2002 Toyota Camry: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Camry years.
One of the Toyota Camry years to avoid. All Camry years
1,043 owner complaints, most about vehicle speed control. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 Camry?The 2002 Toyota Camry has 1043 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and service brakes.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Toyota Camry vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Camry years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the Camry?
Across the 30 Camry model years we track, complaint volume runs from 62 (2022) to 7,102 (2007). With 1,043 complaints, the 2002 Camry sits above the model's median of 587.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 Camry
air bags:frontal
Campaign 01V372000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
air bags:side/window
Campaign 04V346000ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAGS (CSA), ONE OR BOTH OF THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY BE TWISTED NEAR THE INFLATOR DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY.
air bags:frontal
Campaign 01V306000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
tires
Campaign 01V302000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TOURING TIRES, P205-65R15 92S, INSTALLED AT THE PORTS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. THE INCORRECT TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES THAT HAD DAMAGED TIRES. THE TIRES WERE DAMAGED DURING A PORT UPGRADE TO ALUMINUM WHEELS.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability and low cost of ownership. The Camry is consistently cited as a benchmark for dependable, low-maintenance transportation capable of exceeding 200,000 miles with basic care.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Camry. See the full Camry owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Camry listings typically run $13,998–$23,798.
Other Camry model years
Compare every Camry year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Camry against its rivals
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