1988 Toyota Camry
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Toyota › Camry › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Toyota Camry. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1988 Toyota Camry. Newest first.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
The electronic control unit (ecu) for the power door lock system can fail, causing the contacts to "weld", and resulting in door lock solenoid damage, with failure of the door to lock or unlock, even under manual operation.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the door fails to open after ecu failure, vehicleoccupants would have increased difficulty exiting the vehicle in an emergency.
Remedy
Install an additional subcircuit relay control to prevent malfunction of original relays in the ecu.
Occupant release of the lap belt in a certain manner could cause the belt retractor to lock at the retracted and stowed position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Seat belts may be unusable or occupants may bediscouraged from using belts, increasing their potential for injury in anaccidental or sudden stop.
Remedy
Replace lap belt with a redesigned belt guide.
Due to a design defect in the thread profile of the car jack, when the wagon IS raised, the jack may be unable to sustain the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Jack could lower itself with potential to cause personalinjury.
Remedy
Replace jack.
Owner complaints
64 complaints8 involved a crash4 involved a fire9 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle was travelling 70mph on the interstate when the check engine light illuminated then went away. Moments later a very strong odor of gasoline then power loss. As vehicle being merged emergency lane vehicle erupted flames and burned completely.
- Vehicle speed control
1988 toyota camry with unintended acceleration. consumer states she was in an accident due to the defect. *kb the consumer stated when she shifted from park to reverse the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed and crashed into a wall. *Jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 toyota camry with pep boys futura 185/14 radial 775 tires. while driving (mph unknown) he heard a thumping noise. he pulled over and noticed bubbles formed on the tread. he stated that the failure occurred on all four tires on five separate occasions. the tread…
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 toyota camry with pep boys futura 185/14 radial 775 tires. while driving (mph unknown) he heard a thumping noise. he pulled over and noticed bubbles formed on the tread. he stated that the failure occurred on all four tires on five separate occasions. the tread separated on the fifth occasion. the manufacturer has discontinued the tire. the failure mileage was 7,000 and the current mileage was 170,000. the tire size and the model number were not available on the drop down menu.
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 toyota camry. while traveling 55 mph the contact noticed a spark near the vehicle's hood. the contact pulled the vehicle over moments before it shut off. the vehicle ignited, and the fire department arrived at the scene. the vehicle was located at bi-city towing. the current and failure mileages were 90,000. *ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
The power steering hose on the 19'88 camry was rubbing against itself at the loop mounted on the firewall, resulting in worn hose and leak at the pressure hoes and loss of fluid. Now the car IS old, but the hose should not be rubbing against itself.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tread separated on my left front firestone firehawk SS10 radial tire while traveling at approximately 60 mph this cause much skidding and loss of control. it IS a miracle I managed to get over four lanes to the shoulder without hitting anyone or vice versa. the tread ruined the left side of my…
Tread separated on my left front firestone firehawk SS10 radial tire while traveling at approximately 60 mph this cause much skidding and loss of control. it IS a miracle I managed to get over four lanes to the shoulder without hitting anyone or vice versa. the tread ruined the left side of my car before being unattached and becoming a hazard for the hundreds of people behind me. this IS not the first time firestone has indirectly tried to kill me I was a victim of the exact same incident 15 years ago on some firestone 500'S in my fathers car. where IS safety and responsibility? Who IS responsible for the damage to my car? *la
- Seat belts
Both front automatic shoulder and seat belts do not catch or hold or get restrained when pulled in a jerky fashion. They are supposed to catch/hold when pulled in a jerky fashion similar to a frontal impact. *ak
- Seats
Vehicle was hit from rear which which caused driver's seat to collapse backwards . Please give any further details. *ak
- Electrical system › Starter assembly · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Flywheel teeth for starter IS getting chewed up. Cosnumer has had starter and flywheel replaced twice. Manufacturer has redesigned parts. *ak
- Tires
The tire blew while in the trunk (in trunk for 3 years). Separated in the middle of the tread. Tire had 75% of tread. Fire department and neighbors thought it was a bomb.( dot number: y382e tire size: 185/70sr14 )
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration on two separate occasions which resulted in collisions.et
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Consumer was involved in a collision, impact left frontal bumper at 10-15 mph. Driver's side shoulder belt did not lock, throwing occupant hit the windshield, and causing minor injuries. consumer has not contacted dealer. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving at 65 mph on the highway transmission failed and the speed dropped dramatically to 25-30 mph and causing a very dangerous situation. Somehow managed to maneuver the car through the traffic. This IS the third time the transmission has failed on this car.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Necessary parts were not replaced to correct recall 92v135000. The problem still exists with the door latches and locks, also, consumer was charged for recall service. Please give any further details.*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Consumer purchased a defective (diehard battery), vehicle experienced no-start condition and stalling, on two occasions the consumer went back to place of purchase to have battery inspected and they could not find anything wrong with the battery, replacement of the ignition switch, wiring from the…
Consumer purchased a defective (diehard battery), vehicle experienced no-start condition and stalling, on two occasions the consumer went back to place of purchase to have battery inspected and they could not find anything wrong with the battery, replacement of the ignition switch, wiring from the starting motor to the ignition switch, starter and finally the battery, received notice of defective battery after all previous replacements were completed. *mjs
- Structure › Body › Door
Vehicle experiencing power door lock failure, prior to recall notice (92v135000). However, for the pass four years, the right side power window has experienced failue which could be the result of a electrical problem. *yc
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Key can be taken out of the ignition in any gear. This has happened and vehicle has rolled away before. Dealer says it's normal. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Whenever the tank IS filled up all the way consumer smells gas. If it IS not filled up, cannot smell gas. Took to dealer,and the dealer said there was a hairline split in tank. Dealer did not repair. Consumer feels if car runs over a cigarette it might explode. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Driver IS able to remove key from ignition without being in park gear, resulting in incident when left in neutral gear vehicle rolled.
