Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the consumer stated that his 2003 Toyota Camry was having a problem with the front end of the car. The car was pulling to the left when driving. The car was taken to the dealership three times, but problem recurred. The alignment has been checked five times to see if that was the cause of the problem. There has been so success in the correction of the pulling to the left. The manufacturer has been contacted, and a claim was filed for the consumer. The vehicle was involved in an accident since the last time that the dealer saw it. The car pulled to the left and ran off the road. Then, hit a tree. The consumer could not prove that the car was at fault. There were no injuries. A police report was taken. At this point, no one could determine what was wrong with the car, it could be the suspension or the steering. The speed was 35 MPH when the accident occurred.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH depressing the brake pedal the vehicle accelerated. This occurred four times. The first 3 times the vehicle was stopped with excessive pressure to the brake pedal. The last time the vehicle struck a pole. There was a police report taken at the scene of the accident. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for body repairs caused by the crash. When the vehicle was inspected the first three times diagnostic testing did not identify any codes. Also, while carrying 125 pounds of bird seed in the trunk, the vehicle began to veer to the left on a slushy road. When the bird seed was moved to the front passenger seat the vehicle operated normally. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 7/11/2006 - the consumer reported these incidents to the dealer but they told the consumer that nothing was wrong.
Takata inflators: every time I fix my vehicle individuals cause hate crimes damaging my vehicle as I go to sleep or when I am not viewing my vehicle they must know exactly when I go to sleep because I cant catch them even though I think I know who it is I can not prove it so this is why I am complaining I remember checking my tires in the night noticing nothing wrong with them then checked in the mourning and noticed nails nailed in the tires then I noticed dried turtle wax all over the body of the car messing up the paint wheel alignment out of line right door power window malfunction trunk open power switch broken power sun roof sliding window broken vehicle was stationary this happened on different date in combination to the damage between 06/16/06 to 04/21/17.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Toyota Camry. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a loud clunk. The vehicle then turned left and landed in a ditch. After the vehicle came to a stop, the air bag deployed and struck her in the face. She and her grandson sustained injuries and were transported to an area hospital. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. A police report was filed. The failure mileage was 71,309 and current mileage was 71,359.
This car pulls left and tracks poorly under most driving conditions. It is especially bad in crosswinds and on wet roadways. It was originally established by the dealership that low caster angle was to blame. The dealer was able to loosen and jiggle the engine cradle to get the caster on the minimum specification for caster, but this has done nothing to correct the poor handling. After 4 visits and much unnecessary delay, the dealership and Toyota now claim there is nothing wrong with the car. This defect represents a significant safety issue with lane driftage, and limits the use of the car. I am deeply disappointed with the dealership's and Toyota's position. I selected Toyota for their apparent good reputation for integrity and service, but my experience has shown otherwise. …
2003 Toyota Camry v6 xle - skids or spins occasionally and especially in wet weather (not just icy or snow conditions). May 2009 my current 2003 Toyota Camry took a 360 degree turn (I lost control of the vehicle) in a 60 to 70 degree turn at 40 miles per hour. It was raining all day on that day. On that day the care hit the guard rail and caused front and rear bumper and side damages. Also in other situations the car skidded in wet condition when accelerating from a hard stop or taking a turn. This appears to be a common issue with most of the Toyota models. I had a 1994 Toyota corolla and a 1995 Toyota 4 runner. All the 3 vehicles had same spinning or skidding issue in wet condition on rain. Also, I learnt that one of our friends Toyota avalon spun recently in wet condition as well.
Had a problem with wheel bearing front passenger. In February 2013 had a front end alignment and 4 new tires. Starting hearing a banging noise in rearend of car in November 2013. Mechanic said it was a bushing. I have an appointment in january2014 to have this replaced. On Monday December 16, 2013 I was driving on a two lane interstate and had no control of my car. I almost went into a pole and tried to swerve to avoid a passing pickup truck on my left. I felt like I was driving on ice. The car would go over a bump or try to make a corner and it would sway to the left. Drove 15 MPH home and drove to my mechanic . He said the steering rods in the rear are just loose and fell out. My car is temporary welded to drive to the dealership in which I still have a note. I purchased the car March 31st 2011.
Dt: the contact stated the vehicle pulled to the left and to the right. However, more to the left. The tires have been maintained with proper air inflation. Road conditions or speed did not appear to impact the pulling. After the first incident the dealer aligned the front of the vehicle. This did not correct the pulling problem. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the rear of the vehicle was aligned. This, too, did not correct the problem. The vehicle has not been returned to the dealer for further inspection.
I have 2003 Toyota Camry le.. I got into multiple issues with the vehicle. First one is the sun roof/moon roof getting jammed and not closing properly resulting in water leak and as well as high cabin noise. Dealer told it will cost 2000 + to fix the sunroom/moon roof as this need to be replaced complete. Also while doing the 110000 service dealer said the front and rare suspension system needs to be replaced which will cost 2000 + usd. I am requesting Toyota to look into this and get this fixed for me.
My complaint is about the front suspension of my Camry> suspension appears to be off from factory and it causes uneven wear of the front tires> my vehicle has about 52 k miles and it's had 4 sets of tires already. It has been aligned 3 times and the alignment shop says there is no issues. My mechanic says he has seen the same problem with many Toyota Camry's. This problem has been continues since I purchased this vehicle brand new.
Suspension complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2003 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Toyota Camry, 4% of the model year's 782 complaints. The component named most often is front (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Toyota Camry suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2003 Toyota Camry, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Toyota Camry suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles, and 53% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.