How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Camry have?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Toyota Camry model year. Whether one car had the recall work done depends on that car, so check its VIN with NHTSA.

1995: 330 owner complaints, Worthy

Our take: worth a look. Owners filed more complaints than in a typical year of this model, not enough to mark it down.

Year verdict

Worthy

1.3× a typical year

More owner complaints than a typical year, not enough to mark it down. Still get it inspected.

Confidence: Medium

Close to the Maybe line, so a few complaints either way could tip it.

NHTSA did not answer for 1 year, so this may change.

Past 100,000 miles

Locked

How this year held up past 100,000 miles.

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How the dial was counted

Year verdict: Typical year: 451 complaints, the median of 8 nearby years. Each counted over its first 8 years from January 2001; this one had 600.

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Odometer check

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WhipWorthy sticker

2002 Toyota Camry

Complaints1,043From owners
Loading owner complaints
Recalls4On file
Loading recalls
NHTSA did not answer just now, so we cannot show crash ratings. Try again in a minute. You can also check it on their site.
Loading crash ratings
MPG21 to 24Combined, EPA
Loading fuel economy

Complaints are unverified owner reports, not adjusted for how many were sold.

Compare this car Every Camry year

Car report

Park this car in My Garage and see its recalls at a glance.Car Hunt Pass or Pro

Value signals

We do not price cars.

These help you judge whether this one is worth its price.

Costly problem zones ahead at your miles come with a Car Hunt Pass or Pro. See plans
Fuel: $2,700 to $3,050 a year.The EPA’s estimate for 15,000 miles a year, 55% in town, at its fuel prices. Each version
Loading the EPA's yearly fuel cost
Have the VIN? Check it is this car, and see its open recalls at NHTSA.
VIN
On the dash at the base of the windshield, or on the driver’s door sticker.

What about the price? Check the asking price on two listing sites. Buying from a dealer? Run its offer through the offer X ray.

Education, not financial or mechanical advice. Have any used car checked by a mechanic you trust before you buy.

The full record

Tap to open

What owners complain about

1,043 complaints; the part named most is the cruise and speed control

Unverified reports, not adjusted for sales. One complaint can name several parts, so shares add up past 100%. Filed Oct 24, 2001 to Nov 14, 2025. 27% name a part that is usually costly to fix.

Owners reported 275 crashes, 20 fires, 146 injuries and 13 deaths in these complaints.

Cruise and speed control295 · 28%
Brakes192 · 18%
Engine171 · 16%Usually costly to fix

What one owner wrote about the cruise and speed control

2002 Toyota Camry. Consumer writes in regards to unintended acceleration. *ld *tr

Filed Feb 22, 2019NHTSA complaint 111752511 of 18 owner quotes

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15 more parts, and 18 owner quotes

Every part owners name for the 2002 Toyota Camry, with their own words about what went wrong. Usually costly to fix among them: Transmission and drivetrain, Body and frame.

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SourceOwner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota Camry. NHTSA, checked Nov 2, 2026.

Seller kit

Questions for the seller, test drive checks and price points

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Walk up to the seller ready

Questions to ask the seller of a 2002 Toyota Camry, built from this year's owner complaints and recalls. What to feel, hear and look at on the test drive, with boxes to tick at the car. Honest points to raise on price, from the records and never from guesses. Copy the questions to your phone in one tap.

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Write your offer

A ready to send offer for the seller, by text or email

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Send the seller a fair offer

Type the asking price and your own offer for the 2002 Toyota Camry, tick what you found, and get a polite message ready to text or email. Its reasons come from this year's owner complaints, recalls and crash ratings, and never from made up repair prices.

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When problems show up

Engine: the middle complaint around 95,000 miles

The bar holds the middle half of the complaints that gave a mileage; the dark mark is the middle one. 191 complaints of 1,043 gave one. Owners file when something fails, so this shows when problems were reported, not how long the cars last.

EngineCostly50,000 to 140,000 mi
Half of these 52 complaints came between about 50,000 and 140,000 miles, the middle one around 95,000.

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Mileage for 4 more parts, 1 usually costly

The mileage band for every part owners name, and your car's miles laid across them.

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SourceMileage from owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota Camry. NHTSA, checked Nov 2, 2026.

Will it outlast the loan?

