My 2007 Toyota solara power steering locked up initially 12/17/2009 while exiting a freeway offramp causing me to continue veering left into the curb fortunately with no injury to myself or car. The cars behind, also exiting, nearly slammed into me but had enough room to stop and swerve around. The wheel was locked for nearly 2 minutes then finally released while the car remained running with…
2007 Toyota Camry steering problems
severe 113 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
113
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
17crashes
9injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 113 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Toyota Camry, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 18 model years of Toyota Camry we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 113.
Owners have filed 113 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Steering defects are widespread in the 2007 Camry across multiple systems: shaft vibration, electronic assembly failures, ABS actuator loss of power affecting steering and brakes, and rack/pinion issues causing loss of control. Many owners report dealers initially denied problems or blamed tires/alignment; some crashes and one fatality reported. Repair costs range $540 to $3,600+, and extended ABS warranties have now expired.
Owners of 2007 Camrys identify a cluster of steering failures starting shortly after purchase and recurring across different systems. The most common complaint is steering column vibration or shaking, particularly over bumps or at highway speeds (50+ mph), often accompanied by knocking or popping sensations and temporary loss of control feeling. Multiple owners report steering shaft problems requiring replacement, with a Toyota Technical Service Bulletin (TSB ST002-07) addressing intermediate shaft issues; one owner paid $540–$600 for shaft replacement.
A second major failure pattern involves sudden loss of power steering and braking simultaneously—primarily on hybrid models. When this occurs, warning lights (CHECK VSC, ABS, brake lights) illuminate and the vehicle either shuts down or becomes extremely difficult to steer and stop. Service advisors confirmed the ABS brake actuator fails, costing $2,200–$3,607 to replace. Toyota offered two extended warranty programs (ZE1) for this issue, but both have expired, leaving owners unprotected.
Owners also report steering rack/pinion problems causing the vehicle to pull sharply left or right, unresponsive steering input, and in three documented cases, complete loss of steering control during highway driving resulting in crashes. Several owners mention clunking noises at low speeds during turns. Dealers consistently blame tires, alignment, or claim problems are "normal for this model," despite Toyota's own service bulletins acknowledging steering shaft defects and widespread online complaints about similar issues.
Same Toyota Camry steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Steering column vibration/shaking
Steering column shakes or vibrates, particularly over road bumps or at highway speeds (50+ mph). Some owners report knocking or popping sensations in the steering wheel accompanied by temporary loss of steering control.
When: Ranges from a few weeks after purchase to various mileages; often triggered by road conditions
Symptoms owners cite: shaking/vibration in steering column; knocking/popping feeling in steering wheel; loss of steering control sensation; lurching feeling; steering wheel jerks in different direction
Codes mentioned: TSB ST002-07
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers typically replace steering shaft; reported costs $540–$600. One case involved replacement of intermediate shaft in steering column.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued (ST002-07); Toyota service bulletins mention the issue but no formal recall issued as of complaint dates. Some dealers insisted vibration was normal.
Steering wheel binding/sticking at full turns
Steering wheel binds, sticks, or does not return to center when turned fully left or right, especially at low speeds. Problem may worsen after service visits.
When: Early ownership; 2008 model year owner reported issue within first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: wheel won't return to center at full turn; binding at low speeds; feeling of flat tire at low speeds; wheel sticks in both left and right turns
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers initially blamed tires and alignment; multiple dealer visits resulted in tire replacements and alignment checks. One case involved steering shaft replacement via TSB ST002-07.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claimed normal characteristic for year/model; Toyota Customer Service provided no help; arbitration paperwork issued to one owner.
Steering rack/pinion failure—loss of control or pulling
Steering rack/pinion problems causing vehicle to pull sharply left or right, requiring constant wheel correction, or complete loss of steering control during turns. Some vehicles veer uncontrollably and crash.
When: Varies: one owner at 12,000 miles; another at 28,000 miles; crash incidents occur at highway speeds (35–70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle pulls left or right; steering doesn't respond to wheel input; sudden sharp veer during turns; excessive play in steering wheel; steering wheel jerks slightly; popping/knocking in steering wheel; steering seems restricted
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers inspect rack assembly; loose bolts found in at least one case and tightened (problem recurred); multiple owners report crashed vehicles (totaled). One case: power steering rack/pinion boot damaged, leaking fluid; repair estimates $594–$1,355.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 10V017000 (accelerator pedal/vehicle speed control) performed; one owner reported stuck accelerator for first time after this recall. Some dealers claim alignment is factory spec and deny problem exists.
Electronic steering assembly malfunction
Electronic steering assembly fails, causing steering wheel to move on its own at startup or severe restriction in steering wheel rotation. Affects hybrid and non-hybrid models.
