2003 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2003 Toyota Camry has 5 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $80 to $900. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry, a common complaint on 2002-2011 Camrys is a clunking or knocking felt in the steering column or floorboard, especially over small bumps or during low-speed steering inputs. Toyota issued TSBs for intermediate steering shaft noise and looseness on multiple applications, and owners often describe it as a persistent front-end rattle that survives replacement of struts or sway bar links. The issue is usually wear in the intermediate shaft splines or joints rather than a dangerous immediate steering loss, but it can be annoying and can mask other front-end problems.
Diagnosis involves isolating the noise with the vehicle on the ground and checking for play in the intermediate steering shaft while ruling out tie rods, strut mounts, and sway bar links. The standard fix is replacement of the intermediate steering shaft with the updated part and rechecking steering alignment/centering. If noise remains, the lower column joint and front suspension components should also be inspected.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2002-2017 Toyota Camry, many Camry owners report rear wheel bearings developing a low growl, humming, or helicopter-like noise that increases with road speed. The sound is often mistaken for tire noise at first, but it usually becomes louder over time and may change slightly during lane changes. This is a recurring wear issue documented in owner forums, complaint databases, and repair records across multiple generations in the 2000-2017 range.
Confirm the source with a road test, chassis ears if available, and by checking for roughness or play at the hub. Repair is typically replacement of the affected rear hub/bearing assembly, followed by inspection of the opposite side and tire condition. Corrosion around the hub and prolonged driving on a noisy bearing can complicate removal.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry, a common Camry problem is EVAP system failure caused by a saturated charcoal canister, sticking vent valve, or related vacuum switching valve faults. Owners usually first notice a check engine light, often after repeated topping off of the fuel tank or exposure to road debris/moisture. The issue is well documented across 2002-2011 cars and can prevent emissions inspection compliance.
Smoke-test the EVAP system and verify purge/vent valve operation before replacing parts. Repair typically involves replacing the charcoal canister assembly and/or vent valve, checking hoses for cracks, and confirming the gas cap seals properly. Avoid topping off the tank after the pump clicks off to reduce future canister damage.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2000-2017 Toyota Camry, across high-mileage Camry models, front axle outer CV joints commonly begin clicking or popping during low-speed turns after the protective boot cracks and grease escapes. Owners often first hear the noise during parking lot maneuvers or U-turns, especially under acceleration. Once contamination enters the joint, the clicking usually progresses until the axle assembly needs replacement.
Inspect both front axle boots for grease sling, tears, and looseness, then road-test on full-lock turns in both directions. If the joint is already noisy, replacing the complete axle shaft is usually more practical than rebooting. After installation, verify axle nut torque and inspect transmission seals for leaks.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2002-2011 Toyota Camry, a frequent owner-reported issue on 2002-2011 Camrys is loss of one or more cabin fan speeds, or complete blower failure, usually traced to the blower motor resistor, blower motor, or overheated connector. Owners often notice the fan only works on high speed before failing entirely. This is widely discussed in owner forums and repair databases and is a common age-related HVAC electrical problem on these cars.
Diagnosis involves checking blower fuse and relay operation, verifying power and ground at the blower motor, and inspecting the resistor and connector for heat damage. Repair usually means replacing the blower resistor and, if current draw is high or the fan is noisy, replacing the blower motor as well. Replacing only the resistor without addressing a dragging motor can lead to repeat failure.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
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.
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."
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2003-2003 Toyota Camry has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Intermediate Steering Shaft Clunk and Steering Knock Over Bumps, EVAP Charcoal Canister / Vent Valve Failure Triggering Check Engine Light, Rear Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Growl and Humming Noise. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2003-2003 Toyota Camry has 5 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Toyota Camry issues range from $80 to $900, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
A common complaint on 2002-2011 Camrys is a clunking or knocking felt in the steering column or floorboard, especially over small bumps or during low-speed steering inputs. Toyota issued TSBs for intermediate steering shaft noise and looseness on multiple applications, and owners… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.
A common Camry problem is EVAP system failure caused by a saturated charcoal canister, sticking vent valve, or related vacuum switching valve faults. Owners usually first notice a check engine light, often after repeated topping off of the fuel tank or exposure to road debris/moi… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
Many Camry owners report rear wheel bearings developing a low growl, humming, or helicopter-like noise that increases with road speed. The sound is often mistaken for tire noise at first, but it usually becomes louder over time and may change slightly during lane changes. This is… Repairs typically run $300-$850. Severity: medium.
Across high-mileage Camry models, front axle outer CV joints commonly begin clicking or popping during low-speed turns after the protective boot cracks and grease escapes. Owners often first hear the noise during parking lot maneuvers or U-turns, especially under acceleration. On… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
A frequent owner-reported issue on 2002-2011 Camrys is loss of one or more cabin fan speeds, or complete blower failure, usually traced to the blower motor resistor, blower motor, or overheated connector. Owners often notice the fan only works on high speed before failing entirel… Repairs typically run $80-$350. 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.
