to some 2003-2006 Camry vehicles that exhibit a clunk, pop or knock when the steering wheel is turned left or right. It supersedes ST001-06 and explicitly changes the repair from shaft replacement to removal, lubrication and reinstallation of the inter… Severity: low.