When: One incident reported after dealer attempted to perform recall work on steering assembly
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel moves 100 degrees left/right on its own at startup; unable to turn wheel more than 1–2 inches in either direction; steering becomes very stiff after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of steering rack/electronic steering assembly. Dealers initially denied problem; part eventually arrived from Toyota and was installed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Electronic steering assembly is subject of a steering recall; defective part replaced under this recall program.
ABS actuator failure—complete brake loss with VSC warning
ABS brake actuator fails suddenly, causing complete loss of brakes and steering power. Vehicle shuts down with 'CHECK VSC' light, red brake light, and ABS warning. Brakes and steering regain function after vehicle is restarted.
When: First documented incident: March 2012; subsequent incidents March–October 2012 (hybrid model); another case around 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: sudden shutdown with CHECK VSC light; all dashboard warning lights illuminate (ABS, brake, VSC); complete brake failure; steering power loss or becomes very difficult; car rolls backward when parked on incline; delay in brake response at startup
Codes mentioned: CHECK VSC SYSTEM light, ABS warning light, Brake light
Repairs/costs cited: ABS brake actuator replacement: reported costs $2,200–$3,607.88. Service advisor acknowledged defective part; one owner declined repair due to fear of recurrence. Multiple owners report seeing problem in many hybrids.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota National declined to cover repair; dealership also refused coverage. Service advisor predicted recall was coming. Two extended warranties (ZE1 program) issued for ABS actuator issues, but both have now expired for 2007 models, leaving owners without coverage.
Steering wheel jerking or erratic movement during turns
Steering wheel jerks unexpectedly or behaves erratically while turning, sometimes after recall repairs. Vehicle may veer opposite to steering input.
When: 42,000 miles (post-recall); various speeds (1–40+ mph)
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel jerks to one side; something feels stuck in steering wheel; steering doesn't respond to wheel input; veers opposite direction; clicking sound at low speeds (1–5 mph) from steering rack/pinion
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer re-calibrated steering after recall repair; re-calibration did not remedy issue. One case: clicking at low speeds, highway veer, hit shrub.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall repair performed; dealer re-calibration attempted but failed to fix erratic behavior. Dealer unable to duplicate clicking sound.
Power steering loss or hardening
Power steering temporarily fails, making steering wheel very hard to turn or unresponsive. Can occur during highway driving or parking maneuvers.
When: Various mileages; one incident during pothole strike; other incidents during routine driving at 40–45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: steering becomes extremely hard or unresponsive; steering wheel temporarily locks; high-pitched buzzing noise with steering failure; steering restricted
Codes mentioned: CHECK VSC SYSTEM light
Repairs/costs cited: Anti-lock brake system components replaced in one case; another case: defective fuse blamed by dealership (not from pothole), unresolved after 12 days of diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to diagnose or recreate problem; blamed fuse failure; no clear resolution offered.
Steering shaft noise or clunking
Clunking, knocking, or squealing noise from steering shaft or intermediate shaft, typically at low speeds during turns or backing.
When: Noted early in ownership; one owner reported problem starting 18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: clunking noise when turning steering wheel slowly (parking, backing); squealing noise; knocking in rear strut tower (unrelated to steering but reported together)
Codes mentioned: TSB ST002-07 references intermediate shaft issue
Repairs/costs cited: TSB ST002-07 addresses intermediate shaft problem for earlier model years ('04–'06); no formal TSB issued for '07 as of complaint date. Estimated repair $540.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued for earlier years; no recall for '07 model year despite widespread online reports.
Tire wear pattern (cupping) with steering/suspension issues
Front tires develop cupping (scalloped wear pattern), often accompanied by front-end shimmy during braking or steering issues. Multiple tire replacements required early in vehicle life.
When: First tire wear noted at 18,000–28,000 miles; additional replacements at 55,000 miles and 5,000 miles on replacement set
Symptoms owners cite: front tires show cupping; front end shimmers when braking downhill; vehicle handling improves temporarily with new tires
Repairs/costs cited: Front brake linings replaced in one case; wheel alignment performed multiple times; four new Michelin tires installed. One owner spent $1,000+ on tires and alignment within 50,000 miles (3 tire sets).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers blamed tires; suggested replacement but did not push sales; claimed brakes were OK at 80% remaining wear despite cupping pattern.
Spiral cable assembly failure in steering column
Spiral cable assembly in steering column fails, affecting airbag mechanism, horn, and cruise control functionality.
When: At 94,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: airbag warning indicator illuminated; horn fails to activate; potential cruise control malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Spiral cable assembly in steering column requires replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle VIN not included in voluntary recall for airbag failure; repair not covered under warranty.
Synthesized from 113 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2007 Toyota Camry?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2007 Toyota Camry?
It's a meaningful issue. 113 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 92 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 38,000 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 98,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Toyota/Camry.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.