2002 Toyota Camry steering problems

Filed Sep 27, 2023 · Engine, Steering · 180,000 miles · AZ · fire

The contact owned a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the steering wheel had seized up and the vehicle had begun to lose forward momentum. The contact heard an abnormal "popping" sound at the moment the steering had stopped functionality. The contact stated she was not aware of any warning lights. The contact pulled off of the roadway and stopped, as she placed the vehicle in park (P) she noted smoke coming from the front. The contact stated she exited the vehicle and saw that there were flames from under the vehicle. The contact stated that after about 2 to 3 minutes the entire front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the flames using foam and other chemicals. The police were also on scene and filed a report. The vehicle was towed away to an impound lot. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2015 · Acceleration, Brakes · 118 miles · CT

While driving on highway car ride is jerky . At any left exit the car shuts off on exit ramp on left turn. Steering tightens and lock-up. The car shuts done while still in drive mode. The engine goes quite and dies.the gas pedal stop producing power. The car shuts off completely with key in ignition and still in drive . Also going down hill the car becomes immobile and stall. On other occasions car stall at lights on local roads shortly after making left turns and stop light. I took the vehicle into toyota superstore weston st hartford ct. On three occasions. They kept it for a day, two days, a week and there is still no solution. . Nothing has been done to stop the condition. I took it to local mechanics, auto zone. They see the car act up but there are no codes and no system error activity summary. Dealership offer no solution . Always there are 3 light that comes on. Check engine light, check battery light and check fuel light . Triple a toll this cat on 3 occasions. On one occasion during the snow it had check traction light came on. Please someone help me. I took my car in to the dealership always to get the necessary oil change because I have lifetime oil and lube. They are the ones servicing the car so if any parts go wrong they are the ones changing them.. They want me to buy a new car. I told them I cannot afford one. I wonder if they are sabotaging my car. In hopes that I will purchase a new one. Please help me! I learned that the car stops and starts up again after you shut it down take the key out of the ignition for a while so this is how I am surviving. This is very scary! Help!

Filed Feb 12, 2015 · Steering · 53,000 miles · TX

Vehicle shake at 55 MPH.

Filed Dec 18, 2014 · Steering · 89,000 miles · VA

As many others have realized with their camrys, mine too has a problem with the rack and pinion. It is leaking fluid from the rack and pinion boots, as well as the steering pump. I am now faced with a $1600 repair bill. Design errors occur, as an engineer I understand this. But the problem is toyota will not stand behind their products and admit to the error. This is my first toyota. I had heard how reliable they were. I am not so sure now. I am currently shopping for a new car, and I have scratched toyotas off of my list. I can not give business to a company that treats clients this way.

Filed Apr 7, 2014 · Steering · 122,124 miles · CA

Each time you turn the steering wheel there is a "whining' in the steering column. It happens everytime you move the steering wheel. I was told there is a plastic piece in the steering wheel that may cause the problem they are not for sure and it would cost me over $200 if that is the problem for a "cheap" piece of plastic that toyota is well aware of using it. I guess I will have to wait until something happens drastically!

Filed Jan 20, 2014 · Steering · 112,000 miles · MA

Steering has been getting tight. Thought it was power steering pump. Mechanic says entire steering column need replacement. Why no recall?

Filed Jun 2, 2013 · Steering · 88,800 miles · MA

Over a period of time steering became difficult and turning was a problem. Steering like a mad truck with jerking movements when turning and pulling back. Took to toyota dealer and they said it was the entire steering column. Why has toyota not had recall? At same time they said brakes gone. Just had them fixed at local gas station a year ago but did not take rotor down. Grand total $2700

Filed Apr 29, 2013 · Acceleration, Body · 80,000 miles · FL · crash

On november 13, 2009, I applied my brakes to turn in and park my car (my foot still pressing the brake). When my car unexpectedly accelerates about 15 feet and smacks into a building. A $10,000 claim was made against my insurance company. I informed the local toyota dealership where I purchased the car since the responding officer urged me to get my vehicle checked out. Almost instantly after I began explaining the details of the incident over the phone, they informed me that the gas pedal wasn't the issue and that my car was not included in the recall. I feel like I have been passed over because my car wasn't brand new, even though it was one of the same year models that received an electronic throttle. I received a post card notifying me of a class action lawsuit against toyota, however it does not pertain to property damage and I'm not sure which avenue to take.

Filed Feb 3, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 42,500 miles · GA · crash

I was backing out of a parking space. When I put car in drive and started turning wheel to the right, car wouldn't turn and braking did not stop car. It seemed as if accelerator was stuck. Car finally stopped when it hit parked car. Something similar happened about a year ago.

Filed Jan 19, 2012 · Steering · 168,450 miles · NE

I purchased a 2002 toyota camry 3 years ago at 115,000 miles. I now have 205,000 as of the date of this letter. Last spring, the power steering failed in cold weather and there was a sqeaking noise behind or around my steering wheel so I replaced the pump. It warmed up, so I couldn't test the result. This winter, the problem is much worse and unsafe, so it wasn't that. After nearly hitting a car because I could hardly come out of my turn, I took it to the toyota dealership on 1/17/12. They kept it overnight to experience the problem. They said they would start by replacing the steering column u-joint for $510, but would not guarantee it. I asked 5 other mechanics who said that it can't be that if it only occurs in cold weather, so I told them not to do anything. I'm bringing it back to my town to have others look at it and fix it. Most of them feel it is the rack, or, just goo'd up power steering fluid, which they will start with, at a cost of only $50 to drain and refill. I have had rack quotes of $880. This car has always been well maintained and I plan to keep it for 500,000 miles.