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Toyota Camry power steering loss problems

75 of the 17,932 owner complaints about the Toyota Camry describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2012 model year.

owner complaints
75
worst model year
2012
typical repair cost reported
$1,398
typical mileage
53,500
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2022
    1
  • 2021
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    8
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    6
  • 2014
    2
  • 2012
    8
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    3
  • 2008
    3
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    4
  • 2005
    3
  • 2004
    4
  • 2003
    3
  • 2002
    7
  • 2001
    4
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    2
  • 1996
    3
  • 1995
    1
  • 1993
    3
  • 1992
    1

What owners say

Filed May 6, 2026 · Transmission · NC

The torque converter is malfunctioning. This malfunction can damage the entire transmission by releasing metal debris into the transmission system due to severe shuddering. If the torque converter fails while driving, I could lose acceleration power and potentially lose power steering assist and brake assist if the engine stalls, making the vehicle significantly harder to control. This creates a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds where a sudden loss of power could increase the risk of a collision. The torque converter was previously subject to a recall, but the recall has since expired. The issue has been reproduced and documented by an independent service provider. Although no warning lights appear on the dashboard, the vehicle consistently shows symptoms associated with torque converter failure, including: * Intense shuddering * Loss of power during acceleration * Transmission slipping These symptoms indicate an ongoing and potentially dangerous drivetrain failure that poses a risk to driver and public safety.

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 Jan 28, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · MA · crash

I am writing to report a serious incident involving my 2015 Toyota Camry LE (VIN: [XXX] ), which I believe is connected to a potential defect or recall issue. On [XXX], I was involved in a car crash that resulted in my vehicle being totaled. The circumstances of the crash strongly suggest that it was caused or exacerbated by issue sudden loss of power steering assistance The details of the crash are as follows: Date/Time: [XXX] Location: [XXX] Fall River While driving at low speeds, I experienced a sudden loss of power steering, making it difficult to control the vehicle and avoid a collision. I am deeply concerned about the potential safety implications of this issue and believe it may be related to [the federal safety agency campaign ID 15V144000 or defect steering electric power assis INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 22, 2023 · Electrical · FL

Second time this has happened in 2 years. Driving on the freeway and the car’s electrical system shuts off. No power to any electrical, lights flicker, all dash lights came on. Car would not start, then to repair it the battery needed to be replaced and the alternator needed to be replaced. Very dangerous as I immediately lose power steering, lights, etc.

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 Feb 11, 2022 · Electrical · 35 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission and power steering failed to operate as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle acceleration and the power steering functions were sluggish. Upon investigation, the contact read the safety manual and discovered that the type of battery placed in the vehicle did not have adequate voltage. The contact initially took the vehicle to Mike Erdman Toyota (4650 FL-520, Cocoa, FL 32926) where they offered no assistance and stated that the vehicle operated as designed. The contact then took the vehicle to another dealer where she was informed that the battery needed a boost, which was performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 35.

Filed Feb 1, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · AL

I was driving on i-65 northbound in Alabama, 20 miles south of Birmingham, when my car suddenly had multiple warnings appear on my dash and I lost all forward power. My power steering malfunctioned and I was forced to immediately slow up the car and bring it to a stop. The warnings that appeared were "Hybrid System Malfunction", "Braking Power Low", "Maintenance Required", "Pre-Collision System Malfunction", and "Check Engine". I had about 5 lights appear on my dash as well. The fact that I lost power steering means I could of easily crashed if I wasn't careful. I have brought the car to the dealership after having it towed and want it to be inspected. It has never had an issue like this before, and it passed the dealer inspection at 11,000 miles and only just became due for its next maintenance. I had no prior warning to this issue.

Related recalls

Steering: electric power assist systemReported March 13, 2015 · 110,085 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 15V144000 · Recall details

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported November 1, 1999 · 540,037 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Risk
This can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.

Recall number 99V307000 · Recall details

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported July 8, 1998 · 104,928 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built in japan. The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Risk
The nut can eventually come off allowing the steering wheel to separate from the steering shaft, loss of vehicle control, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will retighten the steering set nut.

Recall number 98V155000 · Recall details

Questions about the Toyota Camry power steering loss

Which Toyota Camry years have loss of power steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2012 (8 complaints), 2018 (8 complaints) and 2002 (7 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the Toyota Camry?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,398 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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