Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the steering wheel had seized up and the vehicle had begun to lose forward momentum. The contact heard an abnormal "popping" sound at the moment the steering had stopped functionality. The contact stated she was not aware of any warning lights. The contact pulled off of the roadway and stopped, as she placed the vehicle in park (P) she noted smoke coming from the front. The contact stated she exited the vehicle and saw that there were flames from under the vehicle. The contact stated that after about 2 to 3 minutes the entire front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the flames using foam and other chemicals. The police were also on scene and filed a report. The vehicle was towed away to an impound lot. …
On November 13, 2009, I applied my brakes to turn in and park my car (my foot still pressing the brake). When my car unexpectedly accelerates about 15 feet and smacks into a building. A $10,000 claim was made against my insurance company. I informed the local Toyota dealership where I purchased the car since the responding officer urged me to get my vehicle checked out. Almost instantly after I began explaining the details of the incident over the phone, they informed me that the gas pedal wasn't the issue and that my car was not included in the recall. I feel like I have been passed over because my car wasn't brand new, even though it was one of the same year models that received an electronic throttle. I received a post card notifying me of a class action lawsuit against Toyota, however it does not pertain to property damage and I'm not sure which avenue to take.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact was driving 20 MPH when the steering wheel seized. The contact was unable to maneuver the vehicle and crashed into a pole. The vehicle was towed to a local body shop where the manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was destroyed and the contact was injured. The failure and current mileages were 77,398. Updated 10/27/11 updated 12/06/2011
While driving the steering wheel dropped into the drivers lap, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Steering wheel adjustment came loose, causing the steering wheel to fall into the driver's lap. Vehicle is currently being investigated by the driver's insurance company. Also, the air bags failed to deploy. The driver had an accident as a result of the steering wheel failure.
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.
While driving on highway car ride is jerky . At any left exit the car shuts off on exit ramp on left turn. Steering tightens and lock-up. The car shuts done while still in drive mode. The engine goes quite and dies.the gas pedal stop producing power. The car shuts off completely with key in ignition and still in drive . Also going down hill the car becomes immobile and stall. On other occasions car stall at lights on local roads shortly after making left turns and stop light. I took the vehicle into Toyota superstore weston st hartford ct. On three occasions. They kept it for a day, two days, a week and there is still no solution. . Nothing has been done to stop the condition. I took it to local mechanics, auto zone. They see the car act up but there are no codes and no system error activity summary. Dealership offer no solution . Always there are 3 light that comes on. …
I experienced a tremendous frustration -- while driving in downtown washington, dc, my car lost its power steering. When I opened the hood, I saw that the reservoir for power steering fluid was indeed full. Not wanting to be stranded 40 miles from home, I drove to the dealer from which I purchased the vehicle. I was advised that it could be several days before my car was evaluated and/or repaired. About 2 days after purchasing the vehicle, I returned it for 2 complaints: (1) the driver seat jars forward and back upon stopping and accelerating, approximately 80-90% of the time; (2) stopping/slowing the vehicle at speeds greater than 40mph (such as when slowing for an exit) causes the vehicle to shake and pull to one side. …
I purchased a 2002 Toyota Camry 3 years ago at 115,000 miles. I now have 205,000 as of the date of this letter. Last spring, the power steering failed in cold weather and there was a sqeaking noise behind or around my steering wheel so I replaced the pump. It warmed up, so I couldn't test the result. This winter, the problem is much worse and unsafe, so it wasn't that. After nearly hitting a car because I could hardly come out of my turn, I took it to the Toyota dealership on 1/17/12. They kept it overnight to experience the problem. They said they would start by replacing the steering column u-joint for $510, but would not guarantee it. I asked 5 other mechanics who said that it can't be that if it only occurs in cold weather, so I told them not to do anything. I'm bringing it back to my town to have others look at it and fix it. …
Problem with anti-lock brakes. I have had two occurrence. One while driving through my resident parking lot at a speed of 10 miles per hour, I applied the brakes. I heard a grinding sound of the brakes. My hands was blasted off the steering wheel and I felt a hard thump in the seat which eject me toward the ceiling of my car. I lost control of the car. I ended up facing the rear of the car near driver door. The second incident occurred while driving to work in the snow. I was driving 20 mile per hour and applied the brakes. The same thing happened as mention before. Hands blasted off steering wheel, hard thump in seat, and ejection out of the driver set. Had Toyota to repair brakes at cost of nearly $450. I never got an explanation of why my hands were blasted off the steering wheel or the hard thump in the seat which lead to me being ejected out of the seat. …
2002 Toyota Camry lev6 w/15" rims. Car is unstable at high speeds. We are now on our third set of tires and the car only has 21,000 miles on it. First set (continental) became bald on outside edge of both front tires at 9000 miles. Tires were rotated (front to rear, rear to front) and front end alignment was done. Tires became bald on outside edge after only 8000 miles (17000 total miles on car). Dealer replaced all 4 tires with dunlop and I had to pay for a four wheel alignment. After 2500 more miles car again became unstable at high speeds. It started at about 75 MPH and as the tires wore it became unstable at lower speeds 55-65 MPH. The dealer replaced all four tires again with Michelin this time and did another front end alignment. Now with only 1200 miles on the new tires it is again becoming unstable at high speeds 65-75 MPH. …
Steering complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Toyota Camry, 5% of the model year's 953 complaints. The component named most often is column (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Toyota Camry steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 Toyota Camry, though it has 4 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 2002 Toyota Camry steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.