Top 5 Problems Toyota Solara Coupe 1st Generation 1998-2003

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@drbassface]

My 99 Solara has 482,000 miles on it. Great car.

[@armandoherrera602]

Yes Sir mine has 300 000👍

[@drbassface]

Currently at 492,000 miles! 2025

[@blayko3271]

My 2002 has 280k and still gets me around. This model was a true gem.

[@ericscottstevens]

Have my 2002 V6 SE I purchased new, nearing 245,000 miles and still going strong. Issues and or fixes. 1. IAC stalling the engine (gummy gas) use 100% H-Oct gas for a month or so and it helps burn out the crap from ethanol residue. I used a intake spray to clean out a bad gunky episode. 2. Front upstream O2 Sensor keeps tripping out, (possible ethanol is fogging up the sensor), my mechanic says the fronts go out more often, the downstream under the car never to bad. He said do not get scammed by someone saying your downstream O2 sensors are bad. 3. AirBag master chipboard by the passenger side out (about $1,000 to replace). So no airbags but plenty of red warning light. 4. Had 2 water pumps changed per 100,000 mile service (preemptive replacement to be safe) 5. A/C line had a pinhole leak, used that A/C in a can and it worked awesome ($28 fix). 6. Stripped out threads on the oil pan from too may oil changes. Went with a whole new oil pan instead of a fangled tapped out thread replacement. I figure the new pan with perfect threads is more capable being bolted to the engine than still going with the old oil pan and worrying about a rethreaded fix failing. 7. One valve cover gasket replacement, for 245,000 miles that is really good. 8. Alternator replaced once.

[@AaronCMounts]

Also be mindful of problems with the front end alignment and steering linkage on high mileage Solaras. If your Solara's steering wheel has a slight shimmy or wobble when cruising at highway speeds, then you'll want to get that inspected.

[@emmanuelroman9269]

How do I tell my mechanic to fix or check that please let me know

[@44knockouts]

@@emmanuelroman9269did you go?

[@BA-gn3qb]

He must be related to Scotty Kilmer Hands flying everywhere.

[@DrFetusCS]

couldn't be, he's not mentioning how bad another vehicle is and then making a video of how great said vehicle is after xD

[@keithjohnson3199]

1st Gen. Solara SLE (99-01) was supposed to be a Lexus model..that’s why the paint type is not Toyota .. it’s different than non-SLE versions.

[@BenDover-lx1gh]

Was waiting for this exact video I have this 2000 v6 1mz-fe smashed the like button and subscribed more first gen solara videos please thank you

[@BenDover-lx1gh]

@@ralphbarrett2725 I see thank you

[@Slingsomelead]

Take a shot every time he says “essentially”

[@jasonlivesoutsidethebox7827]

For oil leaking on my car it was the cam shaft seal seal and valve cover gasket, I recommend doing that when you replace the timing chain and water pump.

[@rhpham2]

Ah the infamous 1MZ-FE, I’m surprised that many of these cars still running strong after 20 years. I don’t think new cars are ever made the same reliability and longevity

[@glenglene8473]

I have two vehicles with 1MZ-FE. Engines still run like a clock.

[@mi777ke777]

213K on my 1MZV6 still runs great you just needed to take care of the car. I always used Mobil 1 synthetic and stayed on top of maintenance. When you continue to see countless early Avalons, Solaras, Camrys, Siennas, Highlanders just know they have the "infamous" 1MZV6 powering them in 2022 and beyond

[@AaronBrown-sy3ti]

319,468 miles (yeah I know a ton) on my wife’s 99 solara. Engine will run forever if maintained regularly it’s crazy!

[@nickd.7267]

Typically as long as morons don't run long oil changes they will last 500+k. My Highlander has 300K and it runs like it's brand new. And that's after morons ran long oil changes and the inside of the engine looks like coffee.

[@rhpham2]

Very thorough video. I enjoyed it as I have the same engine.

[@keithjohnson3199]

2000 SLE only issue I’ve had is blower motor relay in 14 years of ownership! Best car ever!

[@ericwright5455]

The V6 in that car is quick

[@Joshua_Glory2Jesus]

Brrroooo u ain't lyin💯 I got one myself and it's hard not to speed in it🤣

[@Unsolicitedbias]

He's like a Junior Scotty Kilmer video presenter. They have the same hand motions, but Scotty is quite a bit louder, offers more anecdotal humor and is not afraid of giving his opinion on a car good or bad. That's important to know why somebody doesn't like a car. It may be purely mechanical in that it's a bad design or hard to repair, or it could simply be a more subjective issue.

[@SonOfStoned]

Im definitely asking questions. Im so glad you even have this car lol

[@dwheeler0603]

Right around 4 minutes "it goes boop, boop, boop" outstanding. Know this video was a few years ago, but my gf bought a 00 solara yesterday via auction. Picked it up and battery was done. Swapped it started up drove to autozone to get rebate on old battery. Car goes into reverse but just revs same as you would expect in neutral. Car did have a funky smell while running. Thought transmission oil could help. Added appropriate amount with no change. Any suggestion? Hoping the transmission isnt toast.