- Power train › Driveline › Constant velocity joint · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Steering › Rack and pinion · Structure › Body › Door · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Car pulls sharply to the left, mechanic saids it needs rack and pinion. the car front driver brake pads makes a grinding sound, when I took the tire off a stratch was on the disc where the pad or something was grinding it. goes through pad every 30,000 miles. power windows and lock cease to…
Car pulls sharply to the left, mechanic saids it needs rack and pinion. the car front driver brake pads makes a grinding sound, when I took the tire off a stratch was on the disc where the pad or something was grinding it. goes through pad every 30,000 miles. power windows and lock cease to operate and locks must be manually operated.when I drive the car at about 30mph the car picks up a knocking sound, possible the wheel bearing or cv joint.
- Vehicle speed control
Auto was stopped at a parking ramp ticket booth, when accelerator was pushed to move forward,accelerator stuck and auto proceeded to increase speed,going down an incline to a speed of approx. 40-45. vehicle was not stoppable and crashed into brick wall seriously injuring driver and killing passenger.
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls · Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
All 4 power windows and power sun roof malfunctioned, will not operate. never been to dealer. please provide further information. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Whenever vehicle IS at a stop sign or stop light & about to take off, vehicle would stall out for no reason. There IS no warning. both the air flow meter and the distributor have been replaced in attempt to correct the problem, but the problem still exists. *ak *ML
- Fuel system, other › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fuel hose cracked causing leak.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I was parked with the engine running (and gear shift in park) in drive-thru at bank. I moved the gear shift to 'drive' with my foot still on the brake, and with no warning, the engine made a revving/racing sound, and the car shot forward at great speed. the car traveled three car lengths (if…
I was parked with the engine running (and gear shift in park) in drive-thru at bank. I moved the gear shift to 'drive' with my foot still on the brake, and with no warning, the engine made a revving/racing sound, and the car shot forward at great speed. the car traveled three car lengths (if placed side-by-side) and as I turned left to swerve, the car hit another car causing it to spin around about 180 degrees. I was approaching the intersection and in order to stop the car, I collided with the curb and turned off the ignition and the car finally came to rest. the revving/racing noise continued for the duration of the incident, and even though I was braking, the car never stopped until I hit the curb and turned off the ignition.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Leaking fuel tank
Cracks in the solder joint of the fuel fill or inlet pipe in the fuel tank allows liquid fuel to leak from the tank
- Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
- Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
- Stuck power door locks
There is no summary currently available
- Passive safety belt fails
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- Passive safety belt warnin
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- Front lap belt jams
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- Frnt seat lap belt jamming
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Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10244113TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10207946POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10197476Replacement vin plates.
- 10197473Product general information.
- 10188913TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10174891TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174890TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10152205TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10145776Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
- 10145749Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10145748Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10143953TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Replacement Certification Label and VIN Plate Criteria A replacement certification label and/or VIN plate may be requested if: ? The vehicle was in an accident and the label and/or plate is damaged or attached to a part that will be replaced during the repair. ? The label and/or plate was stolen.
- 10133649TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10131993This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
- 10131988The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10131713TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. REVISION NOTICE January 11, 2018 ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10123420TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10111390TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10111197TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
Every Toyota Camry model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.