Toyota Tacoma steering lock-up problems

Filed Oct 22, 2022 · Engine, Suspension · AZ

In May of 2018, I purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. After arrival of new title, I received a safety recall notice from Toyota in regards to possible abnormal frame rust. I was instructed to take my Tacoma to nearest Toyota dealership for frame inspection. Prior to taking Tacoma in for frame inspection, I scoped the frame myself, and noticed abnormal rust forming throughout both sides of the frame. Therefore, I took my Tacoma to Berge Toyota in Mesa AZ. for further inspection and to have some other repairs done. Upon my arrival to Berge Toyota, l informed the service writer of the repairs that were needed done and showed him the request from Toyota for the frame inspection. My vehicle was taken to a lift, where a brief frame inspection was performed with a flashlight only and I was told the frame was fine, and the rust I had witnessed during my personal inspection was within a standard tolerance of "normal". On September 12, 2022 my frame cracked in a horseshoe formation around the driver side motor mount, causing the engine to shift and sink approx. 3/4" towards the driver side. This frame failure has caused numerous problems to occur, such as the fan to continuously rub against the shroud, abnormal shifting of the transmission, ramping up and down of RPM's, vehicle's steering locks up and cannot be safely driven, leaving me without transportation After detailed inspection was performed on my Tacoma, the horseshoe crack around the motor mount was found and it was determined this was the source of all the problems. I contacted Berge Toyota where I was informed by their service manager that Berge Toyota was not certified to do the frame inspection or repair, and further explained the safety recall had expired and instructed me to contact Toyota to see what could be done. The question I had for the Berge Toyota service manager, was if they were not certified to do the frame inspection, or repair why did they inspect my frame and inform me it was fine, when it wasn't?

Filed Nov 4, 2020 · Engine · 1,200 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2020 toyota tacoma. The contact stated while driving 77 MPH with cruise control engaged, he heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and the sound ceased. The sound returned when the accelerator pedal there was a loud noise. The contact stated that an unknown warning light along with the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the hood popped up about an inch. The contact was able to get parked on the shoulder after which the steering seized. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to ehrlich toyota located at 4732 w 26th st, greeley, co 80634, (970) 339-3900, where the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.*dt*dt the consumer stated the toyota was fixed on nov 4th but had to be taken back to the dealer due to the leaking fluids and an oil leak. That defect was fixed as well on nov 20th.

Filed Apr 17, 2018 · Steering · 160,000 miles · WV

Steering locking up.took shaft off with u joint. Got ot to loosen upwith heat and lube.put back on till I can get new one.dtarting to lock up again. Had frame recall done.toyota said no recall on joint at that time.

Filed Nov 11, 2017 · Steering · 99,000 miles · ME

Lower intermediate steering shaft universal joint bearings rust resulting in the steering wheel being difficult the turn. Some of have reported the steering locking. The part number is: 45203-04020.

Filed Jul 19, 2017 · Steering · 145,000 miles · RI

Steering seized, later determined to be a severely corroded intermediate steering shaft u joint. Was turning a corner at the time and was able to gain control of the vehicle. Later learned through online research this is a common occurrence with this vehicle. Dealer tried to lubricate. But later replaced the shaft as the joint continued to bind.

Filed Dec 9, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 15,500 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Our 2015 toyota tacoma prerunner's steering locked up just as though the ignition was turned off, at 45 MPH, causing the truck to veer left into on coming traffic, causing a head on collusion with a semi truck. Toyota inspected the truck after accident and said they could not find any problems, and that ignition key turned and steering worked normally, but there was no drivers wheel,rim, linkage, or fender. Toyota's legal department told me that they were not going to look into this anymore. This was a good 2 lane road in good weather at 1 pm in the afternoon. My 28 year old step son was driving and has head, neck and back injuries due to this problem and toyota does not seem to care about this at this point 12/01/2016.

Filed Apr 20, 2016 · Body, Steering · 95,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota tacoma. While driving at a low speed, the steering wheel seized. As a result, the contact was unable to steer the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the seals were corroded and the power steering joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver side wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the repair did not correct the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v604000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Apr 15, 2016 · Steering · 112,000 miles · VA

Steering became very stiff over a period of a about 3 weeks, especially in cold weather. Steering wheel would not return to center on its own making steering difficult and dangerous. Research on the internet turned up hundreds of similar complaints. In some cases people's steering locked up entirely. Problem appears to be a universal joint in the steering column that is unprotected and subject to corrosion. My truck is currently at a dealership for four safety recalls, one of which requires the whole frame to be replaced due to corrosion. I will not get the truck back for about 3 months due to a backlog of parts. The frame is rusted through in two places and is unsafe to drive in that condition. I requested that the steering issue be looked into while it is in the shop and everything is apart. It seems to me that the steering issue, given the number of complaints on line and the seriousness of the problem may warrant looking into. It also seems to be related to the frame corrosion issue, for which there is a recall.

Filed Jun 24, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 168,210 miles · PA

I had complete failure to my rack and pinion steering due to excessive corrosion to the component. I was pulling into a business doing about 10 MPH and the steering locked up completely. I checked the power steering fluid in the reservoir and it was completely empty. I checked under the truck and on the ground was a puddle of steering fluid. The vehicle was taken to a local garage and when he examined the truck to see what had happened, he stated that the rack and pinion had completed rotted out and broke. I also had him check the frame on my truck, since I received a tsb bulletin about the excessive corrosion due to not enough frame undercoating being applied in cold states. He found a large hole behind the catalytic converter in the frame. The mechanic checked the rest of the frame and found some smaller perforations as well. My questions is if the frame is beginning to rot and they are selectively replacing the frames or vehicle if they are a danger, why are no other components that are attached to these failing parts covered as well and failing due to excessive rot or rusting. If any of these components failed during normal driving conditions on the highway at normal speed the results could have been devastating to all involved, possibly leading to severe injury or death. Something more needs to be done to bring attention to the toyota motor company not standing behind their vehicles they produce and the safety of the people who own and operate them. Toyota needs to stop playing the "its not covered or applicable" game and take ownership and fix it before someone does get killed. I have owned 5 toyota's previously and felt very safe up until now, now I am not to sure!

Filed Jun 16, 2015 · Steering · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota tacoma. While driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The contact was concerned that the failure could result in a crash. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. The VIN was not available.