Problems with 2002 Toyota Camry SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

While driving at about 35 mph, i placed my foot on the brake to slow down a bit. the car did not slow down, instead it speed up to about 75 mph. i hit the brakes harder, but the car would not stop. *ak i quickly pulled on the hand brake and shifted the gear to park, then shut off the engine. i hade the vehicle towed to a toyota dealer. the dealer could not duplicate the problem, so they were not able to make a repair. i have also filed a complaint with toyota.

Vehicle has a very low brake pedal, when applied it stopped below the level of the accelerator pedal. *la the dealer informed the consumer the brakes were normal. the drums were cleaned. however that did not remedy the problem. the consumer also has a second 2002 toyota camry vin# [xxx] with the same brake issue. *jb information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Vehicle suddenly accelerated and brakes didn't respond when pressed. (nar) *ph *cb updated 7/5/12 *cn updated 07/12/12. *jb

On two separate occasions brakes failed. on 12/1/2003, while driving uphill, brakes malfunctioned, and consumer's vehicle bumped the rear of another vehicle. on 1/27/2004, while driving down hill, brakes failed. vehicle went onto a small incline and slowed down, and brakes started to operate again. dealer could not duplicate or determine the cause of the problem. *ak *mr

1. loud creaking and rattles: after many attempts at repairs, the problem finally turned out to be a manufacturing defect. they left plastic assembly guides in place, which they had to remove by removing the window again (this was a super secret service bulletin that was divulged only when the customer engineer for new england showed up). but he dealership managed to chip the paint in the process, requiring the roof to be repainted. once the creak was gone, the interior rattles were unbearable from all the quality work completed. 2. transmission issue: i've been assured by the service manager at me dealership that it is normal the transmission take at least a mile shift out of second gear when below 30f and to a lesser degree during warm weather. the car won't shift into third or overdriven until after least 1-2 minute of driving, no matter what speed. 3. transmission issue: when lifting off the throttle from 60 to 55mph on a downhill, there's a "hitch" or bucking where the transmission abruptly catches, then releases. almost like it down shifting, but it stops half way. this has been an annoying problem since day one. the bucking problem is annoying and problematic. it was solved by reset the computer and showed up again at 42,000 miles. they are blaming it on the adaptive micro-processor and my driving style. (warranty) 4. door rattles: driver's side and passenger side doors rattle/tick when going over bumps. i asked the service manager that was let go about the rattle, and he explained it's normal for new camry's to have the doors make that make noise. constant use of silicone was advised by the dealership. 5. airbag recall 6. passenger seat replacement due to poor construction and squeaking 7. check engine light for defective charcoal canister 8. warped front brake rotors 9. pealing chrome on passenger door handle. (warranty) 10. flaking paint on exterior door handles. * cb

While applying brakes vehicle surged forward without warning. as a result, vehicle collided into a another vehicle. no injuries reported. *ak

The consumer was involved in an accident after his vehicle suddenly accelerated and did not stop when the brakes were applied. *mr all computer pulses were tested and nothing was found wrong. when the shifter was placed in the drive position, the vehicle took off. the brakes were applied but did not stop the vehicle. the consumer steered to avoid the parked vehicles and crashed into a church. *sc *jb

I have a toyora camry 2002 model. the problem that is currently reported with prius brakes, i have similar problem. several times i have complained to the dealership in oakbrook, il but i was told that is the way it is designed. whenever i go over a bump and if hit brakes, it does not engage for a few seconds and actually accelarates. can someone look at these models that are not recalled yet. this happens periodically not just once. *tr

On four different occasions, i've had trouble with the anti-lock brakes. the first two incidents were on snowy and rainy roadways, so i figured it was the road conditions that caused the problem. the third time i was on ideal road conditions, including no sand on the roadway. i braked as usual but the car did not stop in the normal distance and continued to travel longer than the normal. i took it to the dealership and they said there was nothing wrong with the car. it happened for the fourth time on my regular route to work. i applied the brakes as usual and the brakes engaged, but did not hold. i was neither sliding nor skidding, but continued to travel along at about the same rate of speed. since i was coming to a major roadway, i was forced to put it in park to stop the car or i would have easily traveled across two lanes of traffic. i took it to the dealership, again. they inspected it all over and said this is normal for abs brakes. *la

