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Toyota Camry 1999 Problems

Are you having problems with your 1999 Toyota Camry? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 1999 Toyota Camry issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 1999 Toyota Camry in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Toyota Camry review: 1997-2002

In an age when Holden and Ford dominated the market and big six-cylinder cars reigned supreme, Toyota found it hard to break through.

The Camry and Vienta were the company’s main weapons in the war for the family car buck, but they were often dismissed as bland and boring despite Toyota’s best efforts to make them more exciting.

But anyone prepared to buy on logic rather than emotion would have found they were competent, no-fuss cars that made perfect sense.

Introduced in 1997, the VX20 Camry and its Vienta cousin were conventional front-wheel drive, mid-sized cars.

The Camry offered a comprehensive range of models including sedans and wagons, with four and six-cylinder engines, there were even sporty and luxury variants.

If you stepped up to the Vienta you had a more limited choice of models, the only engine available was a V6.

Entry to the Camry range was via the CSi, which was available as a sedan or wagon, and with four and V6 engines.

The CSi was only equipped with the basics. You got a radio-cassette player, four-speaker sound, remote central locking, power mirrors, a tacho and an engine immobiliser, but if you wanted air conditioning and the safety of ABS brakes and airbags you had to visit the options list.

Then there was the CSX, which was also available as a sedan or wagon, but only with the four-cylinder engine.

It was better equipped, with a driver’s airbag, climate control air conditioning, cruise, power windows, six-speaker sound, an alarm, and velour trim. If you wanted an airbag for the front seat passenger and ABS braking you had to pay extra.

Further up the list was the Conquest, which was added to the range in 1999, and was also available as a sedan or wagon, with four and six-cylinder engines.

It was well equipped for the day, with air conditioning, cruise, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a radio-cassette player and four-speaker sound featuring on its list of standard features. Also on the list were airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, and ABS braking.

The sports-oriented Touring sedan also arrived in 1999, with locally-tuned sports suspension, alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a CD player, and leather steering wheel and gear knob.

It was joined in 2000 by a Touring wagon and the luxury-sports V6 Azura sedan.

Included in the Azura features list were 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, CD stacker and six-speaker sound, climate control air conditioning, cruise, partial leather on the seats, steering wheel and gear knob, and there was a power antenna.

The 2000 update also brought a number of changes across the range. There was a new grille, new bumpers, new improved headlamps, new rear view mirrors to reduce wind noise, and new wheel covers and alloy wheels, and the sedan had new tail-lights, and a new boot lid.

By then the Vienta had gone; it was dropped when Toyota introduced the Avalon in an attempt to snare a greater share of the big car market.

Back in 1997 when the VX20 was launched there were two Vienta models, the VXi in sedan and wagon form, and the Grande sedan.

The VXi came with six-speaker stereo sound, cruise, climate control air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and antenna, airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, and ABS braking.

Being the model with the lot, the Grande had standard climate control air conditioning, CD player, woodgrain interior trim, power driver’s seat, leather on the seats, steering wheel and gear knob, metallic paint, sunroof, cruise, ABS braking, and airbags for the driver and front seat passenger.

Released before the advent of things like Bluetooth to sync your iPhone or Android device the VX20 Camry and Vienta lacked many of the features expected in a car today.

They didn’t have sat nav, so you had to rely on maps and street directories to find your way around, and there wasn’t a touch screen, parking sensors, reversing camera or park assist.

Sharing the same body the XV20 Camry and Vienta offered comfortable seating for four adults, with good head and legroom (or two adults and three kids in the rear seat).

The boot was of generous capacity; the sedan’s was 518 litres, the wagon’s 690 litres. It was the widest boot in its class and one of the deepest, and with the 60/40 split fold rear seat down flat it could carry even longer items.

Front cupholders were standard when the XV20 was launched and rear seat cupholders were added in the 2000 update.

Two engines were offered in the XV20 range, one a four-cylinder, the other a V6.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine was a fuel-injected twin-cam alloy unit that put out 95kW (127 horsepower) and 187Nm.

