What are the most common Toyota Solara problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 200+ owner reports, the 1999-1999 Toyota Solara has 1 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Dashboard Cracking and Melting in Hot Climates. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Toyota Solara reliable?

The 1999-1999 Toyota Solara has 1 known issues documented across 200+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Solara problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Solara issues range from $50 to $1,500, 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.

1999 Toyota Solara Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1999 Toyota Solara Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

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Community Reported

200 owners

On the 1999-2003 Toyota Solara, the first-generation Solara (1999-2003) dashboard is prone to cracking and developing a sticky, melting surface in hot climates. The dashboard material degrades from UV exposure and heat cycling, producing deep cracks across the surface and a tacky residue. This is a known issue across many 1999-2003 Toyota/Lexus models. Toyota issued an enhanced warranty for some Camry models with the same dashboard but the Solara was not officially included in most extensions.

Common Symptoms

Cracks appearing across dashboard surface
Dashboard surface becoming sticky or tacky
Dashboard material flaking or peeling
Glare from cracked dashboard reflecting in windshield
Strong chemical smell from dashboard in hot weather

How to Fix

Dashboard replacement is the only permanent fix ($800-1,500 installed). Aftermarket dash covers from DashMat or Coverlay provide a cosmetic fix for $50-150. Coverlay dash cover kits are molded specifically for the Solara dashboard shape and adhesive-mount over the damaged dash. Keeping a windshield sunshade in place when parked dramatically slows progression.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 200+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeCoverlay 11-708-DBL Solara dash cover — molded to exact dashboard shape, adhesive install over cracked dash (Coverlay #11-708-DBL)
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TipUse a windshield sunshade religiously when parked — UV damage is the primary cause of dashboard degradation
TipApply 303 Aerospace Protectant to the dashboard monthly — it provides UV protection and can slow further cracking

Typical repair cost:$50 - $1,500

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Community Reported

Low Confidence200 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

1999 Toyota Solara Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 1 Known Issues

1999-2003 Toyota Solara: Dashboard Cracking and Melting in Hot Climates#