I drive a 2002 toyota camry le purchased august 2002, automatic transmission. sometimes when i step on the brake my foot also presses the gas pedal and the car jumps forward a few feet before i regain control and stop it. the brake pedal and gas pedal are too close together and/or their height from the floor or range of motion are bad. i have been driving for 50 years, haven't had this problem significantly before. my last car was a '92 ford taurus - had no similar problem with it. i am tall, have big feet - size 12 or 13 shoes. i am afraid i might accidentally hit a pedestrian who stepped in front of my car, or bump into another car when i am moving back and forth while parking or turning in tight locations. otherwise the car is good, but this problem is bad enough that i would buy another car now if the loss from one year's depreciation was not as high. you (nhtsa) might have statistics that would permit you to check this out, then get toyota to redesign the pedals. *jb

Severe vibration in steering when brakes applied 20+ months after purchase. brought to dealer, deformed rotors, machined front disc brakes & replaced pads. when braking after this, vehicle pulled to the left. 24 months later had same severe vibration/brakes again. researched complaints nhtsa site..many have same complaint to dealer again & they wanted to charge me $99 to diagnose. i said no & the mgr steve said we don't charge that fee for brakes. i advised i knew of tsb's issued for this car & shouldn't have same problem from 2 yrs ago. he said only 1 yr warranty on prev work, but he would take a look. he said my rotors were warped & could not be machined again, only replaced, however brake pads are replaced when they are 2 ml & mine were at 7-8, & safe so either replace rotors & pads $469 live w/ vibration until pads worn down to 2 ml then do brake jobe. i advised i knew of tsb's for this problem & he said he already checked & there aren't. i said check again & after waiting told me there was a tsb but it had expired but in an act of "good will" he would order the part and do the repair to both front brakes free. i made an appt & went for repair. repair order said only one side rotor and pad replaced. now when i approach hgwy speed of 60-65 mph, steering wheel shimmies. people are having accidents due to these brake problems according to nhtsa complaints & nothing is being done! i worry someone will be hurt because this problem is not deemed worthy of a recall. the design of the brakes is a problem. *nm

Both rear brake discs were grooved after 4000 miles of use. dealership turned rotors. problems still existed with noise. took to second dealer and they turned discs (second turning) diagnosis: warped discs. my conscern is the safety of the rear brakes new, as well as after the remedy (turning). customer service rep. from first dealer stated that there have been many complaints about noise, but it is perfectly safe. *ak

I had a new 2002 toyota camry. the brakes seemed to be very soft when the first day i drove the car home from the dealer - i needed to really press the brake down to get the car to stop. i went back to the dealer the next day, they checked and told me no problems were found. later i also found that when braking from a slightly more elevated speed (bet 40-50 miles), the car's abs system seemed to make the brake pump by itself and cause braking to delay. i was worried about this and went back to the dealers at least another two times but every time was told no problems. because the brake, i had three accidents in which two times i rear-ended the vehicles that had stopped in front of me and the front end of car was badly damaged. i had not been going more than 30 miles an hour, as far as i know. but if the brakes had functioned correctly, i do not think the accidents would have occurred. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota camry. when the vehicle was driven in inclement weather or over a bump in the road, the brakes made a loud noise. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer several times. the dealer stated that the failure was electrical and replaced the alternator. the failure continued to occur. the vehicle was taken to another dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was within the abs computer system but the dealer did not know how to repair it. the contact called the manufacturer but was offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired when the complaint was filed. the failure mileage was approximately 38,000. the current mileage was approximately 55,000.

I went overseas for two months and returned which i do frequently and will in the future. i had the car parked and no one drove the vehicle and it only has approximately 7,500 miles on the odometer. i went to apply the brakes for the first time and the vehicle surged back and forth and almost crashed. the brakes catch" and then release in a severe lunging motion and the car is not safe to drive. after speaking to the dealer, i was told that there is rust buildup and it would not be under warranty and i must pay for the repairs. in all my 30 years of driving i have never heard of such a thing and consider the braking system or parts inferior and their should be a warning about this problem or it could be potentially a fatal situation. i have had vehicles sit around for long periods of time and have never had such a problem such as this. so it seems that after going away and returning to drive this $23k vehicle, i must pay for repairs every time. i will not drive this vehicle and am looking into legal action. *jb

When the pavement was wet and the consumer applied the brakes the pedal went all the way to the floor and vehicle didn't stop. the dealer inspected the vehicle but could no duplicate or correct the problem. *nlm

