2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: steering wheel locks up

Filed Feb 6, 2025 · Engine, Steering · GA

I was at a red light with my windshield wipers on. I then heard several warning beeps with messages stating "steering power low", battery low, and then the steering locked. I tried to turn the wheel after the last message came up but the steering wheel was locked. I couldn’t accelerate. I had to park the car and turn it off and on again. This has happened twice now and Toyota says it is “fine”.

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · Engine · NY

When at a red light the steering wheel froze and the stop/ start did not work. It stated to depress the brake hard but everything was frozen. It was raining and the wipers were on when this occurred. Finally started after putting it in park and restarting the car. Had many angry cars behind me. Very unsettling.

Filed Mar 11, 2023 · Engine · AL

I was driving my brand new 2023 Corolla Cross FWD L Trim on a highway when I stopped at a red light. I have the Stop/System enabled on my car to get better gas mileage, but suddenly the steering wheel locked and the car would not start again when the light turned green. The "Check Engine" light came on and the dashboard told me to "Press Firmly on Brake to Restart Engine". I did this multiple times with no success. The dashboard also said that my "Steering Power was Low". I had to turn the car on and off again with my key in order to get it to work. Luckily, there was not much traffic when I was out, but this was an incredibly dangerous situation. It was also raining outside. I have only had my car for two weeks and it has 180 miles on it at this point. This is the first time it has happened for me, but I have seen a concerning number of people report the same problem for this car.

Filed Mar 1, 2023 · Engine, Steering · CA

on 2/28/23, approximatley 7:00PM Pacific Time, I was stopped at a red light at the intersection of East Robles Ave and Santa Rosa Ave for. When the light turned green, i took my foot off the brake pedal, and the engine died, the steering wheel locked up. My check engine light came on along with the steering wheel dash icon. a message flashed on the dash - "Engine Stopped Steering Power Low" It took multiple attempts to restart the car. after the third attempt of putting the car into park, and pressing the power button, the car finally started and i a was able to drive home. At the time my car had appointmently 185 miles on it. It is currently back a the dealership (Freeman Toyota) in Santa Rosa, but they have had 0 luck recreating the issue. It seems like other 2023 Corolla Cross owners have had this issue... The link below is to a recording of another driver expieriencing the same issue. https://youtube.com/shorts/3Pf4g40bYas?feature=share

Filed Feb 11, 2023 · Engine, Steering · FL

While at the red light the car cut completely off. The steering wheel locked and wouldn’t restart. The engine light came on and it said “power steering low”. I had just left the dealership. The car only had 21 miles on it. Traffic had to go around me and it was very scary being stuck not able to move.

Filed Jan 19, 2023 · Engine, Steering · GA

I was parked at a red light. After maybe 30 seconds of my foot on the break an error message came up saying "Ignition on: power steering low, press brake firmly to restart." The message was flashing and with all the commotion I didn't get to see what the rest of the message read. There was also a buzzer sound going off for the entire duration. The car engine was off, the steering locked, and pressing the break did nothing. I had to shift to P and then restart the car. [What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?] Yes, my car will be available for inspection. [How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?] The light turned green and I was in the middle lane. I had no way of pulling over. [Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?] No, I will be taking it to the dealer ASAP. [Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?] No. [Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?] No, there were no messages or any indication that there was an issue.