Steering Column Problems of Toyota Tacoma

Steering became very stiff while driving in town yesterday. Upon making a right turn at a familiar intersection, it became difficult to make the turn due to very stiff steering. The front end of my truck came very close to a vehicle coming into the intersection from the street I was turning into, and then the usual return of my wheels to straight ahead did not occur as expected, and I had to quickly force the steering wheel back before I ran up over the curb on my right. Luckily the car coming into the intersection had been far enough back from the intersection that we did not collide, and if I had not forced the steering wheel back at the end of the turn I may have hit pedestrians on the sidewalk. Upon investigating this problem with a mechanic immediately after the incident (yesterday afternoon) and at online forums, the most likely cause seemed to be the u-joint on the lower intermediate shaft of the steering column down just before the steering gear, just inside the left front wheel. Per some online forum advice, I used penetrating oil on that u-joint to loosen it, with good results (stiffness is now gone). But this seems most likely to be a temporary fix. I doubt that loosening the u-joint today will keep it from a repeat performance at some unknown and unpredictable time. Clearly this could cause accidents, and per online forums, it has apparently been a known issue for a while. There are no grease fittings on the u-joint, so there is no way to put a more permanent lubricant (grease) into the bearings of the u-joint. Also, the u-joint in question is not protected by a rubber boot, and is completely exposed to all the water, dirt, and salt that splashes up while driving. Others have noted that spraying with penetrating oil or the like is only a temporary fix, and the stiff steering problem returns after a time, making an accident much more likely.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

Driving down the highway, I felt my steering column get loose. After coming to a stop at the gas station, I tried making sure the column adjuster was tight, and it was. The entire steering wheel/column was still loose, and then fell off into my lap. After that, my Tacoma would not start. Radio would not work, and the odometer numbers disappeared. I had to then call a tow truck to get my vehicle home. If I hadn't stopped at at the gas station, it would have fell off as I was driving.

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

Vehicle has problem with the steering column, specifically in the upper intermediate shaft. It makes noise while driving.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

Steering became progressively harder to turn over a period of many weeks. It was ok with highway speeds and straightaways with little steering correction. It was very hard when all types of normal turns were executed at any speed and after warm up. It turned out Toyota, by comment of the repairing mechanic, who had done many, has had an issue with corrosion of the steering column linkage. I have never received any info regarding this. I thought it was power steering and that I could muscle through it for a while. It became worse fast. Based on a false assumption which many might make, this could have easily locked up and caused a crash. I have been around long enough and have never encountered this in the many vehicles I have owned. I feel that Toyota should at east put out cautionary info to owners.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

(kh no dealer info) tl the contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated and the steering column controls ceased to function. The contact, a certified Toyota mechanic, diagnosed that the spiral cable was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to NHTSA. The manufacturer's representative informed the contact that NHTSA was responsible for the scope of the recall even though the recall was voluntary. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

Steering very stiff, does not return to center, locks up, fails to maintain direction. The universal joint on the steering column-steering gear is not protected from the elements (road salt, water, etc. ) and has seized, causing the steering to lock up and leading to a minor accident.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

Steering became very stiff over a period of a about 3 weeks, especially in cold weather. Steering wheel would not return to center on its own making steering difficult and dangerous. Research on the internet turned up hundreds of similar complaints. In some cases people's steering locked up entirely. Problem appears to be a universal joint in the steering column that is unprotected and subject to corrosion. My truck is currently at a dealership for four safety recalls, one of which requires the whole frame to be replaced due to corrosion. I will not get the truck back for about 3 months due to a backlog of parts. The frame is rusted through in two places and is unsafe to drive in that condition. I requested that the steering issue be looked into while it is in the shop and everything is apart. It seems to me that the steering issue, given the number of complaints on line and the seriousness of the problem may warrant looking into. It also seems to be related to the frame corrosion issue, for which there is a recall.

I was driving my truck in the parking lot of a shopping center. As I was going through an intersection the steering column fell down causing me to be unable to turn causing a wreck with another vehicle. My insurance company will not pay for repairing the steering column. Toyota has been jerking me around for 3 months. My truck has been repaired as far as body work but Toyota tells me that I will receive a letter with their determination as to whether they will repair the steering column. 4 weeks ago they told me that I would receive a letter. I am still waiting. When I call the person in charge of my case at Toyota (casey) he never returns my calls. My case number is 1603142032. Casey's number is 800-331-4331.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

Steering got very stiff and I had trouble operation the vehicle. I was almost was in an accident due to this. Once I got the truck to the roadside I checked for a flat tire, broken power steering belt and the power steering fluid level and condition. Everything was ok, but the steering wheel was still very had to turn. I had the trucks steering checked out and the u joint at the bottom of the steering column had sized up. Toyota part number 4520304020 intermediate steering shaft. This is a very dangerous problem and Toyota should do a recall to cover this. The problem comes on suddenly and you lose the ability to control the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the steering column detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering column was reattached to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the diagnosis was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,435.

Rack assembly shot causing steering to "stiffen" had to replace the rest of the components around 60000 miles. When I called a Toyota dealership they knew exactly what the problem was. Hopefully, no one gets killed before this gets addressed. Seems like Toyota is performing another manufacturer watergate by issuing bogus recalls for the steering column spiral cable and the frame inspection and preventive under coating. Really sounds like they are looking for the real problem as per other complaints.

Several weeks ago my power steering started to act erratically. It felt like I had no help with the steering. I had to struggle to turn the steering wheel. Then a few moments later it would feel better but the return motion in the power steering would still be sluggish. The dealership service said to check the fluid level and add fluid if necessary. I topped off the power steering fluid. That helped a little, but the sluggishness in the power steering continued to be erratic. Made an appointment for 1/7/2015 with the local dealership. Upon arriving at the dealership, one of the service writers explained that the universal joint in the power steering column had gotten dirty over the years and was now slowly breaking down. He said it was very expensive to fix and to just continue driving until it gradually is consistently very sluggish. Going down the highway a 65 mph and having the power steering freeze up on you as you are making a turn is very dangerous for me, my family and other motorist. How many people have to die before Toyota has a recall for this problem?.

The steering seemed to seize up almost instantly as if the power steering was going out. Once I realized that the problem wasn't a tire issue; I. E. Under- inflation, I began to make arrangement to have Toyota identify and correct the problem. The Toyota dealership did agree to diagnose the problem for $100+ but this diagnosis charge wouldn't be applied to the repair. This,method of service seemed odd to me so I used another auto repair service center that promptly identified the problem and schedule the repair. It was identified as the lower steering column with a near frozen u-joint. This problem resulted in a very erratic steering pattern. Most of the time the steering wheel wouldn't return to the neutral position after making a turn and at other times it would return to the neutral position resulting in over steering. The anticipated lack of return to the neutral position caused me on occasion to attempt to steer to the neutral position resulting in the over steering. This issue should be brought to others attention and possibly have any vehicles suspect for a similar steering issue inspected so repairs can be made before an accident occurs.

When braking between 45-65 mph, I can feel a strong shimmy ans shaking in the steering wheel. I have to let off the brakes or it feels like something is going to break in the drive train, steering column, or wheels are going to fall off. Its very scary and dangerous, especially when you might not be able to stop the vehicle. Ive asked the Toyota dealer to check it once and they didnt do anything to fix the problem. This is particularly unsafe when driving 95 or the turnpike, and you have to brake hard at times.

See all problems of the 2013 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

On the day of July 9th 2014 I was driving my vehicle down a dirt road hill. Once reaching the bottom of the hill my steering column assembly separated itself from the dash board completely, causing a total loss of control. Fortunately I was able to stop in a safe distance and avoided impact with any obstacles. This experience left me wondering about the integrity,safety, and trust I had in my vehicle which has not been the same since. I brought my vehicle to the dealership where I bought it from to have an inspection on the damage and expressed my concern for what happened. Afterwards I contacted the manufacturer of my vehicle and expressed what happened to them and that I was not responsible for what had happened. In conclusion, after the manufacturer spoke with the dealership they informed me that they will not take responsibility for what happened. They feel it is an impossibility for this component to fail on this particular vehicle. I feel this is a serious matter that threatens my life and my families lives. I feel this is completely unacceptable and may be a design issue for my vehicle and anyone else who owns this particular vehicle.