Given the size and weight of the Camry the performance of the four-cylinder models was adequate for most people.

For more performance, and refinement, there was the silky smooth 3.0-litre V6, which at its peaks put out 141kW (189 horsepower) and 279Nm.

It was recommended that both be run on regular 91-octane petrol, but they can also run on E10 ethanol blend.

Before the introduction of the current fuel consumption testing regime, the four-cylinder Camry's consumption was claimed by Toyota to be 6.4L/100 km in town and 10.0L/100 km on the open road; it was claimed the V6 used only a little more at 6.8L/100 km in town and 11.0L/100 km on the highway.

The transmission offerings were typical of the time with the choice of a conventional four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual gearbox.

Most buyers opted for the automatic, making cars with the manual gearbox rare on the used market today.

On the road the XV20 was smooth, comfortable and quiet.

It was even quieter when changes made in 2000 reduced wind and road noise.

With independent MacPherson strut front suspension and rear suspension the handling was assured without being sporty; it could be driven with confidence it would do what the driver asked of it.

In the 2000 update the suspension received a makeover from Toyota’s local engineers, with tuning for better performance on Australian roads.

It also corresponded with the introduction of the sporty Touring and sports-luxury Azura to the range as Toyota tried to improve the driving experience.

With a firmer ride and more precise handling it was hailed as a great step forward for the brand in this country.

In the late-1990s safety was just beginning to have an impact on our cars, the XV20 didn’t have the safety features expected of a car today, it was very basic.

Being built before ANCAP testing began it didn’t even have a safety rating.

In the case of the entry model, the CSi, it didn't even have airbags or ABS braking standard. They were available as options, but you had to pay extra for them.

The other models in the range did have an airbag for the driver as standard, but not for the passenger. That was an extra cost option, as was ABS braking.

Things improved in 2000, the CSi got a driver’s airbag standard, and the Touring and Azura were equipped with airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, and ABS braking.

As the top models in the range, the Vienta VXi and Grande had driver and front seat passenger airbags, and ABS braking from their 1997 introduction.

It was too early for things like traction control, electronic stability control, emergency brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Lap/sash seat belts were fitted to all five seats, allowing the use of a baby car seat, but it was too early for ISOFIX child restraint points.

Toyota was often criticized over the years for building boring and bland cars, but those same cars were equally praised for their quality and reliability, as we found out when we surveyed XV20 owners.

Very few reported any problems of consequence with their cars, even though some had done several hundred thousand kilometres.

Most had only replaced the normal consumables, tyres, brake pads, wiper blades, and timing belts.

One had an ignition pack fail; another had troubles with the interior trim and hardware, both relatively minor given the age of the cars.

Now having done 300,000 km or more you should expect to see normal wear and tear. Look for broken or sun damaged interior parts, worn trim, faded or peeling paint, oil leaks around the engine and gearbox, as well as bangs and clunks from the suspension.

When test-driving a car prior to purchase pay particular attention to the automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions rarely get serviced, but they should be, particularly if the car has been used for towing.

If the transmission is noisy, reluctant to shift, or shifts sharply walk away, you could be in for an expensive rebuild.

Also watch for smoke from the tailpipe. Plumes of smoke are a sure sign the engine is worn and needs attention.

Toyota recommended servicing the Camry every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever came first.

Both engines use timing belts and Toyota recommended they be changed every 150,000 km.

Check for a service record that shows regular servicing, particularly check that the timing belt has been changed as per the factory recommendation.

Capped price servicing had yet to be introduced by Toyota, so doesn’t apply to this model, but the service costs are generally affordable.

The age of the cars is such that owners probably don’t use Toyota dealers to service them any longer, but that’s not a problem, any competent mechanic can carry out the work.

When new the warranty was for three years/100,000km, but that has long since expired.

If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Toyota Camry problems page.

Terry Scott: I bought my V6 Conquest new; it’s now done 350,000km. The engine runs as well today as it did when I bought it, the boot is large, the air conditioning is awesome and it’s comfortable. The only problems I’ve had have been with the headlining and door trims.

