2008 Toyota Camry Complaint Log

The dashboard in my 2008 Toyota Camry LE has deteriorated over time and has melted, becoming sticky and glossy. This condition causes sunlight to reflect off the dashboard onto the windshield, creating a strong glare. This glare significantly impairs my visibility while driving, especially in bright daylight conditions. At times, I am unable to clearly see traffic, road conditions, or other vehicles. This creates a dangerous situation and increases the risk of a crash. The issue has progressively worsened over time. There were no warning messages or indicators prior to this condition developing. The problem appears to be caused by the dashboard material degrading under normal use and heat exposure. I reported this issue to Toyota dealers, including Fremont Toyota and Milpitas Toyota, but no corrective action was taken. The condition remains unresolved. The defective dashboard is available for inspection upon request. This issue represents a safety hazard due to reduced driver visibility.

Melting Dash, sticky to touch

Issue Description: Melting Dashboard Creating Driving Hazard I am reporting a serious safety hazard involving my 2008 Toyota Camry, which has developed a melting/sticky dashboard condition that significantly affects driver visibility and safety during daylight driving. Nature of the Problem: •The dashboard has become soft, shiny, and sticky to the touch, especially in warmer temperatures. •The melting material creates a high-gloss surface, which leads to excessive glare on the windshield. •This reflection severely impairs forward visibility, especially under sunlight or direct light conditions, such as during midday driving or on sunny days. •The dashboard’s condition is progressively worsening, becoming a constant distraction and hazard when driving. •The condition also poses potential chemical exposure risks, as the degraded dashboard material emits a strong odor and residue. Safety Concerns: •Visual impairment due to reflection: The dashboard acts like a mirror, reflecting sunlight directly into the driver’s line of sight. •Increased accident risk: The glare limits the driver’s ability to clearly see pedestrians, other vehicles, traffic signals, and road signs. •Heat-related degradation: The softening dashboard may also interfere with airbag deployment zones or deteriorate structural safety components over time. Request for Action: I respectfully request the following: 1.That this issue be formally investigated as a safety defect by the relevant vehicle safety authority. 2.That Toyota issue a recall or safety repair program for affected vehicles, if not already done. 3.That an evaluation be conducted to determine if the airbag function is compromised by the dashboard’s current state. Previous Attempts to Resolve: I have attempted to contact Toyota Customer Service and/or local dealerships, but have not received a resolution to date. The problem persists and continues to pose a daily driving hazard.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Power Steering, Service Vehicle, Traction Control, and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the speedometer failed to display the speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the sensors for the front wheels had failed. The contact purchased and replaced the sensors; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Excessive oil consumption after 1000 miles low oil pressure warning comes on.

I purchased a used 2008 Camry but I didn’t know about the sticky dashboard defect. It’s a hazard to drive this car because of the extreme sun glare, which impedes my vision.

We took ownership of the vehicle in March 2025. It wasn’t until then when we finally attempted driving it that I realized the dashboard had begun melting. It is shiny and sticky. The Camry was owned by my wife’s elderly parents. Her father was disabled and had stopped driving the car before passing and her mother has dementia. Neither of them were aware of the dashboard recall program or the warranty extension that ended in 2017. Had her father and mother notified us of the problem we would have had it taken care of under the time limit, but they didn't. They purchased it new and the vehicle was mostly garaged, with only 37,000 miles to date most of which were in the first 2 years they owned it. The melting dashboard creates dangerous glare reflecting onto the windshield making it difficult to see. This poses a significant safety hazard when driving on a sunny day, not only to us but to those driving near us, risking a multi-car accident. We have had several close calls while driving this car. This situation has placed us in a difficult position. I am [XXX] and [XXX], we rely on this vehicle for regular transportation to [XXX] and medical appointments. We live on a fixed income and are unable to afford the cost of dashboard replacement. Given these circumstances and the fact that we only recently became aware of the issue we want Toyota to do the right thing and replace the dashboard as they committed to do. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am experiencing significant glaring on my windshield as a result of my melting dashboard reflecting on the windshield. This problem is making my car unsafe to drive. The glare becomes extremely intense with rain and night driving. After researching this issue today, apparently Toyota is well aware of this safety issue but did not notify me about a program to replace my dashboard. I am only becoming aware today that there was a program to fix this issue. I understand this same problem has been reported by many other Toyota Camry owners. I contacted Toyota today to report my concerns and requested assistance to remedy this safety problem. The Toyota rep. recommended I file a complaint here with NJTSA. Also Toyota will see if they can arrange for me to bring my car in to a Toyota Dealer for an inspection.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Solara. The contact stated that upon inspection, the interior dashboard was sticky and had started to deteriorate. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the failure was linked to an undisclosed recall; however, the recall repair had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,731.

