2002 Toyota Camry Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 6%of 953 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,450miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Toyota Camry, 6% of the 953 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,450 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was coming out of my mechanic driveway and I let cars go by down a busy street> my foot was clearly on the brake and suddenly I heard a wining noise and my the accelerated on it's own and went across the road and hit a car in the middle of the street. I said to myself this car is causing me to have an accident. I had my mechanic check the brakes ABS and transmission no problem with that.”
NHTSA complaint #11205684, filed 2019-05, 76,000 miles“Took the car to good year change a bunch of parts. Aftet that took the car to get the oil changed. On the 01/27/2016 check engine light is now on the the vehicle. I sent you are report last week as well. I need your intervention. Please stop Toyota from ripping consumer off. It now states that the gas cap is off and or loose. This is not the case.”
NHTSA complaint #10823559, filed 2016-02, 12,700 miles“Engine head bolts stripped causing antifreeze loss, head had to be resurfaced, new head gasket, and a special kit was need to re-thread the loose bolts repairs cost over $3000 . Which is better than a new engine but repairs aren't guaranteed because this is a factory defect with this particular engine. Had I known this I wouldn't have purchased this particular make of car.”
NHTSA complaint #10621029, filed 2014-08, 114,000 miles“The exhaust manifold on my 2002 Toyota Camry with 2.4l cracked. It seems to be a common problem on these cars. My Camry only had a little over 60,000 miles when it happened. Other Toyota cars have been recalled for the same problems. Brake need long distance.”
NHTSA complaint #10854622, filed 2016-04, 168,000 miles“The exhaust manifold on my 2002 Toyota Camry with 2.4l cracked. It seems to be a common problem on these cars. My Camry only had a little over 60,000 miles when it happened. Other Toyota cars have been recalled for the same problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10837803, filed 2016-02, 61,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10164330Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections…
- 10149217Sep 14, 2016TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are…
- 10134223Sep 15, 2015TT: The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
- 10096556Sep 15, 2015Tt: the vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the engine ecm has been interrupted.
- 10132529Aug 24, 2015TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been…
- 10134128Jan 15, 2015TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix…
- 10096036Jan 15, 2015"tsb: flash reprogramming allows the ecu software to be updated without replacing the ecu. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ecus are released as field-fix…
- 10132812May 1, 2014Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to…
- 10060841Jan 29, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 8% |
| 2023 | 5 | 8% |
| 2022 | 6 | 10% |
| 2021 | 7 | 4% |
| 2020 | 60 | 22% |
| 2019 | 81 | 20% |
| 2018 | 137 | 18% |
| 2017 | 11 | 7% |
| 2016 | 17 | 9% |
| 2015 | 24 | 9% |
| 2014 | 57 | 13% |
| 2013 | 26 | 9% |
| 2012 | 59 | 10% |
| 2011 | 36 | 6% |
| 2010 | 43 | 7% |
| 2009 | 208 | 16% |
| 2008 | 131 | 14% |
| 2007 | 377 | 13% |
| 2006 | 10 | 3% |
| 2005 | 21 | 3% |
| 2004 | 26 | 4% |
| 2003 | 52 | 7% |
| 2002 | 58 | 6% |
| 2001 | 13 | 5% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 6 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Camry
281 complaintsBrakes
173 complaintsEngine cooling
107 complaintsAir bags
89 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
68 complaintsBody and structure
56 complaintsTires
54 complaintsSteering
43 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsSuspension
34 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
31 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Camry
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology