Seven problems related to steering noise have been reported for the 2013 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2013 Highlander.
�thunk�/popping noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. Was told to replace the intermediate steering shaft, and learned that a new one was developed to fix this problem in 2013 but no recall or safety notice was sent to owners.
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.
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 while under warranty?.
There is a clucking noise in the steering when turning. It seems like the steering wheel mechanism is falling appart.
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.
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 column issue is widespread and Toyota has changed the design of the steering intermediate shaft, and recommending to change with this revised part to rectify the issue. The old part# was 45220-48170, which has been re-designed by Toyota as new part# 45220-48171. If this is a safety issue and required to change the design, then Toyota must change this part and rectify the issue free of cost.
Our 2013 Highlander developed a light clunking noise in the steering column after a accident in October of 2013. We thought nothing of it until December 2017 when the clunking increased in loudness and frequency. We have the problem checked out by gullo Toyota of conroe, texas. They found the mid steering column shaft that was failing and causing the clunking noise and recommended replacing this part for safety reasons. We concurred and had the work completed. I discussed this situation with the service rep at gullo to see if they could determine the cause of this part failure. They could not suggest any cause so I suggested that the accident the vehicle was involved in in October of 2013 might be the culprit. Gullo would not confirm the possibility by would work with my insurance company, usaa. Usaa has rejected this theory and will not pay for the repair of the steering column's mid shaft. This part should not be failing.