2013 Toyota Highlander: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Aug 28, 2023 · Engine · TX

Engine is burning/consuming oil excessively; no leaks or any other unusual symptoms found. I was on an interstate highway and all of a sudden engine sound changed and excessive knocking started. No OIL LOW LEVEL or CHECK ENGINE light turned on. Yes the problem is persistent now and was verified by an independent (ASE Certified) service provider. No waning lamps or messages displayed.

Filed May 10, 2019 · Steering · 48,500 miles · TX

I am the first owner of this vehicle and bought it new from a toyota dealer. My 2013 highlander has 54,700 miles. For almost one year (starting may, 2018), I am experiencing a clunk and knocking noise from the steering column when making a right or left turn. Now more recently, I am experiencing it more often, and worried about the safe operation of the vehicle. I have found after a research that this steering column issue is widespread and toyota has changed the design of the steering intermediate shaft, and recommending to change with this revised part to rectify the issue. The old part# was 45220-48170, which has been re-designed by toyota as new part# 45220-48171. If this is a safety issue and required to change the design, then toyota must change this part and rectify the issue free of cost.

Filed Apr 18, 2019 · Steering · 52,500 miles · MA

Car has only 53k miles and I am being told I need to replace my intermediate shaft. Due to knocking sounds. I am worried if it will result in the steering wheel falling off or worse

Filed Apr 2, 2019 · Steering · 55,000 miles · IN

I have heard a knocking noise when turning my vehicle either wayfor the last several months. While in for regular service today, I asked dealer to check the noise. This is a 2013 with 60k miles on it; purchased certified used a couple of years ago. Service tech tells me it is related to the steering column, which will cost over $2000 to repair. He can't/ won't tell me the significance of this issue, saying maybe it is "just a noise". When I question that this seems like an unusually expensive repair at 60k miles, he does not really respond. A quick google search reveals that this is an extensive issue impacting many 2008-2013 highlanders. Toyota has gone so far as to have put out a technical service bulletin regarding this issue. It also appears this issue is being "investigated" by safety board. Steering is a critical safety component of a vehicle (obviously). Not only has this not been made an official recall by toyota, I was not informed at time of purchasing this certified vehicle of this issue, nor was I told today by service that this is an ongoing issue.

Filed Mar 28, 2019 · Brakes · 143,800 miles · TX

Abs system issue. When applying brakes the ABS makes very loud noises like knocking very loud. Local mechanic found that the round drum attached to the ABS was very hot. Vehicle had been driven to mechanic and was stationary when he checked it. Brake fluid level good. Abs will keep running after vehicle is turned off. Trying to keep correct pressure in system, I was told. Checked for recall, but no recall on this VIN

Filed Dec 3, 2018 · Steering · 58,000 miles · NC

Around a year ago, at approximately 58000 miles, I began to notice a knocking sound and steering vibration when I turned in either direction at low speed in city driving. I took the vehicle in for evaluation at rice toyota. The technicians could not hear anything. I took it back at 61,118 in february 2018 as the steering had gotten worse, now loose and sloppy feeling at any speed. They could hear/feel it this time and I was told it was the electric power steering motor and to just "turn the radio up". I was ready to trade the vehicle in, as I felt unsafe driving it anymore, but knew I couldn't in it's current condition.I did some research and found that others were having the same problems. There was even a tsb (bulletin t-sb-0034-13) issued on 4/26/17 regarding the steering pinion shaft. After I felt that I couldn't drive this car it anymore, I returned to rice toyota once again on 11/24/18 at 67,770 miles and the repaired the vehicle. "immediate steering shaft needs to be replaced" for a total of $588.23. The vehicle now drives better, however, I have lost faith in it , as well as toyota. This is a very serious safety issue that needs to to be addressed for the safety of anyone driving a 2008-2013 highlander.

Filed Oct 29, 2018 · Steering · 85,000 miles · TX

Knock in the steering wheel when turning.

Filed Oct 23, 2018 · Steering · 54,853 miles · VA

Vehicle had a knocking noise heard and felt from steering wheel when turning. Seemed to be more prominent at lower speeds, occurred when turning right and left. Took vehicle to toyota dealer and diagnosed as a failed intermediate steering shaft. Vehicle was outside warranty at 54,853 miles. Research indicates this is a common issue with this year highlander and toyota has issued a tsb, but has not issued a recall to date. Cost of repair was $463.34.

Filed Mar 5, 2018 · Steering · 70,000 miles · AR

This vehicle has a knocking or clunking sound when turning the steering wheel. This is a common complaint on toyota highlanders but toyota is not offering to fix these vehicles when out of warranty. This is a defect in these vehicles and should be fixed by toyota free of charge.

Filed Sep 15, 2017 · Steering · VA

When turning right the steering was making a clicking/knocking sound. I only have 30000 miles on the car, which I have had 100000 plus miles on cars and never had this issue. Apparently toyota has diagnosed this with a bad u-joint in the steering intermediate shaft with a hefty price tag to fix. This seems like a complaint from multiple people and on multiple sites. I think this should be looked into by toyota and considered a recall item. Very disappointed in my toyota right now.

Filed Aug 1, 2017 · Steering · 60,000 miles · GA

Knocking sound and vibration felt on steering wheel when turning right. It only occurs in motion.