2007 Toyota Tacoma: loss of power steering

Filed May 7, 2020 · Steering · 211,000 miles · MD

I've noticed my steering became very hard and stiff all of a sudden. I've checked the power steering pump and fluid, it all checked out fine. I did a little research and noticed people having issues with steering intermediate shaft no 2. (lower one by the wheels). I noticed that part was not protected by anything and is and was exposed to the elements like salt, water, dirt etc. Overtime, the u-joint rusts up and starts to stick causing very dangerous conditions for the driver where it becomes very hard to turn the steering wheel when turning. I've attached a photo of my part in question. My toyota dealership wants $700.00 for parts and labor. That is outrageous.

Filed Mar 27, 2019 · Steering · 145,000 miles · OH

Steering is very hard to steer dealer wants 600.00 to fix a steering shaft I don't think its right should be a re call on this truck before some one gets killed.

Filed Feb 19, 2019 · Body, Steering · 137,531 miles · DE

I own a 2007 toyota tacoma. It's frame has been inspected by my local toyota dealer (hertrich) three separate times for rust to the frame. It received a rust inhibitor coating on 1/16/15. It was inspected again on 12/21/17 and 1/3/19. During the 1/3/19 inspection, the dealer conducted a multi-point inspection. My truck's steering components and steering linkage were inspected. It received a green check by the dealer, the highest rating. On 2/7/19, just one month after the inspection, my power steering failed while I was driving. I was able to make it safely to my local mechanic. My truck's rack and pinion steering system had heavy corrosion, and most of the power steering fluid had leaked. My mechanic replaced the rack and pinion steering system. It was heavily corroded. My mechanic said he had never seen one this corroded. Please see attached photographs of my corroded power steering rack. Toyota has refused to apply a second coat of the rust inhibitor to my truck's frame, even though I have new rust coming through the previous treatment. Now, rust and corrosion to my power steering rack, exactly where it attaches to the truck frame, had massive corrosion, causing a total failure of the power steering system. I have checked toyota forums, and this problem is common with other toyota tacoma owners. Please force toyota to properly address the corrosion issues with it's tacoma trucks. The rust inhibitor that was applied to my truck's frame in january of 2015 has failed. The truck's frame, and components attached to the frame, continue to rust and corrode, causing danger to me, my family, and other motorists. Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Filed May 7, 2018 · Steering · 346,000 miles · NH

Steering is very stiff. Turning left and right. Need 2 hands to turn and return to center. This is the 3rd time . 1st time it just went away and came back and went away. Now it's back. Afraid to drive it after reading some of the minor crashes associated with this issue.

Filed Mar 23, 2018 · Steering · 81,000 miles · MA · crash

Steering had intermittent problems. One day it was fine and the next felt like there was no power steering. After turning a corner, the steering wheel would not return to the center position without considerable force and only after hitting the curb. It turned out that the lower intermediate shaft of the steering assembly had a u-joint that seized and was close to breaking off before I could get it replaced.

Filed Mar 23, 2016 · Steering · 71,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota tacoma. While driving 10 MPH, the power steering failed. The contact stated that the steering became difficult to operate. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

Filed Jan 21, 2015 · Brakes, Suspension · 87,323 miles · MS · crash

After a couple of months I started experiencing a loud "squeak" coming from the rear of the vehicle and a "whistle" at speeds of 65-80mph. I contacted dealer and took it in for them to troubleshoot the issues. After about 4 months of ownership along with the above mentioned problems I started noticing a heavy vibration at slow speeds. I bought new tires, front end alignment, and had tires balanced as per my dealers recommendation. Then the acceleration issues started..... I took it back to my dealership and they performed the "floor mat fix". The vibrations just kept getting worse and the constant visits to my dealer and calls to toyota's corporate office always ending with the "that's normal for these trucks" saying. The other day I was returning home and I was approaching a curve I removed my foot from the accelerator and depressed the brake pedal and slowed down to take the curve, I went to accelerate through the curve and my truck was not turning. The rear tires were locked even though my foot was off the brake which by that happening I had no control over where I was going. ... I ended up not being able to steer around the curve and went straight through someone's yard taking out a mailbox and sliding sideways into a tree crushing the passenger side of my truck. Called toyota's customer support and reported the locking up off my rear end, the failure of the anti lock system, and the loss of steering. All I got for my troubles was a rude "well there's nothing we can do" (as always). I have had nothing but problems since I purchased this truck. Toyota needs to address all of the issues that has plagued the tacomas from day one. I have contacted a lawyer and have been instructed that a class action suit needs to be filed against toyota by all of us. My email is [xxx] if you want to pursue this with me contact me. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 17, 2014 · Steering · 63,925 miles · NY

On or about july 24, 2014, I noticed while pulling out of my driveway that my 2007 toyota tacoma trd extended cab with 62830 miles that the steering was quite hard to turn. But the problem seem to go away after a minute. This then continued to happen intermittently at various speeds for the next couple of weeks until I had near collision while driving out of town in new jersey. While proceeding at an intersection at about 20 miles per hour and turning with multiple vehicles paralleled to me, I nearly swiped another vehicle on my right. This was because my steering became very stiff which made it very hard for me to turn the wheel. Driving my tacoma had now become dangerous and I couldn't take any more chances. The next day I called toyota dealership and set up an appointment to take my truck in for the following day. When I drop-off my vehicle, I indicated to the attendant that the intermediate steering shaft my be the culprit. This was because in doing some research I discovered that the same thing had happened to a multitude of people who own a tacoma. Well my vehicle was repaired, with the root of the problem being the intermediate shaft. A repair that cost me $579.00 since as part of the repair they had to do a wheel alignment.

Filed Jun 24, 2014 · Steering · 71,565 miles · NY

While driving onto entrance ramp of highway, attempting to merge onto traffic, the steering wheel became very stiff with loss of power steering. I pulled harder to enter highway and steering finally caught causing me to swerve over almost hitting vehicle in far left lane. Checked power steering and is full. Did some internet searches and have come up with several complaints of this same issue. The intermediate steering column becomes faulty and is dangerous. This can cause death or serious injury. Toyota should issue recall on this part and have replaced. Steering column joint is not protected from the elements and becomes rusted away.

Filed Oct 28, 2013 · Acceleration, Steering · 62,520 miles · ME

As you are driving the steering is stiff at various points while turning the wheel and requires some force to correct the steering. It is worse from a standing start. This problem has been traced to a bad steering intermediate shaft. Service bulletin number: t-sb-0057-12 or sb-0119-10 rev2. This problem also shows up as rattling noise, or steering being sloppy. I believe this a problem that will lead to injuries and loss of vehicle control. Please let the toyota, the federal safety agency [ about this important issue.

Filed Apr 23, 2012 · Steering · 96,221 miles · NY

Steering became very stiff.