2004 Toyota Camry Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 80about this part
- Share
- 13%of 638 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 80 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Toyota Camry, 13% of the 638 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,000 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was informed that my power steering column was leaking and the steering devices could lose its restraints at any given time. This could lead to car losing complete steering causing a severe crash and potentially death to its occupants. With the recent recall for nissan vehicles regarding power steering fluid leaks, there is a concern that the leaks may cause fire to my vehicle. When asked about the problem to the Toyota service technician, he stated that over time the power steering system may rust and need repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10970128, filed 2017-04, 100,100 miles“I started up my 2004 Toyota Camry while parked at curb. When I put car in drive, the steering wheel locked up (froze in place). I was unable to turn the wheel in either direction. Restarted car and steering was normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10559026, filed 2014-01, 64,070 miles“I was approaching a freeway in atlanta, ga. As the connector curved, I was driving about 35 MPH and gently brake about 200 feet from the freeway. The car immediately and violently accelerated, throwing my head back against the headrest; I brake harder but there was no response from the car; the car seemed to pivot on the right front tire and the rear end flew to my left about 240 degrees or so and struck the guard rail with the left rear quarter panel and bumper. …”
NHTSA complaint #10490196, filed 2012-12, 107,400 miles“My car has been making a steering well/under the hood poping noise since the day I purchased it. The dealership where I purchased it knows where it is coming from, the steering wheel and possibly tension belt, but has told me to hold off until a recall. My mother in another state, as well as my cousin has the same issue. If Toyota has a lead on the market, why can't they honestly honor their repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10221921, filed 2008-03, 2,000 miles“While driving yesterday - august 18, 2016, power steering went on and off when turning. Seemed to be the power steering - made it hard to turn the wheels. Driving on highway straight ahead was fine. On city streets and parking the issue was very noticeable and frightening since I didn't know if I could control my moving vehicle. . In checking to see where to get repair done, I noticed there is a recall for power steering on the 2004 Camry. Called local Toyota dealer where I bought the car, and was told that this VIN number has no recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10897073, filed 2016-08, 196,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10060836Feb 25, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10019873Feb 16, 2006Steering intermediate shaft noise.
Steering: 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 2004 Toyota Camry
238 complaintsAir bags
79 complaintsBrakes
74 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
48 complaintsElectrical system
37 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsEngine
26 complaintsTires
25 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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