Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Toyota Solara
Toyota Solara Models:
Toyota Solara Problems
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor
The Check Engine Light may illuminate because a component of the oxygen sensor stops working. As a result the engine computer is unable to determine the proper ratio of air to fuel for the engine. Replacing the failed oxygen sensor should correct this concern.
Low Engine Idle and/or Stalling Due to Dirty Idle Air Control Valve
Debris can get into the idle air control valve. This will restrict the air flow into the engine, causing idle speed and/or stalling when cold. The valve can be cleaned or replaced to correct this concern.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Control Valve
Intermittent failure of a purge control valve in the evaporative emission system can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. A failed valve should be replaced to correct this problem.
Misfire and/or Check Engine Light Due to Failed Ignition Coil
On higher mileage vehicles, an engine misfire may develop and/or the Check Engine Light may illuminate due to a failed ignition coil. It is not uncommon to replace all the coils when the first one fails in order to prevent return trips to the repair shop.
Excess Engine Oil Consumption
Sludge can build up in the engine because Toyota did not recommend frequent enough oil changes. Lexus will sometimes offer a discount on cleaning the engine if necessary. Owners who changed their oil every 3,000 miles did not experience these problems. This sludge build up can lead to excessive oil consumption.
Toyota Solara Recalls (Recent)
Curtain Side Air Bags May Not Be Secured Properly
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The curtain side air bags may not be tethered to the vehicle properly. This may result in them not deploying properly in a collision. Dealers will inspect the air bag tether straps and reroute them if necessary. The Toyota recall number is 60J. This recall began on December 21, 2006.
Learn more »Load Carrying Modification Label Missing
RepairPal Expert Overview:
These vehicle were sold without the required load carrying captivity modification label. Dealers will mail the corrected label to vehicle owners. Owners have the option of requesting that the dealer install the label. This recall is expected to begin on May 27, 2010.
Learn more »Toyota Recalls 2000 Vehicles Due to Weak Rear Axle
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Toyota is recalling 2000 Avalon, Camry, and Solara models because an improper heat treatment may cause the rear axle to be weaker in some areas. After extended use of the vehicle, the rear axle shafts could fail or break. Dealers will inspect and replace the rear axle hub assemblies.
Learn more »Toyota Solara Questions and Answers
does this have a timing belt or chain
Right turn signal makes rapid clicking sound and tail light does not flash. Have replaced bulb without change. On occasion it works right for a time, especially when it's cold out, then quits.
repair shop says my strut bearings are bad. They were replaced in jan 2008 and I've driven about 16000mi since then. My question is,could they have gone bad that quickly?
What are the needed size for the headlight bulb to replace???
When I exceed 70 mph or during very windy conditions there is a metal on metal rattle sound that seems to be coming from the front passenger side wheel well area. It doesn't make this sound when go...
Toyota Solara Stories
I own a 1999 Solara with the 3.0L V6 with 328,000 miles on it. I bought it in Feb of 2002 with approx. 40,000 miles. I use Amsoil Full Synthetic 5W 30 engine oil and have since about 70,000 miles. I also use Sea Foam in the oil to combat the sludge problem with Toyota's motor. I change the oil about every 10,000-15,000 miles and towards the end of the cycle, I add the Sea Foam. This combination has worked well to this point. The car doesn't smoke, still gets close to 29 mpg, and will still do a pretty decent burnout. It does use a little oil, but it's leaking from the valve cover gasket, not burning it. I have only replaced O2 sensors, brake booster and the front axle as far as non-routine maintenance. Routine stuff like plugs & wires, timing belt, water pump, are just part of keeping one going. This car has treated me well and will hopefully get me close to another 100,000 miles before she dies. Still on the original tranny too. Did a trans flush around 230,000 and replaced all old fluid with Amsoil ATF.
head gasket leak, my daugther brought the car Dec 2010, around March head gasket started leaking, I believe the dealership had some knowledge about this vehicle, also had to replace power steering pump. This toyota solara, I nothing but trouble and suck the money right out of my pocket, she needs a car to get to school and work. causing much stress in my house right now. Brought the car as is, with 90 day return policy, which we just missed.
I got my 2006 Solara SLE with 200,000 miles on it but that didn't bother me! Everything under the hood is dry, clean and was well maintained by the first owner! I love cruising with the top down. This is the first super nice car I have ever had where everything was actually working on it! The only issue I have is the transmission seems to jerk a tiny bit when getting in to the last gear. It's like the transmission lets go for a split second and then grabs back on.
Is it unusual to have to replace the drive belt on a 2008 Solara with just under 50,000 miles? How often do the tires last on this car? Also is it common to replace the breaks at under 50,000 miles?
Got 125K and have only had to do routine maintenance. NO other issues. Still has all original major components. About to do some suspension work. Horrible roads are the cause. GREAT CAR!!! LOVE IT!