The month of your loan each problem zone lands in

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3 problem zones to lay against your loan, 2 usually costly

See the month of your loan each one lands in, and what you would still owe then.

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Recalls

4 recalls on file

Not every car needs every fix. Run the VIN at NHTSA to see which are still open. Repairs are usually free at a dealer for the brand; ask before any work.

Air bags
Jul 13, 2004 · Recall 04V346000
On 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.
What can happen
If this occurs, the csa may not deploy rapidly enough when activated in a side impact collision. This may result in failure to provide the intended head protection, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the csas and replace the air bag assembly if necessary. The recall began on august 6, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Air bags
Dec 11, 2001 · Recall 01V372000
Vehicle 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.
What can happen
If this should occur, there is a possibility that the detached bottom portion may strike the driver causing personal injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag module. Owner notification began december 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-888-333-9376.
Wheels and tires
Oct 1, 2001 · Recall 01V302000
Vehicle 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 can happen
The tires do not conform to the speed rating for the vehicle. If the vehicle exceeded the maximum speed rating (112 mph), possible tire failure could occur.
The fix
Dealers will replace all five tires. Owner notification began september 13, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Air bags
Sep 25, 2001 · Recall 01V306000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Incomplete deployment of the front passenger side air bag could occur in the event of a crash.
What can happen
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag assembly. Both owners were notified by telephone and arrangements have been made to correct this problem. This campaign is 100% completed. Both owners have been notified and their vehicles repaired.

SourceRecalls listed by NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota Camry. NHTSA, checked Nov 2, 2026.

Crash ratings

NHTSA did not answer

NHTSA's stars out of five, for each version it tested. Front crash stars only compare cars of about the same size and weight. The tests changed for 2011 models, so these stars do not line up with newer ones.

NHTSA did not answer just now, so we cannot show crash ratings for this car. Try again in a minute. You can also check it on their site.

Fuel economy

21 to 24 mpg combined, across 3 versions

The EPA's estimates for each engine and transmission, and its own yearly fuel cost. Yours depends on how you drive and the shape the car is in. Figures for 2007 and older use the EPA's 2008 method, so they may be lower than the original sticker.

Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Camry · Front wheel drive · Regular gas
City
21 mpg
Highway
29 mpg
Combined
24 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$2,700
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L
Camry · Front wheel drive · Regular gas
City
18 mpg
Highway
26 mpg
Combined
21 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$3,050
This one on fueleconomy.gov
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
Camry · Front wheel drive · Regular gas
City
21 mpg
Highway
30 mpg
Combined
24 mpg
Miles per gallon. Yearly fuel, EPA$2,700
This one on fueleconomy.gov

SourceEPA fuel economy data, fueleconomy.gov. EPA, checked Oct 29, 2026.

True cost to own

The loan, fuel, insurance and upkeep, a month and over 5 years

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What it really costs to own

What the 2002 Toyota Camry costs a month and over 5 years: the loan and its interest, fuel worked out from the EPA's figures for the version you pick, and your own insurance, registration and upkeep. A cost a mile, a link that reopens your numbers, and the breakdown copied to your phone in one tap.

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Every year of the Camry

25 Worthy, 2 Maybe, 2 Pass, of 30 years on file

Owner complaints for each model year, this one outlined. Tap a year to open it. The newest 2 are not judged yet. Bars are totals, so older years stand taller; the verdict compares every year at the same age.

Best and worst years of the Camry

NHTSA did not answer for 3 years, so the chart may be missing some.

SourceNHTSA owner complaints and recalls for the Camry. NHTSA, checked Nov 1, 2026.

Before you buy this one

5 checks, with a close look at the cruise and speed control

Built from this year's numbers. Whatever the data says, the car in front of you is the one that counts.

Run the VIN at NHTSA to confirm every recall was fixed.
This year has 4 recalls on file. Recall repairs are usually free at a dealer for the brand. Ask the dealer to confirm before any work is done. Look up a VIN at NHTSA.
Ask the seller for the service records.
Look closely for any work on the cruise and speed control. It is the part owners complain about most for this year.
Have a mechanic you trust inspect it before you pay.
Ask them to look at the cruise and speed control first.
Look at a vehicle history report.
It can show reported crashes, flood or salvage titles, and mileage that does not add up.
On the test drive, pay attention to the cruise and speed control.
Try the cruise control, and feel for surging or a throttle that hangs.

