2011 Toyota Highlander: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Dec 8, 2022 · Steering · ID

The power steering is clunky, locks in position when backing out of a parking spot, is clunky and unreliable at slow speeds. I can feel the steering column get far tighter feeling when turning at slow speed (3-10 mph)

Filed Feb 10, 2020 · Steering · 80,000 miles · MS

Clunking and clicking when turning the wheel. Tsb from toyota calls for intermediate steering shaft replacement, but toyota will not warranty replacement of the faulty part. Hundreds of complaints online with this same issue.

Filed Oct 22, 2019 · Steering · 98,812 miles · NJ

Steering shaft u joint makes clunking noise. Dealer advised immediate replacement as this is a safety concern.

Filed Aug 14, 2019 · Steering · 109,000 miles · CA

I started experiencing a clunk in the steering wheel column when turning the wheel to the left for parking . It happened a couple of times so I took it to my regular toyota dealership for service. After test driving the car they told me it was the steering intermediate shaft that needed to be replaced. I felt I had no choice so had them do the work and it cost $782.30 for parts / labor plus $134.95 for alignment. Total of $917.25. I found out that toyota had issued a technical service bulletin #t-sb-0034-13 on february 21,2013 sent to all toyota repair shops addressing this issue. They told the mechanics how to replace this equipment and that "a new intermediate shaft has been developed to address this condition". To me that means that in 2013 they knew it was a design flaw and corrected the problem by designing a new shaft. If they had notified the 2008-2013 toyota highlander customers then that this would be an issue, many would have still been under warranty and it would have been covered. But instead they waited until people had the problem, brought their cars in for repair and then charged them whatever the going rate is. In the technical service bulletin is clearly states that this would be covered under a basic warranty for toyota. I spoke to my service advisor and he referred me to toyota headquarters. I called there and spoke to two "senior customer advisors" and basically was told I was out of luck...no recall, no campaign and no customer remuneration. When I look online it's clear that my highlander is not the only one who has had to deal with this issue and spend hundreds of dollars for the repair. I think this is an issue that toyota should have to own up to !!

Filed Jul 25, 2019 · Steering · 35,000 miles · NY

At a stop or at low speed starts, turning the steering wheel results in a clunking or creaking noise. This does not happen at higher speeds. The noise happens whether turning it left or right. Usually hear it coming out of a parking spot or moving from a stop. It has been doing this for a few years.

Filed Mar 22, 2019 · Steering · 133,000 miles · VA

When turning or over bumps the steering column makes clunking noise. Has become louder with time

Filed Feb 26, 2019 · Steering · 90,000 miles · CA

At around 90,000 miles I noticed a distinct clunk in the steering as the wheel unwound from sharp turns at slow speed. The clunk also showed up while driving straight on rough roads and under firm braking. This is apparently a known issue I have had the part replaced with the updated version, and the steering is now good again, but I expected something like to be covered in a safety recall.

Filed Jan 28, 2019 · Steering · 92,000 miles · FL

Intermediate steering shafts clunk noise. Frequently while driving.

Filed Dec 4, 2018 · Steering · 99,000 miles · NH

Clunking or tapping noise when turning left or right that can be felt in the steering wheel. Diagnosed by toyota as "steering intermediate shaft binding." this is a known issue with the 2008-2013 highlander. Advised by toyota mechanic that it doesn't need to be fixed unless I prefer it not to knock or clunk when turning.

Filed Jan 24, 2018 · Steering · 94,000 miles · WI

I had a clunking noise whenever I turned the steering wheel left or right at slow speeds. I checked on line and found this site which noted fault to be the intermediate steering shaft, as the issue. I took my vehicle into a toyota dealership for repair. They confirmed that this was the issue and because it is not considered a safety issue, no recall has been issued. Toyota would not cover any of the cost which was $684. It started when I had 80,000 miles on the vehicle and I took it in for repair at 94,000 miles when noice became louder.. Disappointed toyota did not help with the repair cost.