MyCarTSB

2008 Toyota Camry Electrical Problems

41 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

41
Complaints
3
Crashes
8
Fires
Jan 2008Dec 2019
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (41)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jul 2024

Your car's ABS light and brake warning light are both on, and you're experiencing difficulty braking. Your air conditioner is also malfunctioning, and these problems may be related to each other. The issue likely involves the brake system and electrical components that control both braking and climate functions.

NHTSA #: 11603832
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CrashFiled: Jul 2023

Your hybrid battery failed without warning while you were backing out of your garage, causing a sudden loss of power to the steering and brakes, which led to a collision with a brick gate. After the crash, your car won't drive and displays warning messages including "check hybrid system" and "low voltage park immediately." A mechanic confirmed the hybrid battery failed and is overheating. Replacing the hybrid battery pack should restore normal power and function to your vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11534248
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2023

ABS/VSC actuator pump failure and with the abs alarm on causing constant drain to the system needing jump every time or to disconnect 12v every time parked. Dealer diagnosed wrong last year stating 12v battery needed replacement. I did the $500. It did NOT fix the problem. Now dealer states actuator pump failure - replace/fix price approx $4,000. I asked for diagnostic readouts to prove to me that they have it right this time. (I'm over 50 hours into this ABS failure) he refused and would not agree to refund my money if I would go ahead with their advised repair. My car has only 116,000 miles on it! I've checked around & it seems that my model should be part of recall/repair. I've gotten nothing written from Toyota when I have inquired in writing. Extremely dangerous, this failure!

NHTSA #: 11501983
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2022

replaced meter assy.$1141.00 ,replaced actuator assy. $793.00 =$1934 dollars i still have electrical problems

NHTSA #: 11492221
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Apr 2022

I was driving on the highway and I smelled something burning towards my left. I looked at my door panel and saw the window switch on fire. I immediately pulled over to the side of the freeway. I opened the door, got out, and attempted to put out the fire. If I did not react fast enough I could have easily have got trapped on the driver side and would have to try to rush out of the passenger side as I wouldn’t have any control of opening the driver door or window. I had no success of extinguishing the fire and then called 911. I answered their questions and they were dispatched. I got lucky and a good samaritan had a fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire. Five minutes later the firefighters showed up. Eventually, the door panel melted to the ground from the heat. Firefighters went through the car to determine if the fire was out. They gave the okay, took my information, and left me with an inspection number. CHP also came by to check on me. He didn’t leave any inspection numbers. The car is available for inspection if need be. The was no warning lamps, messages, etc. I’m not sure if the problem has been reproduced the dealer or independent shop.

NHTSA #: 11462697
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Jul 2020

THE AC DOES NOT BLOW COLD AIR AT ALL. THE ECO BUTTON DOESN'T WORK. WHEN PRESSED, THE CAR STALLS. THIS WAS WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED. TOO AFRAID TO TRY WHILE DRIVING. VISIBILITY IS POOR. I'VE REPLACED THE BRAKES NUMEROUS SINCE ACHIEVING OWNERSHIP.

NHTSA #: 11338612
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Dec 2019

THE CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE ON THE DRIVE WAY AND AT 4AM ON 12/4/19 WHEN I WAS ABOUT TO GO TO WORK I REALIZED THE DASHBOARD HAD EXPLODED. NO SIGNS OF A BREAK IN BECAUSE THE CAR WAS LOCKED. I AM NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES SINCE I GOT THIS CAR AND OUT OF A SUDDEN THE DASHBOARD JUST EXPLODES. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING? I AM CONCERN ABOUT ALL OTHER OWNERS OF SAME YEAR AND MODEL WHO ARE AT RISK OF SUCH EXPLOSION.

NHTSA #: 11287064
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CrashFiled: Mar 2019

EXPERIENCE INVOLUNTARY ACCELERATION OF 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CAR WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY. I TRY TO BREAKS BUT THE CAR CONTINUED UNTIL IT HIT A MEDIUM. THIS WAS A FRONT ON COLLISION. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED

