Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
If vehicle is in drive with engine running on a hill and rolls back a significant distance while in gear engine may shut off leading to a loss in power steering and brake control once booster looses reserve. also delays ability to move vehicle increasing risk for accident that could be avoided. am able to duplicate concern reliably.
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Toyota Camry. While driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel seized. As a result, the vehicle veered to the right, flipped over, and landed in a ditch. The driver sustained minor bruising that required medical attention. The driver was wearing a seat belt during the failure and the driver's seat belt fractured when the vehicle was upside down. The driver was unable to exit the vehicle without force. None of the air bags deployed. The contact forcefully exited the vehicle as a fire erupted under the hood. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed by the insurance company to a tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V732000 (suspension). …
Traveling on a state road during a slight snow event. The road was partially snow covered but treated and not overly slippery. The car suddenly veered to the left and went out of control. During this time the traction control light came on and stayed on while making the car unresponsive to attempts to steer the car. Hit a fence doing minor damage to car and fence. After the crash drove the car at a low speed to home. Car was very difficult to keep on road and traction control light stayed on continually. At home once the car was placed on dry garage floor and backed up it made a loud thud noise and then seemed to respond normally. This lasted only for two tenths of mile then light came back on and car control became erratic again. Put back in garage awaiting for insurance adjuster. Now afraid to drive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota Camry. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle veered to the left and right excessively. The contact had to continuously maneuver the steering wheel in order to keep the vehicle in position. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota Camry. While driving at approximately 72 MPH, the steering wheel shook without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,800.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota Camry. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering ability seized without warning. The failure occurred approximately ten times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
Sun visor driver side is falling down on Camry 2011. Wont stay in the up position. Also took car to the dealership for noise in the steering and they said it was the steering shaft which is not covered under the 5 year warranty. Car only 58000 miles.
Steering column has a popping in it when turning. This happens while stationary and while moving. This is apparently a common problem through multiple generations of the Toyota Camry. It started around 50K miles and continues to get worse with time.
Backing out of driveway onto the street and noticed the steering was somewhat difficult and felt thick. Driving down the road to turn the corner it felt similar, but not as bad. Got home and asked my wife if she noticed anything previously and she stated now that I mentioned it she did, but didn't think to tell me. Drove it for another few days and no improvement was noticed. Contacted my Toyota dealer and scheduled and appointment for the following Tuesday, June 25, 2013. The mechanic agreed it wasn't right, but the belt looked good and the fluid was full with no noticeable problem. A call to tech. Support services had me return for further diagnostics on Friday June 28, 2013. Metal contaminants were noticed inside the power steering pump. It was recommended the rack and pinion and power steering pump be replaced. I am waiting for parts to arrive and the repairs to be completed.
The car requires almost constant driver input in the steering to maintain it within the lane of traffic at freeway speeds. There is play in the steering wheel and the car does not track securely while driving on a freeway. As a result it is fatiguing to constantly have to correct from right to left and back again left to right while driving at freeway speeds. Toyota rep and dealer mechanics claim there is no problem. It feels as though the electronic variable assist power steering is not decreasing when at freeway speeds as it is supposed to which causes the car to not track securely within it's lane. There are no tire or alignment issues. Toyota is pretending there is no problem and hoping I will go away.
Steering complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Toyota Camry, 5% of the model year's 601 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Toyota Camry steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2011 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 2011 Toyota Camry steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 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.