Issue ID | 624782 |
Internal NHTSA # | 10186635 |
Manufacurer | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION |
Brand | TOYOTA |
Model | CAMRY |
Model Year | 2004 |
File date | 20/02/07 |
Component | STEERING |
Product type code | VEHICLE |
Description of the problem | Shortly after we purchased a new 2004 camry sedan, we began noticing looseness, rattling, knocking sounds and "play" in the steering characteristics. In addition, in slow, tight-radius turns (as in parking lots), it almost felt as if the front tires would slide laterally over slick surfaces -- snow, ice, loose gravel, wet pavement. The problem was subtle at first but became gradually more noticeable. At highway speeds, there was a barely-perceptible oscillation or vibration of the steering wheel. At about 28k miles we noticed a pulling to the right. We asked for an alignment to be done and this did not correct the problem. The knocking, rattling, looseness, play, lateral skidding in tight-radius turns became worse over time and at about 50k miles we asked the dealer to check again. Dealers service order stated, "tsb st001-06 applies to this concern. An updated steering shaft ordered." the cost to repair was over $400. We believe this defect existed from the time the car was manufactured, and the description of the problem sounds similar to recalls or defects i have researched that affect the prius, avalon, and other toyota vehicles. We believe this could be a potential safety hazard. *jb |
Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 28000 |
Number of Occurences | 1 |
Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
City and State | MADISON, WI |
VIN pattern | 4T1BE30K54UXXXXXX |
Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
Was incedent reported to police? | N |
Was medical attention required? | |
Was part original equipment? | |
No. of injured persons | |
No. of fatalities | |
Date of purchase | 01/06/04 |
Was original owner? | Y |
Anti-lock brakes | Y |
Cruise control | Y |
Number of cylinders | 4 |
Drive train type | FWD |
Transmission type | AUTO |
Vehicle speed | 10 |
DoT tire identifier | |
Tire size | |
Location of tire code | |
Type of tire failure code | |
Was defective tire repaired? | |
Date of manufacture | |
Type of child seat code | |
Type of restraint | |
Dealer's name | |
Dealer's telephone number | |
Dealer's city | |
Dealer's state code | |
Dealer's ZIP code |