What are the most common Toyota Solara problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 480+ owner reports, the 2002-2002 Toyota Solara has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.4L 2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption, Dashboard Cracking and Melting in Hot Climates. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Solara reliable?

The 2002-2002 Toyota Solara has 2 known issues documented across 480+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2.4L 2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption. 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.

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

Repair costs for known Toyota Solara issues range from $50 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.4L 2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $200-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2002 Toyota Solara Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2002 Toyota Solara Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

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Community Reported

280 owners

On the 2002-2008 Toyota Solara 2.4L 2AZ-FE I4, the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine used in the Solara (shared with Camry and RAV4) has a well-documented excessive oil consumption issue. The piston rings do not maintain adequate tension against the cylinder walls, allowing oil to pass into the combustion chambers. Consumption of 1 quart per 1,000-1,500 miles is common. Toyota issued a Limited Service Campaign (LSC ZE7) for some Camry models but Solara coverage has been inconsistent. Running low on oil causes catalytic converter damage and potential engine seizure.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson

Common Symptoms

Oil level drops 1+ quart between oil changes
Blue or gray exhaust smoke under acceleration
Check engine light for catalytic converter efficiency (P0420)
Engine ticking or knocking from low oil
Fouled spark plugs at shorter intervals than normal

How to Fix

Toyota's authorized repair involves replacing the pistons and piston rings with an updated design (Toyota kit 04211-28813). This requires engine disassembly. For vehicles out of warranty, some owners use high-viscosity oil (5W-30 instead of 5W-20) to reduce consumption. Monitor oil level every 500 miles and top off as needed. If consumption exceeds 1 qt/1,000 miles, the piston ring replacement is recommended.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 280+ owners who fixed this issue

TipCheck oil level every gas fill-up — the 2AZ-FE can burn a quart in 1,000 miles and running low destroys the catalytic converter and engine bearings
TipAsk your Toyota dealer about LSC ZE7 coverage — even if your VIN wasn't initially included, some dealers will goodwill the piston ring repair
NoteDo NOT ignore the oil consumption — running the 2AZ-FE even 1 quart low accelerates bearing wear and can lead to rod knock
UpgradeHigh-quality synthetic oil helps reduce consumption and protect worn engines (Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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UpgradePremium oil filter ensures proper filtration with high-mileage engines (Wix Oil Filter)
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Typical repair cost:$200 - $3,500

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280+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Low Confidence280 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

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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200+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Low Confidence200 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

2002 Toyota Solara Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2002-2008 Toyota Solara: 2.4L 2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Toyota Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Solara problems?

Is the Toyota Solara reliable?

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

What is the 2002-2008 Toyota Solara 2.4L 2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption?

What is the 1999-2003 Toyota Solara Dashboard Cracking and Melting in Hot Climates?