2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4X4 V6. THE STEERING BECAME JERKY WHEN TURNING AND ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN RESEARCHED IT AND THERE HAVE BEEN TWO TECHNICAL BULLETINS PUT OUT BY TOYOTA AND THEY HAVE REDESIGNED THE ORIGINAL PART SO THAT IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND HAS A NEW PART NUMBER. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AL…
2005 toyota Highlander steering problems
severe 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$700
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE AND ODD VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING CORNERS OR ON A BUMPY ROAD. I DO BELIEVE THAT IF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS NOT REPLACED, IT COULD EASILY CAUSE UNNECESSARY ACCIDENTS DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED 2 TSB CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED. I W…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2005 toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 27 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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