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Toyota Solara, officially referred to as Toyota Camry Solara, is a mid-size coupe or optional convertible series built by Toyota. The first Solara coupe was introduced in late 1998 as a 1999 model, and in 2000 Toyota introduced its convertible version in North America.
Unfortunately, not all Toyota Solara models released offer the best quality performance andIt was reported that some released models like 2004 and 2006 had notable interior and engine problems.
Therefore, read the article below to learn more about these models and decide whether or not you should consider them.
Toyota Solara years to avoid (with reasons)
Toyota Solara was originally designed and developed mechanically based on Toyota's other best-selling series, Toyota Camry, which was a successful series in the Japanese market.
The Solara models were developed with greater sportiness, fancier styling and improved suspension and engine tuning or configuration to give a sportier feel.
However,Some Solara models are notorious for cracked convertible tops, sticky dashboards that cause issues with glare reflections, and shiny or cracked dashboards.
So if you are looking for a used Solara model, remember to avoid the following release years:
- 2004 Toyota Solara
- 2006 Toyota Solara
- 2007 Toyota Solara
- 2008 Toyota Solara
All those years mentioned made Toyota one of the best14th Position in the category of the least reliable Toyota models151complaints received and a9.75Score in the PainRank™ rating system.
Let's learn more about the models of that particular year to find out why they are considered reliable leases.
2004 Toyota Solara Problems
According to Carcomplaints.com reports, 2004 Toyota Solara users were greatly disappointed due to the faulty interiors on these models.
The most common complaint against a 2004 Solara model was thisdefective factory fitted dashboard prone to cracking very frequently and randomly.
Besides, consumers also complained about other notable issues, such as:excessive oil consumption, engine surges, airbag light that stays on, the dashboard over the airbag tends to crack easily, and faulty shoulder straps.
Few consumers also claimed that theSunroof explodes or flies off vehicle. A certain Solara user from 2004 even claimed that his rear window was broken for no reason.
2006 Toyota Solara Problems
In 2006, users of the Solara model claimed that the vehicleDashboard becomes sticky, shiny and/or cracked.
Users also claimed that the glossy or sticky dashboard issue was common44.000miles, and the dashboard tends to grab around at most88.000miles in use.
Users also mentioned severalEngine problemssuch asunintended or unexpected acceleration, erratic engine judder or hesitation under acceleration, excessive engine agitation when cold, and excessive oil consumption.
Also, 2006 Solara users complained about itThe airbag tends to delay in the wreck or the warning light stays on, the flat tire doesn't last long and the window of the soft-top convertible sometimes falls out.
2007 Toyota Solara Problems
According to website Carcomplaint.com, 2007 Solara models are prone to several internal and engine-related issues, just like some other previously released models.
The inner defect most highlighted was thisCracking and melting of the dashboard, ultimately forcing the user to replace the dashboard with a new one.
Consumers appeared with typical engine problems suchexcessive oil consumption, unintentional sudden acceleration when not needed, and the check engine light stays on.
2007 Toyota Solara users also mentioned other issues such as:rusted heat shields, the rain gutter around the convertible top is leaking, the air conditioning hesitates or won't turn off and the occasional brakes fail.
2008 Toyota Solara Problems
Another year from Toyota Solara with severalInnerDefects, and people also reportedexterior and lightIssues compared to 2008 models.
Most users of the 2008 Solara model have come across this vehicleThe dashboard tends to get sticky and eventually causes blinding reflection issues while driving. Some also mentioned noticingdefective convertible tops of their vehicles, and sometimes headlights do not respond appropriately.
If your vehicle's headlights go out randomly at night or on rainy days while driving on a highway, it is definitely dangerous.
The problem with the headlights malfunctioning occurs quite often80.000Miles and you have to spend around$800fix something.
Worst years of Toyota Solara:
Let's learn about the three worst Toyota Solara years.
2004 Toyota Solara
According to the 2004 TOYOTA SOLARA PROBLEMS & COMPLAINTS graph published on the Carcomplaints.com website, there are such problems39 complaintsreported against these models.