Brake pedal on 2002 camry touches floor while i am stopped at light. no accidents yet, but i am afraid to drive car. dealer says this is normal. (low brake pedal) i have scheduled another checkup for the brakes. what can i do? *nlm

2002 camry le,50k miles always pulls to left. has been to dealer and various shops. steering wheel shudders and vibrates at any and all speeds. problem is structural. brakes are constant problem. sunroof will not seal correctly therefore rear floor is now wet. now experiencing electrical problems. would have been better off buying a 1950 studebaker! and gm is in trouble? last toyota for me. car is unsafe. *tr

Brake failure of 2002 toyota camry v6 with abs brakes. brake pedal goes to the floorboard, brakes make loud ratcheting / grinding sound, car does not stop. on three occasions, approaching stops at less than 30 mph, car has gone through limit line exceeding stopping point by at least 10 feet, under normal driving conditions. this car has been inspected by manufacturer three times. service department is unable to duplicate the problem. i have been told that this is "normal" for abs brakes. paperwork from service department also indicates that car is safe to drive. i am afraid to put myself, a passenger, or another motorist at risk. the car is just over one-year-old, and i have completely stopped driving the car. i have written a letter to toyota 4-26-03 requesting a full refund under the lemon law. *nlm

When the brakes were depressed vehicle surged forward. this problem occurred 6 times since ownership of the vehicle. the vehicle has been to the dealer, who could not determine the cause of the problem. *ak *mr see voq 10063541. *dsy

The vehicle exhibits poor braking during hard stop. brake pedal goes to floor. during normal braking, brake pedal is very low. when you pump brakes, the brake pedal sinks. the dealer has checked brakes and says this is normal condition.*jb

Since i purchased this car it has been problems, first it was the brakes vibrating, took it in and right away the dealer knew what it was without me even explaining it to him, they fixed that in 2 trips. then it was the rotten egg smell, they could not find anything wrong.(then why does my car stink when i try to get power out of the engine?) then it was the knocking and pinging in the engine, (i was told that they could not duplicate the problem, but my octane level was low to upgrade my gas. the manufacturers provided owners manual states 87 octane gas or higher, i already use 89 octane and have since the day i bought the car, so why should i have to spend money on higher priced gas when the car is only 1 year old and the engine should not make any noises. now it is the tires and alignment the alignment is completely off that the tires are destroyed with only 17,250 miles on them, yet the car shows no sign of the alignment being off, it drives straight stays in one lane and the steering wheel is even straight, so how after one year with low miles is the alignment off and the tires are destroyed, and why was it unnoticed when i had my tires balanced and rotated 2 months earlier at 15,000 miles? by the same dealership! i feel that this car has alot of problems that the manufacturer does not want to address, look at how many other people are having the same problems, and we are all told that it is wear and tear or that there is no problem at all, well then why are we all having the same problems? i called toyota's main office logged a complaint and was told that someone would get back to me, it has been 3 days now and not one call has come my way! i feel that i should not have to pay for the repairs to this car since it is a nation wide problem, especially since it is a $27000.00 car that has depreciated in value by more than $7000.00 in less than one year, what happened to toyota's retaining there value? i wish everybody much luck with their issues. *nlm

There was a shake and vibration coming from under the right wheel. *jb

When the brake was applied, consumer would also hit the accelerator pedal.*jb the consumer's access to the brake pedal is impeded, or inhibited during application of the brake due to the design of the footwell and the brake pedal support assembly.

I have a 2002 camry that i bought new at smithtown toyota and i experienced the very same problem with my brakes from 'day one' that has now been identified on the prius & lexus models. i had the brakes checked quite a few times by smithtown toyota & again by riverhead toyota when i moved to the area in august 2003 & was told that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. since i was the one driving the car, i thought the explanation was a bit cavalier since my brakes continued to fail on uneven surfaces. i wrote to the dealership & toyota headquarters numerous times but was ignored (i have copies of my correspondence). after all these years, i have become adept at handling the car when the brakes fail but i have had some very close calls when the car keeps moving into intersections after trying to stop. apparently, toyota has misdiagnosed my problem for years. i paid $700 in 2007 to have new 'brake sensors' installed but they did not fix my problem. i have been very lucky to not have had a serious accident in the last 6+ years! the brakes are still grabbing and locking on rough surfaces yet toyota has continued to deny that there is a problem & that it is more widespread than being acknowledged. *tr