NHTSA #: 11186853
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2018

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME ONE DAY AND TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. WHEN I DROVE IT, IT SHOOK BUT WAS NOT TOO BAD. I THOUGHT IT WAS A TIRE BALANCING ISSUE. THEN IT HAPPENED. I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY ON THE FREEWAY, THE CAR STARTED SHAKING AND THE ABS WAS ACTIVATED! I STOPPED THE CAR ON THE ROAD AND I COULD SMELL THE BRAKE SMOKE. THE THE LAST STRAW, I'M DRIVING HOME ONE DAY AND THE BRAKES SEIZED I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME THE BRAKE ACTUATOR WAS THE CAUSE AND IT WAS COMMON FOR THE YEAR/MAKE/MODEL BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THE COST OF REPAIR WAS $3K. THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR SOMETHING THAT IS "COMMON". AFTER HAVING MY CAR FOR 3 DAYS, TOYOTA AGREED TO PAY HALF OF THE COSTS, SO IT STILL COST $1500 TO REPAIR, PLUS $100 FOR A BRAKE JOB, THOUGH I HAD A BRAKE JOB 6 MONTHS OLD! LIKE MANY MANY OTHERS, OUR 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY HAS AND CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE MAJOR ISSUES AFFECTING THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BRAKES ABS ACTIVATING ON ITS OWN, BRAKES SEIZING, PREMATURE BRAKE PAD/ROTOR WEAR, DASHBOARD LIGHTS NOT WORKING, CAR MATS, BRAKE PEDAL, SUN VISORS, DASH BOARD MELTING, MOTOR MOUNT BREAKING FOR NO REASON, DASHBOARD GAUGES NOT WORKING (SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER/FUEL/TEMPERATURE ETC), CRUISE CONTROL WORKING INTERMITTENTLY WHERE IT TURNS OFF BY ITSELF, DOOR PANELS COMING LOOSE, SPEAKERS STOP WORKING PROPERLY. I COULD GO ON, BUT I THINK YOU GET THE PICTURE. THOUGH WE'VE ENJOYED OWNING TOYOTAS IN THE PAST, WE'VE OWNED THIS ONE FOR ALMOST THIS ONE FOR ALMOST 11 YEARS. AND THOUGH WE'RE LOOKING TO GET A NEW CAR SOON, I'M FAIRLY CERTAIN THAT BECAUSE OF THE ISSUES AND MORE IMPORTANTLY THE CORPORATE TREATMENT BY TOYOTA REGARDING ISSUES WITH THEIR PRODUCT, THIS MAY OUR LAST ONE. THE NHTSA SHOULD ENCOURAGE TOYOTA TO DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO FIX THESE ISSUES BEFORE THEY BECOME FATAL.

NHTSA #: 11110766
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2018

I HAVE NOTICED EXCEESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION SINCE 2015 IS 2016 AND HAVE GONE THROUGH NUMEROUS REPAIRS ONLY TO STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE LATEST ESTIMATE IS FOR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE AFTER ALL OF THIS TIME ONE GUY ACTUALLY NOTICED THAT THE OIL WAS LITERALLY BURNING UP RIGHT AFTER HE CHANGED THE OIL. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON THE INTERSTATE AT NIGHT WITH A TODDLER FOR HOURS, AS WELL AS NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE CAR AT TIMES. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED MY CAR RANDOMLY SHAKING AND SMOKING IN TRAFFIC, AFTER WHICH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. MY CAR HAS BEEN STATIONARY FOR WEEKS AT A TIME, MOST RECENTLY THIS PAST WEEK AFTER I WAS UNABLE TO FIND OUT WHO COULD FIX IT AND NOT KEEP RIPPING ME OFF. TO FIND OUT THERE WAS KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ISSUE BY TOYOTA AND NOTHING WAS SENT TO ME SAYS A LOT ABOUT HOW THE LIVES OF THEIR CUSTOMERS, AND/OR THEIR CUSTOMER FAMILY AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD, ARE ACTUALLY VALUED. THE NUMBER OF CAMRY'S MANUFACTURED AND SOLD TO UNKNOWINGLY TRUSTING CONSUMERS IS BOTH SHOCKING AND SCARY.

NHTSA #: 11078587
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2017

THIS IS COMPLAIN ABOUT MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2008 , ABOUT A HALF A YEAR AGO BOTH SIDES FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER GOT BROKE MINE VISOR'S , IT'S COMPLICATING MY SAFETY DRIVING THIS CAR , THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN LEAVE THEM UP , ALL THE TIME THEY HANGING DOWN BLOCKING MY VISION , IT'S VERY UNSAFE AND I'M SURE THAT'S A RECALL BECAUSE I HEARD ABOUT THAT A MANY COMPLAINTS , PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR THE APPOINTMENT TO REPAIR THIS[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA #: 11022085
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2017

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT MY HOME AROUND THE LAST WEEK IN JANUARY AND THE 4TH OF FEBRUARY 2017. WHEN I STARTED MY CAR IT DIDN'T SOUND LIKE IT NORMALLY DOES AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND A SQUIRREL UNDERNEATH AND HAD A LOT OF DEBRIS. I FOUND THE COVERINGS CHEWED OFF THE WIRES SOME WIRES CHEWED INTO AND SOME HOSES CHEWED. THE INJECTOR WIRES WERE CHEWED TO THE #6 INJECTOR CAUSING IT TO RUN VERY SLOW UPHILL. THE INSULATION UNDER THE HOOD, OUTER COVER WAS CHEWED OFF AND PART OF THE INSULATION. I HAVE LIVED HERE MANY YEARS AND NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER VEHICLES EXCEPT ONE OTHER VEHICLE AT THE SAME TIME THIS HAPPENED. SINCE THEN I CAN'T KEEP THE SQUIRREL OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY VEHICLE I CHECK IT OFTEN AND THERE IS MORE DEBRIS UNDER THE HOOD SOMETIMES BUT NOT AS MUCH AS BEFORE. HAVE TRIED DIFFERENT THINGS TO KEEP THE RODENTS OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD BUT NOTHING IS WORKING PERMERNANTLY. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS CREATED A SAFETY HAZARD AND AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO GET IT CHECKED OUT COMPLETELY. G

NHTSA #: 10970010
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE RMN DIAL FLUCTUATED UP AND DOWN, AND THE BRAKE AND ABS INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA #: 10959645
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER RECALL CONCERNING THE DASHBOARD AND THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO SUPPLY THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER FOR LONGER THAN 6 MONTHS AND WAS UNABLE TO GET A RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10891650
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: May 2016

AUGUST 10 2015 I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN THE WINDOWS BEGAN TO GO UP AND DOWN BY IT SELF THEN THE DRIVER WINDOW BEGAN TO SMOKE I PULLED OVER WHERE I WAS AND GOT OUT TO GET HELP BY THE TIME I GOT BACK OUT THE DRIVER DOOR HAD FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE CAR ALL THE DOORS LOCKED AND BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT GOT THERE THEY HAD TO PRY THE DOORS AND HOOD OPEN NOTHING ELECTRICAL WORKED THEY GOT THE FIRE OUT AND MY CAR WAS CONCIDERED A TOTAL LOSS TOYOTA CAME OUT TO LOOK AT MY CAR IN SEPTEMBER AND I GOT A RESPONSE IN OCTOBER WHERE MY CASE MANAGER TROY HIGGA TOLD ME IT WAS DO TO THE RECALL THAT MY CAR COUGHT FIRE AND THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF ANY FINANCE THAT I PAID OUT OF POCKET HERE WE ARE 10 MONTHS LATER I HAVE HEARD NOTHING IM OVER 6000$ IN DEPT MY CREDIT MESSED UP AND MY SAVINGS GONE WHEN I GOT THAT RECALL IN THE MAIL I DID CALL TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS IN YET THEY WOULD CONTACT ME BACK WHEN THEY HAD IT IN ALSO

NHTSA #: 10864854
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2016

THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS OF MY TOYOTA 2008 CAMRY COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON, THE WHOLE DASHBOARD READERS; THE SPEEDOMETER, RPM, ENGINE TEMPERATURE AND OTHER GAUGES JUMP AND FLICKER, THE LIGHT MARKERS FOR ABS AND PARKING GO OFF. WENT TO DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED OUT BUT THERE WERE NO CODES TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. IT KEEPS HAPPENING AT VARIOUS TIMES OF THE DAY (MORNING AND EVENING), WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED OR MOVING, AND ON ALL TYPES OF ROADS AND DRIVING CONDITIONS (CITY STREETS, HIGHWAY, AT A STOP LIGHT, AT A STOP SIGN, WHEN I AM TURNING). I HAVE NOTICED THAT TOYOTA HAS ALREADY ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE FOR THE 2007 CAMRY HYBRID. GIVEN THE SHEER NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR THE REGULAR CAMRY 2007, IT SEEMS RIDICULOUS THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS FOR THE 2007 CAMRY.