Users mainly encounteredtwo main problems- Interior (23 complaints)Andengine related (5 complaints) issues.
The most highlighted symptoms of the 2004 Toyota Solara models are a cracking dashboard,excessive oil consumption, engine surges,Andthere is a smell of rotten eggs.
2006 Toyota Solara
According to the 2006 TOYOTA SOLARA PROBLEMS & COMPLAINTS report published on the Carcomplaints.com website, there are problems35 complaintsreported against these models.
When using the 2006 models, users came across them againtwo big problems- Interior (24 complaints)Andengine related (5 complaints) issues.
The most highlighted symptoms of the 2006 Toyota Solara models are shiny, sticky and/or cracked dashboard,flat tires that no longer last (typical repair cost $1,000), excessive oil consumption,Andunwanted acceleration.
2007 Toyota Solara
According to the 2007 TOYOTA SOLARA PROBLEMS & COMPLAINTS published on Carcomplaints.com, there are35 complaintsreported against these models.
While using 2007 Solara, users encountered it againInterior (16 complaints)Andengine related (11 complaints) issues.
The most highlighted symptoms of the 2007 Toyota Solara models are Cracks in the dashboard, excessive oil consumption,Andmelt dash.
However based onAutobeschwerden.com, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet issued any official recalls against any of the released Toyota Solara models.
Most common problem of Toyota Solara:
Let's learn more about the most common Solara issues that are worth avoiding for some of the released models.
1. Dashboard-Problem
According to Carcomplaints.com, dashboard melting, warping or warping, and dashboard cracks are common on Toyotas2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008released Solara models, but the severity levels are pretty bad2004, 2006 and 2007For the Toyota Solara model.
According to reports, Toyota Solara dashboards have been reported to Melt and deform when exposed to the sun's heat since Toyota released its Solara models in 2003.
According to reports, the melted plastic of these dashboards eventually cracks and creates a remarkable blind reflection in the driver's front area, which poses an alarming problem for the safety of drivers and passengers as it can lead to a possible accident while driving.
Due to several consumer complaints and lawsuits, Toyota has issued the official Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) claiming that some2006 bis 2008Solara models had tacky interior panels.
Toyota said soeither the instrument panel overlay or the door panel overlay has this condition and these panels have a shiny or deteriorated appearance.
The company also voluntarily extended the service guarantee to compensate consumers.
2. Engine problem
According to Carcomplaints.com, several engine problems are common on Toyotas2004, 2006 and 2007released Solara models. But the severity of the problem is terribly bad2007Toyota Solara models and reports claimed that the most common problem occurs with72.000Miles.
Consumers mostly reported symptoms such asexcessive oil consumption, sudden unintentional acceleration, malfunction of the check engine light, engine tending to surge, excessive movement when cold, judder and skipping during acceleration.
Because ofdefective piston rings, has encountered this extreme oil consumption problem and in most cases the problem is resolved after replacing the piston rings with a new set.
According to reports, the check engine light tends to work due to malfunctionsDefective oxygen sensor component or EVAP purge control valve, and the only solution is to replace the faulty components with new ones.
Which Toyota Solara years are safe to buy used?
According to the TOYOTA SOLARA MODEL YEAR COMPARISON, the models of the following years were considered safe by most consumers and car experts.
- 1999 Toyota Solara
- 2001 Toyota Solara
- 2002 Toyota Solara
The 1999 Toyota Solara Coupe is equipped with an all-aluminum V-6 powerplant that delivers smooth and quiet yet powerful performance. According to Cars.com Consumer Ratings, this 1999 Solara model got it4.6out of5,and most users claim that it is one of themost coveted, reliable cars that offer excellent value for money and a high resale valueto.
The 2001 Toyota Solara five-seater coupe allows the user to enjoy the features and quality of its prototype, the best-selling Toyota Camry, at an affordable price. Based on most consumer reviews, the 2001 Solara model not only sports a sportier exterior, but also lets the driver feel sportiness.
