2018 Toyota Camry: loss of power steering

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · 86,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that there would be a sudden loss of power steering functionality and just as sudden, the power steering function would return. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and the Air Bag Malfunction warning lights were illuminated. The starter had suddenly failed due to a loss of battery power. The contact purchased a jump box to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the key fob failed to unlock the doors, causing the contact to have to manually open the doors with the keys. The windows could not be controlled from the control panel near the driver's seat. Each window could only be controlled by the window switch on the door where the window was located. The TPMS warning light as illuminated, despite the tire pressure being at the correct levels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change, at which time the failures were stated, but the dealer only diagnosed that the battery charge was low. The dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who replaced the battery. After having the repair completed, the SRS warning light remained illuminated, with the Service Vehicle warning light. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and confirmed that the VIN was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Jul 31, 2025 · Steering · FL

The power steering is very stiff and hard to turn. it is worse at slower speeds and while trying to turn

Filed Nov 1, 2024 · Steering · FL

Out of nowhere, the steering became very stiff and there was lots of difficulty with the wheel returning to center. This put myself and others at risk as it would be difficult to steer and in a moment where I would have to react fast to avoid an accident, my car would not be able to help. My car was initially inspected by a mechanic that ran diagnostics and nothing electrical showed up. My car is currently getting looked at by a Toyota Dealership. I was told there was a recall in 2022 for the intermediate shaft assembly being faulty. My car showed no signs on the dashboard of any issues. It was just random.

Filed Dec 4, 2023 · Steering · NH

Complaint Regarding Toyota 2018 Camry SE - Power steering went out while on the highway. - This is a known problem but not covered under warranty. I believe this would constitute a major safety issue for older drivers who may not have the strength to correct the car. - Toyota never notified anyone about this issue. Some research shows hundreds of customers have suffered this. - Repair cost 900 occurring on 12/5/23 – Steering shaft - Toyota repair center diagnosed in under a minute with explanation of issue [XXX] Cell: [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 25, 2022 · Steering · MA

Steering became stiff to the point driving was an issue. Dealer said it was a know problem in model. Replaced steering shaft column due to binding at drivers expense.

Filed Oct 20, 2021 · Steering · MI

Around 47k miles the steering shaft failed and the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer. The wheel would also not return to center on its own after turning and had to be forced back in order to drive the vehicle straight again. It was almost as if the power steering went out altogether. The dealer was aware of the issue and said that some of the steering column bind and need to be replaced. Causal research such as doing a Google search for "Toyota steering shaft binding" shows that this has been an issue for several years. The fact that the dealer knew about it shows that Toyota is simply ignoring the issue.

Filed Oct 8, 2021 · Steering · CA · 1 injury

Since I have purchased this vehicle when it first came out, I have noticed that the steering is very stiff, particularly when driving along curvy, windy roads (ex. certain freeway exits/entrances that require you to follow along a curve). I did not realize how stiff the steering wheel was until I was forced to get a rental car following several car accidents over the course of 2 years. At times the steering was so stiff I actually almost dislocated my shoulder joints several times, or tore muscles/ligaments deep within my shoulder which would take at least a month to fully heal. Other cars I have driven (including a 2019 Toyota Sienna AWD have excellent steering fluidity and show no signs of stiffness). I understand that this "stiffness" is a safety feature (Anti-Lock steering) but there needs to be a way to lessen the stiff feeling as for individuals with weaker joints like me this can cause pain and injury and temporary immobility.

Filed Mar 2, 2021 · Brakes, Steering · NY

Steering is stiff and hard at times. Power steering was looked at by family mechanic. This is a serious issue and needs to be addressed asap