Problems · by component

2002 Toyota Camry air bags problems

102 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2002 Toyota Camry cite air bags, 10% of all 1,039 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 3 recalls on this component.

Complaints
102
10% of all complaints
Crashes
64
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
56
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the air bags

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The components or systems that have failed are (Catalytic Converter, Exhaust Manifold, Air Bag Control Module, Engine including head gasket) My safety is at risk due to catalytic converter not functioning properly producing harmful carbon monoxide that can be smelled through air vents, Air bag control module not functioning which will not able to initiate the deployment of airbag in the event of a wreck/accident could lead to fatality. Engine not functioning properly due to blown head gasket which could lead to overheating amongst other things. Vehicle has been inspected by Dealership. Yes there are warning lights prior to failure (Check engine light)”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 27, 2024Electrical system, Air bags, EngineODI 11597202
“My passenger side dash airbag is bloating and tearing at the seam. It is available for inspection. I am concerned that it will continue to add pressure and eventually deploy. It seems unsafe for passengers -would it work properly in the case of an accident? And for myself as the driver, it would certainly startle me while driving if it deployed by itself. I took it in to get serviced and was told it would need to be replaced. The cost will be around $1600. I haven’t had my insurance inspect it, is that something that is recommended? I tried to contact Toyota but never heard back. I don’t have any warning lights on, and I noticed the issue starting in the past year. I have found threads of other Toyota Camry in the same car age range with owners that are having/had the same issue. These threads mentioned it happening around 40,000 miles, and that aligns with my car too. - I also have a friend that has the same issue with her Camry airbag!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 10, 2023Air bagsODI 11501050
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS PROTRUDING OUT OF ITS COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. LEGACY TOYOTA (3800 W TENNESSEE ST, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32304, (850) 688-9264) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1907100960. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 10, 2019Air bagsODI 11230746
“I WAS REAR ENDED ON THE INTERSTATE. I WAS AT A COMPLETE HALT WHEN A DISTRACTED DRIVER OF A CEMENT TRUCK REAR ENDED MY CAMRY RESULTING IN THE CAR BEING COMPLETELY TOTALLED. ZERO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER BLUNT FORCE TO THE REAR CAUSING THE CAR TO SPIN AROUND AND BE HIT AGAIN IN THE FRONT.*DT PHOTOS ATTACHED *JB”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 21, 2019Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11221725
“VEHICLE IS A CONVERTIBLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON WHENEVER THE CAR IS RUNNING. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION. MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED SAME PROBLEM FOR SAME MAKE/MODE/YEAR. WHERE COLLISIONS HAVE OCCURRED WITH VEHICLES DISPLAYING THIS CONDITION, AIR BAGS FAIL TO DEPLOY.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2019Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11217280
“THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON. I'VE SPENT MANY DOLLARS TO GET IF FIXED, HOWEVER, NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY THE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. IT SEEMS TO BE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE LIGHT GOES ON WHENEVER THE KEY IS ENGAGED.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 10, 2019Air bagsODI 11175983

Showing 6 of 102 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

3 recalls on this component

Air bags: side

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Jul 13, 2004NHTSA 04V346000

Air bags: frontal

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Dec 11, 2001NHTSA 01V372000

Air bags: frontal

Free remedy

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Air bagsReported Sep 25, 2001NHTSA 01V306000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.