The 2002 Toyota Solara is a revised and improvised version of the previously released oneToyota Camry mid-size 2-door coupe and convertiblemodels. The extrafresh front apron with redesigned bumper, grille and headlightsof the 2002 Toyota Solara was consideredextremely reliableby most users.
Which year Toyota Solara has the most interior problems?
Toyota Solaras2006The approved models have the most interior defects based on the car complaints. As many as 24 complaints were reported against vehicle dashboards.
Which year Toyota Solara has the most engine-related problems?
According to reports from Carcomplaints.com, Toyota Solara2007Models have the most engine-related issues, and 11 complaints have been reported against them.
Diploma
Although Toyota has halted production of its Solara coupe and convertible range due to the falling sales record after a successful ten year journey, some of its released models are still in high demand as used coupe and convertible sports cars.
However, when choosing between the models, remember to avoid the models mentioned as the worst in today's article.
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FAQs
What are the best years for Toyota Camrys? ›
The most reliable Camry models might denote the model years that the vehicle received the nod as the most dependable vehicle in its category (midsize sedans). Currently, four model years rank as the most dependable: 2016, 2014, 2011 and 2006.
Are Toyota Solara reliable? ›Performance 4.7. Value for the money 4.7. Exterior styling 4.6. Reliability 4.9.
How many miles can you put on a 2004 Toyota Solara? ›Your Guide to 2004 Toyota Solara Scheduled Maintenance
If you put in the effort to keep up with proper maintenance, your Solara has a good chance of hitting 200,000 miles or more.
How Long Does a Toyota Camry Last? The Toyota Camry is one of the most well-regarded midsize vehicles available, and its Toyota durability means that you can expect to get between 200,000 and 300,000 miles of use out of your Camry with proper vehicle maintenance.
What years did Toyota Camry have transmission problems? ›2007 Toyota Camry
The 2007 model is on the top of the list for Toyota Camry years to avoid, simply because it has the most problems. One of the most significant complaints, according to RepairPal, is issues with the automatic transmission.
The Top-of-the-Line Toyota Camry XSE V6
It offers 301 horsepower and a direct-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. Offered solely in front-wheel drive, the XSE V6 has three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
About Timing Belt Replacement
They can go as long as 100,000 miles although it's always a good idea to change it before then. Belt failure can cause extensive damage to the valves, pistons and other internal parts of the engine.
The average cost for a Toyota Solara timing belt replacement is between $551 and $863. Labor costs are estimated between $251 and $316 while parts are priced between $301 and $547.
Does a 2005 Toyota Solara have a timing belt or a timing chain? ›Toyota for a long time used timing belts with their 4 cylinder engines. However, with the advent of the 2AZ engine (your 2.4L L4) and variable valve timing (VVT) Toyota elected to use a timing chain. So your Solara has a timing chain.
Can a Toyota last a million miles? ›When Victor Sheppard's 2007 Toyota Tundra reached its 1 millionth mile, almost every component of the truck was still fully functioning except for the sun visor detent on the driver's side and the odometer, which at the 999,999-mile mark had reached its six-digit limit.
Can a Toyota engine last a million miles? ›
It is no secret that Toyota makes some of the most reliable engines of all time, as they have built themselves quite the reputation. Over the years, we have seen some seriously long lasting Toyota vehicles, some surpassing the 1 million mile mark!
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter on a Toyota Solara? ›The average cost for a Toyota Solara catalytic converter replacement is between $1,833 and $1,871. Labor costs are estimated between $120 and $151 while parts are priced between $1,713 and $1,720.
What is considered high mileage for a Toyota? ›The average amount of miles put on a vehicle every year is between 10,000 and 15,000 miles. Anything above this is considered high mileage. Another popular opinion on what high mileage means is any car with over 100,000 miles on it. This is generally a standard when purchasing a used car.
What is the most miles on a Toyota? ›Toyota Sequoia can hit almost 300,000 miles. The Toyota Sequoia topped the chart with 296,509 miles of what the study calls, “potential lifespan.” The Toyota Land Cruiser was second at 280,236 miles, and the Chevrolet Suburban podiumed at 265,732 miles of potential.
