YearToAvoid

2012 Toyota Camry Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 58 steering complaints for the 2012 Toyota Camry, 10% of its 589 total complaints that year, with 4 crashes and 6 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure was 33,000 miles, and there is no related recall on file.

Steering complaints
58
10% of 589
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
33,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Some owners report the steering wheel pulling to one side or the vehicle wandering at highway speeds, in some cases leading to a crash.
  • Several complaints describe sudden loss of power steering assist, sometimes accompanied by a warning light and a popping noise before the wheel becomes hard to turn.
  • Owners describe a clicking or rattling noise from the steering column or steering motor that worsens over time.
  • One complaint describes the steering seizing without warning at low speed, resulting in a crash into another vehicle.
  • A steering column that fails to lock into position, allowing it to telescope in and out while driving, is reported by at least one owner.
  • Excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel at highway speed, making the car hard to keep centered, is described in early-mileage complaints.

When 2012 Toyota Camry steering complaints were filed

First complaint May 23, 2012, latest Jan 8, 2026.

2012 Toyota Camry steering complaints: complaints filed per month3May 2012Mar 2013Apr 2014Jul 2015Nov 2016Aug 2020Feb 2023Sep 2025
58 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2012 to Jan 2026; peak May 2013 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2012 Toyota Camry

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Camry model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201025 (4%)
  2. 201131 (5%)
  3. 201258 (10%)
  4. 201326 (9%)
  5. 201422 (5%)
  6. 2015105 (39%)
  7. 201625 (14%)
  8. 201714 (9%)
  9. 201860 (8%)
  10. 201911 (3%)
  11. 20205 (2%)
  12. 20214 (3%)
  13. 20223 (5%)
  14. 20230 (0%)
  15. 20245 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2012 Toyota Camry have?
NHTSA lists 58 steering complaints for the 2012 Camry, which is 10% of the 589 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2012 Toyota Camry?
No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data for the 2012 Camry's steering complaints, even though some owners mention a recall they believe should apply.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2012 Camry?
The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints is 33,000 miles.
Did steering problems cause crashes in the 2012 Camry?
Yes, NHTSA data tied to steering complaints for the 2012 Camry show 4 crashes and 6 injuries, with no fires reported.
How does the 2012 Camry compare to other years for steering complaints?
The 2012 Camry's steering complaints made up 10% of that year's total complaints, higher than 2010 (4%), 2011 (5%), 2013 (9%), and 2014 (5%), though lower than 2015's 39% share.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.