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 2009 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have 2009 Toyota Camry LE, the problem is engine oil, if I changed/filled the engine oil in certified stores, but after 400 miles the engine oil is not in the engine chamber I checked the leaks or any other sort of damage but there's nothing like that I verified the same thing with the dealership too. Basically my point is due to extensive consumption of engine oil the engine will brake in the middle of driving and there are chances it will explode and there's a DANGER while driving the car it's like pulled the granite pin and sit above it. And due to this the braking system will fail and the person loose his life and the dependses will be suffered a lot. Please look at this issue. Thank you.
The vehicle was in motion when the steering wheel locked suddenly. It hit a sidewall on the right and careened to the left and finally came to a stop when it hit another vehicle. At this point, the steering wheel was still locked despite the fact that the engine was running and it was still in drive
Maintenance light was on, car was pulling to the right while driving even after dealership checked it out, tires were worn out, also car made noises on front right passenge side at high speeds and some time shaked from right front passenger side.
I was taking my father to the doctor in a town 2 hours away. I stopped to pick him up (car was shut off and I went inside to get him) and when we got into the car, it would not start and the "key indicator" light was on. I checked the Nissan manual which informed me the car would need to be taken to the dealer. I had my car towed the next day and taken to a local Nissan mechanic. I also did research regarding the icon light and found that thousands of 2009 nissans had experience the same problem. My mechanic called with the news that the electronic steering column lock needed replacing at a charge of 910.00. This is certainly an issue that Nissan needs to consider as a recall. Our mechanic had 2 more calls with the same issue after we brought our car in last week. I hope Nissan will do the right thing and issue a recall immediately and reimburse all those who have replaced this part.
At 150K miles steering wheel is locking up while in motion. Usually occurs when trying to turn right, locks for 2 or 3 seconds then jerks slightly back to the left. Has done this 3 times recently, twice leaving me paused momentarily in opposite lane of traffic! Fortunately no traffic was in that lane during those moments before it unlocked. The third situation was in motion but not our of parking lot yet. Also makes a screeching sound while this is going on! I see where there are similar complaints about later year model camrys but haven't seen one on 2009. Also have not seen screeching sound mentioned. Trying to find out if others have experienced with 2009?
At speeds over above 60 MPH the car pulls hard to the left.this was reported to the dealer. I had to replace the rear brakes because the right rear brake froze and destroyed the rotor. I had a full brake inspection and was told that they were OK. One week later the front brake locked up on the passenger and went on fire. The dealer tells me the caliper froze. Now I have to replace all the pads and rotors on the front end. The is a serious and dangerous problem with this model Camry. I have read endless reports of difficulty with controlling this car while braking at highway speeds. This is a braking issue not alignment.
When driving very slowly, there is a clicking or rattling sound when turning the wheel. The car has 55,000 miles on it. The dealer diagnosed the cause as a warn "intermediate shaft." they are replacing it at a cost of $550, parts and labor. The dealer said that in time this would be a safety issue. I have been driving since 1956. This is the first time this part has failed out of 16 cars we have owned. All have had many more miles on them this Toyota. In my opinion, this is a manufacturing defect. It should be subject to recall and free repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the driver was traveling 20 MPH when the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact mentioned that the vehicle started to veer to the left, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and roll over. A police report was not filed. The driver did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to pull to the right. Every time a turn was attempted, a popping noise was heard. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a turn, a popping noise emitted from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the steering intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Toyota Camry, 4% of the model year's 1,293 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota Camry steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Toyota Camry, though it has 10 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 2009 Toyota Camry steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire 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.