The nut on the steering column (steering column damper) seems to be defective. It is a metal nut with green plastic insert. Over time and milage the green plastic breaks apart causing a steering vibration and loud noise. This part is in a range of Toyota Camry's in the early and mid 2012 - newer range. The replacement part from Toyota costs only $9 - $15. The problem (expense) is that the dash, airbag and steering column have to be removed to replace this part and the labor (from Toyota) ranges from $900 to $1300 depending on the dealership. A less than $20 part that holds the steering column steady (hazard) costs above $1000 in labor to replace. Seems as though Toyota can afford the small part and absorb the labor cost as this seems to be a safety issue. Please let me know what I can do to have this family vehicle back up to Toyota quality. thanks.
Toyota Camry steering noise problems
91 of the 17,932 owner complaints about the Toyota Camry describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2005 model year.
- owner complaints
- 91
- worst model year
- 2005
- typical repair cost reported
- $660
- typical mileage
- 50,000
By model year
Often reported together
Harsh shifting 24Knocking 15Grinding brakes 5Jerking 2Ball joint 2Pulling 1Steering lock-up 1Power steering loss 1
What owners say
The vehicle touch screen stopped working. It doesn't allow the options to be chosen (radio, audio, and general settings) . The screen remains frozen. The estimated cost for repair is $2,000. The steering wheel vibrate and makes noises when vehicle speed is 40 or above. Diagnostic reports a steering column replacement. Estimated cost $ 800- 2,000
Premature Ball Joint Wear A loosened ball joint may separate from the knuckle and could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall is from 2014. I barely purchased it not long ago. I have been having the oil from my ball joint driver side wheel spray all over the car randomly. This recall says everything I experience with it. It makes a clicking noise while turning my wheel to the right but a softer clicking noise if turning left.
when turning left right steering makes a cracked noise.
I own a 2012 Camry LE with about 70,000 miles which is in excellent condition and well-maintained. Recently I began to hear a rattle, tapping or knocking sound apparently from somewhere in the left engine or cabin area. I feel confident its sources is possibly a steering column issue. You sort of feel it whenever you have some rough road surface; and if it’s a bump you hear the metal knock. While it doesn’t appear to cause a steering malfunction. The issue or noise does seem to come from the steering column. Independent research on the web has indicated that countless queries have been reported about this same year vehicle and issue. Described as a small $10 plastic part that degrades thereby allowing the vibration or knocking noise to appear. Cost to repair again is $10 for part and 7-8 hour labor roughly $950 from the actual dealer to repair. Damper Electric Power Steering Motor Shaft, 48254‑28040 Steering Motor Coupling Gear Replacement for Camery 2012-2014 is the questioned part that is inferior or of poor design that breaks down and causing the noise
There is a steering damper that is used in the electric steering box on many Toyota models. The damper breaks down and the vehicles develop a clunk from the steering column. I don't find any recall for this problem. Toyota cannot tell me if there is a safety issue when the damper breaks down or if it is merely an annoyance from the clunking noise. There are many YouTube videos showing the replacement of the damper. Since these steering dampers commonly fail, it seems important to know if there is a safety issue.
Drivers side steering wheel has a clicking clunking sound and appears this is a well-known issue with this year car that Toyota has never addressed some type of silicone, bearing or washer war wears out, but the whole column must be removed to replace it from what I see it’s like $1000 I have Toyota do it for a $20-30 part
Car has been vibrating anytime it goes above 40-45 mph. Mechanic recommended to change the cv axle which I did and I still have same problem. On highways it shakes so much that sometimes it feels like I may loose control of my steering wheel. There's a knocking sound while going on bumps and speed breakers. Check engine light came twice and it was reset by saying its false positive.
I was driving one day and notice my airbag came on and now my horn won’t work and it makes a clicking sound from the steering wheel
Clicking noise in steering (damper for caused by a small plastic part which is defectively designed, and disintegrates). This is a very common defect in 2011-2017 Toyota Camrys. The part is only about $5, but labor is $750 because the whole steering assembly has to be taken apart. My Camry started making the rattling noise when it had 40,000 miles. The noise is getting progressively worse and may cause steering issues eventually. I have not had it fixed yet. See part # below, and see youtube videos on the issue, which is very common. Steering. Damper. Column. Part Number: 4525428040 A component that isolates the Steering Column from another component or it's mounting surface. JAPAN BUILT. MANUAL TILT. Part cannot be reused/reinstalled. Part included in column assembly. POWER TILT. US BUILT. Bushing. ELECTRIC POWER. Insulator. Computer. Motor. Fits CAMRY (2012 - 2014) https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com/p/TOYOTA__CAMRY/Steering-Damper-Column/10795112/4525428040.html?partner=googlebase_adwords&kwd=&origin=pla&partnerDevice=c&userLocation=9028071&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr6-QjMbZ8QIVOCitBh1CAgRiEAQYAiABEgLwhfD_BwE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QztjolCILs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I73elBQ8UXA
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- 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 bar
- 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 bar
- 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 steering noise
Which Toyota Camry years have clunking or noise when steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2005 (17 complaints), 2004 (14 complaints) and 2007 (13 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix clunking or noise when steering on the Toyota Camry?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $660 (median of 16 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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