Three problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 2004 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Toyota Camry based on all problems reported for the 2004 Camry.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry solara. The contact stated that while turning right at approximately 35 mph. The steering wheel locked and caused the vehicle to go over an embankment and into the water. The front passenger suffered injuries to the back and neck. The contact stated that this was the second crash caused by the steering wheel. The dealer replaced the rack and pinion, but the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Took car for test drive on road described to me by a dealership employee as an uncrowned road. Let go of steering wheel a few times and immediately the car took off to the left repeatedly. Went back to dealership, said would buy car, but that I would have to have the steering pulling cured. Went back next day or two, tires rotated. On drive home pulling was back. Went back for realignment. Was told the problem was "minimalized". Got in the car, let go of the steering wheel, started the pulling in the dealership parking lot. Took car to independent to check the front end. He said could only find most minor alignment problems,not enough to cause the pulling. He checked out underside for any damage, found notthing. Back to dealership for replacement of rack & pinion & two new tires on the front. Job finished, left and made right onto highway. Got a right hand pull. Car never previously pulled right except for a couple of times when braking. Made left to go home and had only left pulling on all roads traveled. On open six lane highway I let go of the wheel, by the count of three entire car is in the lane to the left. I read on this site incidents with pulling that have resulted in unsafe situations.
On going problem with 2004 Toyota Camry since 53k miles. Coupling between steering column and rack and pinion pops as if their is a bearing failure in union. Was advised they were aware of problem with a TSB, but not covered under recall or warranty since none had "failed" yet. Failure of part would directly affect control of steering of vehicle. After contact corporate Toyota they said in email I would have to work it out with the dealer who said the part was not covered and not a safety issue. Vehicle has not been repaired, but problem and popping in column is getting worse.