2013 Toyota Highlander Steering Problems
- 40
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 40 stored complaint records:
- 3 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- steering wheel · 24 records
- steering column · 12 records
- steering shaft · 11 records
- clunking noise · 10 records
- intermediate steering · 8 records
- turning right · 7 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 22 |
| 60–100k mi | 10 |
| 1–30k mi | 5 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Steering
Clunking noise from front end when turning wheels, appeared at approximately 60,000 miles. Took to shop for repairs, and was diagnosed as intermediate steering shaft. Mechanic said it was so loose he could manipulate it with his hand and was close to catastrophic failure.
ODI 11218621
Steering
Re: investigation ea18006. My car has been making a clunking sound in the steering column during slow turns to the right so i did an internet search and found numerous discussions and articles talking about a 'known' issue with the steering column. One article led me to your investigation. While at the dealer yesterday, i explained the issue and asked them to investigate. They said for $70 they can look into it.…
ODI 11210544
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 toyota highlander. While driving, a clunking noise was heard coming from the steering wheel. In addition, while making left or right turns or while the vehicle was stopped, the noise grew louder. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn when the vehicle had not been driven for a couple of days. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was…
ODI 11230712
Steering
Car has only 53k miles and i am being told i need to replace my intermediate shaft. Due to knocking sounds. I am worried if it will result in the steering wheel falling off or worse
ODI 11197102
Steering
I have heard a knocking noise when turning my vehicle either wayfor the last several months. While in for regular service today, i asked dealer to check the noise. This is a 2013 with 60k miles on it; purchased certified used a couple of years ago. Service tech tells me it is related to the steering column, which will cost over $2000 to repair. He can't/ won't tell me the significance of this issue, saying maybe it…
ODI 11193497
Body · Steering · Wheels
I got hit by a drunk driver while i was at an intersection stationary. I was waiting to make a left turn and an oncoming car going 35 mph crossed lanes and crashed into me. It was a bad accident, both cars involved totalled.i had 4 other passengers in the car, and no airbags went off. I received head injuries (a lot of dizziness), neck and back injuries. *dt*jb
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 11187259
Steering
I started feeling a clicking/clunking feeling in the steering column a month ago, especially when i made turns. I was also able to feel that the steering wheel has started to get looser. On 2/8/19 toyota recommended that the intermediate steering shaft be replaced. I had this part replaced for $428. There's 58,254 miles on the vehicle. This is my 3rd toyota vehicle in 30 years and i have never had any major problems…
ODI 11176015
Steering
Clunking noise from steering wheel. Internet search revealed possibility of steering wheel coming off resulting in accident. This could be a severe problem and needs a recall.
ODI 11170590
Steering
When i turn my steering wheel going very slow or stationary my steering wheel makes a popping sounds and my mechanic says it's the intermediate shaft. Its getting worse as i'm putting miles on it. Since it's a steering component, it's a very serious issue since if it fails i will loose complete control of my car.
ODI 11254600
Steering
Vehicle started making a clunking noise 3 days ago. Brought it into the dealership to have it repaired. Was informed it was not covered under warranty and it would cost $507 in repairs. After reading many complaints about the same issue it actually is making me a little concerned.i have always owned toyota's and never have had any issues. My mileage is 65,887 i truly believe that this issue needs to be recalled and…
ODI 11160525
Steering
Around a year ago, at approximately 58000 miles, i began to notice a knocking sound and steering vibration when i turned in either direction at low speed in city driving. I took the vehicle in for evaluation at rice toyota. The technicians could not hear anything. I took it back at 61,118 in february 2018 as the steering had gotten worse, now loose and sloppy feeling at any speed. They could hear/feel it this time…
ODI 11155784
Steering
I started hearing a popping noise in the steering column under the steering wheel. The noise became louder as time went on especially when i made turns. On 11/07/18 toyota recently diagnosed the problem as an intermediate steering shaft and i made an appointment to get it fixed at the dealer for $584.92. There's 57,665 miles on the vehicle. I can visibly see there's slack in the steering shaft where it connects to…
ODI 11150062
Steering
My complaint is about steering column noises, play, looseness and feedback through the steering wheel. It is described in a service bulletin: tsb-0034-13 i have 97,000 miles on the vehicle and the play is becoming more noticeable as mileage increases. It is very disappointing that toyota knew about this issue and issued the tsb before i purchased it new. How are owners supposed to be notified about these things…
ODI 11154842
Steering
Started hearing a loud popping noise underneath the steering wheel or pedals. Noise became louder as time went on especially when i made turns. Toyota recent diagnosed the problem as an intermediate steering shaft. Was originall told it might be a rack and pinion problem. Hopefully that this doesn't now turn into something else. This is not covered under my powertrain warranty. Very upset.
