2009 Toyota Tacoma: loss of power steering

5 of the 520 complaints about the 2009 Toyota Tacoma describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

2025
3
2021
1
2020
1
2018
1
2016
1
2013
2
2012
2
2011
3
2010
3
2009
5
2008
4
2007
11
2006
6
2005
8
2004
2
2001
5
1999
2
1998
1
1996
4

What owners say

Filed Feb 22, 2019 · Steering · WI

It juss started a week or so ago.the power steering is intermittent goin out.it's very scary.I'm not sure what the problem is but it gets stiff like there's no power steering. Than it will come back.

Filed May 11, 2018 · Steering · 69,100 miles · WI

Steering is stiff and jerky causing driving concerns at all speeds. Problem is intermittent making it an issue as can occur at any time. Not power steering related.

Filed Mar 27, 2018 · Steering · 89,000 miles · NJ

Power steering assist seemed intermittent. The power steering lower shaft at the universal joint has become corroded making steering difficult (to overcome the corrosion) as well as dangerous when further corrosion leads to steering failure. Many on-line forums make note of this problem. It appears to be a systematic design flaw that can lead to dangerous consequences. Imagine losing steering control at high speed. Since toyota is addressing frame rust for the same year, with either a replacement frame or a protective coating, why isn't this of equal concern on some kind of recall. It looks like I've addressed the issue with a $600 repair to protect my safety, however as this is a known problem, why is it not a voluntary or mandatory recall to address this dangerous condition. This condition started the day after the truck was returned to me after getting the frame undercoating. This condition happens at any speed, left or right turns, when cold or warmed up. It is most notable when cold at slow speed (first started up, turning around in the driveway).

Filed Mar 5, 2018 · Steering · 82,000 miles · MA

Steering was very stiff and steering wheel would not return after cornering causing the truck to continue in the wrong direction. The steering is stiffer in some positions than in others.

Filed Mar 22, 2017 · Steering · NY

I was going into a turn all of a sudden the steering got very stiff I had a hard time steering the truck. I almost hit a guardrail. Had a mechanic check the truck. He found out the universal joint on the steering was very stiff. He was surprised toyota has no boot covering this like gm does. He clean the universal and covered with a grease. Now when the stiffens comes back I spray with a penetrating oil then re-grease the steering universal. I have done a google search and this has been an ongoing problem with toyota. I am surprised their is no recall or any major accidents yet.