The front disk brake rotors are repeatedly warping despite normal driving habits, causing shaking of steering wheel when braking and possibly compromising vehicle stopping ability. first occurrence was at 7,000 miles, second at 15,000, third at 27,000. rotors were resurfaced at first two occurrences to temporarily correct problem. toyota warranty service only provides for resurfacing rather than part replacement. is this problem due to defective rotor materials and/or faulty brake system design?*jb

Front rotors are out of round. dealer cut them. they developed the same problem 4,000 miles later. i was told by the dealer if i had them cut again it would cost me money. i had them cut by my mechanic which happens to be my cousin at no charge. i was told by other camry owners that their rotors were replaced by toyota. i have 44,000 miles on my 2002 camry v6. the rotors are out of round again and toyota has not released after market rotors for that car. i am un-happy with this whole situation. *nm

The abs braking system would come on at different times , making them defective. the manufacture stated that system was working ineffectively, however it was because of the worn tires. the consumer was involved in an accident where he rear ended another vehicle. *ak the consumer would jam on the brakes as hard as he could. they worked for a short period of time, slowing the vehicle down to about 10 mph then releasing completely and caused the vehicle to roll into another vehicle. *sc

the front disc brake rotors are warping despite normal driving, causing shaking of steering wheel when braking and possibly compromising vehicle stopping ability. it occurred at 10,000 miles. toyota warranty service only provides for resurfacing the rotor rather than part replacement. is this problem due to defective rotor materials and/or faulty brake system design.*ak

When the brake was applied, the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance.*jb

Brakes(abs) are mushy and pedal travels so far down i feel it takes a longer time to stop the car. i took it back to the dealer shortly after purchase but was told this was normal with the 2002's camry. they adjusted the brakes but it made no difference. i took other 2002 camry's out for a test drive only to find there brakes the same. i have driven several toyato's over the years and never had brakes like the 2002 camry. i can't afford to sell the car ao would like the problem solved as i feel this will probaly cause an accident in the future. thanks mr. wagner. *ak

Attempted to bring vehicle to stop by applying the brakes when parking into a parking spot after making a right turn. the brake pedal went all the way down to the floor but the vehicle did not come to a stop, resulting into a head on collision with a building's outer wall. dt

1) front brakes keep going bad 4 times in 25,000 miles 2) warping of the disc bad vibration 3) keep replacing front rotors and pads. *jb

Consumer complained that the brake pedal was designed too big. on several occasions consumer attempted to move foot from the gas to the brake pedal when their shoe sole got caught under the brake pedal. this caused the consumer to apply the gas pedal inadvertently. *ak *mr

On two occasion since owning this vehicle this problem has occured. at highway speeds (70 mph) if the brakes are applied strong to avoid a collision you lose control of the vehicle. the last incident occured while my wife was driving. the vehicle spun out of control 180 degrees across three lanes of freeway and ended up facing oncoming traffic on the shoulder. when applying the brakes in the described fashion the rear of the car begins to skid into an out of control situation. dt

Consumer states that when depressing the brakes, the pedal requires excessive effort and travels very close to the floorboard. the consumer states that the stopping distance is increased. consumer contacted mfr who advised that the braking action is a normal occurence with a new braking system installed. *nlm the consumer states that the vehicle has been in for service several times, and has been acknowledged by a manufacturing rep that the pedal travels. *scc

Consumer states that while driving at 30-40 mph the consumer applied the brakes. the brakes went all the way to the floor. the consumer almost hit another vehicle. contacted dealer. *mr

The brakes make a "plink" sound, like a ukelele string being plucked, when the brakes are applied. the brake pedal goes all the way to floor if constant pressure is applied. i have another 2002 toyota camry, vin [xxx], that i bought at the same time which has the same problem. the dealer replaced the brake power assist, the master cylinder, bleed the brake lines, and adjusted the linkage on that car but the problem remains. the problem on the other 2002 toyota camry was reported on odi # 767459. the vin for the second 2002 toyota camry that i referred to in that report was misstated as [xxx]. the vin in this report is correct.*ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

The brakes make a "plink" sound, like a ukelele string being plucked, when the brakes are applied. the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor if constant pressure is applied. the dealer replaced the brake power assist, the master cylinder, bled the brake lines, and adjusted the linkage but the problem remains. i have a second 2002 toyota camry, vin [xxx], that i bought at the same time which has the same problem. the vin's are within 1,200 numbers of each other. ph. *jb **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**767459 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota camry. the contact was driving approximately 40 mph on a bumpy road surfaces. there was pressure applied to the brake pedal, followed by a sudden acceleration. the vehicle was able to slow down after several attempts; and continued in operation. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. the failure occurred whenever encountering a rough road surface, bumps and ice. the technician stated the brakes functioned properly and were unable to duplicate the failure. the failure mileage was 200. the vin was unavailable.