While driving onto entrance ramp of highway, attempting to merge onto traffic, the steering wheel became very stiff with loss of power steering. I pulled harder to enter highway and steering finally caught causing me to swerve over almost hitting vehicle in far left lane. Checked power steering and is full. Did some internet searches and have come up with several complaints of this same issue. The intermediate steering column becomes faulty and is dangerous. This can cause death or serious injury. Toyota should issue recall on this part and have replaced. Steering column joint is not protected from the elements and becomes rusted away.

I was turning into a parking lot thank goodness when the whole steering column fell in my lap. I have pictures of what it looked like when I got out and had it towed. Toyota said they were not at fault it was from a fender bender in November. . . . And when my insurance company went to look at it they said it was a manufacturer defect. How many steering columns come out driving with no accident.

Vehicle upper steering shaft assembly at the joint where steering shaft goes through the hole in the joint underneath column inside the cab is completely worn out and is flopping around and could lead to the complete loss of steering if it was not caught by myself at 49k. . . .

While driving on a rural road, approximately 55mph my steering column came out of the dash and into my lap. After receiving a recall notice from Toyota for a spiral cable recall in the steering assembly I made arrangments to take it in for both to be repaired. Toyota called me this morning telling me that the tabs in the steering columns were sheared and it would not be covered by the recall or my extended warranty. I feel that the tabs are obviously another cheap part that Toyota is making thier vehicles out of and risking the safety of people. This truck is a four wheel drive and should not fall apart going over a bump on a dirt road. Luckily I was able to replace it into the column and steer off the road safely, but someone else may not react as fast as I did. The service employee at Toyota requested someone from the warranty department come tomorrow to inspect it to see if they can approve coverage if not they are requesting appr $1200. 00 from us to install a new steering column. I was able to find other Toyota blogs where other makes and models have had this same thing happen to them.

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact was driving 35 mph and making a slight left turn when all of the tension in the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact experienced difficulty in controlling the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who inspected the failure and advised the contact that they needed to replace the steering assembly, column, and spiral cable. In addition, the vehicle would also need to have a wheel alignment performed. The manufacturer was notified and a claim was filed. They offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was 41,144.

After purchasing the vehicle, in sept 2011, I had my truck for only a few weeks and I was driving and hit a small bump and heard as well as felt a loud thump coming from the steering column area, I also noticed my bed was moving a little as well. I brought the truck into the dealership as soon as I heard the issue, but the dealership said they didn't hear or feel anything. Now when I hit any bump (big/small) I can literally see the bed on my truck move in my side mirrors, the issues are progressing and my truck is still under warranty and I want these issues fixed ASAP, esp since its still under warranty . Extremely harsh ride, and feeling unsafe to drive, needs to be fixed ASAP.

Loose steering on 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4x4. Isolated loosness to upper steering shaft spline connection. Tack welded spline to fix play in steering shaft. My steering had gotten progressively worse so after a lot of examination I found what appears to be the problem. I would like Toyota to come out with a redesigned steering column. I have taken vehicle to the dealer about this with no resolution from them.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

2006 Toyota Tacoma double cab, v-6, 4wd. I bought this truck new from palmer's Toyota in mobile, al. At 72,000 miles, the driver's side airbag light came on. Took the truck in for service and it was determined that the spiral cable in the steering column was bad. The cost to repair is in excess of $500! I chose not to repair at the time - have been driving with the light on for a week now. Service rep said that until repair is made, my airbags were "disabled". It appears that alot of Toyota owners are experiencing this same problem. What are the chances that this could be investigated and possibly Toyota issuing a recall for this?.

I have a 2004 completely stock Toyota Tacoma that has never been off road with 36000 miles on it. The steering column upper shaft at the slip joint below the tilt ball joint has become loose. There is play in the steering now causing control of the truck to become less and less precise. I am not the only one with this problem as many people have complained about it on many different Toyota Tacoma forums. People have had to replace the upper steering shafts but the problem comes back within a few thousand miles usually. Toyota needs to recall and redesign a much sturdier part that keeps the steering play at original specs for control and safety.

