Clunking noise from front end when turning wheels, appeared at approximately 60,000 miles. Took to shop for repairs, and was diagnosed as intermediate steering shaft. Mechanic said it was so loose he could manipulate it with his hand and was close to catastrophic failure.
2013 Toyota Highlander steering complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 46, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Re: investigation ea18006. My car has been making a clunking sound in the steering column during slow turns to the right so I did an internet search and found numerous discussions and articles talking about a 'known' issue with the steering column. One article LED me to your investigation. While at the dealer yesterday, I explained the issue and asked them to investigate. They said for $70 they can look into it. Given I consider steering a critical system, I protested the service charge and their only response was they could do a 'visual' inspection for free but it should be looked at deeply to diagnose properly. I had them proceed and they came back with a suggestion that the steering column be replaced. I asked if it was a safety concern and was told 'yes it will be at some point'. Obviously, I had them replace it but feel that if there is a safety issue here, they should be proactive and replace these steering columns on all affected products before someone gets hurt. I sent a concern to toyota as well but wanted to add this to your active investigation record.
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.
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
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.
My intermediate steering shaft makes clunk nosies turning left at low speeds and now progress when turning right at times. I have 50k miles and started this issue at 38k miles. It gets louder seems like. Concerned it will effect the safety of the vehicle.
I got hit by a drunk driver while I was at an intersection stationary. I was waiting to make a left turn and an oncoming car going 35 MPH crossed lanes and crashed into me. It was a bad accident, both cars involved totalled.I had 4 other passengers in the car, and no airbags went off. I received head injuries (a lot of dizziness), neck and back injuries. *dt
My steering wheel on VIN#(xxxx) feels clunky when I turn corners. It scares me, like it feels like a ghost is jacking it abruptly into the turn it does not happen all the time. I went to this site to check up on problems, and recalls. Put my VIN # in and lo and behold, people have experienced this same thing and found that the whole steering column became loose and had to be changed out! This ought to be a recall. I'm scared. To check up on the site I used go here: https://driving-tests.org/VIN-decoder/ put my VIN in and you'll see 1/3 way down the page "most recent complaints" there you will read what is happening to my SUV. I bought the car used from a toyota dealership and the warranty is not going to be used on this because they don't know of any recall. Do I wait until my steering column becomes loosened? This has been happening intermittently from summer til present time. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I started feeling a clicking/clunking feeling in the steering column a month ago, especially when I made turns. I was also able to feel that the steering wheel has started to get looser. On 2/8/19 toyota recommended that the intermediate steering shaft be replaced. I had this part replaced for $428. There's 58,254 miles on the vehicle. This is my 3rd toyota vehicle in 30 years and I have never had any major problems in the past. I understand the new shaft may have an improved design I hope so it does not occur again. I am very disappointed that there has not been a recall to replace this part. Does there need to be a serious accident or even someone getting killed in a car accident because of this faulty intermediate steering shaft??
Clunking noise from steering wheel. Internet search revealed possibility of steering wheel coming off resulting in accident. This could be a severe problem and needs a recall.
My 2013 toyota highlander was purchased used in 2015 with about 40,000 miles on it. In 2016 the car started to make a "thumping" noise when I make a left turn over a bump but it didn't happen often and I thought it was related to my garage entry of a 1.5" bump in the pavement. Most noticeable at low speeds but that may be a result of the lower interior noise. The care has had these noises become more prevalent since I first noticed it. The car has approximately 80,000 miles on it now and it is getting more pronounced. It occurs when you hit any type of bump and more often when turning the vehicle. I have seen many reports of this and expect toyota to offer their owners a repair for this issue. This is not the type of quality I expect from toyota having owned a camry (1987), rav-4 (2006) and now my second highlander (2002 & 2013).
Vehicle started making a clunking noise 3 days ago. Brought it into the dealership to have it repaired. Was informed it was not covered under warranty and it would cost $507 in repairs. After reading many complaints about the same issue it actually is making me a little concerned.I have always owned toyota's and never have had any issues. My mileage is 65,887 I truly believe that this issue needs to be recalled and replaced. I noticed a loud clunking noise when I made left hand turns or if there was a speed bump or a dip. The steering wheel also didn't feel the same either almost like it's loose. I've owned this vehicle for approx 1 year ourcahsed certified pre owned. The dealership really frustrated me today and now I question even keeping this vehicle. If this shaft plans on going out every 30-60k miles id rather dump it and get a different vehicle.