NHTSA #: 10860827
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,000.

NHTSA #: 10785128
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2015

WHILE THIS VEHICLE IN THE DASHBOARD THE RPM KEEP ON FLAPPING UP AND DOWN , SPEEDOMETER STAYED STILL IN THE LOWER POSITION , THE A/C KEEP ON TURN ON AND OFF ON ITS OWN AND THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON

NHTSA #: 10734954
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2015

MY ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, TEMP GAUGE, GEAR LIGHTS STOP WORKING, AND THE A/C STOP BLOWING COLD AIR, AND THE GAUGES BOUNCE AROUND. TRIED REPLACING THE DASH AND IT DID NOT WORK. TOOK IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND THEY CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG. HAD MY BRAKES CHECKED OUT AND THEY ARE FINE. I CAN PUSH THE UP/DOWN LOCK BUTTON ON MY DOOR AND THE GAUGES WILL START WORKING, BUT THAT DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. I HAVE TO PUT GAS IN MY CAR EVERY WEEK BECAUSE OF THE GAS HAND NOT WORKING PROPERLY EITHER. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM AND NO SOLUTIONS AND NO RECALLS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL.

NHTSA #: 10725777
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Apr 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY SHORTED OUT. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE LIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE WHILE TRAVELING AND CAUSED A LOSS OF VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA #: 10713518
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2015

WHILE DRIVING OR IDLING, BRAKE AND ABS LIGHT GET LIT AND SPEEDOMETER IS NOT WORKING, ODOMETER IS JUMPING UP AND DOWN AND HEAT NEEDLE IS INTERMITTENTLY GOING NORMAL/COLD. THE MILEAGE METER IS NOT WORKING AND THIS ALL GOES AWAY WHEN THOSE LIGHTS EITHER RESET ON THEIR OWN OR SOME OTHER WAY NOT KNOWN TO ME HOW. WHILE DRIVING, NOT KNOWING HOW FAST THIS VEHICLE GOING IS VERY DANGEROUS, I AM A FEMALE AND I DRIVE MOST SO THE TIME DURING NIGHTS AND I AM VERY WORRY IF SOMETHING HAPPENS. I WENT FOR TOYOTA SERVICE AND THEY MENTIONED THAT THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS SITUATION WAS THAT I DID NOT BRING MY CAR FOR MAINTENANCE WITH TOYOTA IN THE FIRST TWO YEARS WHICH IS NOT TRUE. I WANT TO KNOW IF TOYOTA IS NOT DOING SOMETHING ON THIS REGARDS, I DO NOT HAVE THAT QUANTITY OF MONEY TO CORRECT THE SITUATION AND THEY MENTIONED THAT IF IT IS NOT CORRECTED I WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE BRAKES WILL FAIL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10702052
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Oct 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH AND OPENING THE WINDOW, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA #: 10650995
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2014

OUR FAMILY OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TUNDRA WHICH WE LOVE SO THAT MADE US BUY A CAMRY IN 2008 BIG MISTAKE! EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 08' HAD NOTHING BUT MECHANICAL ISSUES AND AS OF DATE 6 RECALLS AND COUNTING. A MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEH THEY REPLACED MY AXLE, BRAKES AND THEN THAT'S WHEN THE RECALLS STARTING COMING IN. FROM MY VISORS FALLING TO NOW THE WINDOW RECALLS. MY FRONT DASHBOARD IS NASTY STICKY NO MATTER HOW I CLEAN IT IT'S GROSS THE STICKY WON'T GO AWAY AND THE ARMS RESTS ON THE DRIVER DOOR AND PASSENGER SIDES ARE BOTH ROTTEN FROM THE INSIDE THEIR CRACKED AND BROKEN. I DON'T USE ARM RESTS SO THEY SHOULDN'T BE! THE TOP CEILING CLOTH IN MY CAR FELL DOWN THE 4TH MONTH I HAD MY VEHICLE SO MY FATHER SPRAY GLUED IT (HOW SAD IS THAT!). THIS WAS MY FIRST CAR I PURCHASED BRAND NEW SO GOING THRU THIS AFTER COMPLAINTS AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY STILL DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. I'M SO UPSET I HAVE NO WORDS LEFT TO SAY ABOUT THIS VEHICLE I'M DRIVING A CRAP CAR THAT'S FALLING APART FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED IT. THANK YOU TOYOTA!!!!! UNLESS THEY TAKE CARE OF MY CAR SITUATION I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND TOYOTA TO ANYONE NOR BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA IT'S SAD!!! *TR

