2006 Toyota Camry: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Sep 17, 2013 · Steering · 757,000 miles · TN

I just bought a used "06 toyota camry for my daughter to commute to college. We are experiencing steering wheel "clunking' and noises behind the steering column and under the car when we make turns and just driving. I took it to my mechanic who performed an inspection on the car. He said that this make and year of the camry are notorious for this problem. True, I should have done more homework. I was gauging my decision on my previous ownership of a camry I had in the 90's. I had no problems with that car. I just went to a website, carcomplaints.com, and seen all the complaints about the same issues about this steering defect, some to the point of the steering wheel locking up while they were driving! Over and over I seen these customers took the car back to the dealer or contacted toyota directly and they were afforded no assistance. They were told they should have brought it back before 36, 000 miles, there was no problem that they could find, just real cowardly behavior from the people who could recall these vehicles and fix this persistent safety issue! I am still discovering all the complaints and issues with this steering problem but it seems to be nationwide so why are they not doing anything about this defect? Does it have to turn into the same issue with their gas pedals sticking and nearly killing people before they take their heads out of the sand and take responsibility for their poor craftmanship? Theyhave just lost me as a future customer but their actions speak louder if they just do the right thing.

Filed Jan 18, 2013 · Steering · 38,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota camry. The contact stated that he heard a clunking sound whenever they completing a left or right turn. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 41,000. Updated 2/5/13 *cn the consumer stated that a loud clunking noise could be heard from the steering column. The consumer informed the dealer and was it was not a safety concern. The consumer later learned of a service bulletin pertaining to the "clunking" noise and brought to the dealer's attention. The dealer would not assist the consumer with repairs, stating the vehicle was out of warranty and that there was no documentation of a complaint prior to the vehicle being out of warranty. Updated 02/25/2013

Filed Dec 13, 2009 · Steering · 43,000 miles · 00

2006 camry, bought new, may, '07. Feel slight clunk with soft sound when turn steering wheel. Dealer diagnosed as bushing/lower control (steering) arm breaking down. Replaced both control arms at cost of $1000+ not including taxes. Car has approx. 70,000 km (43,000 mi), is treated for rust prevention annually (krown) and not driven hard (99%) well paved roads. Normal wear (never experienced anything like this before)?

Filed Nov 18, 2009 · Steering · 82,000 miles · MN

Clunking noise. Brought vehicle in for normal maintenance and diagnosis. Clunking noise was identified as steering shaft joint failure. (frightening prospect). Repair over $300. Mileage 82,000. That on top of early head gasket failure due to defective head gasket has me getting ready to get rid of this car.

Filed Jan 15, 2009 · Steering · 15,565 miles · AZ

I have a 2006 camry le which has developed a clunking noise in the steering shaft or column somewhere below the steering wheel. Toyota has a service number on it, but will no do anything unless this detect was reported before 36,000 miles. They require you to find their detect it early and if you find it later after 36,000 miles they say that's too bad you are too late. This is just wrong !! They know they have a problem, yet they hope you pass 36,000 miles so they don't have to fix their known defect.