03 V6 tracking problem. Ideas?

[djv5198]

03 Camry XLE V6. When driving over 50 MPH the car feels like it is behind a heavy tractor-trailer. It rocks and drifts from right to left then back. It is though the car is on a rail and following a track. Even does it on new pavement so it is not "riding the grooves" in the road. Dealer has rotated and balanced all tires and alligned the front end. Everything was "normal". They claim that the "feel" is normal. Any suggestions?

[Bossman]

I'm experiencing this same thing with my 03 Camry 4-cyl, although not nearly as drastically as yours. I was attributing it to either the OEM tires (Continental Contact Touring) and/or the speed sensitive steering. I'll be attending a new Toyota owners get-together at my dealer next week so I'll bring this up. If you hear anything in the mean time, I'd appreciate the info.

One oddball thing I noticed too is that my rear window defroster has lines missing in it. I haven't compared it yet to other Camrys but I will and I'll also bring this up at the meeting. Does your electric defroster have lines missing too?

[djv5198]

Took car to dealer today. Finally got a tech to drive it who was not interested in just giving the company line. He said that they have had many complaints from owners of V6 camry with same problem. His explaination was that it is a design flaw caused by 16 inches wheels, heavier front end due to the V6, different suspension and wheel base. Apparently, the wheel base, tire tread, weight and suspension cause the tires to "ride the pavement grooves". Nothing you can do about it. The 4 apparently with the 15 inch wheels do not do the tracking. Am thinking about making the dealer take back the LXE and give me a 4 LE with the same equipment but not with 16 inch tires.