NHTSA complaint #11662252

Owner complaint summary

Description of the Problem: On May 19, 2025, the steering wheel intermediate shaft or column of my 2020 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid began to malfunction. The steering became unexpectedly hard and stuck, significantly affecting my ability to safely control the vehicle. This problem occurs intermittently but poses a serious safety risk as it can happen while the vehicle is in motion, especially during turns or lane changes. •The affected component is the steering column/intermediate shaft, and it is available for inspection upon request. •This malfunction put my safety and the safety of others at risk, as it limited my ability to steer accurately and could potentially result in a collision, especially in emergency or high-speed situations. •At this time, the issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a Toyota dealership or an independent service center, but I am in the process of scheduling an inspection. •The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or other parties, but I am prepared to provide access to the vehicle for a thorough inspection. •There were no warning lamps, error messages, or advance symptoms before the failure. The issue appeared suddenly on May 19, 2025, without any prior signs or indicators.