2005 Toyota Camry: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jan 19, 2017 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 67,000 miles · CA

Lag time on accelerating, also when coming to a stop does not downshift smoothly and properly, rather it stutters and clunks. This has been an ongoing problem for years. The vehicle is stationary as well as in motion at any speed there is a hesitation before accelerating. Stopping the vehicle fails to down shift in a smooth decline of gears. Possible electronic problem with the breaking ! Possible electronic accelerator unit !

Filed Jul 31, 2014 · Steering · 50,946 miles · CA

Started noticing a worsening click in the steering wheel until turned into a big clunk. The work cost me $2000 through a private mechanic. I should have contacted the dealership and made a big stink because the car was under 60k but over 5 years old. But the car was already taken apart and I needed to get it on the road for work.

Filed Jul 31, 2014 · Steering · 65,624 miles · CA

This information is in addition to odi 10617939 submitted earlier today. The rack and pinion installed at 50946 miles failed. The mechanic replaced the part and I was charged another $450 for labor plus incidentals. Within 4 months of the replacement, clicking symptoms slowly returned in the steering. I've only put another 12k on the car since 2011 and will ride it out until the click turns back into a clunk.

Filed Jan 4, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 57,000 miles · CA

A consistent grinding/knocking/clunking sound started coming from the steering wheel while steering at low speeds (0-30 MPH). Also, the steering wheel felt looser than normal at all speeds (0-65mph). The service adviser at the dealership informed me that this was a common issue with a 2005 toyota camry, and that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, since the vehicle was out of warranty, I had to cover the ~$660 cost. A google search reveals several similar issues with other late model camrys. Toyota has a tsb t-sb-0296-08 to "grease" the steering shaft for the noise. However, both the dealership, as well as a google search revealed that the grease fix would be temporary, and does not last. The dealership also informed me that the newer replacement steering shafts are better designed, are completely sealed, and cannot be greased. Since a tsb is out, it looks like toyota is aware of this safety issue. However, no recall has been made.

Filed Nov 3, 2013 · Steering · 55,517 miles · NY

Car makes a clunk sound when turning steering wheel or when you go over bumps. The intermediate steering shaft is not good. That is a common problem on 2002-2006 toyota camrys.

Filed Jan 9, 2013 · Steering · 103,000 miles · UT

I purchased the vehicle and noticed that it had a few steering issues. Took it to a mechanic and had them replace the front tie rod end and was still noticing the click/clunk in the steering as I would turn. I then took it to toyota to have recalls performed that had not been done by the prior owner and mentioned this to them. They said that it was very minor but that it was the intermediate steering shaft and I didn't need to worry about it. They performed the recalls. I have researched online and found numerous complaints about this part failing and most all agree that the unit is faulty and some have been told this by their toyota mechanics. I also found where the recall on prius and corolla's were for the same thing. I tend to believe that the recall may need to be extended to other toyota models including the camry. I seriously am concerned about my safety however have been told that the problem is minor.

Filed Feb 2, 2012 · Steering · 25,000 miles · FL

Hear and feel "clunking" or "knocking" noise when turning steering wheel left or right.

Filed Sep 27, 2011 · Steering · 67,717 miles · DE

There is a clunk, pop, or knock type noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. There is a tsb issued about this and toyota refuses to fix it,said the warranty is off. The introduction, warranty information, parts information, and repair procedure sections have been updated to reflect removal, lubrication, and reinstallation of the steering intermediate shaft instead of replacement. Applicable warranty ' this repair is covered under the toyota comprehensive warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle''s in-service date. ' warranty application

Filed May 11, 2010 · Steering · 10,000 miles · NY

When parking the steering intermediate shaft has a clunking noise,the noise becomes more pronounced as the years go by.

Filed Feb 8, 2010 · Steering · CA

Subject:2005 camry le steering shaft problem I wanted to find out whether there's been any consumer complaints or problems reported in regards to a clunking, popping or knocking noise reported in toyota's 2003-2006 camry's and the 2004-2006 solara's steering columns when turning the steering wheel left or right, or going over bumps in the road. My 2005 camry le began experiencing this problem back in early 2008 and it is progressively getting worse. I took my car into my mechanic at harbor auto center in costa mesa, ca about a year 1/2 ago to get the problem checked. (I don't trust toyota dealership repair service or their prices). Upon further investigation he was able to discover what the problem was and even found a toyota technical sevice bulletin titled "steering intermediate shaft noise", reference # st001-06, date of issue 2/16/06 that outlined the exact problem with my steering column. I then called the toyota dealership in san juan capistrano where I had purchased the vehicle, but since my car was past the 72,000 mile extended warranty and this was not a recall item, they would have to charge me. Obviously toyota corporation is very aware that there is a mechanical problem with the steering shaft on these two makes & models, since even the dealership was aware of the service bulleton. Even though my mechanic thought my car was probably ok to drive, I am very concerned, because the clunking noise is getting more pronouced the longer I drive the car, especially when I turn the wheel, go over speed bumps or brake and turn. I'm not sure what recourse I have to get this fixed, but with all the current problems toyota is experiencing, it makes me very concerned about the dependability of my own car. From the federal safety agency web site.

Filed Feb 8, 2010 · Brakes, Transmission · 3,704 miles · CA

I'm concerned the toyota braking issues go deeper than late model prius. My 2005 camry le v6 exhibits similar characteristics as being described today - brake failure when driving over uneven, irregular or rough pavement. When this occurs, the brake pedal stiffens and braking action ceases. I've learned to press down v-e-r-y hard on the pedal during this intermittent behavior. Had taken to the dealer more than once. The complaint along with harsh shifting of the transmission which manifests in the engine over-revving while not actually engaging into any gear, then the transmission finally engages making the vehicle go further/faster than desired/anticipated. Toyota indicated the issues were "an operational characteristic of the vehicle", being dismissive in their response demonstrating a corporate culture of arrogance. Have spoken with toyota service managers in henderson, nv, santa monica and thousand oaks, ca re: the transmission and they all have similar responses... Rolling their eyes toward the sky and lamenting, "ohhh, that v6 camry transmission" as if some sort of factory 'inside joke'. These are clearly known issues the factory has chosen to do nothing about, thus the service manager's hands are tied. (had been extremely pleased with my former '95 camry to the tune of 300,000 miles.) it's disappointing toyota has ceased to be the honorable company they once were.

Filed Feb 3, 2010 · Steering · 47,000 miles · VA

When backing up, driving at slow speeds, and turning the steering wheel, a clicking or dull clunk can be felt through the steering wheel. This occurrence is regular. Numerous online complaints have been submitted to the toyota vehicle forums and toyota has issued a tsb #st001-06 dated february 16, 2006 for the replacement of the steering intermediate shaft as the corrective action. However, because of the numerous online forum complaints of this particular issue, there is a trend developing for vehicles that have more than 40,000 miles. Failure of the shaft is a safety issue.