2001 Toyota Camry Solara Problems

What owners report

Owners of the 2001 Toyota Camry Solara most often describe airbags that did not deploy in crashes, and sudden acceleration or brakes that do not slow the car. Other frequent reports describe seat belts that do not retract or latch, engine failures that owners associate with oil sludge, and a persistent pull to the left. Mileage is stated in only some complaints and varies widely, and sudden acceleration was reported at both low and high mileage.

1. 1
   Air bags

   Airbags did not deploy in crashes

   • 11 complaints (21%)
   • median 88,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
   • 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2003–2020

   Owners describe airbags that did not deploy during crashes, including a rollover, a collision at a stop, and crashes at highway speed. In some reports the seat belt also did not engage, and according to complaints the manufacturer would not replace an airbag after an accident. A repair account says the car was fixed but the airbag was not replaced. Stated mileage ranges from about 2,800 to 178,000 miles, and several crashes are described at a complete stop, in parking lots, or at highway speed.

   2 related service bulletins

   What to check: Ask whether the airbag system has been scanned for stored codes, and whether any airbags were replaced after a past crash. On a startup check, confirm that the airbag warning light comes on briefly and then goes off.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I had an auto accident where I hit the back of a van stopped to turn on a roadway (legally) and I failed to see it until I was right upon it. I hit the back of this van at approximately 40 miles per hour. Although the van was hardly damaged, my whole front end of my car was damaged, including parts of my radiator, fans and bumper, lights, and grill. However, my air bag did not deploy. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10064376, filed 2004-04

   “Was involved in a front end collision. Airbag did not deploy. Seat belt did not engage. I had reported the seatbelt problem to the Toyota dealer previously. Passenger seatbelt was replaced, but dealer assured me that the driver seatbelt was fine. Toyota would not replace airbag after accident.”

   NHTSA complaint #10038940, filed 2003-09
2. 2
   Vehicle speed control

   Sudden acceleration or brakes that do not slow the car

   • 16 complaints (30%)
   • median 69,832 mi at 5.5 yrs old (12 state mileage)
   • 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2001–2020

   Owners describe sudden acceleration or surging, sometimes while parking or at a traffic light, and in some reports the brakes had little effect. Some describe an accelerator pedal that catches and then releases, or a floor mat interfering with the pedal, while others describe brakes that did not slow the car even when pressed hard. According to complaints, a dealer said a pedal problem was not covered by a recall. Stated mileage varies widely, from low figures to about 162,000 miles, and several events happened in parking lots, at traffic lights, or on freeways.

   What to check: Ask whether the accelerator pedal, floor mat, and throttle or cruise control components have been inspected, and whether any recall or service campaign applies by VIN. On a test drive, check that the pedal returns smoothly, the brake pedal slows the car firmly, and the car does not surge when stopped.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “2001 Toyota solara with 147000 miles. Gas pedal has a catch in it when it is all the way back, or returned. When you go to press down, it won't go down and feels like it is catching on something. It will suddenly release causing some over acceleration. Our local dealer says this is not part of the Toyota recall and it will cost $35.00 to clean it up to fix. If someone would like to look at it before it's fixed let me know.”

   NHTSA complaint #10308916, filed 2010-02, 145,000 miles

   “I was exciting a freeway. As I usually do, I disengaged the clutch expecting the cruise control to also disengage and coast to the stop sign with the assistance of my brake. Instead, as soon as I disengaged the clutch, the car accelerated as if someone had put their foot all the way to the floor. The brake had no impact to slow the acceleration. I turned the key off, hoping that would help - but the momentum carried me forward at a great speed. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11373197, filed 2020-11, 162,343 miles
3. 3
   Seat belts

   Seat belts that do not retract, twist, or latch

   • 8 complaints (15%)
   • median 127,423 mi at 11.6 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2002–2014

   Owners describe seat belts that do not retract fully, stay extended, or twist so they cannot be used. Some report a driver belt that was hard to clasp and did not feel secure. In a crash account, the belt did not engage, and the dealer had earlier replaced only the passenger belt. Stated mileage ranges from about 2,800 to 165,000 miles, and some complaints say the belt problem came back after dealer repairs.