[@trini_boi2414]

Maybe I got lucky cause I haven't experienced any of those with my 1999 Toyota solara with a 190,000 miles only problem so far is a bad EGR valve 😀

[@Demos_By_DeadWise]

Same here bad egr valve

[@CRAPO2011]

Thats a clean solara. For some reason i dont see many of these anymore even though theyre good cars.

[@v-Kree-v]

Just bought one today Excited to see where it goes

[@calebproductions5970]

True.everyone wants SUVs probably.

[@jiggyg2604]

just bought one with 270k for $600. all black clear coat peel but has no warning lights at all

[@trini_boi2414]

I got mine and I plan to keep it till the wheels fall off

[@CJQ19]

Just picked on up with 126k miles! Pretty excited from all of the comments here

[@erickc.1081]

Black smoke is a sign of running to rich. Blue smoke is burning oil

[@chazmuska]

...and what about White smoke? Just testing ya ;)

[@DrFetusCS]

@@chazmuska head gasket :p

[@revivalmoresi2938]

Mine runs good and it’s been running for a long time with minimal maintenance

[@Bryanfuel0]

Same. I had a couple years where I was doing 50k miles a year and had almost no issues at all with mine. An oil change every 10,000 miles or so, and a spark plug change once and that was it.

[@rkgsd]

Front brakes should've been on the list. IMHO the brakes of that gen of V6 Solara (and Camry) are undersized leading to overheated rotors and warping.

[@_UR-MOM______]

Funny my 08 is having that problem

[@mi777ke777]

Carbon Rotors and EBC red pads fixed that problem for me

[@Nyjawonder]

Ive had 2 of these cars and everything he says is an issue is true. However i was told that these cars had hydraulic cam followers so adjusting clearances isnt actually possible. Id like to know if its true because my 99 V6 has a lot of valve rattle. I was even thinking of buying a whole new set of cam followers. The other thing ive experienced is that the EGR valve also gets clogged with carbon. Needs cleaning every 5k miles or so

[@phajeb001]

My Solara was clogged inside the intake plenum right before the EGR valve. After cleaning the carbon it cleared a p401 code.

[@trini_boi2414]

@@phajeb001 my check engine light came on p0401 I think I'll replace my EGR valve and do the same cleaning like you did..

[@jimtownsend7899]

So, all the problems he mentioned pertain to the V6 in the SE and SLE models. I have the SE with the I4. Does this mean the problems only pertain to the V6?

[@dannyg1056]

Thank you for the information and the video. I just purchased a 2000 Solara with 71,500 miles and super clean condition. I felt it was a purchase I could not pass up. Now to take care of it so it keeps running well and keeps looking really great. I do have a question and that is, how do I determing what generatiion the engine is. This video refers to Gen 1 and I'm now wondeing what geration my engne is. Thanks again, DP --- Liked and subscribed!

[@jackkovar7806]

I heard the Solara was made from 99 to 2008, so your car might have a "Gen 1" engine? I am no expert!

[@amadeomoable]

That's a steal and great buy if it only has 71,500 miles. I bought a 2001 V6 in 2013 with 150,000 miles for $4k. It now has 223,000 miles and running just fine. My daughter keeps wishing it will break down but it's easy to fix. I think it make it to 300K miles easy.

[@byanymeans214]

Good informative vid 👌🏾

[@James-r6b3d]

Are you going to do a gen two problem solving video?

[@TiaCanon-od4yw]

My engine light just came on and I just want to know how to do a diagnostic I have one of my own and I'm not sure where it goes or if I leave the car running or not while I do it

[@Shotbymic_2]

I’m looking at picking one up this weekend for 2k 155k miles v6 body is minor cosmetics. What you guys think? A good deal? I need to replace my 2008 Chevy Impala that was on fire.

[@mi777ke777]

If its been taken care of mechanically then its a deal. Parts are cheap for them.

[@paulrodriguez4075]

That’s a yes. Mine it’s at 259k. Runs strong

[@mikepino4954]

I'm looking at a 2002 V6 convertible tomorrow as we speak with 155k miles do you guys recommend this? Or should I keep my Grand Marquis?

[@rm5902]

Excellent video ! You guys do a great job. Keep up the great work. Would be great if you did the repairs. (Hint.)

