2002 Toyota Camry: loss of power steering

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 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.

Filed Nov 30, 2011 · Steering · 159,000 miles · NY

Steering became hard and steering wheel would not return to a straight position. This resulted in a near pedestrian accident.

Filed Apr 1, 2011 · Steering · 110,000 miles · MI

Steering wheel became difficult to turn and did not return to center when released. Check power steering fluid it was ok. No power steering leaks. Took car to have problem evaluated. Mechanic said that steering shaft universal joints were worn and rusted and binding up. Only solution was to replace entire steering column. He has seen this problem before. If allowed to go too long steering could lock up completely or shaft could shear causing loss of control. Repair will cost $900 since entire shaft must be replaced and part is only available from toyota. I have never had this kind of problem with a vehicle and was shocked to know the design of the steering shaft left it exposed to road spray and subsequent corrosion damage. This is a serious safety issue and gave no warning as to the impending failure. Steering wheel became very difficult to turn even with the power steering assist.

Filed Dec 14, 2009 · Brakes, Engine · 138,000 miles · IN

2002 camry xle v6...at 138,000 miles while waiting at a traffic signal during rush hour the engine stalls and after 4 attempts finally restarts. The car continued to not idle the rest of my trip home - stalling every time I slowed down to stop or turn a corner...very unsafe...didn't trust the car to make it to mechanic. Car was towed, mechanic could find nothing wrong. It happened again 3 more times within a week. Same scenario, towed to mechanic, found nothing wrong because the check engine light does not come on and therefore the computer does not register any issues. Mechanic cleaned all sensors, idle valve, dealership and independent mechanic find nothing wrong. Car was fine until july 4, weekend and did the same thing twice again. Mechanic finds nothing because it so random. Same situation in november while turning car stalled because it would not idle, lost power steering and brakes and almost hit another car while turning. 3 mechanics and no one can find anything wrong. Have also experienced the issues mentioned with brakes and rotors which have been replaced 3 times.

Filed Feb 20, 2009 · Acceleration · 47,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Prior to the accident on 2/8/2008 at 8:55pm there were 2-3 episodes within a 6 year period when ana lopez felt the vehicle mildly accelerate on its own for only a few seconds. The episodes were so mild that she questioned herself whether the car truly accelerated and so she never had the car inspected. However, on 2/8/2008 at 8:55pm while driving home heading south on the veterans expressway in tampa she experienced what she describes as the most frightening event in her life. The first sign that something was going wrong was the dash lights began to flicker on and off so she made an attempt to pull over so she could call her husband and make him aware of how the car was performing. As she began slowing down and veering off the road on the outside lane, which was witnessed, the vehicle mad a very powerful acceleration accompanied by a loud acceleration sound and loss of steering ability as the car began to steer to the left going back into traffic lanes. She felt as though the vehicle was now controlling itself and shortly after began to spin out of control. The vehicle struck the barrier wall and came to a final rest on the right southbound lane. Ana lopez suffered multiple fractures to her right leg and spent 2 months in the hospital and rehab unit where she suffered greatly with pain and continues to suffer from pain and debilitation. The vehicle was inspected by a professional inspector at her home and nothing was found wrong with the vehicle. But the inspection was a preliminary inspection and she feared that a more through inspection would be too costly for her. Her story about the incident has never changed and still is traumatizing to her. This complaint was translated and written by alberto lopez, her son.

Filed Jun 1, 2003 · Fuel system · 20,000 miles · CA

Car died while traveling approximately 40 MPH around a curve. Power steering went out and car nearly hit the curb and several parked cars. Took vehicle to toyota who refused to fix it under warranty, because they said it was consumer's fault that it happened. They said that fuel got into the charcoal canister, which they claimed to be evidence that consumer topped off at the gas pump. I told them that I never topped off (for environmental reasons as well as vehicle protection), and they said it also could have been because the car sat at an angle in the drive way but that they still wouldn't fix it.