2013 Toyota Highlander: Steering complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Highlander that list the steering component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11607205 (filed 08/08/2024): “Steering column cracks, no help from dealer. many complaints on internet. remedy requires expensive new steering column. defective spindle type bearing defective. the noise is ongoing. it feels like its going to break. very scary...ongoing doesn't stop. dealer says wont break just replace if you …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11443325 (filed 12/10/2021): “When i turn the steering faster than a certain speed, it will lock up for a moment, either turning right or left. sometimes a light indicating a steering fault lights up on the dash cluster, sometimes not. when the turning of the wheel stops and locks up i cannot turn any more in that direction.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11423336 (filed 07/03/2021): “- the car was purchased in 2015 used and the steering wheel has made a clunking sound when turning a hard sharp left or right since the day of purchase -while on a road trip of approximately 3,000 miles round trip in june 2021 the steering wheel was adjusted to accommodate my husband's height. it be…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Electric power steering faults typically need module diagnosis with a scan tool and calibration. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .