Two problems related to steering noise have been reported for the 2005 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2005 Highlander.
There has been a noticeable increase in steering wheel noise and play in my 2005 Toyota Highlander. The issue was noticed around 40,000 miles becoming increasingly worse in a only a few months. Mileage now is 46,000. Took vehicle to dealership and was told the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. After researching this issue it appear there is a defect in this part or design posing a serious safety risk.
I noticed a looseness & clicking noise in my steering while either parked or moving very slowly. A local mechanic I use diagnosed it as a worn rack & pinion (r&p) gear where it meets the steering column. I have an extended warranty on my '05 Toyota Highlander v6 with 60k miles. I brought car to king Toyota in deerfield beach, FL and they said there is a Toyota service bulletin on this problem which disassembles & lubricates the steering column. They said if that doesn't fix problem then they would change the r & p assembly. As a former airline maintenance planner I don't know how a lube would fix noise & looseness in a steering assembly. . . It felt like a worn part. If true, why did the steering column lose its lube after only 60k miles. . Was the lube missing from new & that's what caused the wear. . . If it was lubed was it a defective seal. Is the lube a stop gap way to delay a recall? my mechanic said & my own experience tells me something isn't right. . . This is a steering & possible vehicle control issue. Most of my driving is highway above 40-70mph, so I was concerned because my family & my life are at stake.