2001 Toyota Solara Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2001 model year · 200+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 200+ owner reports, the 2001 Toyota Solara has 1 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Dashboard Cracking and Melting in Hot Climates with 200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 1 Known Issues
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)
- 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