Steering Column problems of the 2009 Toyota Corolla

Steering wheel coil remedy never resolved took vehicle in twice for service update at the dealership on steering column coil and airbags. Was turning at 5 miles an hour on way to drive onto a trailer so the vehicle could be pulled when the steering wheel was sloppy and was hit by another car from the left side.

A week ago after picking my son, I noticed that when I turned the steering wheel of my 2009 Toyota Corolla to a certain point, my whole steering wheel was moving and making a grinding noise. I brought it to copeland Toyota the dealership where I purchased my new car back in 2008. Mon. 9/10 I called to obtain the status of my vehicle. I was told a bolt came out of the steering column and they were "trying" to get the bolt back in. Normal wear and tear would say a bolt falls out a new bolt goes in, not "trying" to get back in. I was also told that the worst that would happen is that they would need to replace the steering column. I filed a claim with Toyota as I am no longer under warranty ( 1 yr and 4,000 ml over). Later Monday, Toyota stated that the bracket of the steering column is the issue and the whole unit would need to be replaced. When I asked the service dept, I was dealing with; if this fell under "normal wear and tear" he told me it did not. Tuesday 9/11, I heard back the Toyota corporate office that they would not be paying for this and that I would be responsible for the bill, that is just over $2000. 00. I spoke with [xxx] at the dealership who is the service manager & he himself mentioned that this is a "unique case. " regardless if it covered under warranty or not, this is a safety issue, one that is not from normal wear and tear and I certainly did not create. I was told that I haven't had my car serviced there for a year, everyone knows that dealerships costs for preventive maintenance is extremely pricey and I didn't go there for oil changes and tire rotations, I did bring it in for this specific issue. When have you ever heard of any car company dropping your steering column to check bolts during a routine maintenance check? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Very strong vibration has been present in my steering column. I took it to the dealer which told me it was the rear struts. Replaced them $600. 00. The mechanic noted in his notes that vibration was still bad upon releasing the car to me. I was told I needed new tires and balancing. I took it elsewhere and had new tires and balancing done. The problem still present today. I took it in again today and was told it was now my roters. New pads, roters and another alignment with rear brakes cleaned and re balance another $450. 00. This whole time I have been feeling that the problem is in the steering column. Now I learn there was an investigation reguarding my make and model for that year. I am to get my car back this afternoon and will want something investigated if the problem is still there.

I am following up on this complaint #10318215 regarding the steering problems with my Corolla leading to drifting and unsteadiness while driving at higher speeds. The symptoms on my 2009 Corolla with the steering column are getting worse. The drifts are getting more pronounced and at times feel more like a swerve. The frequency of the drifting has increased. Also, I am noticing the uneasiness at slower speeds. In short, I do not feel safe driving this car, and I experienced a scary incident of my car swerving out as a truck passed me. As much as possible, I try to avoid freeway driving, which is a big hassle, considering that I have a 56-mile roundtrip work commute. This commute is mostly all free way driving on route 8 & 77 and the turnpike. To compensate, I need to take the back roads, adding an extra fifteen minutes to my commute. The dealership has been in contact with Toyota corporate who are saying that there is no problem and that the case has been closed with NHTSA. What am to do when the dealership admits to not knowing how to fix the problem and the regional service rep for Toyota says there is on problem and that the case with the steering column is closed. Please help. What am I to do? I am driving an unsafe car. I am restricted as to the use of my car. There is no resolution in site from what I can see. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at [xxx] or [xxx] . I look forward to your reply. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns 2009 Toyota Corolla. The driver stated that whenever he drove his vehicle over 55 mph he noticed that it would drift as if there was a strong wind blowing. The contact stated that the vehicle also performed as if there was too much lubrication in the steering column. The failure mileage was 31,000 and the current mileage is 38,000. Updated 04/13/10. The consumer stated the steering problem has become progressively worse. The dealer stated there was no fix for the problem, and they were waiting for a solution from Toyota. Updated 05/11/10. Updated 08/19/jb.