Problems with 2004 Toyota Highlander STEERING

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. while driving various speeds, the vehicle required greater effort to steer. while steering the vehicle, there was an abnormal noise. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic were it was diagnosed that the steering intermediate staff assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. while driving approximately 45 mph, the battery indicator light illuminated and the power steering failed suddenly. the contact had to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road. the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the contact's residence. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin provided was invalid. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

With no warning or prior indication of any problem, the steering rack and pinion broke making the vehicle completely un-steerable. toyota repair found that the power steering pump belt was broken and the pump had locked up. the vehicle was being driven on a freeway through the mountains and it was just fortunate that the incident occurred on one of the few straight stretches and it was possible to keep the vehicle on the road surface. *tr

The steering angle sensor went on randomly during driving, the traction control indicator light was on, causing engine speed slow down and sluggish on road, it happened a few times. i drove slowly to the dealer, it costs over $600.00 to fix the problem, i am very disappointed at toyota. *tr

2004 highlander - steering failed on major shopping road today. heard only a hissing sound in the engine compartment with a large plume of dark smoke out the tail pipe. engine did not quit but was lucky to be able to pull wheel hard right to turn into parking lot. ai/c stayed on, did not overheat, timing belt just changed, no leaking fluids but most of all no warning lights or check engine lite came on. had problem last month with a/c which was fixed. what happens to someone driving at 65 on highway and loses ability to steer ... instant death to driver and perhaps many others. been a toyota fan for 30 years but this coupled with other major recalls seriously frightens me to get behind the wheel again. car was towed to toyota dealer who has maintained the car since 2004. awaiting outcome of investigation. posted 8-9-10. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. the contact stated when the engine was started the steering angle sensor warning light illuminated and the steering became difficult to handle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who performed a diagnostic that was unable to locate a failure. the vehicle was test driven and the failure was recreated. the dealer replaced the steering angle sensor. the failure and the current mileage was 14,000. updated 5/2/11 *cn

Steering wheel make a noise like a bolt is missing. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. the contact stated while driving at speeds of 5 mph and attempting a turn, the contact heard an unusual clanking noise coming from the steering wheel. the dealer was unable to duplicate or determine where the noise had come from. the contact stated the noise was heard one additional time. there were no repairs made to the vehicle. the failure mileage was 32,000 and the current was 44,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. the vehicle was stationary. the contact started the ignition and turned the steering wheel to the left and the right. the steering wheel exhibited a slight vibration and noise. the failure occurred whenever the steering wheel was in operation. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician stated that the vehicle could be driven and if the failure progressed to return it for repair. the failure mileage was 45,000. updated 4/22/10 *cn updated 06/01/10*jb

Steering. looseness when turning left or right. dealer replaced part (45220-48150 shaft assy) @ a cost of $387.93 (this with a 15% discount). in reading your complaints filed, i note this wasn't t/1st time this has been reported & as stated, there is a dealer service advisory on it. i also took note that there apparently hasn't been any action 2 resolve the matter (ie, the owner continues 2 pay 4 repairs). should not toyota b required 2 cover this type of repair ? like we're talking steering here. is it going to take someone who just let's the problem go to the point where he/she looses control of the vehicle & there is physical injury or death? i was hesitant to write this up because i don't see where n investigation has been conducted (did i just miss it?). my vehicle has just under 55k miles on it (all of them onroad) &s been maintained by the dealer. to me it looks like a $$$ maker 4 the dealer & a calculated decision by toyota that enough of those requiring the repair wouldn't complain; looks like toyota wins. ...

Wife was driving on clean dry road. suddenly, the vcs light and traction lights came on the dashboard while alarm sounding came on as well. car suddenly braked, brakes made a grinding sound, and car jerked to the right. tried to drive forward and it would not go over 10mph. if the car did, the above happened again. car was not drivable, and was towed to the nearest toyota dealership. the situation was very dangerous, as the behavior of the car, not controlled by my wife, the driver, could have easily caused an accident. turns out, the dealership stated the steering angle sensor went on the car. first...the car only has 53k miles on it. this is not a 'wear and tear' part. this part should never go with only this many miles on it. garbage. second, the failure of this part causes a very dangerous situation on the road, as once it goes, the driver basically has no control over the car until it slows down to under 10 miles an hour. toyota needs to stand behind their product, focus on the safety of the public, and issue a recall for this problem. i've researched this on the ...

While driving on busy highway the steering of my toyota became impossible i managed to get car off of road . had vehicle towed to garage the steering angle sensor had gone bad the mechanic advised me that this was a dangerous situation. i was also informed that there had been a technical service bulletin sent out on this situation. i just feel that the owners need to be aware of this situation and toyota should take some responsibility for this dangerous default. *tr

After starting my car and driving it two blocks, the vsc light and audible warning buzzer went on at the same time my car lost tracking and started veering to the left. i was able to get the car home, but the same thing happened as soon as i drove it 3 blocks to a service station. diagnostics discovered the steering angle sensor was defective. the part was replaced for $630.11. i see this as extremely dangerous as it could have potentially resulted in a car accident. *tr

Heard a clicking sound when turning the steering wheel left or right. *tr

2004 highlander, having same problems as all other reported problems for this vehicle. hesitation, steering shaft replacement, 2 wheel bearing replacements, lousy original tires, bad sodering of heat/air board leading to not working properly, can not have back windows down due to noise and vehicle shaking, had rear wiper motor replaced within 1st month of ownership. while i did purchase the extended warranty, which did cover the cost of the wheel bearing replacement, it did not cover the cost of having to replace the tires damaged by the bad bearing - and toyota does not care. in their race to become the number one car maker, they have given up on being the safest, most reliable car maker - and they have certainly given up on being customer friendly. according to several toyota dealers, they don't have to, since they continue to be popular selling vehicles. i am getting nervous as the time for my warranty comes due to expire - and for the first time am seriously considering trading it in before that happens. that was not the intent when i bought the vehicle, but after reading all the people having all the same ...