NHTSA #: 10630906
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2014

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT LIT ON DASH; TACHOMETER, TEMP GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED AND CAR SEEMED AT TIMES AS IF IT WANTED TO DIE AND WHEN PUSHING ON THE GAS IT WOULD NOT GIVE MUCH POWER. DURING THIS INCIDENT THE AC STOPS BLOWING COLD AIR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10626481
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, AND THE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE INDICATORS WERE STILL ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

NHTSA #: 10621337
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2014

SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING, BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, RPM GAUGE FLUTTERING, ABS LIGHT ON WE TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND HAD NO SUGGESTION FOR FIXING IT. TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED IGNITION. PROBLEM CONTINUES. TOYOTA NEEDS TO RECALL AND FIX. *TR

NHTSA #: 10597952
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2014

THE ABS LIGHT ON MY DASH STARTED APPEARING INTERMITTENTLY IN OCTOBER; THE MECHANIC SAID THE CODES WERE INCONSISTENT AND MUST BE DIAGNOSED BY DEALER. DEALER EVALUATED IN FEBRUARY; THEY FIRST SUGGESTED IT WAS MY ABS ECU GOING BAD ($2400); UPON PRODDING, THEY SAID JUST MY REAR TIRE SENSOR MUST BE REPLACED ($600). THE INCONSISTENT ANSWER AND COST HAS DETERRED MY FROM REPLACING EITHER. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATED MANY PEOPLE HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM AND AFTER MANY MISDIAGNOSIS, ABS ECU APPEARS TO BE CULPRIT. LAST WEEK, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT LIT ON DASH; TACHOMETER, TEMP GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO. CAR DROVE AND BRAKED OK. GAUGES FLUCTUATED FROM NORMAL READINGS (AVERAGE TEMP, TACH 3000RPM, MID-LEVEL TEMP) TO ALL VALUES AT ZERO, EVEN WHEN I AM DRIVING 65MPH ACCORDING TO GPS READING. READINGS WOULD RECOVER AND FAIL CONTINUOUSLY, AND IN OTHER CASES WORKED PROPERLY FOR 30 MILES. IN SOME CASES, AC STOPPED BLOWING COLD. FURTHER INTERNET SEARCHES SUGGEST AC, DASH LIGHTS, ABS ALL POINT TO BOSCH ABS ECU. I FOUND THREE NHTSA COMPLAINTS THAT LOOK SAME/SIMILAR FOR CAMRY: 10587648, 10555094, 10521931. REPORTS FOR ABS ON OTHER CARS SOUND SIMILAR (POSSIBLY BOSCH ECU?). THE FAULT CODES POINTED TO MULTIPLE TIRE SENSORS FAILING AT ONE TIME; OTHER FAILURE CODES WERE ALSO REPORTED. THE FAULTS DID NOT POINT TO THE ECU. WHILE ABS IS NOT NECESSARY FOR DRIVING, IT IS DESIRABLE. HOWEVER, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A FINANCIAL BURDEN TO HAVE WRONG OR INCONCLUSIVE CODES THAT EITHER LEAD TO FIXING THE WRONG THING (TIRE SENSOR VS ECU) OR PREVENTING SAFETY INFORMATION FROM BEING PROPERLY REPORTED (0 MPH, ENGINE TEMP 0, BRAKE LIGHT ON, ETC). I HAVE NOT DECIDED TO REPLACE ECU YET, AS I AM STILL TRYING TO CONFIRM THERE IS NO OTHER POSSIBLE PROBLEM THAT WILL COST EVEN MORE THAN $2400. *TR

NHTSA #: 10592624
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2014

ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00 PM, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, I NOTICED MY DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS FLUTTERING, AND THAT THE PANEL INSTRUMENTS WERE MOVING UP AND DOWN (SPECIFICALLY MY TACHOMETER AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE). MY SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT REGISTERING ANY SPEED, EVEN THOUGH I WAS DOING ABOUT 35 MPH, AND THE BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS WERE ON AND BRIGHT RED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER NEXT DAY, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE ABS ACTUATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND IT WOULD COST ME $2492.00, PLUS LABOR TO REPLACE THE ABS ACTUATOR. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT REGULAR BRAKING WOULD WORK, BUT THE ABS WOULD NOT. I LIKE MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2008. MY PRIOR 1996 CAMRY IS STILL RUNNING WELL, AND I ALSO LIKED IT. THAT'S WHY I BOUGHT THE 2008 MODEL. WHAT I DON'T LIKE A IS A CAR WITH UNDER PERFORMING, UNSAFE, FAULTY ENGINEERED OR SUBSTANDARD PARTS, WHICH MAY LEAD TO ACCIDENTS, LOSS OF LIFE AND CUSTOMER FRUSTRATION. *TR