Front right axle had broken 6 months after the consumer bought the vehicle. *ak the consumer stated that the manager indicated that it may have been broken when purchased. the problem was found when rotating the tires. the3 arm which holds the foot brake has a curviture in it such that any person with a size 12 shoe can catch the toe of the shoe in it when applying the brake. *scc

I bought a brand new toyota camry in 2002. after 8 months (sept 04, 2002), when i was trying to stop the car at a red light i lost control of the car. i was about 20 yard behind a car which came to a stop at the red light. when i tried to stop the car, the car continue moving and lost control; i immediately i moved my car to the left lane and tried to hit the brake again and again and when finally i managed to stop the car it was exactly parallel to the car which was ahead of me. i nearly escaped the accident. i reported the incident to burnardi toyota (dealer) at framingham , ma and they were not listening to me. then, i also faced similar problem while i was driving on route 9. on both cases the ground was wet (due to little rain) and on both situations, i could not stop the car and i thought it was a break defect. i reported again (2nd time) to the dealer and told them i am scared driving this car and i also told them that it may be one in a million with the defect but they were arrogant and told me that the car has no problem. with my request they gave me 1-800 number to the toyota company to call if i have concerns. i called the toyota company and talked to a representative. they told me there are no similar incidents reported on their model. then,asked them to record my discussion with them. they told me any conversation is recorded. since, i do not want any other person driving the same car model to be hurt and i think it was to nhsta (?) that i report (email) my complaints. since toyota company or dealer did not respond to my complaints and i was afraid for the safety of myself and my family, in june of 2004 i went to the dealer and asked them to exchange the car and they gave me an estimated price of $12000 for the camry (almost 50% of the original price i paid) and i paid the difference for a toyota highlander. when i get rid off the car the book ...

New automobile problems. *nlm

While driving, the vehicle suddenly accelerated uncontrollably. the consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic was not able to duplicate or resolve the problem. *ak the brake pedal would go lower than the gas pedal. the consumers right foot would hit the gas pedal before the brake pedal and the motor would race. *sc *jb

While applying the brake pedal vehicle pulsated and vibrated uncontrollably. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that front rotors needed to be replaced, and replaced them twice. however, the problem recurred. *ak

Have very serious concerns with brake system on my car. brakes repaired on numerous occasions . consumer feel this problem could lead to a serious automobile accident if not corrected. *bf nar *jls the rear brakes were noisy and made a grinding sound. the front brakes vibrated, the consumer replaced the front brake pads and rotors. the consumer stated that the trunk flaps and clips were installed to fix the problem. the left front door kick panel came loose. bond pak primer applied to fix the problem. the consumer stated that the vehicle shimmies when driving at high speeds. vehicle front wheels out of balance. the problem was not with the wheel balance but with the brakes. rotors where warped. the consumer stated that the moon roof does not open smoothly it jolts and shakes the car roof. the consumer smelled a rotten egg smell when the heater and air conditioner was used. the consumer was told that it was burning sulfur and it would diminish at 25000 miles. 35000 miles the smell was still there. *tc the rear view defogger was replaced.

Anti-lock brake system is entirely too sensitive. the brake system kicks in at speeds below twenty, on dry uneven pavement, iron grates and any sought of bump in the road. the has almost resulted in numerous accidents. was told by a salesmen this is a problem on 2002 camry's. have had brakes checked on numerous occasion by toyota service technicians but no problem is ever found. *nm

Brakes are very spongy and pedal goes to the floor if continuous pressure is applied. not able to come to a stop quickly if needed.*jb

2002 camry le. brakes were fine until about 1k miles. pedal began sinking to the floor. dealer replaced booster and master cylinder. brakes still go to floor with constant pressure. they are mushy, intermittently grab, and fade quickly. sometimes grabbing. the feel seems to vary. dealer says all is normal. *nlm

Left rear wheel was locked and car jump to the left, tried to control the car, but lost control and moved out from hwy