What is the longest lasting car? ›Topping that list is the Toyota Sequoia, which has a potential lifespan of 296,509 miles, according to a new study from iSeeCars.com. The automotive research website analyzed more than 2 million cars to determine which last longest and found that 20 models are able to endure for more than 200,000 miles.
What year Camry not to buy? ›Toyota Camry's worst model years have several reliability concerns and multiple safety recalls. It's best to avoid 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2018 if you're shopping for a used Camry. Problems with airbag malfunctions and excessive oil consumption are not uncommon.
What is the major problem of Toyota Camry? ›Recently, transmission issues with the Toyota Camry have been reported more frequently in recent models. Shift delays, stalling, grinding, or leaping during low gear acceleration, shaking while in motion, a detectable burning smell, or whistling noises from under the hood are all symptoms of transmission troubles.
What year did Toyota go to CVT transmission? ›The K110 was Toyota's first belt-type CVT and production began in August 2000. Toyota said that the transmission was both fuel-efficient and offered high driving performance.
Are old Toyota Camrys reliable? ›They are reliable, affordable, and you can get older ones without worrying too much about mileage or repairs. The newer Camry models are inexpensive, but older models can be a real bargain.
How much does Toyota charge for a timing belt replacement? ›Shopping around to get a few quotes is your best bet to get the best deal, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $409 to $919 (including parts and labor).
How much does it cost to replace timing belt on Toyota Camry? ›
The average cost for a Toyota Camry timing belt replacement is between $498 and $778. Labor costs are estimated between $276 and $348 while parts are priced between $222 and $429.
How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt on a Toyota Solara? ›The average cost for a Toyota Solara serpentine belt replacement is between $69 and $89. Labor costs are estimated between $46 and $58 while parts are priced between $23 and $31. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.
Is engine ruined if timing belt breaks? ›If the belt breaks while you are on the road, the car will break down immediately - and your engine can experience severe damage. You need to look out for signs and symptoms of a weakening timing belt so that you can take action before it is too late.
Will a loose timing belt destroy my engine? ›A broken timing belt can cause severe engine damage that could cost you thousands to repair. To avoid this from ever happening, have the timing belt changed at the mileage milestone recommended in your owner's manual.
How long do Toyota timing chains last? ›Every time you use the engine, the timing chain is in use. When does a timing chain need to be replaced? The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles unless there is a specific problem. Issues with the chain are common in higher mileage vehicles.
How can you tell if a timing chain needs to be replaced? ›- Starting the vehicle is difficult.
- Noise in the timing chain.
- Check engine light illuminated.
- Engine misfires and sluggishness.
- When the engine is idling, it vibrates or shakes.
- The engine will not start.
Some Toyota engines are freewheeling, which means that the piston and the valves never occupy the same space in the cylinders. If a timing belt breaks in a freewheeling engine, the engine will simply stop running.
What is the most reliable Toyota engine of all time? ›And what is Toyota's best engine? We would nominate the 2GR-FKS or the A25A-FXS as Toyota's best engines, depending on whether you are looking for traditional V6 power or cutting-edge hybrid efficiency.
How many miles is too many for a used Toyota? ›Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
Why do old Toyotas last forever? ›The Bottom Line. Toyota vehicles have exceptional longevity and some of the most reliable engines in the industry. This is due to the company's meticulous approach to design and production. The quality management systems ensure any defects are detected and eliminated before the vehicle is sold to the customer.
How long do Toyota Solara last? ›
The Solara was introduced in 1998 and only lasted 10 years until plummeting sales prompted Toyota to abandon their mostly failed attempt to challenge the German sports vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW.
Why was Toyota Solara discontinued? ›From model year 2005 to 2008, sales fell from roughly 50,000 units annually to just over 20,000. After the 2008 model year, the coupe was discontinued due to faltering sales, but the convertible, which accounted for the majority of units sold, continued to be produced.
Is a Solara the same as a Camry? ›Available in coupe and convertible versions, the Camry Solara is a sportier, two-door version of the Camry sedan. While the ride is comfortable and well controlled, it's noticeably tauter than that of the four-door.