Master control light on, not idling, wont start immediately after pumping gas, cuts of randomly when I stop and malfunction warning light for power steering
2018 Toyota Camry steering problems
severe 58 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
58
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
4crashes
1fire
12injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 58 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.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2018 Camry steering systems fail unpredictably, ranging from stiffness and binding at 40,000–70,000 miles to complete power loss and locking during highway driving. Many owners fall outside Toyota's recall window (22TE02) and face $500–$3,700 out-of-pocket repair bills even after dealerships confirm the problem is widespread and known.
Owners of 2018 Toyota Camrys report power steering becoming stiff and difficult to turn, often around 40,000–70,000 miles. The steering wheel frequently fails to return to center without excessive force, and some describe sudden loss of power steering function while driving. Several owners cite warning messages like "Low Power Steering – See Dealer" or electronic power steering (EPS) system malfunction lights that appear intermittently or persistently.
Steering shaft binding is a recurring complaint; multiple owners mention the intermediate steering shaft requiring replacement, with some noting that Toyota issued Customer Support Program 22TE02 for 170,000+ 2018 Camrys but their own vehicles fell outside the coverage window. A few owners also report steering wheel locking or stalling mid-turn, squeaking noises from the steering column, and in isolated cases, loss of steering control accompanied by simultaneous brake and electrical system failures during operation.
Repair costs reported range from $500–$900 for steering shaft replacement, with some owners paying out-of-pocket because their vehicles were produced outside the recall or support program dates. Several owners state the dealer acknowledged the problem is "known" but repair was not covered under warranty. Lane-keeping assist and power steering systems occasionally malfunction together, and one owner reports a faulty steering linkage diagnosis requiring electronic rack-and-pinion replacement.
Same Toyota Camry steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Intermediate steering shaft binding/failure
Steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn; does not return to center position without excessive force. Shaft binds or locks during operation, sometimes making a growling or squeaking noise.
When: 40,000–70,000 miles; one reported at 47,000 miles, another at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Stiff, heavy steering wheel requiring excessive force to turn; Steering wheel does not return to center; driver must manually force it back; Stalling or hesitation mid-turn; Squeaking or growling noise from steering column; Random onset with no prior warning lights; Sometimes temporary improvement after sitting or time passes
Codes mentioned: Customer Support Program 22TE02 (intermediate steering shaft recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Intermediate steering shaft replacement; cost $500–$900 out-of-pocket for owners outside recall window
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Customer Support Program 22TE02 issued for ~170,000 2018 Camrys; however, many owners report their VINs fall outside the program date range and repair not covered under warranty. Dealers acknowledge problem is 'known' but refuse warranty coverage for out-of-range vehicles.
Electronic power steering (EPS) system malfunction
Power steering electrical system fails or becomes intermittently inoperative. Warning light illuminates ('Low Power Steering – See Dealer' or 'EPS system malfunction') and steering becomes very difficult or impossible to maneuver.
When: Various mileages; one at 30,500 miles, one at 50,000 miles, one at 60,000 miles, one at 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning message or malfunction light on instrument panel (intermittent or persistent); Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn; Loss of power steering assist while driving at highway speeds; Warning light clears then reappears at different times; No prior symptoms before failure
Codes mentioned: Electronic Power Steering (EPS) malfunction warning
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic rack-and-pinion replacement reported in at least one case; repair cost $3,700 cited by one owner. Some owners report dealer was unable to diagnose the root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offers no assistance; owners directed to pay full repair cost or referred to NHTSA Hotline. One dealer inspected by Toyota manufacturer personnel but no warranty or recall action documented.
Steering rack and pinion failure
Electronic steering linkage/rack and pinion assembly becomes faulty, requiring replacement to restore steering control.
When: 30,500 miles reported in one case; 63,500 miles in another
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes loose and unresponsive; Excessive force required to maneuver vehicle; Dealer diagnosis of electronic rack and pinion failure
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement; one owner cited $3,700 repair cost at 30,500 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offers no assistance; one owner advised VIN not included in extended coverage and directed to pay out-of-pocket.
Steering system electrical/wiring malfunction
Wiring or electrical connections in steering system fail, causing intermittent steering loss or stiffness combined with other electrical system failures (brake system, airbag, power systems).
When: October 2019 reported in one case; appears to be intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes immobile while in motion; Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously (power, steering, brakes, airbags); Issue clears after vehicle sits and is restarted; Combined with brake and power system malfunctions
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports manufacturer and dealer have not resolved despite multiple repair attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified multiple times; lacks accountability per owner statement
Steering wheel locking/stalling during turns
Steering wheel locks or stalls mid-turn, preventing smooth rotation. Wheel stiffens at multiple points during a single turn and does not smoothly transition.
When: Various; one at approximately 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel stalls or locks at intervals during a turn (e.g., every 5 degrees of rotation); Rattling noise at higher speeds; Sticking at multiple points during steering input; Intermittent occurrence then resolution
Codes mentioned: Customer Support Program 22TE02 (referred to by owner)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner mentions recall 22TE02 for intermediate shaft assembly but car not included
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notified of recall 22TE02 but VIN not eligible; no further assistance
Steering system failure with concurrent brake system failure
Total or near-total steering loss combined with brake system malfunction, loss of electrical power, and inability to steer. Documented in two complaints involving highway incidents.
When: May 24, 2021 (one case); December 1, 2024 (another case)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely hard to maneuver; Secondary brake system malfunction warning; Loss of electrical power; Multiple warning lights: power steering malfunction, brake system malfunction, antilock brake, collision prevention system; Vehicle becomes nearly uncontrollable
Codes mentioned: Secondary Brake System malfunction, Antilock Brake System malfunction, Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) malfunction, Pre-collision system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: One case still in service awaiting parts after one month; other case resulted in accident (vehicle spun and was rear-ended; fire reported). Second vehicle not available for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First case: dealer inspected and confirmed problem; manufacturer personnel also inspected; vehicle waiting for parts replacement. Second case: vehicle still at tow yard; no inspection completed; manufacturer response not documented.
Synthesized from 58 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Steering feels stiff at a certain point while turning. Sometimes its worst and sometimes its showing no problem. No any warning light and 1st time the dealership does not identify what was the issue. After couple of week it was getting worst. So I went again to the dealership and then they said had to replace "intermediate steering shaft". Cost nearly 500-600$.
Steering became very tight and thus the Power Steering had drag in it and needed immediate repairing. We felt compromised and felt it was a Safety issue, which the dealer that I am having repair the problem did not know of other reports of this problem. I had heard this problem has happen to others with the 2018 Toyota Camry.
Had steering trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Toyota Camry?
It's a meaningful issue. 58 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 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 18,000 and 63,500 miles, with the median around 48,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 63,500. 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/2018/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.