Comments: 1-15, 16
On delivery:
Clutch chattered, transmission syncros clashed shifting into 3rd gear, brakes were spongy, The 16" alloy wheels had been swapped out for 15" steel wheels w/hubcaps. The steering pulled to the left. I had to hold steering wheel in the 2 o'clock position to keep the car going straight.
The dealer put the correct wheels on the car and fixed the spongy brakes by bleeding them. Nothing else has been fixed after 9 attempts by 2 different dealers.
Eventually, one dealer realigned the steering wheel, but they are unable to prevent the car from pulling to the left. A quick search of the Web reveals that this is a pervasive problem with late model Camrys & Solaras. Officially, Toyota denies that there is a problem. Privately, their mechanics admit that this is the single biggest complaint with these cars.
Alignment Caster & Camber is unadjustable on these cars. Toyota's caster spec is insufficient to keep the cars running straight without considerable driver correction and constant effort.
I drive an assortment of cars. Only the Solara constantly wanders toward the left.
Calls and letters to Customer Support and company executives are a waste of time. They will not acknowledge that the problem even exists.
How did you get a manual on your V6 Solara? The last time I checked, no manual!
It sounds like you just happened to stumble upon a lemon. I have a 2000 sle and it drives great. There is no wandering in the steering of any kind, and the transmission seems to be in tip-top shape. However, it is an automatic.
I drive a 2001 Solara SLE. And it rides better than most cars I've driven, and just as well as any lexus or mercedes that I have driven. Also my mom purchased a 2004 SLE and it's performance and power remain at the top of all the other cars in this sporty/coupe category.
Have a 2000 Solara V6 Manual. No wandering. No problems whatsoever. It is a little underpowered due to gearing changes compared to our 1992 V6 Camry sedan. You must have a lemon or a car that has been damaged. Perhaps a collision or damage during shipping. Have another dealer check it out. I am at 70,000 km or about 42,000 miles and no warranty work at all. Did have a rear brake caliper freeze and had to replace rear pads. Too much snow and I went too long without having the rear discs cleaned and lubed.
I have a 2003 Camry XLE and it has the same problem drifting to the left. I have had 2 dealers check the alignment, swap front tires and test drive it and they say it's not a problem. I love everything else about the car and have 30k miles on it. It's not so bad that I would get rid of it, but I agree, Toyota's not fessing up to the issue.
Same problem!!! The dealership is trying to just get rid of me saying that there is nothing they can do! Ha! They have treated me horribly and I will never buy another car from that dealership.
I have a 2001 Solara and it has always pulled to the left even after I had the car aligned and tires replaced. Just yesterday at 104,000 miles the right rear lower control arm busted rendering the car undriveable. Of course, this happens after the Certified Extended Warranty expired at 100,000 miles. The car was not subjected to any unusual driving conditions. I put the car in reverse and when I backed up it made a noise like I hit something. Of course I didn't hit anything the lower control arm came apart. I cannot believe this happened to a Toyota made product. I'm very disappointed, but thankful this didn't happen when I was on the highway.
Hello Forum, I have a 2002 Toyota Solara SE. When I am driving on regular city streets, I can lift both of my hands off of the steering wheel and the car will ride straight. For example, I drove straight through two intersections without touching the steering wheel earlier today. This is not something that I normally do, but I was concerned about the pulling to the left. Every once in a while, I test to see if I need an alignment before going in to pay for it. When I am on the highway driving over 55K, the car pulls to the left slightly. This is annoying, but I deal with it.
Walter
wej@corporatedoctors.org.
I have a 01 solara and it drove great for the past 5 years, until two months ago when I was tboned by a dumb driver.
Ever since the car got out of the shop, it pulls to the right by A LOT, and the bodyshop claims they can do nothing about it.
It's definitely a result of the accident.
Assuming the other guy's insurance is paying for it I would force the shop to fix it until it's right. The real issue (besides the obvious) is that your car may ultimately not able to pass inspection depending on how strict your state is.
Strange...I have the same exact car (2001 V6 Manual) with more miles and it doesn't have any problems with the steering. It tracks perfectly straight down the highway.
I have a 2001 Solara SLE that was having a intermittent problem of uncontrollable steering wheel at 65mph-70mph highway driving only. After replacing brakes, rotors and balancing every 6 months to a year since I owned the car, Toyota looked into the cause of the problem. Apparently, the rod in the brake booster was rusted/corroded. The brakes were coming on while I was fighting it driving a high speed which caused the steering wheel to shake. The car has 67000 miles on it and this problem apparently was never seen before (according to Toyota). I had to replace a caliper, new brakes (again) and resurface the rotors.. then I had to replace the master cylinder, brake booster - total cost $2200. After looking at my records I noticed that I had brought the car back to Toyota after 18 days for the exact same symptoms. I believe that rod has been gradually rusting over the three years that I have owned the car. I am fighting with Toyota trying to get a refund since the car had the problem from the time I purchased. (purchased a 2001 in 2003 with 15600mi on it)
Has anyone else had this problem?
I am the original owner of 2002 Toyota Solara Convertible (60K) and the car has always pulled to the left. I also returned the car to the dealership on two occasions at low mileage (5-7K) due to a front end shimmy. No real resolution yet. Found the fact that others have this same issue interesting.
I have a 2000 Toyota Solara and it shakes during 40-60 miles on the speedometer. I am wondering if the car needs an alighment or if something else. I just had the front brakes and rear brakes replaced and have not seen any improvement. I am still waiting on Toyota to consider the class action settlement regarding the "oil" gel issue. Toyota is not helpful at all! I am also thinking of contacting the BBB and file a complaint.
I have a 2001 Toyota Solara v6 manual, and the car is wonderful in every way. I am the second owner of the car, I bought the car with 27,000 miles on it, and it now has 80,000 miles on it. I do preventive maintenance on the car, I use synthetic oil in the transmission and in the motor. I have a k&n air filter for better fuel mileage, this car at 80,000 miles feels like it is just breaking in. The next thing I plan on doing is replacing the struts on the car, because it has become a little floaty over dips and curvy roads. That is to be expected the pros say you should change them at 50,000 anyway, other than that I would not change a thing, it is a Lexus in Toyota clothing and that is a very good thing.