2005 Toyota Highlander: clunking or noise when steering

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 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.

Filed Feb 25, 2010 · Steering · 59,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. While driving 25 MPH and making a turn, the contact heard a clicking sound coming from the steering column including the sound of metal rubbing together. The contact said that there was a flaw in the manufacturers design. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was advised that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact was also advised to file a complaint. The failure mileage were 59,000. The VIN was not available. The current mileage was not available.

Filed Jan 29, 2010 · Steering · 200,000 miles · VA

2005 year model toyota highlander. There had been a steering wheel "knocking" since about 5000 mi. It could only be detected when gently turning (wiggling) the steering wheel. I took is to toyota dealer shortly before the three year factory warranty expired. The whole steering column assembly was replaced. I was not told what the problem was but it could be a serious safety hazard if the cv joint is defective.

Filed May 13, 2009 · Steering · 40,000 miles · VA

There has been a noticeable increase in steering wheel noise and play in my 2005 toyota highlander. The issue was noticed around 40,000 miles becoming increasingly worse in a only a few months. Mileage now is 46,000. Took vehicle to dealership and was told the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. After researching this issue it appear there is a defect in this part or design posing a serious safety risk.

Filed Mar 26, 2009 · Steering · 59,000 miles · FL

I noticed a looseness & clicking noise in my steering while either parked or moving very slowly. A local mechanic I use diagnosed it as a worn rack & pinion (r&p) gear where it meets the steering column. I have an extended warranty on my '05 toyota highlander v6 with 60k miles. I brought car to king toyota in deerfield beach, fl and they said there is a toyota service bulletin on this problem which disassembles & lubricates the steering column. They said if that doesn't fix problem then they would change the r & p assembly. As a former airline maintenance planner I don't know how a lube would fix noise & looseness in a steering assembly...it felt like a worn part. If true, why did the steering column lose its lube after only 60k miles.. Was the lube missing from new & that's what caused the wear...if it was lubed was it a defective seal. Is the lube a stop gap way to delay a recall? My mechanic said & my own experience tells me something isn't right...this is a steering & possible vehicle control issue. Most of my driving is highway above 40-70mph, so I was concerned because my family & my life are at stake.

Filed Aug 21, 2008 · Steering · 50,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. While driving various speeds or stationary, the steering wheel would make a knocking vibration when it was turned. The failure progressively worsened. The dealer stated that the entire steering wheel shaft/column assembly needed to be replaced at an estimated cost of $550. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 67,000.

Filed Feb 1, 2007 · Steering · 5,000 miles · VA

This is not a complaint or accident report but a report of facts that may benefit others. 2005 model toyota highlander, steering knocking/clunking. It can be detected by wiggling the steering wheel within 5 degrees. It is worse when the steering is loaded, e.g. When negotiating bends and minor curves. Taken to a toyota dealer and they decided that whole steering wheel shaft assembly needs to be replaced. I am waiting for the parts to come in. I am reporting because this may not be an isolate case. The problem is not easily detectable by unsuspected drivers. Yet it's a serious safety problem.