Ben Petrie: I’ve had two V6 Touring sedans. The first was a 2000 model, which did more than 400,000km without any major problems. The one I have now is a 2002 model that has done almost 200,000km. The only problem I’ve had with that is a failed ignition pack. Both have been great cars and I’ve found the V6 economy to be good.

Roy Epstein: I bought my 1999 2.2-litre CSi wagon in 2015 when it had done 250,000 km. I’ve found it reliable, comfortable and economical. All I’ve replaced are brake pads and wiper blades.

Elton Oberon: I have a 1999 V6 CSi wagon I bought in 2010 with 120,000 km on the clock. It’s super quiet, comfortable, stable on the road and I love it.

David Dawson: I’ve had my 2002 V6 Conquest wagon for 15 years and it still feels like new. It’s smooth and quiet and great on long trips. All I’ve had to do in that time is replace the timing belt.

Despite its age and accumulated kilometres it’s standing up well.

Read the article
Used Toyota Camry and Aurion review: 1999-2016

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2015 Toyota Camry & Aurion as a used buy.

Toyota Camry and Aurion are medium-to-large family cars built in Australia and have been major players in this country for many years. Their main competitors are Commodore and Falcon. Camry has a four or six-cylinder engine (more about this later), all Aurions are sixes.

Though slightly smaller than the two big Aussies, the later models have almost as much interior room due to the space saved by having front-wheel drive. There's no rear-drive shaft and the Toyota engine sits across the front instead of being in line with the body.

Legroom in the Camry/Aurion is up with the big two but rear-seat width isn't as good. Another advantage of a front-drive car is added boot depth because there's no differential under the floor.

The later models in this Toyota range have many changes from the original Japanese design to suit them to Australian driving conditions and drivers' tastes. Basically, they have slightly firmer suspensions and the engines are tuned to give them added grunt low down.

These Toyotas are pleasant to drive, with a smooth, refined feel. Driving enthusiasts may find the pre-September-2002 model too soft for their needs; Toyota listened to comments, tightened up the suspension and steering and the later ones are fine.

Body types were four-door sedan and five-door station wagon in Camry until late 2002, when the station wagons were discontinued. The Aurion comes only as a sedan. Most buyers of station wagons now opt for an SUV; Toyota has a large array of SUVs, and 4WDs, from which to choose.

Originally the Camry had a four-cylinder engine, V6s were added to the lineup in 1997, then discontinued in July 2006 with the introduction of an all-new model.

By far the best powerplant is the twin-cam V6 used in the Aurion.

The Camry V6 was renamed the Toyota Aurion when introduced in October 2006, all Aurions have a V6 engine.

The four-cylinder Camry engine was a 2.2-litre unit until September 2002, when it was replaced by a 2.4-litre four. Not only is this engine larger, but it's also a more modern design that makes for a better drive. Another new four-cylinder engine, this time with 2.5 litres, arrived in December 2011.

The 3.0-litre V6 in the Toyota Camry not only gives you extra power and torque, but also improves the feeling of refinement throughout the car.

By far the best powerplant is the twin-cam V6 used in the Aurion. Its 3.5-litre capacity gives it the sort of punch that's needed to overtake on country roads, and it treats hills with disdain.

Toyota offers five-speed manuals in some variants of the Camry, but the great majority were four-speed automatics until 2006, when the auto was uprated to five speeds. The 2012 models have a six-speed auto.

Selling manual family cars may not be easy in years to come because Australia is rapidly becoming an auto-only market.

All Toyota Aurions have a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential overrides.

Toyota introduced a real hotrod called the TRD Aurion in August 2007. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development. Featuring a supercharged version of the 3.5-litre V6 pushing out 241 kilowatts of power and 400 Newton metres of torque through the front wheels only was not a good idea. The TRD has fearsome torque steer that can be dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced driver.

Sales of the TRD Aurion were very slow and Toyota quietly slipped it off the market midway through 2009.

These Aussie-built Toyotas mean insurance is generally cheaper than for similar cars that are fully imported.

