2002 Toyota Camry Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 5%of 953 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,694miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Toyota Camry, 5% of the 953 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,694 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Each time you turn the steering wheel there is a whining' in the steering column. It happens everytime you move the steering wheel. I was told there is a plastic piece in the steering wheel that may cause the problem they are not for sure and it would cost me over $200 if that is the problem for a cheap piece of plastic that Toyota is well aware of using it. I guess I will have to wait until something happens drastically!”
NHTSA complaint #10577965, filed 2014-04, 122,124 miles“I was backing out of a parking space. When I put car in drive and started turning wheel to the right, car wouldn't turn and braking did not stop car. It seemed as if accelerator was stuck. Car finally stopped when it hit parked car. Something similar happened about a year ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10496230, filed 2013-02, 42,500 miles“I own a 2002 Toyota Camry. I reported to tansky Toyota (columbus ohio) that I have a steering wheel issue. Tansky Toyota technicians mentioned that they have heard this problem before from other Toyota owners. He mentioned that since this is not a safety issue, Toyota is not considering this as a recall. I read a report today that Toyota corolla is having similar issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10315727, filed 2010-03, 60,000 miles“I own a 2002 Toyota Camry 70,000 mi and while driving one day the steering froze and I was unable to turn the wheel. Since that day the steering has become extremely stiff and hard to steer. After checking the power steering fluid levels and found it to be normal I have made an appt with the dealership to have it looked at. After reading these complaints I feel it is an issue with the part itself and a safety issue that Toyota should replace.”
NHTSA complaint #10392986, filed 2011-03, 70,000 miles“Constant squeaking from my steering wheel. Repaired twice at Toyota dealer but still squeaks. Brought car to my repair shop an it still squeaks. First incident an second took place under warranty. Usually squeaks in cold weather.”
NHTSA complaint #10308434, filed 2010-02, 8,351 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 10% |
| 2022 | 4 | 6% |
| 2021 | 4 | 3% |
| 2020 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 11 | 3% |
| 2018 | 61 | 8% |
| 2017 | 14 | 9% |
| 2016 | 25 | 14% |
| 2015 | 105 | 39% |
| 2014 | 22 | 5% |
| 2013 | 26 | 9% |
| 2012 | 58 | 10% |
| 2011 | 31 | 5% |
| 2010 | 25 | 4% |
| 2009 | 47 | 4% |
| 2008 | 32 | 3% |
| 2007 | 80 | 3% |
| 2006 | 28 | 9% |
| 2005 | 71 | 10% |
| 2004 | 80 | 13% |
| 2003 | 53 | 7% |
| 2002 | 43 | 5% |
| 2001 | 13 | 5% |
| 2000 | 13 | 3% |
| 1999 | 24 | 5% |
| 1998 | 33 | 6% |
| 1997 | 30 | 5% |
| 1996 | 37 | 9% |
| 1995 | 22 | 7% |
| 1994 | 33 | 12% |
| 1993 | 12 | 5% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Camry
281 complaintsBrakes
173 complaintsEngine cooling
107 complaintsAir bags
89 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
68 complaintsEngine
58 complaintsBody and structure
56 complaintsTires
54 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsSuspension
34 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
31 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Camry
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology