Toyota Camry 2003 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2003 Toyota Camry? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2003 Toyota Camry issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2003 Toyota Camry in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Toyota Camry review: 2002-2006
By Graham Smith · 02 Dec 2009
Toyota is generally regarded as setting the industry benchmark for build quality, reliability and durability, and it's the Camry that is often held up as the car that best illustrates Toyota's high standards.  Beyond those admirable qualities, though, there isn't a lot to write home about with the Camry.Like all Toyotas it gets the job of providing reliable and efficient transport done with little or no fuss, but it falls well short of the benchmark when it comes to excitement.  But most buyers who stump up the cash for a Camry couldn't care less about the thrill of motoring; they're perfectly happy with a car that doesn't cost the earth to own and rarely if ever lets them down.  Above all else the Camry is a safe and sound motoring choice.MODEL WATCHThe Camry is a much-maligned name. Over the years it has come to be the very definition of boring, at least in motoring terms.  No passionate car person would be seen dead driving a Camry, but to heaps of people the Camry is the best car in the world.  They're the people who value reliability, durability and low cost of ownership above all else. They couldn't care less that petrolheads sneer at their motoring choice.Toyota has worked hard to inject some character into the Camry of late, to make it more appealing to those who value their motoring experience, but its efforts have really come to naught. The Camry has been regarded as boring for too long, and nothing will change the perception.The Series 30 Camry that was launched in 2002 was a much more attractive car. Its lines were much tauter, its shape more aggressive, it was a far more appealing car than any of its predecessors.  Buyers could choose between a 2.4-litre four and a 3.0-litre V6.The double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine was packed with up-to-the-minute technology like Toyota's VVTi variable valve-timing system that gave it decent flexibility from low speeds right through to high revs.  At its peak it would deliver 112 kW at 5800 revs and 218 Nm at 4000 revs.The V6 was also a double overhead camshaft engine and produced 141 kW at 5200 revs along with 279 Nm at 4000 revs.  Most Camrys were sold with a four-speed auto, but it was also available with a five-speed manual gearbox.Underneath, the Camry was conventional. It had struts at the front and rear, but work by Toyota's local engineering team ensured it was well tuned to our roads. As a result its ride and handling were widely praised.Its power steering was well weighted and precise, and the combination of ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, backed up by ABS, was solid.  One thing the Camry has always been noted for is its roominess, and the Series 30 was no exception. It was designed as a family car and fits a family of five nicely.There is a plethora of models in the Camry range, starting from the Altise and working up through the Ateva, sporty Sportivo, Azura and finally to the luxury Grande with all the bells and whistles.IN THE SHOPThe Camry does it tough so be careful when choosing a car.  If they've been a family car they've been put to the test in the supermarket parking lot and the school run.Alternatively they've been a company car and driven by people who couldn't care less about their cars.  Check for a service record and make sure the engine oil has been regularly changed. Nothing kills an engine like a lack of fresh oil.The four-cylinder engine has a cam timing chain so there are no worries about replacing it, until it rattles. The V6 does have a belt that requires changing at around 150,000 km.IN A CRASHA capable chassis, powerful brakes with ABS make for a strong level of active crash protection.  A solid structure, dual front airbags, plus side airbags add a solid layer of secondary protection.  ANCAP gave the Camry four stars in its crash testing.AT THE PUMPWith a full-sized body the four-cylinder engine has to work hard, hence the fuel economy suffers. Expect 10-11 L/100 km round town, and single figures out on the highway.  The V6 will consume a little more; expect 10.5-11.5 L/100 km around town, and seven to nine L/100 km on the open road.OWNERS' SAYEric Deakin bought his 2005 Camry Ateva V6 seven months ago having done 97,000 km, and reckons it's the best car he has owned in more than 60 years of motoring. He says it is a well built, well appointed and very roomy car, which has excellent performance. So far he has found no faults at all with it and would happily recommend it to anyone.Rex Manuel bought his 2003 Camry Ateva four-cylinder second hand in 2005. He is happy with the Camry's roominess and its generous boot, but misses the performance of the Ford Fairmont he owned previously.LOOK FORReliabilityHigh build qualityRoomy interiorSmooth drivabilityGood resaleTHE BOTTOM LINEWell engineered and well built, with renowned reliability and good resale, the dull-as-dishwater Camry is a good choice for family transport.RATING72/100COMING UPDo you own a Ford Focus? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at Cars Guide or e-mail to: grah.smith@bigpond.com.
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Used Toyota Camry and Aurion review: 1999-2016
By Ewan Kennedy · 27 Sep 2016
Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2015 Toyota Camry & Aurion as a used buy.
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Used Toyota Camry and Aurion review: 1999-2014
By Ewan Kennedy · 18 Aug 2014
Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 1999-2014 Toyota Camry and Aurion.
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Used Toyota Camry and Aurion review: 1997-2012
By Ewan Kennedy · 15 Feb 2013
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.
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Used Toyota Camry review: 2002-2006
By Graham Smith · 27 Jun 2017
The Camry has long struggled to gain any real traction with Australian families, most of whom dismissed it as bland and boring.
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Reliable used 4-cylinder cars?
Answered by Graham Smith · 07 Apr 2017

With a limited budget like yours I would suggest to go for a car with a good reliability record. While the Mercedes-Benz is a good car you are likely to be facing an expensive repair if anything should go wrong. Consider a Mitsubishi 380 or a Toyota Camry of around 2000-2003.

Toyota Camry 2003: Is it a good used buy?
Answered by Graham Smith · 29 Aug 2014

Toyotas are generally solid and reliable cars, but like all cars they can have troubles. On an old car like the 2003 you have to expect that it will have a greater risk of breakdown than a newer car. The trade puts the retail price of a 2003 Camry four-cylinder at $3000-$4000, but that would be top money.

Toyota Camry Sportivo 2003: Jumpy when started
Answered by Graham Smith · 14 Jun 2019

Is it ‘jumpy’ every time you start it, or perhaps only when the engine is cold? If it is the latter it could be that it’s not getting the correct enrichment and that could be a temperature sensor issue on the motor. If it happens every time you start up it could be that the engine needs a tune-up.

Toyota Corolla or Toyota Camry: Which is better for towing?
Answered by Graham Smith · 19 Dec 2014

First you need to know the total weight of the trailer when it's loaded with everything you want to take with you when you go camping. It could easily sneak up to close to the Corolla's limit of 950 kg. You have to think of safety when towing, and it doesn't matter that you will only tow short distances or do it twice per year. I would tend to go for the Camry, it has a higher towing rating, it is a heavier vehicle and therefore more stable, and I think safer for your needs.

Toyota Camry 2003: Does it have a cam timing chain or belt?
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 28 Oct 2010

The 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine in the Camry 30 Series does have a timing chain rather than a belt and it doesn't need to be serviced as your friend was told.

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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