Yet another variant, the Hybrid Camry, was launched in February 2010. Its four-cylinder engine is backed up by an electric motor that is either charged by the petrol engine or by energy regeneration when the car slows down. The strong torque supplied by the electric motor means the Hybrid is quicker off the mark than the four-cylinder petrol models.

Toyota has arguably the most widespread of dealer networks in Australia with dealers in many remote areas due to its major presence in the 4WD and light-commercial fields.

Spare parts and servicing costs are generally reasonably priced and will continue to be sold here after local manufacture ceases.

Good home mechanics will find these cars are quite easy to work on. We recommend that amateurs always have a workshop manual on hand, and don't touch safety related items.

Toyota Australia will cease to build Camrys and Aurions at a time that's yet to be announced in 2017. They will continue to be sold here, now imported from Japan and/or other countries.

These Aussie-built Toyotas mean insurance is generally cheaper than for similar cars that are fully imported. There doesn't seem to be much variation from company to company, but it's still worth shopping around.

Engines should start quickly and settle into a smooth idle within a couple of seconds. Four-cylinder units aren't as smooth as sixes but if one seems too rough get a mechanic or an inspector from your motoring association to check it out.

Automatic transmissions are exceptionally smooth so any harshness at other than big throttle openings should be investigated by a professional.

Manuals should be light and easy in their actions and not crunch during fast downchanges, the third-to-second change is usually the first to suffer.

Check over the condition of the interior in case the car has had a rough time.

Rust is only likely to be present if a car has been badly repaired after a crash.

Look over the complete body for damage, or for indications it has been repaired after a crash. If there's any doubt either pass up on the car or have an expert appraisal.

Rust is only likely to be present if a car has been badly repaired after a crash. Check the lower body and mudguard areas and if you do find problems call in an expert for a full examination.

Drive the car at low speed on full steering lock and listen for noises at the universal joints at the front wheels.

Run your hand over the front tyre tread – more resistance one way than the other means uneven tyre wear. That's often caused by a wheel alignment problem, possibly caused by the car being thumped against a kerb.

Model for model, spare parts for Australian-built cars are generally lower priced than for imported vehicles.

Read the article
Toyota Camry 1999: Bad smell after catalytic converter replaced

It's what's called "seasoning" of the catalytic converter, basically as it burns in during early use. In a lot of cars, especially in the early days of converters, there was a rotten-egg smell from the exhaust gases. So, in my experience, nothing to worry about.

Used Toyota Camry and Aurion review: 1999-2014

Toyota Camry four-cylinder and Toyota Aurion six-cylinder are currently being built by Toyota in Melbourne, though they will be imported from 2017 onwards. 

The existing models have many changes from the original Japanese design to suit them to Australian driving conditions and our drivers' tastes. Thus they have slightly firmer suspensions and the engines are tuned to give them plenty of grunt off the line. Sadly, this will change after Toyota pulls out of local manufacturing.

These Toyota non-identical twins are aimed at the family car market. Though slightly smaller outside than Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore, later model Camrys and Aurions have almost as much interior room due to the space efficiencies of front-wheel drive. That's in legroom, rear-seat width isn't as good in the Toyotas as in the bigger Commodores and Falcons.

Another advantage of a front-drive car is substantially increased boot depth because there's no differential under the floor.

Body types were four-door sedan and five-door station wagon in Camry until late 2002, when the wagons were discontinued. The Aurion comes only in sedan format. These days most buyers of family station wagons go for an SUV rather than a car, and Toyota has a large array of SUVs, and 4WDs, from which to choose.

These Toyotas are pleasant to drive, with a smooth, refined feel. Driving enthusiasts may find the pre-September-2002 model too soft for their needs; Toyota listened to comments, tightened up the suspension and steering and the later ones are fine.

Originally the Camry had a four-cylinder engine, V6s were added to the options lineup in 1997, then discontinued in July 2006 with the introduction of an all-new model.

The 'Camry V6' was renamed the Toyota Aurion when introduced in October 2006. All Aurions have a V6 engine.