ODI 11145364
Steering
Vehicle had a knocking noise heard and felt from steering wheel when turning. Seemed to be more prominent at lower speeds, occurred when turning right and left. Took vehicle to toyota dealer and diagnosed as a failed intermediate steering shaft. Vehicle was outside warranty at 54,853 miles. Research indicates this is a common issue with this year highlander and toyota has issued a tsb, but has not issued a recall to…
ODI 11142100
Electrical System · Steering · Vehicle Speed Control
The door locks stopped working and i was forced to pay to repair them after owning car for less than 6 months. The power windows fail to operate at random times. There was a similar problem with the 2010 toyota yaris window panel. The car jumps or skips while accelerating.
ODI 11243113
Steering
There is a clucking noise in the steering when turning. It seems like the steering wheel mechanism is falling appart.
ODI 11128289
Steering
Steering makes a popping/clicking sound when making turns. Seems to be getting worse as it started with just turning left and now does it right as well
ODI 11151817
Steering
My steering wheel on vin#(xxxx) feels clunky when i turn corners. It scares me, like it feels like a ghost is jacking it abruptly into the turn it does not happen all the time. I went to this site to check up on problems, and recalls. Put my vin # in and lo and behold, people have experienced this same thing and found that the whole steering column became loose and had to be changed out! This ought to be a recall.…
ODI 11181406
Steering
Clunking noise within the steering when i turn, especially at lower speeds. Took it to a repair shop and they indicated it was the intermediate steering shaft. 48,000 miles at the time.
ODI 11150308
Steering
I am the first owner of this vehicle and bought it new from a toyota dealer. My 2013 highlander has 54,700 miles. For almost one year (starting may, 2018), i am experiencing a clunk and knocking noise from the steering column when making a right or left turn. Now more recently, i am experiencing it more often, and worried about the safe operation of the vehicle. I have found after a research that this steering…
ODI 11206853
Steering
While travelling in high speed lane on i80 near sacramento ca. I attempted to adjust telescopic steering wheel and the steering wheel came off in my hands and by grace of god was able to slow and get off road on the hand high speed breakdown lane and somehow remount the steering wheel. Vehicle currently at dealership for repair and i was told that the steering and mount would need to be replaced and will cost in…
ODI 11083623
Steering
This vehicle has a knocking or clunking sound when turning the steering wheel. This is a common complaint on toyota highlanders but toyota is not offering to fix these vehicles when out of warranty. This is a defect in these vehicles and should be fixed by toyota free of charge.
ODI 11076279
Steering
The vehicle has around 37k miles and started to get a bump or thud sound when turning to right and turning over all begin to get sluggish. I took it to the dealship fred haas in houston and it was diagnosed with a drive shaft problem and required a expensive repair and front end alignment. I questioned the service rep as it seemed to be very low mileage for a issue with the drive shaft. He advised that it was not…
ODI 11075061
Steering
There is a clunking noise when turning at low speeds. My mechanic says there is a defect in the design of the steering shaft. He said this commonly occurs with this model highlander, something supported by numerous complaints about the same issue. Toyota denies responsibility and won't issue a recall, though it is a safety risk.
ODI 11072265