NHTSA #: 10587648
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Apr 2014

SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE CONSOLE BETWEEN FRONT SEATS AND WITHIN SECONDS FIRE STARTED AND QUICKLY COMPLETE INTERIOR CAR BURNED. *JS

NHTSA #: 10585734
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Mar 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE A GARAGE WHEN IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE, COMPLETELY DESTROYING BOTH THE VEHICLE AND THE RESIDENCE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT TWO WITNESSES SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE SEATING AREA OF THE VEHICLE DURING THE INCIDENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SMOKE INHALATION DURING THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10574488
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
FireFiled: Sep 2012

I WAS DRIVING ON I-94 HIGHWAY, TRIED TO OPEN MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW USING MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR WINDOW SWITCH. THE SWITCH DID NOT WORK. ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER MY CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE AND I SAW THE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL. I PULLED OVER AND AFTER A COUPLE MINUTES THE SMOKE STOPPED. THE WINDOW SWITCH FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT WORK NOW. *TR

NHTSA #: 10473969
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
Filed: Feb 2012

BOTH (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE) SUN VISORS ARE DEFECTIVE VIA DISCONNECT AND/OR INABILITY TO MOVE FROM WINDSHIELD VIEW (OCCURRING ONLY 3 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE OF VEHICLE NEW). ALSO, VEHICLES ELECTRICAL PLUG OUTLETS ALSO DO NOT WORK, AND HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE AFTER 3 YEARS OF VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW. SEARCHING ONLINE, IT APPEARS THAT BOTH ITEMS ARE EXTREMELY COMMON FOR 2007-2008 TOYOTA CAMRY OWNERS, WITH AT LEAST THOUSANDS PLEADING FOR A RECALL AS THE FIXES ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE, FOR AN ITEM THAT DOES NOT TYPICALLY BREAK WITH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, AND IS OBVIOUSLY NOT DERIVED FROM WEAR AND TEAR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10449591
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2010

ELECTRICAL - ROOF WOULD NOT CLOSE - HAD TO TRY SEVERAL TIMES, WOULD GO HALF WAY AND REOPEN; RADIO-DISPLAY BLANKS, EJECTS 6 DISCS AND WILL NOT RESET - CANNOT USE TUNER BUTTONS, CAN ONLY TURN KNOB AND CAN'T SWITCH BANDS AS EACH BUTTON CAUSES POWER TO GO OFF. *TR

NHTSA #: 10364183
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Jul 2010

SUDDEN ACCELERATION TWO TIMES IN THE SAME DAY. DEALER WENT OVER CAR SAID NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. DEALER SAID TO PUT FLOORMATS IN TO TRUNK. NO OTHER ACTION TAKEN. NECK STRAIN RESULTED FROM INCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10343236
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CrashFiled: Mar 2010

MY TOYOTA CAMRY PEDAL WAS IN THE STICKING POSITION AND WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE THE BRAKES WOULD NOT DO THEIR JOB AND I COULDN'T STOP UNTIL I BUMPED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, I HAD EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION A FEW TIME OVER THE LAST TWO AND HALF YEARS WITH THIS CAR, BUT NEVER ANY STICKING OR BREAK FAILURE.

