2005 Toyota Highlander steering problems

Filed Aug 11, 2016 · Brakes, Steering · 50 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

When I was trying to park my toyota highlander 2005 in front of the building where I work, backing up, the engine iddle went extremely high and I tried to stop, but I could not do it because the steering wheel and the brakes locked. I tried to put the gear in neutral, but instead, it went straigh to drive, so it causes major damages to 2 vehicles behind mine, and other 3 in front of mine too. Also my vehicle destroyed a mail box and a tree, but I could not stop until my highlander stopped by itself totally destroyed. I ended up in the hospital with some trauma.

Filed Feb 12, 2016 · Steering · 120,619 miles · CA

Noticed a noise coming from underneath steering column assembly and steering didn't feel right. This happens almost every time we made a turn to either the right or the left. Same thing happened when backing out of the driveway. We then took our 2005 toyota highlander in to our mechanic and he advised us that the steering column flex coupling was lose and unsafe to drive due to potential ball barriering lose. Clicking sound went away once steering was repaired. There was also a big difference in the steering.

Filed Nov 9, 2015 · Steering · IL

Unable to steer car properly esp when making a left turn. The car, on at least 3 occasions, had the tendency to go straight (difficult to steer) when making turns and then goes away most times. 2nd incident, writer attempted to merge to the main street. Last incident today.

Filed Jul 9, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 134,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. After the vehicle was started, the ABS, traction control off, vsc, tire pressure, and emergency brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician was not able to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000. ...updated 09/28/15 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle would lose steering control as if the vehicle was going to lose power. The consumer stated it would happen on an intermittent basis. Updated 10/06/15

Filed Jun 20, 2015 · Acceleration, Body · 104,493 miles · VA · crash · fire · 1 injury

On saturday, may 30th at approximately 8:30 I was moving our 2005 highlander from the street into our reserved parking space within our complex. As I was starting my right hand turn into the complex the car accelerator stuck. I hit the curb on the driver's/left side causing the vehicle to veer to the right. As the car continued to accelerate I hit a tree and knocked over one of the community's posted signage. The impact made the car bounce backward partially into the drive, damaging the front passenger's side, drive shaft broke, front end part flew all over and a small fire occurred. Police were call and report taken. They estimated the speed at 20-30 miles per hour. The report taken was not filed since the accident took place on private property. The tow truck driver started the vehicle to get it on the truck. He had a difficult time for he could not get the wheels to turn. On tuesday, june 2, we were notified by our insurance company that the vehicle was totaled. There was a recall repair done on may 21, 2011, after we were advised that the replacement parts were available to install the forward retention clip used to secure the driver's side floor carpet cover. We were advised that if it was not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position. An accelerator pedal temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position may increase the risk of a crash. There must have been a failure of the replacement part.

Filed Apr 9, 2014 · Steering · 35,100 miles · MA

Power steering line corroded with fluid leak. Replaced by meineke.

Filed Sep 4, 2013 · Steering · 74,296 miles · MD

When I returned from work on 08/28/2013 I noticed a leak under my vehicle. I took my car to an auto mechanic on 8/30/2023 and they informed me that the power steering line was rusted and leaking and needed to be replaced. My vehicle only has 74296 in mileage. I had the power steering line replaced for safety reasons.

Filed Mar 7, 2013 · Steering · 70,000 miles · WI

In feb 2011 my toyota dealer, wilde toyota, installed 4 brand new tires on my 2005 highlander. They performed an alignment as well. Since then my steering wheel had been off centered. When I drive straight I have to hold my steering wheel slightly to the left. Wilde toyota tried to fix this issue 4 separate times without success. A toyota field tech came out to inspect the vehicle and stated that its set to factory specs. After he made some minor adjustments the steering wheel has to be held to the right side now instead of the left side in order to drive straight. The field tech declined to speak to me directly. I contacted toyota corporate. They are not allowing me to have a second opinion by another field tech. I feel that I am driving an unsafe vehicle. *tr ## VIN failed ##

Filed Jun 1, 2011 · Steering · 141,000 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. The contact stated he heard a clanking noise when driving approximately 10 MPH. The contact also stated he could feel a bump in the steering column during the failure. The failure recurred whenever turns were made at low speeds. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 141,000.

Filed Apr 1, 2011 · Steering · 49,000 miles · FL

2005 toyota highlander. Consumer states the steering column was making a clicking noise each time the steering wheel was turned *tgw the vehicle was inspected and it was determined the steering column needed to be lubricated, but there was no way to lubricate it, to eliminate the sound. The consumer was advised it was not a safety issue, but the only way to correct it, was to install a new steering box which would cost between $400-500.