2013 Toyota Tacoma steering problems

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Steering · NY

Over the past two weeks the steering effort on my 2nd generation Tacoma has become progressively harder to turn the wheel past certain points in both directions. I initially thought it was a steering pump problem, but based on reporting on the TacomaWorld site, it appears very likely this is a problem with the universal joints at the bottom of the Steering Intermediate Shaft. Their site shows this problem being reported as early as 2008 however, it doesn't appear Toyota ever addressed this with maintenance recommendations, an extended warranty, or safety recall.

Filed Nov 5, 2021 · Steering · NY

my lower [ntermediate steering shaft has to be replaced repair is pending the u joint was so rusted steering was very difficult i noticed that the vehicle steering wheel would not return to normal straight it was a gradual process at least 3 months of minor to very hard steering while having some routine work done it was pointed out to me that it might need to be replaced vehicle is a 2013 tacoma 2wd base

Filed May 20, 2021 · Steering · OH

This issue has been ongoing. Taken into local Toyota dealer and was told they needed to replace entire rack and pinion at a cost of nearly $1500. Three days after picking up it is doing same thing. While steering around corner it will temporarily lock and suddenly it feels like it has no power steering. I am getting nothing but the run around from Wooster Toyota. My wife very nearly was in an accident because of this. This truck only has 80000 miles. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed May 4, 2021 · Steering · 138,000 miles · NY

Steering suddenly became extremely stiff when making a left or right turn. Brought to mechanic and confirmed the lower intermediate steering shaft was badly rusted and needed to be replaced

Filed Feb 18, 2020 · Steering · 85,000 miles · NY

The steering in the truck has tight spots. As the steering wheel is rotated there are places where it seems to bind and get stiff then suddenly loosen again. I have taken it to a local garage and they showed me the universal joint in the intermediate steering shaft. The joint is badly corroded and binds in certain positions. Lubricating it has helped a small amount temporarily. The steering feels strange at all speeds and when stationary.

Filed Feb 4, 2020 · Steering · 116,000 miles · NH

Steering is very tight due to poorly made u joint on the intermediate steering shaft. Was quoted $460 by toyota to replace. I feel like this safety issue should be rectified free of charge through a tsb or recall

Filed Dec 16, 2018 · Steering · 66,670 miles · NY

The steering in my tacoma has suddenly become stiff. It began 3 days ago and has gotten worse. The truck is handling poorly. The steering feels tight at all speeds. I have not solved the problem as yet but have been lubricating the universal joint at the bottom of the steering shaft. It feel similar to the same problem I had with my 2005 tacoma. The steering shaft universal joint should be designed as a sealed unit and ability to grease it.

Filed Mar 24, 2017 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 56,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 toyota tacoma. While driving 40 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel began to pull in the opposite direction. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise emitting from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was contacted by telephone and the contact was informed of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v054000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the failure recurred four times. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

Filed Apr 9, 2015 · Steering · 5,654 miles · CA

I took my 4 wheel drive truck on a dirt road, it has small embedded rocks on it, people also drive cars on this road it is no big nasty dirt road, it felt like the front wheels were going to fall off and I was wondering if I was going to actually make it out of the 9 mile dirt road, I got back to the highway and took my tire wrench and checked all my lug nuts and to me they were all 1/2 turn loose, I took it to victory toyota and they took it on a dirt parking lot and I told them it needed to be more rough and they seemed like they did not care, so they put on invoice could not duplicate problem and sent me on my way, now I took it into toyota before the date I put on I just cant find invoices for it, I took it to lavender brothers and put on a 2 1/2 inch lift kit on it and I was hoping that was going to fix the problem but it did not, I have taken it back to victory toyota 6 times for same problem and they take it out to the same dirt parking lot and put down cannot duplicate customers concern, I told them I was willing to even pay for it to get fixed but they just don't seemed to care I even asked some of them if you drive 30 miles to this road I will give you 300 dollars and no one took it, I tell them every time the dirt road is not rough enough and if they could go with me to this particular dirt road they would know without a doubt what I am talking about but they don't want to go the extra mile for a customer that just spent 35,000 and did not go on a vacation in 5 years to save for this truck, so now the steering at times feels loose in the steering wheel and just sometimes when I turn the wheels all the way to one side or the other and start to roll it makes a real nasty noise, its sad to have a new truck with 8700 miles on it and I don't really feel safe and I am going on vacation at the end of july and I am taking my truck and I just hope everything is ok.

Filed Dec 12, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 30,000 miles · FL

When braking between 45-65 MPH, I can feel a strong shimmy and shaking in the steering wheel. I have to let off the brakes or it feels like something is going to break in the drive train, steering column, or wheels are going to fall off. Its very scary and dangerous, especially when you might not be able to stop the vehicle. I've asked the toyota dealer to check it once and they didn't do anything to fix the problem. This is particularly unsafe when driving 95 or the turnpike, and you have to brake hard at times.