NHTSA #: 10322093
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Mar 2010

I PURCHASED MY CAMRY IN 2007 FROM CARSON TOYOTA IN LOS ANGELES. ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER PURCHASED MY VEHICLE I ALREADY STARTED EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY MOON ROOF. ON SOME OCCASIONS IT WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. INSTEAD OF PUSHING THE CLOSE BUTTON, I HAD TO TAP IT TILL IT CLOSES COMPLETELY AND CAREFUL NOT TO OVER TAP OR IT WOULD OPEN ON ITS OWN AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM COMES AND GOES AND I'VE HAD THE DEALER CHECKED MY CAR BACK THEN. OVERALL, THEY GAVE ME A HARD TIME, FIRST RESPONSE I RECEIVED FROM THEIR MECHANIC WAS "THAT'S HOW IT IS" SO I ARGUED WITH HIM THAT YOU DON'T TAP A MOON ROOF BUTTON HOPING IT WOULD CLOSE PROPERLY. I ALSO SPOKE TO THE SALES AGENT WHO SOLD IT TO US AND JUST GAVE THE ANSWER "IT'S A MACHINE, SOMETIMES IT BREAKS DOWN" WHICH MADE ME UPSET AS I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR A WEEK BEFORE AND IF HE TOLD ME THAT THEN, I WOULD NOT HAVE SUNK $20,000 INTO IT IF IT WOULD START ACTING UP ON THE SECOND DAY! ANYWAY, THEY CHECKED MY MOONROOF AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND TOLD ME TO COME BACK NEXT WEEK IF IT STILL DIDN'T WORK. UNFORTUNATELY IT STOPPED AND IN THE PAST 2.8 YEARS THIS PROBLEM KEEPS SURFACING AND DISAPPEARING UP TO NOW. THEN AFTER LIVING WITH THIS DEFECT, I HAD THE UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCE OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN MY GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK. I HAVE BAD BACK PROBLEMS BUT WITH SUDDEN PANIC WAS ABLE TO REACH DOWN AND GRAB THE CARPET TO LOOSEN THE PEDAL. SINCE THEN I HAVE NOT FELT SAFE IN MY CAR AND I'M AFRAID TO PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL TO HARD. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE RECALL AS IT DOES NOT PREVENT THE ACCELERATIONS FROM HAPPENING AND IF I HIT MY BRAKES ON A BUSY STREET AND THE CAR DIES, I'M AFRAID OF GETTING HIT FROM BEHIND OR ON THE SIDE ESPECIALLY WITH MY SON IN THE CAR. TO SUMMARIZE: I'VE HAD AN ACCELERATION AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS TOYOTA. IF I MAY PUT IN A REQUEST, TOYOTA NEEDS TO TAKE BACK THIS CAR AND REFUND IT'S CURRENT WORTH AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL, SO THAT WE CAN PURCHASE A SAFER FAMILY CAR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10316232
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2010

VEHICLE DASH LIGHTS GO OUT. WHEREAS YOU CANNOT SEE YOUR SPEED OR OTHER IMPORTANT DASH INSTRUMENTS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10305829
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2008

1. DRIVING CAR ON INTERSTATE AND 65MPH AND IT STALLED ON 08/28. DRIVING CAR AT 35 MPH AND IT STALLED SEPT. 10TH. 2. ON AUG. 28TH AND SEPT. 10TH - CAR ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND IS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE CAUSEWAY BRIDGE. CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT AND POTENTIAL INJURY OR LIFE OF DRIVER. 3. LAKESIDE TOYOTA COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM ON AUG. 28TH OR 29TH. COMPUTER CHIP REGISTERED NO PROBLEMS. NO REPAIRS MADE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10241696
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jun 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR EIGHT HOURS, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE LAUNDRY ROOM, THE GARAGE, AND THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE CAUSED $200,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE HOME. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES AVAILABLE. THE INVESTIGATORS STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE DASHBOARD. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 3,500. UPDATED 09/15/08 *BF UPDATED 09/17/08. *JB

NHTSA #: 10229708
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2008

2008 TOYOTA CAMRY INSTRUMENT PANEL TO BRIGHT. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RADIO ON THE RIGHT OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS TOO BRIGHT AND IT DRAWS YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD. THEY ALSO SAY THAT THE DIMMER SWITCH DOES NOT DIM IT ENOUGH FOR IT NOT TO BE A DISTRACTION. *KB

NHTSA #: 10216068
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Nov 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATES DURING ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE PREVENTS THE CONTACT FROM CHANGING LANES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GAIN SPEED. THE FAILURE HAS CAUSED NEAR CRASHES. THE DEALER INSTALLED NEW HARDWARE IN THE VEHICLE. THE REPAIR HELPED APPROXIMATELY 40%, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL HESITATES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,150 AND NOTICED THE FAILURE MILEAGE AT 100. THE CONSUMER STATED CAR WILL NOT START UNTIL THE THIRD TRY. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

NHTSA #: 10209926

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