   What to check: Ask whether the seat belt retractors and latches have been inspected or replaced, and whether the dealer has records of any belt repairs. On a test drive or inspection, pull each belt fully and let it retract, and check that the buckle latches securely.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Just within the last month, I have had difficulty getting the driver seat belt to clasp. It take a few tries, but finally does. But, it doe not seem secure and I am afraid that it may become unclapsed while driving. In the past it always worked fine and the clasp seemed much more secure. I was wondering if any other driver have had a problem with this. I sincerely appreciate any help or guidance you could give me. Thank you.”

   NHTSA complaint #10659616, filed 2014-11, 165,000 miles

   “Car accident. Broadsided another vehicle - $12000 in front end damage - not airbag or seatbelt worked. Was taken to the hospital with several injuries. Car was fixed, but airbag not replaced.”

   NHTSA complaint #10088454, filed 2004-08, 2,800 miles
4. 4
   Engine cooling

   Oil sludge and engine failure with smoke

   • 5 complaints (9%)
   • median 89,500 mi at 9.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2007–2015

   Owners describe oil sludge or gelled oil inside the engine, followed by smoke from the exhaust, check engine lights, and engine failure. According to complaints, the dealer diagnosed sludge contamination and recommended a replacement engine, and the manufacturer reportedly offered no assistance. A complaint says the problem affects Camry and Solara engines from 1998 to 2002. Stated mileage ranges from about 70,000 to 156,000 miles, and some complaints describe smoke from the tailpipe before the engine failed.

   What to check: Ask whether the engine oil and service history are documented, and whether the vehicle has any record of sludge diagnosis or engine replacement. Check for tailpipe smoke at startup, and ask an independent mechanic for a compression test before buying.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Oil sludge and gelling problem on all Toyota engines in camry, Camry Solara from 1998 to 2002. I have this issue as well and the car gives out smoke, fails inspection, check engine lights come on and leads to premature engine failure.”

   NHTSA complaint #10258358, filed 2009-02

   “The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Camry Solara. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact mentioned that once the vehicle was turned on, black smoke emitted from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the engine was contaminated with oil sludge. As a result, the engine had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.”

   NHTSA complaint #10690469, filed 2015-02, 156,000 miles
5. 5
   Suspension

   Pulling to the left after repeated dealer visits

   • 7 complaints (13%)
   • median 54,486 mi at 4.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2002–2006

   Owners describe a persistent pull or drift to the left, in some cases toward the opposing lane of traffic, even after repeated dealer visits. According to complaints, the dealer attributed the pull to the crown of the road, and a complaint notes the caster is not adjustable. Some entries are letters to the agency raising alignment and front suspension concerns. Mileage is not stated in these complaints, and the pull is described as persisting after repeated dealer visits.

   What to check: Ask whether a front-end alignment and suspension inspection were completed, and request the alignment printout and dealer records. On a test drive on a flat road, check whether the car holds a straight line without constant steering correction.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Ltr fm timothy f. Quinn (ny) re alignment and front suspension defects for a 2001 Toyota solara, inquiring when NHTSA will initiate defect investigation, reply to new york, ny ofc. The consumer stated the vehicle had a tendency to pull the left and into the opposing lane of traffic. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on nine occasion, however the dealer claimed it was caused by the crown in the road.”

   NHTSA complaint #10067058, filed 2004-04

   “Ltr fm timothy quinn (ny) report safety issue with vehicle a 2001 Toyota solara pulls to the left and in the opposing lane of traffic alignment and front suspension defect. The dealer told the consumer the problem was caused by crowns in the road.”

   NHTSA complaint #10063379, filed 2004-03

Buying note. For a 2001 Solara, ask the seller for records of any airbag, seat belt, brake, or engine repairs, including any oil sludge diagnosis or engine replacement. A pre-purchase inspection that scans for airbag codes, checks seat belt operation, tests the brakes and accelerator pedal, and checks front alignment can help you judge the car's condition.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 46 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.