1999 Toyota Solara SE V6 from North America - Comments

1) The vanity mirrors fell off (25,000 miles).

2) The fresh/air recirculation switch broke (15,000 miles).

3) The gas pedal and steering column develop squeaks that need regular lubrication (about every 30,000 miles).

4) It has a poor quality paint job resulting excessive paint chips and rust (30,000 miles).

5) The cover panel under the dash on passenger side fell down due too broken brackets (35,000 miles.

6) It had defective brake rotors/pad. The rotors developed grooves even though the pads still had good life on them (50,000 miles).

5) The oxygen sensor needs replacement (100,000).

The car has excellent handling and acceleration.

It is very comfortable and enjoyable to drive.

The drive train is very smooth and quiet.

Scheduled maintenance is quite expensive.

The car which was obtained in the first model year has had several problems (above). It has spent more time in the shop than my 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier that had over 200,000 miles on it.

This was very helpful. One of my vanity mirrors fell off too (the driver's side) while I was driving. The struts have always been noisy. My brakes have 50% still on them and are making a terrible grinding noise. I finally gave up and had new pads installed. I'm glad to know it's probably nothing I have done to my vehicle. I do love my car.

Thanks for the support out there.

Sue in Portland, Or.

My '99 Camry was purchased brand new end of '99. It doesn't seem to matter that I've always taken it for its scheduled check-ups because after 34,000 miles I had to replace the tires, battery, alternator, water pump, timing belts and air fuel ratio sensor along with new front brakes at 47,000 miles. Most of this work was done by a Toyota dealer and most of it was not under warranty. Now at 55,700 miles I'm told I need another air fuel ratio sensor replaced. I am frustrated; have thought of selling it, but feel I've now invested too much money into it to do so. I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else has had similar problems. Phyllis J.

I purchased my '99 used (leased car) and love it! Haven't had any problems except... replaced the struts, thinking that was the problem; it wasn't. Seems to make a "clunking" noise when I go over the slightest bump or man hole and the ride isn't what it was originally. Are there shock absorbers or springs that need attention? (I obviously don't know much about the mechanics). If anyone else has had front end problems or know what I'm talking about, I'd sure like to hear about it.

Thanks

Mike.

Mike.

I just bought a Solara SLE with the same noise you're talking about. I've been told and am fairly sure correctly that it's actually the strut mounts making the noise. After replacing them, you'll need a four wheel alignment. Hope this helps.

David.

I bought my 1999 Solara in April of 1999. I have only had to replace one O2 sensor, and am now at 66,000 miles.

I too lost the vanity mirror on the driver's side after about the second year, but was able to reattach it, albeit, not well enough for the light to work unless I press on the structure to hold it in.

Other than some letting go of the plastic cover over the trim in the middle dash the car has performed very well.

I replaced the brake pads on the front only when the car had nearly 50,000 miles registered. The rears are still doing well.

I didn't replace the original battery until after the 6th year, but I had to replace the stock tires earlier than should have been expected.

I suspect that I would buy another Solara, however, I don't care for the newer design. I certainly would buy another Toyota based on this ownership, and having had a used Cressida in the past that gave many carefree miles.

Mike and David, I have had the same noises occurring on my Toyota Solara SLE V6. I took the vehicle into Toyota for a check up, and found out that the suspension needed a replacement. Previous to this decision, I had the struts and the alternator replaced because Toyota told me the sound was coming from there.

I hope this helps.

Moe.

Moe, I think your service department is taking you for a ride. The alternator would have nothing to do with a clunking noise from going over a bump. When you say they replaced the suspension--that would be a huge job, and frankly I doubt they really did that. I hope they didn't just replace some strut bushings and charge you thousands to replace the suspension. I hate to see people getting ripped off on cars.

I know what you are talking about. I used to have the same problem with my 2000 Solara SLE. The noise was coming from right rear strut so I changed it and noise is gone.However, have checked your bushings, they might be loose...

1- Check your bushings (simple job.. Takes 3 minutes)

2- Check your strut.