Going to see it? Take the checklist52 checks with the bad signs to look for, saved on your phone.

Check this exact car

The verdict is about the model year. These checks are about the one in front of you. Most are free or a few dollars.

VIN for these checks

Copy it, then paste it into each check. Nothing is sent until you open one.

Official checks on this VIN

Open recallsFree
NHTSA
Safety recalls on this VIN that are not fixed yet, from the last 15 years.
A recall already fixed does not show.
Check recalls at NHTSAnhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)
Theft and total lossFree
NICB VINCheck
Whether an insurer reported it stolen and not found, or wrote it off as a total loss.
Only insurer records. Five checks a day.
Open NICB VINChecknicb.org (opens in a new tab)
Title brandsA few dollars
NMVTIS, the federal title system
Salvage, flood, junk and rebuilt brands from any state, and the last miles on the title.
No repairs, service or recalls. Sold by approved sellers listed on the site.
See the approved sellersvehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov (opens in a new tab)
Title statusVaries by state
The state motor vehicle office
Whether the title is branded in that state and, where the state offers it, whether a lender still has a lien.
It will not name the owner. Each state asks its own way, and some only by mail. Ask to see the seller’s title too.
Find your state’s officeusa.gov (opens in a new tab)

What a paid report adds

A history report such as Carfax or AutoCheck pulls in more of the car’s past than these checks can:

Crashes and damage reported by police, insurers or shops, even when it was fixed.
Service visits that shops reported, with the miles each time.
How many owners, for how long, and the states it was registered in.
Whether it was a rental, fleet or lease car, when that was reported.

It only knows what was reported to it. A clean report is not proof of a clean car. Ask the seller first: many dealers hand one over for free.

Red flags in a history

Salvage title
Usually an insurer called it a total loss. In most states it cannot be driven on the road until it is rebuilt and inspected.
Rebuilt title
A salvage car that was fixed and passed a state check. It can be fine, but it is worth less, can be harder to insure, and needs a careful inspection.
Flood damage
Water can ruin wiring and sensors months later. Be wary of a flood brand that vanished after a move to another state.
Lemon or maker buyback
The maker bought it back over a defect it could not fix. Ask what the defect was and how it was fixed.
Odometer rollback
A mileage reading lower than an earlier one, or a title marked not actual miles.
Many owners, fast
Three owners in two years can mean a problem each one passed along.
Gaps in the records
Years with no service or registration. Ask why: it may have sat, been off the road, or been rebuilt.

Title words and rules differ by state. Not legal advice.

Before you pay

Pre purchase inspection
Have a mechanic you choose, not the seller, put it on a lift and look it over before you pay.
Insurance quote
Get a quote on this exact car before you sign. Ask your own insurer and one or two others.

Model year	Owner complaints	Verdict
1995	330	Worthy
1996	476	Worthy
1997	587	Worthy
1998	647	Worthy
1999	621	Worthy
2000	538	Worthy
2001	334	Worthy
2002	1043	Worthy
2003	818	Worthy
2004	799	Worthy
2005	721	Worthy
2006	435	Worthy
2007	3616	Pass
2008	1178	Maybe
2009	1413	Maybe
2010	614	Worthy
2011	625	Worthy
2012	645	Worthy
2013	301	Worthy
2014	14	Not judged
2015	271	Worthy
2016	189	Worthy
2017	148	Worthy
2018	754	Pass
2019	400	Worthy
2020	275	Worthy
2021	158	Worthy
2022	65	Worthy
2023	65	Worthy
2024	52	Worthy

The verdict on the 2002 Toyota Camry

Value signals

What owners complain about

Seller kit

Write your offer

When problems show up

Will it outlast the loan?

Recalls

Air bags

What can happen

The fix

Air bags

What can happen

The fix

Wheels and tires

What can happen

The fix

Air bags

What can happen

The fix

Crash ratings

Fuel economy

Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L

Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L

True cost to own

Every year of the Camry

Before you buy this one

Check this exact car

Official checks on this VIN

What a paid report adds

Before you pay

Pre purchase inspection

Insurance quote

Air bags

What can happen

The fix

Air bags

What can happen

The fix

Wheels and tires

What can happen

The fix

Air bags

What can happen

The fix

Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L

Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L