2011 Toyota Highlander: Clunking noise in steering
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2011 Highlander report: clunking noise in steering. CarComplaints.com lists 5 owner complaints, average mileage 73,550 miles.
NHTSA has 34 owner complaints for the 2011 Highlander in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11497862 (filed 12/17/2022): “Clicking in steering column light comes on dash for power steering then hard to make turn then well go back off then able to make turns with ease again…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11497341 (filed 12/13/2022): “In the last 30 days, the steering has begun to feel "loose", as if i am driving on ice. at first it was barely perceptable. there has been more "play" in the steering. during the last 2 days, the car is now making a thud when i am steering right. i have an app…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace intermediate shaft (2 reports) insist the dealer take an extensive test drive with you (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Electric power steering faults typically need module diagnosis with a scan tool and calibration. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $610 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Clunking noise in steering (2011 Highlander)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2011 Highlander
Page last updated .