The four-cylinder Camry engine was a 2.2-litre unit until September 2002, when it was replaced by a 2.4-litre four. Not only is this engine larger, but it's also a more modern design and so far better to sit behind. A new four-cylinder engine of 2.5 litres was introduced in December 2011.

The V6 3.0-litre engine used in the Toyota Camry not only gives you extra power and torque, but also improves the feeling of refinement throughout the car.

By far the best powerplant is the twin-cam V6 used in the Aurion. Its 3.5-litre capacity gives it the sort of punch that's needed to compete with the Commodore and Falcon sixes. Not only off the line and when overtaking on country roads, but also in the way it treats hills with disdain.

Toyota offers five-speed manuals in some variants of the Camry, but the great majority were four-speed automatics until the new model of 2006, when the self shifter was uprated to five speeds. The 2012 models have a six-speed auto. Selling or trading in manuals may not be easy down the line as Australia is becoming increasingly an auto-only market.

All Toyota Aurions have a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential overrides.

Toyota introduced a real hotrod called the TRD Aurion in August 2007. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development. Featuring a supercharged version of the 3.5-litre V6 pushing out 241 kilowatts of power and 400 Newton metres of torque through the front wheels only was not a good idea. The car has fearsome torque steer that can be dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced driver.

Sales of the TRD Aurion were very slow and Toyota quietly slipped it off the market midway through 2009. Probably never to return - though 'never say never'… 

Yet another variant, the Hybrid Camry, was launched in February 2010. Its four-cylinder engine is backed up by an electric motor that is either charged by the petrol engine, or by energy regeneration when the car slows down. The strong torque supplied by the electric motor means the Hybrid is quicker off the mark than the petrol models.

Toyota has arguably the most widespread of dealer networks in Australia. With dealers in many remote areas due to its major presence in the 4WD and light-commercial fields.

Spare parts and servicing costs are generally reasonably priced and good home mechanics will find these cars are quite easy to work on. We recommend that amateurs always have a workshop manual on hand, and don't touch safety related items.

The Australian heritage of these Aussie-built Toyotas means insurance is generally cheaper than for similar cars imported from Japan. There doesn't seem to be much variation from company to company, but it's still worth shopping around.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Drive the car at low speed on full steering lock and listen for noises at the universal joints at the front wheels.

Run your hand over the front tyre tread – more resistance one way than the other means uneven tyre wear. That's often caused by an alignment problem. 

Check over the condition of the interior in case the car has had a rough time.

Rust is only likely to be present if a car has been badly repaired after a crash. Check the lower body and mudguard areas and if you do find problems call in an expert for a full examination.

Automatic transmissions are exceptionally smooth so any harshness at other than big throttle openings should be investigated by a professional.

CAR BUYING TIP

Cars that sell new in huge numbers are obviously well represented on the used-car scene. Take advantage of this by sorting through the crowd for the best possible car.

Read the article
Toyota Camry 1999: Boring but reliable

Boring and reliable works for me and tens of thousands of happy Camry owners obviously concur.

Used Toyota Camry and Aurion review: 1997-2012

The Toyota’s Camry and Aurion are built in Melbourne and have many changes from the original Japanese design to suit them to our local driving conditions and Australian drivers’ tastes. Thus they have slightly firmer suspensions and the engines are tuned to give them plenty of grunt off the line.

Camry has been a big seller in Australia for decades, starting off as a smaller car then becoming remorselessly bigger with each new model. These Toyotas are aimed at the family car market and sell in very large numbers.

Though slightly smaller on the outside than Falcon and Commodore, late model Camry and Aurion have almost as much interior room due to the space efficiencies of front-wheel drive. Rear-seat width isn't as good in the Toyotas as in the bigger Commodores and Falcons.

Try it for size if you have three large kids, but most families find it works nicely. Another advantage of a front-drive car is substantially increased boot depth because there’s no differential under the floor.

By far the best powerplant is the twin-cam V6 used in the Aurion.

