2004 Toyota Highlander steering problems

Filed May 22, 2026 · Engine, Steering · TX

Hello, I am the Buyer of the subject Vehicle, Upon doing my research, I found out several reports stating that The subject vehicle's 2.4L engine has manufacturing defect, that causes Head Bolts to get stripped/melt down in to oil causing Engine failures and Life threating risk in the middle of the road.

Filed Sep 14, 2020 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 250,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

While traveling through a highway construction zone my car suddenly became hard to steer, and my speed became greater, tried to (break) decelerate the car began sliding out of control-plowing into the road construction barriers part lodged in front passenger windshield. The car went through the ditch became airborne through a rod iron fence shattered the rear second-row right side window spun out , and came to rest just feet from the some pileings. This is the information of my daughter whom is an out of state college senior and very shaken up from this ordeal, this her statement to the best of my knowledge. Possibly the placement of the 🚧 could have been a contributor, and the uncontrollable acceleration. Vehicle was bought used a year ago. Can you help up learn why?

Filed Jul 7, 2016 · Steering · 123,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. While driving various speeds, the vehicle required greater effort to steer. While steering the vehicle, there was an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic were it was diagnosed that the steering intermediate staff assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 90,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the battery indicator light illuminated and the power steering failed suddenly. The contact had to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN provided was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Oct 11, 2012 · Steering · 95,983 miles · AZ

With no warning or prior indication of any problem, the steering rack and pinion broke making the vehicle completely un-steerable. Toyota repair found that the power steering pump belt was broken and the pump had locked up. The vehicle was being driven on a freeway through the mountains and it was just fortunate that the incident occurred on one of the few straight stretches and it was possible to keep the vehicle on the road surface.

Filed Nov 7, 2011 · Steering · 62,000 miles · MI

The steering angle sensor went on randomly during driving, the traction control indicator light was on, causing engine speed slow down and sluggish on road, it happened a few times. I drove slowly to the dealer, it costs over $600.00 to fix the problem, I am very disappointed at toyota.

Filed Mar 28, 2011 · Steering · 14,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. The contact stated when the engine was started the steering angle sensor warning light illuminated and the steering became difficult to handle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who performed a diagnostic that was unable to locate a failure. The vehicle was test driven and the failure was recreated. The dealer replaced the steering angle sensor. The failure and the current mileage was 14,000. Updated 5/2/11

Filed Aug 10, 2010 · Steering · 110,000 miles · NY

2004 highlander - steering failed on major shopping road today. Heard only a hissing sound in the engine compartment with a large plume of dark smoke out the tail pipe. Engine did not quit but was lucky to be able to pull wheel hard right to turn into parking lot. Ai/c stayed on, did not overheat, timing belt just changed, no leaking fluids but most of all no warning lights or check engine lite came on. Had problem last month with A/C which was fixed. What happens to someone driving at 65 on highway and loses ability to steer ... Instant death to driver and perhaps many others. Been a toyota fan for 30 years but this coupled with other major recalls seriously frightens me to get behind the wheel again. Car was towed to toyota dealer who has maintained the car since 2004. Awaiting outcome of investigation. Posted 8-9-10.

Filed Apr 20, 2010 · Steering · 32,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. The contact stated while driving at speeds of 5 MPH and attempting a turn, the contact heard an unusual clanking noise coming from the steering wheel. The dealer was unable to duplicate or determine where the noise had come from. The contact stated the noise was heard one additional time. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 32,000 and the current was 44,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2010 · Steering · 81,300 miles · FL

"intermediate shaft failures on 04-05 toyota highlander" there is a technical service bulletin (st001-06) of shaft replacement on some models but never became a safety recall issue. On toyota prius nhw20 model vehicles produced in japan from july 2003 to nov 2005 are being recalled. Toyota says on some vehicle, under certain conditions, the steering intermediate shaft may become loose or develop a crack. What about those people who wants to keep their toyota for a lifetime? Mine is an SUV(highlander) with a higher center of gravity and rolling force. Your help on this matter is deeply appreciated.