2002 Toyota Camry Problems: 4 Known Issues
2002 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Toyota Camry has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 1MZ-FE V6 Engine Oil Gelation Customer Support Program. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls10 recalls
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
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."
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.
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Camry, Camry HV, Avalon, and Avalon HV vehicles equipped with 16-inch and 17-inch rims. In the affected vehicles, the left-side front suspension lower arm may have been incorrectly manufactured. As a result, the left side lower arm may not have enough clamping surface area for one of the bolts that secures the lower arm to the lower ball joint.
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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 2002 Toyota Camry has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 1MZ-FE V6 Engine Oil Gelation Customer Support Program, Oil Leak at the Drain Plug After Service — Owner Reports, Rough or High Idle, Stalling, or Pedal-to-Start Concern — Owner Reports. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Camry reliable?
The 2002 Toyota Camry has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 1MZ-FE V6 Engine Oil Gelation Customer Support Program. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 1997-2002 Toyota Camry 1MZ-FE V6 Engine Oil Gelation Customer Support Program?
Toyota's Engine Oil Gelation Customer Support Program included 1997-2002 Camry V6 vehicles. Toyota's owner letter described engine oil gel as thickened oil that can restrict lubrication and identified blue exhaust smoke and excessive oil consumption as possible symptoms. The prog… Severity: high.
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.