Purchased 2004 Tacoma for $18,000, from right Toyota in scottsdale, az in June 2006, received bill for $25,000+!! so much for agreeing on a price! I also purchased an extended warranty for $2200 (included in the $25,000). Weeks after getting the truck I noticed the rear passenger side seemed to give when turning corners. I assumed I needed to adjust to driving a truck with hard suspension. Unfortunately it persisted so I took it into camelback Toyota and had them check it out. They assured me that everything was in tip top shape, I got the feeling they never really checked anything out. They just assumed that it would be unusual to see this stuff breakdown, a valid thought, but they were of no help. Here it is now, a year and a half later, and its just getting worse! so I took it into earnhardt Toyota and the first 2 visits they performed needed front end alignments and tire balancing. They looked at it recently after me yelling at them, and told me that my entire suspension system needs to be replaced. Apparently my leaf springs are bad ($1700 purchase and install), and front struts ($650), and rear shocks ($450) as well! so $2800 to repair a truck that I purchased directly from Toyota not 1. 5 years ago, and even purchased a warranty. They assured me that everything was covered under the warranty. They lied. Now I owe $18000 on a $14000 truck! steer clear of right Toyota, they totally scammed me.

I have identified a discrepancy with the 2001 Toyota Tacoma 4wd steering system. There is a looseness in the steering and upon investigation I found that the slip joit in the collapsible steering shaft is present. There is a hexagonal slip joint that has shown to be a typical problem with these trucks. Repair is not possible without defeating the collapsing function of the shaft. This problem makes the vehicle difficult to drive precisely. Toyota should provide retrofit shafts to the owners.

See all problems of the 2001 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

1998 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 reg cab there is a knock and play in the steering wheel. Most Toyota dealerships say it is normal and say nothing is wrong. The problem has been isolated to the slip joint in the main steering column coming loose. This was done by a Toyota service tech. The problem was taken to another dealership with this information and was fixed but they say it will most likely happen again due no change in design by Toyota. The slip joint is crimped over the shaft, and after use it becomes loose causing play in the steering wheel.

See all problems of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

1) normal driving, on road and off of highway on dirt roads 2) loose steering shaft, rattles on rough roads or when hitting obstacles in road. 3) dealer claims suspension modifications have voided my warranty on steering components. Dealer refuses to do warranty work on vehicle for non related components.

On Feb 2. 01 when reviving a new 200l Toyota Tacoma, the steering wheel was locked (wouldn't turn at all). I got the salesperson who came with me. He jerked the steering wheel hard and if was freed. I asked if that is normal, he responded "it's ok, they all do that. " over the years whenever it didn't seem to be right, I remembered the statement "it's ok, they all do that". On Sep 8, 2005 in the wall-mart parking lot with 18 cases of bottled water to take to my church for shipment to hurricane katrina victims in biloxi, ms, my ignition key would not turn nor was I able to get the key out of the ignition. I had the vehicle towed, repaired, and picked it up. The local Toyota dealership didn't want to hear about my historical problem with the steering/ignition since the day I picked it up new. I mailed them a letter but they totally ignored it. I believe they are being negligent by not dealing with this issue. Have there been any recalls or service bulletins related to 2001 Toyota Tacoma pickups steering column/ignition problems. Please let me know. Thanks and I hope you all have a nice day.

Noise and excess play in steering wheel when driving over bumpy surfaces. Found upper steering shaft slip joint improperly machined /crimped resulting in abnormal noise and excess play when driving under certain conditions. Dealer replaced upper steering shaft with and identical part. This part has not been redesigned and will fail again. Part is not available as it was replaced under warranty and the dealer kept the old part. Have found from others through the internet that this play and noise is very common but no one knew the cause until recently.

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact hears metal grinding when making left turns. The failure has been occurring ever since the vehicle was purchased. Toyota stated that they do not know how to repair the failure, however the vehicle should be safe to drive. They also stated that they do not consider it a safety hazard. Toyota stated that this is a failure dealing with the trans-actual and transfer case of the steering column. The problem still persists. The current mileage is 38,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.

The steering wheel began making noises 7 months after it was purchased new. Dealer took the dash out, replaced something and put it back together again. 7 months later the sound began again. Three letters to Toyota complaining about this problem were totally ignored. I visited the dealer in tucson, az about this and I wanted the problem solved at Toyota expense. Again I was put off and the rattle has persisted to this day. I am tired of listening to this rattle every time I drive the truck. If there is anything you can do to help me get the Toyota folks to repair, replace or put a grease fitting on the defective parts in the column, please let me know. Thank you.

See all problems of the 1997 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.