[@josephbellojr1653]

Thanks for posting your video I'm buying a Solaris tomorrow on Monday I was wondering if it came with ABS braking standard you didn't mention that in your video

[@michaelcasares1374]

I have a 2004 Toyota solara I just got done changing my control arms and my ball joint while I was driving it my car started to make a grinding noise and slow down I wasn't quite sure what it was but I assumed that it was my control arms cuz I was already having problems with it but prior to this noise started two days sounded like dirt rattling around I wasn't sure if it was my exhaust or where it was coming from but it sounded like my front tire light dirt was being trimmed in there any help would be appreciated and solving is problem what it could be

[@phamanh30926]

This man is too cheerful

[@1AAuto]

+@phamanh30926 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@fleetwin1]

OK, well my 99 did fail one of the O2 sensors. The reverse light switch in the 5 speed gave out also, as did some rear suspension bushings. The biggest disappointment with this car was a very intermittent problem that turned out to be a bad injector. There were bulletins about free replacement of the V6 injectors, but mine had too many miles...That job is a pain cuz the big ol intake plenum has to be removed.....I should have kept that car, much better quality than my 09 Camry

[@alicealcantara5956]

thank you for sharing. Stay safe.

[@death_by_ray3759]

Can you answer my question, i recently bought an 04 solara and for some reason when i try to start it it sometimes just loses all power until i open and close the hood or wait a little to try to start it again, but for some reason it just did that but when i started it again my brake became so stiff it was almost not possible to stop and it wasnt shifting into drive so i got stuck going backwards until i restarted it, if you or others know why this happened id love some feedback, its got and aftermarket stereo and a installed cord under the cup holder

[@catbagley8869]

Thank you thank you thank you this video is the best

[@Daniel-rg7rv]

I have a 05 solara changed coil and spark plug it came up on a reading replaced the air mass flow sensor and the boot...car turns over smoothly but will not stay started ..please anyone got any advice ?

[@wolumandreas1130]

No manual valve adjustment [ tappet & nut]. Bucket & [ shim- replacement] [[ not shown here]].

[@marshall1157]

wish he would have talked on the ambient temp. sensor-its not on front center post in front of radiator.

[@josephbellojr1653]

For the alarm how do you set it up -if dealer doesn't give a little box,

[@peterokonkwo72]

What are the common problems on the 4 plug model

[@saulgoodman3409]

Is this the same engine as the 4th gen Camry v6?

[@trefrom9th]

Yes its the 1MZ-FE

[@jasonlivesoutsidethebox7827]

For me there was a camshaft seal that needs to be replaced it leaks

[@JorgeRodriguez-go1nh]

Your so handsome I love it..n thank for the help

[@steve45383]

Can you explain what the Generation of a vehicle is?

[@1AAuto]

+John b We do not have a video for this right now, but we'll keep this request in mind for a future video! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@erickc.1081]

1st generation, 99-03 toyota solera

[@w.s.soapcompany94]

A vehicle that has just been produced for the first time is in its first generation. This can last for various lengths of time months/years/decades. When a manufacturer makes major changes to the model and starts throwing around words like "all new and improved" the model has probably clicked over to a new generation. This can be major cosmetic change or major mechanical change or both. Typically small changes are not generational changes and are only intended to stimulate sales or drive the people who repair them insane when ordering parts.

[@oskeyy862]

mine keeps draining my batteries... i just put in a new one today

[@jimtownsend7899]

Who’s the genius that put a tow hitch on that car? That’ll kill an engine pretty quick.

[@txgreasemonkey]

Black smoke?? Isn’t burning oil blue smoke?

[@isackhernandez3691]

Soul-Era

[@saviosavio343]

Where is the idle air control valve

[@JorgeMartinez-ym2pp]

This guy is hilarious

[@008-t4p]

Was für ein schönes Toyota Modell. hier in Hungary , man tráumt nur von solchen schönen Wagen. / Zylinder ??? hier gibt es so was gar nicht. America ist America. wenn ich nochmals gebohren könnte-würde ich gerne in der USA.

[@tt-nm4yj]

Amerikaner hat seine Probleme auch, aber wenn Sie wie Autos, die Sie wahrscheinlich wie es dort. Gibt es in Ungarn nicht viele Toyota 2-türige Autos?

[@codykoch7081]

Rear tie rod rusted and broke that needs to be ready to get services at 150k

[@akinniyioluwatosin7733]

I have engine issues now

[@michaelagyare5942]

It cost how much

[@dbrandon4528]

5k mile full synthetic oil changes....

[@davidgruen7423]

5k is too early.

[@raymondcanessa7208]

@@davidgruen7423 The holes in the pistons behind the oil control ring's get plugged up'. I use valveoline full synthetic 0w-20 . It's a very thin oil, helps free up the blockage. Engine still has good compression, oil burns because it stays in combustion chamber . I change it 3k miles. Oil is cheap engine expensive!

[@vickyvargas-montalvo8111]

Selenoid problem?

[@jackkovar7806]

He didn't mention the number one problem with these cars, the way they look! XD

[@Midwest116]

You are agood speaker

[@1AAuto]

+Stephen Pickle Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@clanaoaarmyofallah2557]

Where the hell is the egr valve??

[@benjyzowesavardsabourin7826]

that car must have a woman soul u end up spending more money on it then u gain