These Toyota family cars are both exceptionally pleasant to drive, with a smooth, refined feel. Driving enthusiasts may find the pre-September-2002 model too soft for their needs; Toyota listened to comments, tightened up the suspension and steering and the later ones are fine.

Originally the Camry had a four-cylinder engine, V6s were added to the options lineup in 1997, then discontinued in July 2006 with the introduction of an all-new model. The ‘Camry V6’ was renamed the Toyota Aurion when introduced in October 2006, all Aurions have a V6 engine.

The four-cylinder Camry engine was a 2.2-litre unit until September 2002, when it was replaced by a 2.4-litre four. Not only is this engine larger, but it’s also a more modern design and so far better to sit behind. A new four-cylinder engine of 2.5 litres was introduced in December 2011.

The V6 3.0-litre engine used in the Toyota Camry not only gives you extra power and torque, but also improves the feeling of refinement throughout the car. By far the best powerplant is the twin-cam V6 used in the Aurion. Its 3.5-litre capacity gives it the sort of punch that’s needed to compete with the Commodore and Falcon sixes.

Toyota offers five-speed manuals in some variants of the Camry, but the great majority were four-speed automatics until the new model of 2006, when the self shifter was uprated to five speeds. The 2012 models have a six-speed auto.

The TRD has fearsome torque steer that can be dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced driver.

All Aurions have a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential overrides. Body types are four-door sedan and five-door station wagon in Camry, until late 2002 when the wagons were discontinued. The Aurion comes only in sedan format.

Toyota surprised us all by introducing a real hotrod called the TRD Aurion in August 2007. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development. Featuring a supercharged version of the 3.5-litre V6 pushing out 241 kilowatts of power and 400 Newton metres of torque through the front wheels only was not a good idea.

The car has fearsome torque steer that can be dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced driver. Sales were very slow and Toyota quietly slipped the TRD Aurion off the market midway through 2009.

Yet another variant, the Hybrid Camry, was launched in February 2010. Its four-cylinder engine is backed up by an electric motor that is either charged by the petrol engine, or by energy regeneration when the Hybrid slows down. The strong torque supplied by the electric motor means the Hybrid is quicker off the mark than the petrol models.

Toyota has arguably the most widespread of dealer networks in Australia, largely due to its major presence in the 4WD and light-commercial fields. Spare parts and servicing are generally reasonably priced and good home mechanics will find these cars are quite easy to work on.

As always, we recommend that you have a workshop manual on hand, and that you don’t touch safety related items unless you're a professional. The Australian heritage of these Aussie-built Toyotas means insurance is generally cheaper than for similar cars imported from Japan.

There doesn’t seem to be much variation from company to company, but it’s still worth shopping around.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Drive the car at low speed on full steering lock and listen for noises at the universal joints at the front wheels. Run your hand over the front tyre tread – more resistance one way than the other means uneven tyre wear. That’s often caused by an alignment problem.

Check over the condition of the interior in case the car has had a rough time. Rust is only likely to be present if a car has been badly repaired after a crash. Check the lower body and mudguard areas and if you do find problems call in an expert for a full examination.

Automatic transmissions are exceptionally smooth so any harshness at other than big throttle openings should be investigated by a professional.

CAR BUYING TIP

In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them. The next owner may suffer...

Read the article
Toyota Camry 1999: What is causing the shuddering when accelerating

Check the wheel bearings, and also the drive shaft joints for wear.

Toyota Camry 1999: Surging at low speeds

The light coming on suggests that it is about to stall, so it’s unstable at low speeds. Without having a diagnostic lead to go on you’re best to cover the basics, and replace the plug leads, perhaps the coils, check the PCV valve, and clean the throttle body.

Toyota Camry 1999: Terrible miss in top gear

I would persist with cleaning the injectors and have them cleaned, the injector cleaners work best when they’re used regularly, they don’t always work when only used when there’s a problem.

Toyota Camry 1999: Is it suitable for a gas conversion?

THERE'S no problem running the V6 on LPG. It's a popular conversion. There's an IMPCO kit available that fits well into the car.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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