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.
My complaint is about steering column noises, play, looseness and feedback through the steering wheel. It is described in a service bulletin: tsb-0034-13 I have 97,000 miles on the vehicle and the play is becoming more noticeable as mileage increases. It is very disappointing that toyota knew about this issue and issued the tsb before I purchased it new. How are owners supposed to be notified about these things while under warranty?
Steering makes a popping/clicking sound when making turns. Seems to be getting worse as it started with just turning left and now does it right as well
Clunking noise within the steering when I turn, especially at lower speeds. Took it to a repair shop and they indicated it was the intermediate steering shaft. 48,000 miles at the time.
I started hearing a popping noise in the steering column under the steering wheel. The noise became louder as time went on especially when I made turns. On 11/07/18 toyota recently diagnosed the problem as an intermediate steering shaft and I made an appointment to get it fixed at the dealer for $584.92. There's 57,665 miles on the vehicle. I can visibly see there's slack in the steering shaft where it connects to the rack and pinion. Ii am a 65 year old woman who bought the vehicle new and drove it very gently. I understand the new shaft may have an improved design I hope so it does not occur again. It's very concerning if I lost control while driving. I would think there should be a recall before someone get's hurt.
Started hearing a loud popping noise underneath the steering wheel or pedals. Noise became louder as time went on especially when I made turns. Toyota recent diagnosed the problem as an intermediate steering shaft. Was originall told it might be a rack and pinion problem. Hopefully that this doesn't now turn into something else. This is not covered under my powertrain warranty. Very upset.
Knock in the steering wheel when turning.
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.
There is a clucking noise in the steering when turning. It seems like the steering wheel mechanism is falling appart.
While travelling in high speed lane on i80 near sacramento ca. I attempted to adjust telescopic steering wheel and the steering wheel came off in my hands and by grace of god was able to slow and get off road on the hand high speed breakdown lane and somehow remount the steering wheel. Vehicle currently at dealership for repair and I was told that the steering and mount would need to be replaced and will cost in excess of $2000.00. I have contacted toyota, started a case file with them and waiting on their reply.
While turning the steering I feel a klunk this is happens always when turn the wheel. Frustrated really need your help. Regards..
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.
The vehicle has around 37k miles and started to get a bump or thud sound when turning to right and turning over all begin to get sluggish. I took it to the dealship fred haas in houston and it was diagnosed with a drive shaft problem and required a expensive repair and front end alignment. I questioned the service rep as it seemed to be very low mileage for a issue with the drive shaft. He advised that it was not covered as my 36k 3 year standard warranty had run out. After researching it seems that this is a highlander defect and should be covered by a recall. If this car had 80k or more miles I might be of a different opinion but this car is way too new to have an issue like this especially on such an important element like steering. This is an obvious engineering and manufacturing problem and a replacement part that will only have a 1 year warranty is not good enough.
There is a clunking noise when turning at low speeds. My mechanic says there is a defect in the design of the steering shaft. He said this commonly occurs with this model highlander, something supported by numerous complaints about the same issue. Toyota denies responsibility and won't issue a recall, though it is a safety risk.
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.
Steering makes nocking sound (and steering wheel vibrates) when turning right while in motion
Knocking sound and vibration felt on steering wheel when turning right. It only occurs in motion.
Our 2013 highlander developed a light clunking noise in the steering column after a accident in october of 2013. We thought nothing of it until december 2017 when the clunking increased in loudness and frequency. We have the problem checked out by gullo toyota of conroe, texas. They found the mid steering column shaft that was failing and causing the clunking noise and recommended replacing this part for safety reasons. We concurred and had the work completed. I discussed this situation with the service rep at gullo to see if they could determine the cause of this part failure. They could not suggest any cause so I suggested that the accident the vehicle was involved in in october of 2013 might be the culprit. Gullo would not confirm the possibility by would work with my insurance company, usaa. Usaa has rejected this theory and will not pay for the repair of the steering column's mid shaft. This part should not be failing.
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