2013 Toyota Highlander: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jul 3, 2021 · Steering · WA

- The car was purchased in 2015 used and the steering wheel has made a clunking sound when turning a hard sharp left or right since the day of purchase -While on a road trip of approximately 3,000 miles round trip in June 2021 the steering wheel was adjusted to accommodate my husband's height. It became very loose, with it finally dropping into my husband's lap on the last day of our trip-it was difficult to steer the car -We brought the car in to our dealership the following day where they confirmed we needed a new steering column-the car has not been involved in any accidents nor have the air bags employed -Other than the "clunking" sound there has never been any previous warning that the steering wheel would disengage while driving.

Filed Aug 3, 2019 · Steering · 33,000 miles · FL

My steering makes a clunking sound, which you can actually feel in the steering wheel when it occurs, when turning either left or right. It is increasing in occurrence and intensity. It occurs at any speed. This has been going on for several months. I took it to the dealership and they lubricated something, saying there was no danger. Should it become worse bring it back. It's going back!

Filed Jul 10, 2019 · Steering · 29,493 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 toyota highlander. While driving, a clunking noise was heard coming from the steering wheel. In addition, while making left or right turns or while the vehicle was stopped, the noise grew louder. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn when the vehicle had not been driven for a couple of days. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but a failure code could not be found. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,493.

Filed Jun 8, 2019 · Steering · 60,000 miles · MO

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.

Filed May 29, 2019 · Steering · 68,700 miles · CT

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.

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 Mar 28, 2019 · Steering · 35 miles · CA

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.

Filed Feb 20, 2019 · Steering · 60,000 miles · CT

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).

Filed Feb 10, 2019 · Steering · CO

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??

Filed Jan 23, 2019 · 60,188 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 toyota highlander. The contact heard an abnormal clunking noise inside the vehicle. The noise was a constant distraction, which made driving difficult. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact planned on taking the vehicle to conicelli toyota (550 ridge pike, conshocken, pa 19428, 877‑485‑3193) to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,188.

Filed Jan 17, 2019 · Steering · 64,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Dec 10, 2018 · Steering · 65,887 miles · NV

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.