2003 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Toyota Camry has 4 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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."
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."
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.
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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.
The 2003 Toyota Camry has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
