Problems with 2005 Toyota Camry SUSPENSION

At the time of 5k mile oil change and tire rotation, i inquired about unusual tire noise at ~30 mph and higher. i asked if maybe a 4-wheel alignment was in order. this had never been done on this vehicle. while doing the alignment the mechanic discovered that the "passenger side rear toe arm assembly" was not properly attached at the center point due to the lack of threads on the female portion of the part. thus the two ends were simply sliding freely in and out at the connection point. the part was replaced and alignment was completed. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota camry. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front driver side strut and coil needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

2005 toyota camry. consumer writes in regards to hearing noise from rear drivers side of vehicle and dealership mechanic repaired broken strut but noise continued. *smd when the consumer returned to the dealer, and inspection was performed, where it was determined the strut was broken. the consumer continued to hear the noise, so he returned to the dealer, where the vehicle was inspected again. the consumer was informed the noise was coming from the steering column intermediate shaft. the consumer did not believe the noise was coming from the intermediate shaft.

A consistent grinding/knocking/clunking sound started coming from the steering wheel while steering at low speeds (0-30 mph). also, the steering wheel felt looser than normal at all speeds (0-65mph). the service adviser at the dealership informed me that this was a common issue with a 2005 toyota camry, and that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. however, since the vehicle was out of warranty, i had to cover the ~$660 cost. a google search reveals several similar issues with other late model camrys. toyota has a tsb t-sb-0296-08 to "grease" the steering shaft for the noise. however, both the dealership, as well as a google search revealed that the grease fix would be temporary, and does not last. the dealership also informed me that the newer replacement steering shafts are better designed, are completely sealed, and cannot be greased. since a tsb is out, it looks like toyota is aware of this safety issue. however, no recall has been made. *tr

When i took my car for a test ride at dealer i noticed that the wheel shook and told the salesman it needed to be fixed if i purchased the car, he was certain it was just a tire balancing issue and it wouldn't cost much to fix. the next day i took the car to less schwab who could not figure out what could possible be wrong so we put new tires on, still shook, then had wheels balanced and aligned several times in first week of having car, then replaced motor mounts, then struts, still shook, then replaced brake pads, rotors, yup still shakes. i took it back to the dealer and they still swear it's just a balancing issue so they balanced the tires, car still shakes violently. i have now owned this car for 1 yr and tried everything possible, now i find out it may be the intermediate shaft. i do not feel safe in this car i have two small children and i'm afraid this issue may cause an accident. *tr

My left rear strut "cap" failed on 05 toyota camry while driving at highway speed at only 3900 miles on odometer. dealer repaired under warranty. now right rear strut is failing with only 45,000 miles but dealer will not fix. have contacted toyota hq but no avail. seems to be a very unsafe condition at any speed. *tr

Front lower control arms. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota camry. while driving 10 mph he heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle around the trunk area. when he drove over a bump the noise was more frequent. the dealer stated that rear struts and strut mounts were loose and the estimated cost for repair was $600. he contacted the manufacturer and they gave him a discount on the repair cost. the vehicle was repaired. the failure and the current mileage were 24,000. updated 4/22/10 *cn the consumer also stated the speedometer always read 4 miles per hour slower, but the dealer refused to address the problem. updated 07/06/10.*jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota camry. while driving approximately 50 mph, the contact lost control of the steering and had to maneuver to the side of the road. the vehicle had to be towed to a dealer and they stated that the rear lower control arm failed. both of the rear lower control arms were replaced. the current mileage was 76,937 and failure mileage was 76,900.

Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at various speeds, the front of the vehicle intermittently pulled to the left or right. the vehicle was inspected by the dealer who aligned the front end of the vehicle. afterwards, the problem persisted. the manufacturer was not alerted. updated 2/26/10 *cn updated 09/02/10*jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota camry. the tires had to be replaced every 10,000 miles. the contact took the vehicle to a service station and was informed that the strut bolts needed to be replaced. the struts were replaced with a camber bolt kit. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. the current mileage was 31,000 and failure mileage was 10,000. updated 5/5/08 *cn

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph the vehicle shakes, and bounces while going over bumps. additionaly, the back end of the vehicle makes a clunking noise, and a grinding sound is coming from the steering. the vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection however, they were unable to duplicate the problem and no repairs were made. the manufacturer was alerted.

The car started wandering and wearing tires about 5000 miles ,i took it to the dealer and they said nothing was wrong with it. i got it lined up, the car started wandering again, the dealer says there is nothing wrong that they can see. but the car is wearing tires out on the inside front. the car is wandering from side to side pretty bad and if you hit a dip in the road it will follow it. if that is toyota's answer to a good ride then i wont buy another one. i also have a gas pedal play problem. *jb

Since the day i owned this car i have heard a thump in rear suspension. after many trips and awhile with loaner they could not repair. i requested that area service rep look at it at which time he stated that they knew of a problem and a service bulletin would be in oct. it is now jan and still no satisfaction. *jb

Purchased new, 2005, toyota camry xle on december 21, 2004. returned car to dealer on december 23, 2004 due to severe problem with alignment of front end. car veers toward left if not holding steering wheel tightly to prevent veering. service department releases car, stating faulty flange, spring, and bolt. does not replace faulty parts, has to order. car unsafe to drive, but dealer does not provide loaner. told to drive car until replacement parts are available, at an unspecified time, up to 3 months wait. meanwhile, steering extremely difficult and dangerous. unecessary wear and tear on tires. *ak