Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Two days back when I was trying to take my car out I heard some different sound.. Then I stopped car and observed that it is flat tire.. I took the tire out and observed that the tire got cut because the shock coil spring got broken into two and the sharp edge of the spring is cutting the tire.. Luckily it did not happen on the highway .. A day before that I visited sant cruz with family ( wife and two kids ).. If it was, I would have been in helpless situation.. I replaced all the struts and shocks on next day by towing the vehicle. Tire has more than three cuts.. I am not sure from how long the sharp edge spring was touching the tire.
At highway speeds, particularly from 45 MPH to 65-75 MPH, steering wheel on 2001 Camry le 4-cyl vibrates. Tires and wheels have been balanced many times but still no remedy. Alignment was also performed many times but with the same problem. Went to Toyota dealership 4 times, with the same cause, dealer tentatively fixed issue but restarts (vibrates) after a few miles. Steering wheel seems loose (about to fall off) and moves the car slightly to the left. Visual vibrate of steering wheel is seen and of course felt. This vibrate not seen in my previous 1998 corolla at the same speed range. Also, other generation 4 (1997-2001) Camry's have the same defect. Possible engine mount problem (engine not held properly), over or under torquing of steering wheel and related components. Probably suspension failure or improper installation of steering and suspension. …
Vibration in front end beginning within 2 months of purchase in jan 2001. Vibration has grown progressively worse especially on rough pavement or dirt raods. Also a popping noise front front right corner when turning steering wheel to either limit.
Noticed a vibration in the steering wheel since the first month of purchase have had many front end alignments and wheel bal plus changed tires three times. Still having the same problem to this day.
While traveling between 55 and 65 MPH a vibration occurs in vehicle under normal operation. Dealership could not duplicate problem, and could not assist consumer. During the week of June 11th, accelerator stuck while vehicle was in operation. Dealership again stated they could not find anything wrong with vehicle. Consumer noticed cruise control was not working properly shortly after purchase, it would cut in and out and jerk vehicle, dealer adjusted terminal of jumper switch wire to ensure good contact and adjusted cable of the cruise control a couple months later, now consumer experiences problems with the accelerator sticking without the cruise control turned on, cruise is still experiencing problems while on, rpms are running high while at stops, and accelerator is sticking. While applying brakes when they are heated up, they get hard and cause vehicle to vibrate.
This vehicle has a tendency to sway or oversteer when going around corners. This vehicle is equipped with general hp 400 a/s tires, dot number acur 3hu 5200 dx 67614 33712. The manual calls for pressure of 29 psi front and rear. The sway is very pronounced at this low pressure. A suggestion from the Toyota garage and tire dealer was to increase the tire pressure to 34 psi. With the tires inflated to 34 psi it is now very unstable when driving in gusty winds. Consumer feels this is either a tire problem or something dealing with the suspension.
Steering wheel shakes at 60mph so violently that consumers have gone almost numb. Consumers can feel steering bouncing from floorboard. Toyota's representative test drove, and acknowledged problem. Tires were diagnosed as possibile cause of problem. Toyota took a second look, and found vehicle came from factory with axle being outer round and replaced it. Toyota stated a third party would have to determine if vehicle should be considered a buy back.
I own 2001 Camry le. Fortunately no accidents happened but I'm tired of fixing it's wheel alignment problems. The car pulls on left. I replaced every possible parts suggested. I did the alignment from several places such as sears, Firestone. They don't find any problem in the alignment report but when I drive, the car heavily pulls on left side. I have to really hold the steering tight to keep the car on road or in a lane..
Vibrations in the front end of 2001 Toyota Camry from day of purchase.. Above 65 MPH vibrations can be felt, pretty severely at times, in the steering wheel and on the floor board, near the feet. Dealer has agrreed that there is a problem. Dealer has attempted 5 times over last 2 years to fix the problem: wheel balancing, new tires, new right front axle, new wheels. But vibrations are actually getting worse.
Steering wheel shake at 65mph. Dealer has attempted multiple times to repair but has been unable to isolate problem..drivers door will not shut completely unles slammed. Dealer reports Toyota working on technical bulletin for fix to dealers. Toyota corp and dealership as yet refuses to provide a new car.
Suspension complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Toyota Camry, 8% of the model year's 272 complaints. The component named most often is front (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota Camry suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2001 Toyota Camry, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Camry suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 3,000 miles, and 60% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.