2018 Toyota 4RUNNER steering problems

Filed Oct 17, 2026 · Airbags, Steering · MN

Maplewood Toyota dealership service negligence resulted in a severe, 2-tooth mechanical misalignment of the steering intermediate shaft splines. The vehicle was subsequently driven for 11 months under extreme structural binding, inducing unmeasurable metallurgy fatigue on a primary control linkage, internal hydraulic valve balancing failure within the steering gear assembly, and excessive over-tensioning of the primary airbag restraint electronics. Reusing these compromised components creates an active crash hazard and an unreasonable risk of sudden component failure. CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS & REPEATED DIAGNOSTIC FAILURES: In January 2026, an authorized franchise facility (Maplewood Toyota) replaced a steering universal joint and incorrectly reassembled the linkage out of index by two full splines, bypassing factory matchmarking protocols. This error left the steering wheel heavily off-center and created a severe, constant pull to the right. Over the next 11 months, the vehicle was brought into the authorized dealer network for four separate service visits across multiple Toyota franchise locations to address the persistent pulling and unstable tracking. The authorized network systematically failed to identify the physical, visual misalignment during these safety inspections. In October 2026, the dealership finally admitted to the 2-tooth offset. Rather than executing a safety-compliant overhaul of a primary control tract that had been bound for nearly a year, the dealership executed an unacceptable cosmetic shortcut: they unbolted the intermediate shaft, slid the old parts back to center, replaced only the interior column housing, and released the vehicle. ACTIVE SAFETY HAZARDS & RISK OF CRASH: Despite the physical realignment of the splines, the underlying safety risks remain severe and unaddressed: A. CATASTROPHIC SPLINE STRIPPING RISK: Forcing hardened steel steering splines out of index and torquing them down introduces material crushing and cross-threading to the

Filed Jan 10, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · NM

this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn’t know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn’t know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I’m ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank God we are our life today. I’m sad

Filed Jun 26, 2023 · Steering · MA

There was a clunking noise coming from the front end when steering. Got worse over time. Also had a vibration in the front end at speeds above 45 mph. Dealer recommended replacement of upper steering column shaft assembly and dust boot cover along with lower intermediate steering shaft. The manufacturer knows about this problem because there is a the federal safety agency Campaign Number 19V67000 that states the suspension and steering fasteners were improperly tightened. This should be a recall and I should not have to pay for their mistakes! If it had come loose, there would be a loss of control leading to an accident! The dealer/manufacturer did not send out any notice or warning.

Filed Jun 29, 2021 · Steering · TX

Vehicle steering shakes between 60-65 mph. After 4 different sets of tires in 3 weeks, multiple road force balances, tire rotations, an alignment, an alignment checks, brakes checked, a “visual inspection” of suspension components from two Toyota dealerships, the vehicle continues to vibrate at highways speeds.

Filed Nov 10, 2020 · Steering · 23,512 miles · NY

The top of the steering wheel is flaking off leaving it rough and annoying to the touch. I have reported this to toyota who hasn't taken any action.

Filed Nov 8, 2020 · Steering · 80 miles · WA

I bought my 2018 4runner new in november 2018. Shortly after I noticed the steering wheel would wobble to the left and right while driving 50-60 MPH. I have taken the vehicle to my local toyota dealership three times but they are unable to fix the issue even after rebalancing the tires every time and doing an alignment once. The dealership states that this is normal on 4runners. This is definitely not normal on a new vehicle and toyota needs to fix the issue. Many people have reported having similar problems with their 4runner while driving at the same speeds.

Filed Sep 27, 2020 · Steering · 22,300 miles · NY

The steering wheel is beginning to delaminate with black material flaking off. This only seems to affect the top of the steering wheel and not the other parts. It is uncomfortable driving with constant small parts of the steering wheel cover coming off.

Filed Oct 16, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 22,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 toyota 4runner. While driving down a curvy hill at 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose control. The contact felt that the vehicle was going to roll over. The contact slowed down the vehicle to approximately 15 MPH to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle pulled to the left while driving on the highway and the contact had to compensate by turning the steering wheel to the right. In addition, the front end of the vehicle vibrated. The vehicle was towed to honda marysville (640 colemans crossing blvd, marysville, oh 43040, (937) 645-4080). The dealer left a voice message stating that no failures were found. The contact planned to call the dealer back. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failures had been occurring ever since the vehicle was purchased on september 16, 2019 and was already repaired three times. The failure mileage was 22,000.

Filed Oct 11, 2018 · Steering, Wheels · 10 miles · FL

Steering wheel vibrates between 55-65 MPH. Vehicle feels unstable until it reaches aprox 70 MPH. Taken to dealer 3 times. They balanced the front wheels, but issue returns everytime, 2-3 weeks later. Toyota says it is normal. Cannot be normal for a brand new car, with new tires. Multiple owners report issue happening in multiple websites

Filed Aug 14, 2018 · Steering · 1,500 miles · KY

The rack & pinion or steering does not return to a "home" position. Simply put, if you turn around a corner, the steering wheel does not easily return to "straight". If you are driving down a straight path and turn the steering even one degree, let go of the wheel, it will continue that path until the vehicle runs off of the road. This car has 2100 miles on it. The dealer has checked the camber, the tow, the numbers on the electronic actuated rack & pinon. The service manager drove the car and agreed it was not correct; however it was "in the limits" of toyota specifications. He said he drove other new vehicles and they react the same. If you drive down any straight away, you have to constantly be correcting how the car steers. There is no home position which is unlike any vehicle I have driven. I think an accident is waiting to happen and it looks like toyota is not willing to admit they have a problem.