ABS light on, Brake warning light on, difficult to brake, Air Conditioner malfunctioning and seems connected to this issue.

My Camry has the reflection from the dashboard causing vision issues looking out of the front windshield. Also the dash is very sticky and peels off if your finger nail hits it. I know Toyota had a TSB on this issue but when I reach out to them they said they knew about the issue but my car is out of the timeframe. If it is a safety issue it should not have a time limit, you need to be able to see out of the front windshield clearly? I have reach out to other dashboard repair companies and they will not touch this car due the TSB that was issued on the car. They say it is not repairable and I need a new dashboard.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry Solara. The contact stated that the dashboard was melting. Additionally, the dashboard was sticky and cracking. The contact was unable to clean or wipe the dashboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed about a recall and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

No complete failure has happened as I chose to not drive the vehicle as I feel it is unsafe. The rear trailing arm body mounts rust to a point that I feel the structural integrity is compromised. At first glance the mount appears intact but after tapping lightly with a small hammer pieces of the mount fall off leaving a large portion of the mount missing. I have attached pictures of the mount before checking the mount and after to show how much of the mount is left. If this mount were to fail it could cause loss of control of the vehicle and a crash.

am writing to report a critical safety issue with my 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid's ABS module. The problems I've encountered include failing ABS modules, weak braking, VSC light illumination, a ringing sound, and occasional brake failure, requiring excessive force to regain control. This ABS module problem is alarmingly common in Toyota Camry Hybrids from 2007 to 2011. Repair costs are exorbitant, and the widespread nature of this issue poses a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers. I urgently request the NHTSA's immediate investigation and collaboration with Toyota to address this matter and ensure the safety of affected vehicles.

Actuator and Pump Assembly, leaks won't build pressure makes brakes where pedal don't work

I am writing to report a critical safety issue with my 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid's ABS module. The problems I've encountered include failing ABS modules, weak braking, VSC light illumination, a ringing sound, and occasional brake failure, requiring excessive force to regain control. This ABS module problem is alarmingly common in Toyota Camry Hybrids from 2007 to 2011. Repair costs are exorbitant, and the widespread nature of this issue poses a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers. I urgently request the NHTSA's immediate investigation and collaboration with Toyota to address this matter and ensure the safety of affected vehicles.

The vehicle is a hybrid and so with no warning present on the dash the vehicle was being back out of garage and when the hybrid battery Failed which led to loss of power including steering and brake and hit brick gate and after impact the vehicle is unable to drive has all warning lights on and displays "check hybrid system" and low voltage park immediately, and the hybrid battery is constantly on due to overheating, had it check by mechanic and was told it was the hybrid battery. Thank God no one was around when the crash occurred or that I was not on the highway.

Driver's side visor suddenly broke to the full down position blocking forward vision unexpectedly.

The dashboard hasbeen cracking for some time. I have use leather oils & other products to reduce. has slowly worsened

The dashboard of my 2008 Toyota Camry is shining/reflecting from the windshield, making it clear visibility very difficult for the driver. I called Toyota they mentioned they had a warranty extension for a limited period and now they are not covering/fixing it anymore. It should be a "SAFETY RECALL" and all owners should be sent a notice to get the factory defective product fixed. My daughter was involved in a crash on Feb 14th, 2023 because visibility was very seriously constrained because the dashboard was reflecting from the windshield. Photographs attached to document the issue.

Vehicle consumes an excessive amount of oil.

replaced meter assy.$1141.00 ,replaced actuator assy. $793.00 =$1934 dollars i still have electrical problems

ABS/VSC actuator pump failure and with the abs alarm on causing constant drain to the system needing jump every time or to disconnect 12v every time parked. Dealer diagnosed wrong last year stating 12v battery needed replacement. I did the $500. It did NOT fix the problem. Now dealer states actuator pump failure - replace/fix price approx $4,000. I asked for diagnostic readouts to prove to me that they have it right this time. (I'm over 50 hours into this ABS failure) he refused and would not agree to refund my money if I would go ahead with their advised repair. My car has only 116,000 miles on it! I've checked around & it seems that my model should be part of recall/repair. I've gotten nothing written from Toyota when I have inquired in writing. Extremely dangerous, this failure!

There was unexpected and unintended acceleration that resulted in hitting a house and causing a lot of damage.

MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING THUS CAUSING A GLARE WHICH AFFECTS VISABILITY WHEN DRIVING

2008 Toyota Camry dashboard melting Toyota advised CSP letter sent 2011. I did not receive letter. Toyota advised CSP extended until 2017. I was not advised by dealership. 2021 dashboard started getting sticky. I was advised that Toyota cannot replace as after the CSP. If my dashboard would have melted between 2011 and 2017, I would have contacted Toyota. I am not able to pay the 2600 for a new dashboard. Toyota should have not put a dashboard into a vehicle that melts and causes a glare and noxious odor. I am looking for any assistance to help get this fixed by Toyota at no cost to myself. Texas has 103 to 110 degree heat this year. Thank you

I was driving on the highway and I smelled something burning towards my left. I looked at my door panel and saw the window switch on fire. I immediately pulled over to the side of the freeway. I opened the door, got out, and attempted to put out the fire. If I did not react fast enough I could have easily have got trapped on the driver side and would have to try to rush out of the passenger side as I wouldn’t have any control of opening the driver door or window. I had no success of extinguishing the fire and then called 911. I answered their questions and they were dispatched. I got lucky and a good samaritan had a fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire. Five minutes later the firefighters showed up. Eventually, the door panel melted to the ground from the heat. Firefighters went through the car to determine if the fire was out. They gave the okay, took my information, and left me with an inspection number. CHP also came by to check on me. He didn’t leave any inspection numbers. The car is available for inspection if need be. The was no warning lamps, messages, etc. I’m not sure if the problem has been reproduced the dealer or independent shop.

The contact owned a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH he fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle crashed into a water drain. There were no warning lights. There were no air bags deployed. There were no major injuries or medical reports filed. The vehicle was destroyed. There was a police report. There were no passengers. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000

Brake actuator failure is too common in this vehicle. Needs to be an open warranty without limitation. This is a safety issue Toyota should be handling. On June 25, 2014, Toyota initiated a Warranty Enhancement Program (ZE1) to extend warranty coverage for the brake actuator assembly and skid control ECU/brake pedal stroke sensor in certain MY 2007 to 2011 Toyota Camry hybrid vehicles. Toyota's program covers repairs related to two conditions: internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly; and overly sensitive monitoring logic for the Brake Pedal Stroke Sensor. Melting dash is ridiculous as well. I can only imagine what kind of cancer I will be getting from inhaling the noxious fumes from the melting dash.

Breaks are not working. ABS is acting like it is in panic situation. it happens randomly. I almost went and hit somebody due to car not stopping. I am able to reproduce the issue but Toyota dealer is not accepting it. he says without seeing fault code in Toyota diagnostic tool they can't do anything. they are asking me continuously drive the vehicle. if I drive knowingly there is an issue with ABS who will be liable for accident or death. I saw few NHTSA complains raised similar to my issue. Here they are. NHTSA Compliant id: 11327259 and 11321857. Please take this seriously and help us out. There are many owners experiencing similar issues for the same model vehicles. They have done recall on hybrid model but non hybrid vehicles have same problem. you can reach me at [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while his sister-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon inspecting the engine, the contact noticed there was no engine oil in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle had consumed an excessive amount of engine oil, causing the engine to fail. The independent mechanic advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as there was no recall associated with the VIN and the vehicle warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

I have a very sticky dashboard which reflects a strong glare and blind my drive view very bad sometimes. I have encountered several cases in which I almost missed traffic lights and stop sign. It puts my in very dangerous driving. I called my Toyota dealer and was told that it will cost over $1500 to replace it. I wonder why Toyota didn't issue a recall on this issue.

THE DASH HAS MELTED ON THE DRIVER SIDE CAUSING A BLIND SPOT IN THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING OBSTRUCTED VIEW WHILE DRIVING

Sticky dashboard creating glare on windshield.

VSC light came on. No breaks. Almost hit the car in front of me.

I was driving behind a box truck and they made a abrupt stop so I had to as well and I rear ended the truck my brake peddle went all the way to the floor none of my airbags went off not one

The padded dash panel has failed so that it cannot provide impact protection because of hard material that has chipped and cracked. The dealer inspected the problem and gave me a repair estimate of $2800.00. I complained to Toyota and was told that the extended dash warranty ended in 2018. Prior to failure, the dash was sticky but not chipped and cracked. Why is Toyota allowed to stop any warranty or compensation for dash impact protection on my 13 year old vehicle?

Excessive oil consumption and vehicle acts like it wants to stall when trying to take off. It stalls when trying to take off after stopping at a red light, stop sign etc. I’m also drive 50 miles daily to work and back home. I’m putting in oil about every other day. No oils on ground, changed gaskets and oil changes- excessive consumption. I bought the car in 2014 from carmax

My dash on my Toyota Camry has become sticky and shiny with a chemical smell. The visibility is blinding from a glare in bright days and also night driving makes visibility difficult. The chemical cannot be cleaned off and nothing helps with the glare the dash is causing

my vehicle dashpad has suddenly begun to slowly melt and has become very sticky and shinny, the shininess causes a constant glare on the windshield, making it difficult and dangerous to drive especially during daylight hrs. I learned that there was a recall for this issues and contacted Toyota on 5/24/2021, and was told the recall for this issue expired in 2017, and there is nothing they will do for it now. I like to express that i purchased my vehicle in April of 2016, and was never notified of the recall, Toyota never sent me a letter informing me of the issue and i have taken my vehicle several time to the Dealer for other repair/maintenance prior to 2017 and was not informed of the recall by by them during that time. My case # with Toyota is 210524000564. i have searched the internet and also found that is a concerned issued with many other Toyota car owners. My vehicle is a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid.

WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS OR OPEN HIGHWAYS ON SUNNY DAYS, DRIVER SOMETIMES BECOMES BLINDED FROM GLARE FROM "MELTING" SHINY DASHBOARD. THIS PROBLEM WITH "MELTING" DASHBOARD BEGAN MAYBE 5-6 YEARS AGO AND HAS KEPT GETTING WORSE. THE BLINDING REFLECTIONS ARE NOW SO BAD AT TIMES THAT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HAVING AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE WE ARE SOMETIMES BLINDED BY REFLECTIONS FROM THE SHINY DASHBOARD.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the glare from the sticky dashboard made it unable to visibly see the road and he lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a state trooper informed him that he was unable to drive the vehicle as-is and had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was being diagnosed for over a month. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

Subject: Toyota I purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry many years ago. I still have the vehicle and there is a safety issue having to do with dashboard. There was extended product warranty coverage that ended in 2019 on the defect. I was not notified about this issue. When I contacted Toyota they said I "may" have been notified if I brought it to a Toyota dealer for service (which I did not). The issue is the dashboard starts to melt and gets sticky and causes glare on the windshield during the day when sunlight hits it and at night when vehicle lights are oncoming. I moved to Florida in late 2019 and noticed the safety issue at that time. If you google the issue (Toyota dashboard recall) it made the news etc. Toyota was able to make it a product issue and was able to then use the extended warranty rather than calling it a safety issue. The articles on the issue (even from Toyota state it causes glare). Can this be looked into or at a minimum have the laws changed so these safety concerns can't be listed as a product issue? I would have thought this would have been a class action lawsuit with the number of issues because of this safety problem. My understanding is safety recalls do not expire and in my opinion (and many others on line that have the same issue) this is a safety issue. I had contacted the AGs Office in Florida and they suggested I make contact with your office. Below is some information on the melting dashboards. In 2014 Toyota offered to replace dashboards in 3.4 million vehicles after owners in sunny states like Arizona and Florida reported that their dashboards were melting, causing a dangerous glare on the windshield. ... Toyota's extended warranty on dashboards expired in 2019. Thank you for your time.

MY DASHBOARD IS BECOMING EXTREMELY STICKY. IT'S BECOMING UNSAFE TO DRIVE WHEN IT'S SUNNY OUT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. HAS A LAWSUIT BEEN FILED YET FOR THIS MANUFACTURER MISTAKE?

THIS CAR IS BURNING OIL

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LEADING TO ENGINE BURNING OIL, RESULTING IN REDUCED GAS MILEAGE AND OIL BEING USED UP VERY QUICKLY.

ENGINE CONSUME EXCESSIVE OIL DUE TO FAULTY PISTONS AND PISTON RINGS THAT TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF

I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION ON A CITY STREET AND STARTED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED, THE "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" MESSAGE CAME ON THE DASH, SEVERAL DASH LIGHTS TURNED ON, AND THE POWER BRAKES FAILED SO I HAD TO STEP ON THE BRAKES VERY HARD IN ORDER TO STOP. I WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE HOME. THE "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" ,MESSAGE IS STILL ON THE DASH.

CAR LURCHES FORWARD AFTER TOUCHING AN ICE PATCH AND SCARILY WANTS TO SPEED AHEAD. EVEN IN MY DRIVEWAY, IT SUDDENLY BEGINS TO SPEED FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN IT MERELY TOUCHES A SHEET OF ICE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN AREAS WHERE THERE ARE PEDESTRIANS BECAUSE THE CAR SUDDENLY SEEMS OUT OF CONTROL. MY SOLUTION IS TO GO AS SLOWLY AS POSSIBLE UNTIL I AM ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A DEALER ON A NONICY DAY.

WHILE DRIVING UPHILL ALL OF A SUDDEN I RECEIVED MULTIPLE WARNINGS ( NOISE, BRAKE LIGHT, EXCLAMATION POINT, AND A MESSAGE ABOUT ABS). I WENT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN ON A STREET TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR AND HAD NO BRAKES. THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT MOVE AT ALL. REALIZING I COULD NOT STOP, I DROVE ON THE GRASS AND COASTED UNTIL THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. TO SAY THIS WAS TERRIFYING IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE ELSE, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR AND IT WOULD BE $2054.00 FOR THE PART. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM