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 2012 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Clicking noise in steering (damper for caused by a small plastic part which is defectively designed, and disintegrates). This is a very common defect in 2011-2017 Toyota Camrys. The part is only about $5, but labor is $750 because the whole steering assembly has to be taken apart. My Camry started making the rattling noise when it had 40,000 miles. The noise is getting progressively worse and may cause steering issues eventually. I have not had it fixed yet. See part # below, and see youtube videos on the issue, which is very common. Steering. Damper. Column. Part Number: 4525428040 A component that isolates the Steering Column from another component or it's mounting surface. JAPAN BUILT. MANUAL TILT. Part cannot be reused/reinstalled. Part included in column assembly. POWER TILT. US BUILT. Bushing. ELECTRIC POWER. Insulator. Computer. Motor. …
I am reporting a safety-related issue involving the ECM / torque converter on my 2012 Toyota Camry. This issue can cause loss of power, hesitation, or stalling which presents a serious safety concern while driving. The issue impacts drivability and can result in sudden loss of acceleration or engine stalling, especially at higher speeds or during merging. This creates an increased risk of collision for myself, passengers, and surrounding vehicles. I have experienced some scary occurrences with shuddering at high speeds, hesitation while near other innocent vehicles and stalling. I was never notified by Toyota about this recall or service campaign while it was active. I maintain current registration information and would have had the issue addressed immediately. Toyota acknowledged the campaign but refused support due to expiration, despite my lack of notice. …
I own a 2012 Camry LE with about 70,000 miles which is in excellent condition and well-maintained. Recently I began to hear a rattle, tapping or knocking sound apparently from somewhere in the left engine or cabin area. I feel confident its sources is possibly a steering column issue. You sort of feel it whenever you have some rough road surface; and if it's a bump you hear the metal knock. While it doesn't appear to cause a steering malfunction. The issue or noise does seem to come from the steering column. Independent research on the web has indicated that countless queries have been reported about this same year vehicle and issue. Described as a small $10 plastic part that degrades thereby allowing the vibration or knocking noise to appear. Cost to repair again is $10 for part and 7-8 hour labor roughly $950 from the actual dealer to repair. …
"I was driving when the passenger airbag light came on and wouldn't turn off. At the same time, my steering wheel locked up, and my car started making a whining/humming sound. The lights began blinking on and off, and the battery light came on, even though the battery was brand new. Finally, my car completely shut off while I was driving in the middle of the street." A few years ago, I encountered a similar situation when a new computer component was installed, but they had trouble identifying the issues. It ended up costing me over a thousand dollars for problems they weren't certain about. Each time they added more parts, it turned out that it wasn't the solution. I'm hesitant to take it back to the dealership for fear of facing the same issues again. I plan to file a formal complaint and seek advice or assistance regarding this issue. …
On 2/18/23 I took my car into the repair shop to investigate a clunking sound upon braking. The control arm was broken and the level of corrosion is extensive. I am the original and only owner and the car has never been out of Florida or on the beach or immersed in water. Toyota of North America in Plano, TX said they could not receive my pictures and that there was no one at Toyota that I could send documents to. They said if there was a recall I would be notified.
Drivers side steering wheel has a clicking clunking sound and appears this is a well-known issue with this year car that Toyota has never addressed some type of silicone, bearing or washer war wears out, but the whole column must be removed to replace it from what I see it's like $1000 I have Toyota do it for a $20-30 part
When I first purchased the car I unlocked the lever to adjust my steering wheel and from that moment further my car never drove the same. If I do not play with the lever for the tilt steering and move steering wheel up and down while driving my car does not drive normal. The tires either feel like they were laying down flat when making a turn either way to the left or the right and the car seemed to be at a different position than my steering wheel was. I changed my lower control arms, inner tire rods(Front), outer tire rods(front),This is all since January of 2022. I contacted the dealership immediately when I began noticing the problem and they told me nothing was wrong with the car and they couldn't not help me. Now when I am driving it sounds like a belt shifted on a tire but hasn't or something is rubbing. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. While driving 15-18 MPH, the steering seized without warning and the contact crashed into the side of another vehicle. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The contact was able to drive the vehicle from the crash site back to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
The tire pressure tends to fluctuate often requiring weekly air check to maintain the proper psi. The driver front tire psi cold will read 36 , front pass 34 , rear drive r35, rear pass at 36, when the tires heat up after appx. 38 mile out and you check the psi it will read 39, 39. 36,37, or at time you May get 39,37.39.f you have to come to a stop light, sudden stop, or a stop at night on a non familiar road like I had to in the rain on a uneven road the vehicles tail end tends to slide to the left and the front end feels as if you hit a pot hole do to slight wear and tear groves in the road that don't become apparent until your on that 1 to 2 feet section in the road. Is this a common complaint with any others or am I over being over concerned with the drive performance on uneven pavement or roads. …
The vehicle had been steering erratically and pulling to the left primarily. It feels as though the wind is buffeting the vehicle and it is difficult to maintain a steady course. When family have driven behind me it has been noted that the vehicle is all over the road. I was to take the vehicle to the shop for routine maintenance and to have the problem checked out this week but I had an accident. The car pulled to the left and I struck an oncoming vehicle.the day was cloudy but dry. There were no extenuating circumstances. Both cars were totaled. I struck the vehicle left head light to my left head light. The other driver and I were both hospitalized for injuries. We are fortunate not to have been killed. I received a ticket for failure to maintain lane and will go to court in June.this is a dangerous vehicle and I would like to see something done before someone is killed.
Steering complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Toyota Camry, 10% of the model year's 590 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Toyota Camry steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2012 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 2012 Toyota Camry steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles, and 46% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 6 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.