2003 Toyota Camry V6 xle - skids or spins occasionally and especially in wet weather (not just icy or snow conditions). May 2009 my current 2003 Toyota Camry took a 360 degree turn (I lost control of the vehicle) in a 60 to 70 degree turn at 40 miles per hour. It was raining all day on that day. On that day the care hit the guard rail and caused front and rear bumper and side damages. Also in other situations the car skidded in wet condition when accelerating from a hard stop or taking a turn. This appears to be a common issue with most of the Toyota models. I had a 1994 Toyota corolla and a 1995 Toyota 4 runner. All the 3 vehicles had same spinning or skidding issue in wet condition on rain. Also, I learnt that one of our friends Toyota avalon spun recently in wet condition as well.

- Romansville, PA, USA

I purchased my 2003 Toyota Camry in August, 2003. Two years later, the steering column started to make noise. Dealer replaced the whole steering column assembly. After 3 and half years, the steering column failed again. I can not believe Toyota built this kind of quality vehicle. It totally ruined their reputation. I will never purchase Toyota's vehicle any more.

- Troy, MI, USA

They replaced the steering shaft assembly and charged me over $700 to do this and I found technical bulletins stating this was a defect with the Camry and I wrote to Toyota and nothing happened.

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

My 2003 Toyota Camry's steering column was making clunking noises as I turned corners so I took it in to have it looked at. It required a complete replacement of the intermediate steering shaft. I've never had to replace a steering assembly on any of my other cars ever....so why would this 89,000 miles, 2003 Toyota Camry need this part completely replaced" and because it was repaired with a new updated genuine Toyota part......doesn't that indicate that Toyota knew this part was bad and choose not to issue a recall but pass on the repair issues to the consumer" and what if I hadn't gotten it repaired when I did....I could I have lost steering all together.

- Fort Madison, IA, USA

Since soon after I purchase my Toyota Camry new I have noticed that it pulls hard to the left. Fortunately I have yet to have a vehicle accident, though several times my car has drifted into the oncoming lane.

- Farmington, MN, USA

Complaint received via E-mail this car pulls to the left and steering feels loose and car drifts. Dealership is not providing any assistance. Alignment and tire balancing did not help. This is a safety issue.

- Rocky Mount, NC, USA

Car pulls left into oncoming traffic. Car is unusually difficult to control at highway speeds in moderate winds. Car requires unusually high degree of concentration to keep driving in a straight line. Dealer has attempted repair 5 times, including application of Toyota technical service bulletin, with no improvement. Other owners are reporting similar problems on the toyotaownersclub website and other forums.

- Bellevue, WA, USA

2003 Camry le [xxx]. currently 7585 miles/17 months since purchase new. Gradually drifts right (began from buy date). Onset of drift is approximately 3 sec. After steady track established. Requires constant attention/correction. Vehicle is not safe to drive, other than for local short trips. Tires as cause have been eliminated. (six new tires have been mounted; rf, then lf, then all 4 tires). Toyota dealer check of alignment at 2049 miles--"..all in spec". Toyota dealer, after test drive at 7468 miles revealed vehicle did indeed drift exclusively right, and informed me: (1) vehicle drives like all 2003 Camry's (2) that he could make no alignment adjustment that would improve car's driving performance, (3) that the onset of right drift as early as 2 sec. After establishment of a straight track was Toyota-acceptable, (4) that drift exclusively right was Toyota-acceptable, (5) that problem often is "over-sensitive" driver, (6) that he would not consider exploring applicability of tsb ST002-04 as possible correction, and (7) that my options are to either accept the condition or go to arbitration. At regional level (Toyota customer experience center, torrence, ca) I was told that all such problems were handled exclusively at the dealer level, and that I should consider driving other 2003 Camry's (implied: I might thereby convince myself that my vehicle drove "normally"! a most interesting and revealing approach to a customer complaint!) I have recently contacted a second Toyota dealer that indicated that it is indeed possible to get a "field technical rep" to look at the problem (I am anxious to see how this plays out, but my frustration is obvious). Meanwhile, I have taken step of advising my lawyer in writing to carefully explore the possibility of this unsafe steering problem as a possible primary and/or contributory cause factor, should I ever be involved in a death or severe injury accident in this car. Updated 07/25/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (

- San Diego, CA, USA

In an online message board, I noticed a Camry owner discussing their "lean left" problem, which I share as well. Shortly after having my car for 6 months (2003 le model purchased in Nov 2002) I noticed the car slightly pulling to the left. Over time, and even with numerous alignments, the lean has gotten worse. Sounds like this is a common problem among many Camry owners and I would like to know if Toyota has something in mind to help correct the situation. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you.

- Warner Robins, GA, USA

This car pulls left and tracks poorly under most driving conditions. It is especially bad in crosswinds and on wet roadways. It was originally established by the dealership that low caster angle was to blame. The dealer was able to loosen and jiggle the engine cradle to get the caster on the minimum specification for caster, but this has done nothing to correct the poor handling. After 4 visits and much unnecessary delay, the dealership and Toyota now claim there is nothing wrong with the car. This defect represents a significant safety issue with lane driftage, and limits the use of the car. I am deeply disappointed with the dealership's and Toyota's position. I selected Toyota for their apparent good reputation for integrity and service, but my experience has shown otherwise. My interactions with Toyota through their agents has shown that their reputation appears to be largely based on their own public relations campaign--not on service and quality. I am now faced with the prospect of arbitration and lawsuit to force Toyota motor Corp to honor their warranty. I cannot in good conscience knowingly sell this vehicle to another unsuspecting buyer, so I must choose to either sue Toyota or repair the vehicle myself.

- Pataskala, OH, USA

2003 Camry le purchased August 2003. Car pulls/veers to left at speeds below 50-55 mph. When reaching speeds above this, the pull /veering to the left is very pronounced (especially interstate driving). Have taken the car to the dealership twice; the first visit they checked the tire pressure, tires, etc. And was told they couldn't find a problem and stated variations in the roads traveled may cause this. Second visit, routine items were checked again and was told technician couldn't find the problem. After taking him on a drive on the interstate, he "saw the problem" and the car was left at the dealership until the following afternoon. They adjusted alignment to specifications and said they rotated the upper spring insulators (?). the problem persists and once again contacted the dealership. (they have been very courteous throughout) was told they have basically done all they can or know of, but would contact Toyota for further ideas. This steering defect can be a significant safety risk and needs to be corrected.

- Ocean Springs, MS, USA

I have taken my 2003 Camry le to Toyota dealerships 3 times for the problem of it pulling to the left. I brought my brand new car in for the first time within one month of purchase. The second time I brought my car in, the pull left had caused my tires uneven, premature wear. My tires needed replacement at 15,000 miles, although the dealership told me that they would last for 20,000 and this was "close enough." I took my car to a serparate business as I did not receive an acceptable response from seveal employees at this Toyota dealership. Additionally, the owner refused to call me despite signs plastered around the dealership stating that he cares and to ask for him. For the third trip regarding the car pulling left, I took it to a new Toyota dealer. Despite an improvement in customer service, they were also unable to fix the problem. By the next day, my car was pulling left again. This dealership informed me that I had a "tire pull, " and put this in writing. I was told that the tires that had been placed on my car were made incorrectly and caused the car to pull to the left. I am so disappointed in Toyota. This is my first new car and I specifically purchased it due to its reputation and supposed reliability. I hope that changes are made to regain cusotmer confidence and allow for satisfaction and safety among Toyota owners.

- Fl, FL, USA

2003 Camry SE drifts to the left, especially noticeable on the freeway. Dealer adjusted alignment to specs. Problem still exists.

- Waterford, MI, USA

From original purchase date of vehicle, the car tracks left. The tracking to the left occurs in any lane at any time. I have had into dealer three times for repair. First two visits resulted in comments that this was "normal" and the crown of the road. A third visit, at another dealer indicated that the toe was "slightly" off. While this has ameliorated the problem, it continues. I understand that this is "typical" for Camry's with 16" wheels. I find this situation unacceptable. The 15" wheel Camry does not appear to suffer from this condition.

- Savage, MN, USA

2003 Camry purchased Jan 03: Complaint was--car has to be "herded" continually. Will not maintain straight line of travel. Feels like it is "on top of the bubble." Annoying. Dealer checked alignment and said "all within specifications--no problem found." It still does it! (checked 5/22/03) the vehicle drifted to the right about 3 seconds after the pressure was released from the steering wheel. The vehicle only drifted to the right not the left, therefore constant pressure on the left side of the steering wheel was always needed. The vehicle tires were replaced but that did not stop the problem. The consumer was told by the dealer that drift exclusively to the right was acceptable to Toyota.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Vehicle pulls to left and drifts when driven under most road conditions. Dealer is unable to correct this problem in three attempts. This steering defect represents a significant safety risk. I intend to take steps to force Toyota to repurchase this vehicle under the Ohio lemon law.

- Pataskala, OH, USA

I purchased a Toyota Camry V6 SE model in July of 2003. Since purchase there is a steering pull/veer to the left requiring over correction to the right. I brought car into several dealerships 4 times, 1st time was told the problem was nonexistent; 2nd time, no problem, noticeable again; 3rd time tire rotation performed, but car still veers to the left. Two weeks ago, car was driven by factory representative who commented that the car was mechanically perfect. Service manager suggested checking tires but would not admit that there was a significant problem. I test drove a brand new SE V6 model directly from the dealers lot and found the same characteristic steering behavior, witnessed by the service manager. I have difficulty controlling this vehicle (between 20 & 40 mph) but have been told that this is the nature of the car and I can begin arbitration if I choose. I am extremely frustrated and have been greatly inconvenienced by the number of fruitless trips to the dealership. There is a serious problem with the steering that the dealership and apparently Toyota's specialists will not acknowledge is abnormal and in my opinion (as well of those I have read on the internet) is a driving hazard. I want this to be fixed, but basically have nowhere to turn. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

- Northridge, CA, USA

When driving between 60-70 mph the steering while vibrated severely. This made controlling the vehicle and maintaining it on the road very difficult. The consumer will be taking vehicle to the dealership.

- Grapevine, TX, USA