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 2006 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While on the street as I was backing my car into a parking space adjacent to the street curb the car suddenly accelerated in reverse at high speed, crashing over the curb and sidewalk, rear end first. My stepping on the brakes in an attempt to stop the car was unsuccessful; the car did not come to a stop until it crashed into an iron fence which bordered the yard causing damage to the fence and the car. A similar incident occurred quite a few years ago when the same car suddenly accelerated in reverse out of control and I was unable to bring it to a halt until it hit a parked car. I do not know what caused either of these incidents to occur.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn in either direction causing the driver to loose control of the vehicle and crash into an utility pole. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. During the crash the driver sustained back, torso, and neck injuries. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and the local dealer were not notified of failure. The failure mileage was 238,000.
The steering wheel while taking a right turn locked and wouldn't straighten all lights turned off on the panel all was locked and caused a crash because steering was locked into a turn
Well, nothing happened but I believe Toyota Camry, se, sedan, v6, has a problem with steering rack and pinion drive leak at 90 k. Many Camry vehicles have it, according to numerous reports on the web for models (2001 through whatever, sedans or not). Fixing it costs a fortune, sort of (1200 $ or so). They are selling lemons, and right under your nose ! The NHTSA should wake up for once and get Toyota flagged. They (the japanese companies, including Takata, - and god knows whatever happened to the so-called zero defect japanese motto) are raking it in and taking the customers for a ride. It is time that NHTSA gets involved and call it for what it is - a recall - and have the company fix the problem. If I wanted this piece of junk, I would have gone for an American car, viz, Chevy or GM !!!!!!!
I've got very bad experience with car dealer. I have bought Toyota Camry 2006 at the end of February 2006. After receiving a new car, I had heard some kind of noise when I drove the car for the first time. At that point, I knew that this kind of noise was normal because my car was brand new. Unfortunately, that noise had got louder time after time, and did not stop. To fix a noise problem on my car, I checked my car to Toyota. Toyota found the problem and told me that my car needed to replace a whole transmission. At that time, I could not believe the fact that my new car needed to fix, because my car had got just 500 mileage on it and just passed two weeks after purchasing my car. Furthermore, I felt displeasure and was very upset about their employees' attitude. I wanted to trade in my car with a new another Camry. They required me to pay for 7000 dollar more with my old car. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that he heard a clunking sound whenever they completing a left or right turn. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 41,000. Updated 2/5/13 the consumer stated that a loud clunking noise could be heard from the steering column. The consumer informed the dealer and was it was not a safety concern. The consumer later learned of a service bulletin pertaining to the "clunking" noise and brought to the dealer's attention. The dealer would not assist the consumer with repairs, stating the vehicle was out of warranty and that there was no documentation of a complaint prior to the vehicle being out of warranty. Updated 02/25/2013
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a two-minute delay while attempting to accelerate from a stop. There was no warning prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The contact was advised that the throttle body assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, he noticed fluid leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they advised him that the boot was leaking and the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the rack and pinion assembly. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 117,794. The current mileage was approximately 119,276.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that when driving 45 MPH and above or when attempting a turn, the vehicle would exhibit an abnormally loud noise. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and they advised her to replace the steering knuckle and wheel. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. In addition, she noticed that the headlight cover appeared to be extremely foggy. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and they advised her that they would have to clean the headlight cover with a special chemical. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
2006 Toyota 60,000 miles. Needs to have intermediate steering shaft replaced or I won't be able to steer the car soon. Happened to my old 1997 Toyota also. Couldn't turn the wheel had no control. Worried this May happen again to this 2006 car. Told by mechanic that it is wear and tear. He only sees it on some Toyota not all. If it was wear then why not on all. Sounds like a defect to me. Very costly to replace, $517. This car has been maintained thru Toyota dealership on a regular basis, it was bought as a demo car from a dealership with 12000 miles. Something is wrong maybe engineering defect?
I have a 2006 Camry le which has developed a clunking noise in the steering shaft or column somewhere below the steering wheel. Toyota has a service number on it, but will no do anything unless this detect was reported before 36,000 miles. They require you to find their detect it early and if you find it later after 36,000 miles they say that's too bad you are too late. This is just wrong !! They know they have a problem, yet they hope you pass 36,000 miles so they don't have to fix their known defect.
Steering complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Toyota Camry, 9% of the model year's 317 complaints. The component named most often is gear box (other than rack and pinion) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Camry steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 Toyota Camry, though it has 5 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 2006 Toyota Camry steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.