TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?Various Bluetooth® Audio functions are no longer functioning with customer?s phone such as ability to change the track using the steering wheel controls. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone, or if they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Toyota Highlander steering problems
severe 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 27 steering complaints filed for the 2005 Toyota Highlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 16 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ? Various Bluetooth® Audio functions are no longer functioning with customer?s phone such as ability to change the track using the steering wheel controls. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone, or if they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Highlander's steering system generates a consistent stream of complaints starting as early as 5,000 miles. The most common issue is a clunking or knocking noise from the intermediate steering shaft assembly that worsens during turns or over bumps. Owners report this noise is barely noticeable at first—detected only by wiggling the steering wheel—but progresses to looseness and binding. Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSB #ST001-06) for lubrication, but owners and mechanics say greasing doesn't fix mechanical wear; the shaft must be replaced at a cost of $140–$550.
Less common but more serious: one owner experienced sudden loss of power steering during rain when driving through deep puddles, with the discharge warning light illuminating and then extinguishing. Another encountered total tie-rod separation at 30 mph, causing complete loss of steering control. A third reported intermittent steering control loss paired with multiple warning lights (ABS, VSC, traction control).
Power steering lines corrode and leak by 74,000 miles in at least one case. One owner's steering wheel remained off-center after dealer alignment service, and Toyota declined to authorize a second technician opinion. A second owner reported stuck accelerator pedal nine days after a floor-mat recall repair, with the tow truck driver later noting difficulty turning the wheels.
Owners emphasize these are safety-critical failures that can occur without warning.
Same Toyota Highlander steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Intermediate steering shaft assembly wear/binding
The intermediate steering shaft assembly degrades, causing looseness, play, clunking, knocking, or clicking noises in the steering column. Owners report the problem worsens over time and can progress to binding or failure. Several owners cite Toyota Technical Service Bulletins (TSB #ST001-06) addressing lubrication of the assembly, though dealers and mechanics state lubrication does not fix the issue and the shaft must be replaced. Some owners report the original part was redesigned and is no longer available under the original part number.
When: Typically emerges between 5,000 and 60,000 miles; one complaint at 141,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking, knocking, or clicking noise when turning steering wheel or going over bumps; Looseness or play in steering wheel; Jerky steering, especially when turning or on bumpy roads; Noise detected when wiggling steering wheel within 5 degrees of center; Steering feels odd or unresponsive; Noise worse under load (during turns or curves)
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota dealer replacement of intermediate steering shaft assembly; cost cited as $140–$550 depending on dealer. One owner paid $469.29 at Toyota dealer. Lubrication attempts cost ~$140 but did not resolve the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Technical Service Bulletins #ST001-06 issued for Highlander and Camry addressing steering column lubrication; TSB describes disassembly and lubrication. Original part redesigned and no longer available; new part number issued. Some dealers covered replacement under warranty.
Power steering loss (water intrusion/electrical)
Discharge warning light illuminates and power steering abruptly fails when vehicle drives through deep water splashes or puddles during rain. Power steering returns after several seconds. Owner successfully reproduced the failure multiple times and reports near-crash incidents when steering suddenly returns (oversteer/spin risk). Complaint suggests water intrusion causing an electrical short.
When: Occurs during heavy rain when splashing water reaches 3/4 tire height
Symptoms owners cite: Discharge warning light illuminates; Complete loss of power steering (steering wheel becomes very hard to turn); Power steering returns after brief period; Triggered by water splash from puddles during rain
Codes mentioned: Discharge warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had not yet taken vehicle to dealer for repair at time of complaint.
Steering column looseness/wear (rack and pinion interface)
Steering exhibits looseness and clicking noise due to wear at the interface between rack and pinion gear and steering column. One mechanic diagnosed worn rack and pinion. Toyota dealership referenced a Service Bulletin calling for disassembly and lubrication of the steering column; if unsuccessful, full rack and pinion replacement. Owner expresses skepticism that lubrication alone will fix mechanical wear.
When: Observed at 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Looseness in steering; Clicking noise when parked or moving very slowly; Loss of lubrication in steering assembly
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota dealer quoted two-step approach: first, disassembly and lubrication of steering column per Service Bulletin; if unsuccessful, replacement of rack and pinion assembly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Service Bulletin addressing steering column lubrication and disassembly; recommendation for rack and pinion replacement if lubrication fails.
Turn signal switch failure
Turn signal switch (the mechanism that automatically turns off the signal after a turn is completed) fails, requiring the driver to manually turn off the signal. Dealer indicates that Toyota turn signal switches fail at a high rate. Owner characterizes the design as defective.
When: Not specified; failure rate noted as high
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal does not automatically turn off after turn completion; Driver must manually turn off signal
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota charges approximately $450 for repair; owner notes this cost leads many drivers to defer repair.
Steering wheel off-center after tire/alignment service
After dealer-installed new tires and alignment service, the steering wheel was off-center, requiring the driver to hold the wheel left or right to drive straight. Dealer made four separate alignment attempts without success. A Toyota field technician stated alignment was set to factory specs but made minor adjustments, after which the steering wheel offset reversed (now required holding right instead of left). Field technician declined direct contact with owner; Toyota corporate refused to allow a second opinion from another field technician.
When: Began in February 2011 following tire and alignment service
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel off-center; driver must hold wheel to one side to drive straight; Off-center condition persists or reverses after adjustment attempts; Alignment appears correct per factory specs but steering wheel does not center
Repairs/costs cited: Four unsuccessful dealer alignment attempts; minor adjustments by Toyota field technician did not resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota field technician confirmed alignment is set to factory specs; Toyota corporate declined to authorize a second opinion from another field technician.
Steering column bent/damaged
Steering column shaft became bent, causing a rattling noise. Rattling occurs when driving over road expansion gaps and minor bumps.
When: Not specified in complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from steering column; Noise triggered by driving over road expansion gaps and minor bumps
Power steering system failure
Power steering system stops functioning, making the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Owner reports difficulty steering to park the vehicle safely.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering stops working; Steering wheel becomes very hard or impossible to turn; Safety hazard due to difficulty steering
Power steering line corrosion and leakage
Power steering lines corrode and leak fluid. One complaint noted corrosion at 74,000 miles; another at unknown mileage.
When: One case at 74,296 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid leak under vehicle; Rusty/corroded power steering line
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering line replacement; one owner paid for replacement at Meineke for safety reasons.
Tie rod separation
Tie rod separated while driving, causing sudden and complete loss of steering control. Wheels turned sideways. Owner was able to bring vehicle to a stop at 30 mph. Dealership claimed rust was the cause, but owner reports receiving verbal affirmation that no rust was actually found.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Tie rod separation during driving; Total loss of steering control; Wheels turned sideways; No rust found despite dealer claim
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership; tie rod replacement required.
Intermittent steering control loss (electrical/VSC-related)
Vehicle intermittently loses steering control as if power steering is failing. At the same time, ABS, traction control off, VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), tire pressure, and emergency brake warning lights illuminate. Problem appears electrical in nature related to the vehicle's stability and braking systems. Independent mechanic unable to diagnose; vehicle not repaired.
When: At 134,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent loss of steering control; ABS warning light; Traction control off light; VSC warning light; Tire pressure warning light; Emergency brake warning light
Codes mentioned: ABS, VSC, Traction Control Off
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic unable to diagnose; vehicle not repaired at time of complaint.
Stuck accelerator pedal/steering wheel lockup (secondary to accelerator issue)
Accelerator pedal became stuck in a partially depressed position, causing uncontrolled acceleration. During the accident, the tow truck driver had extreme difficulty getting the wheels to turn, suggesting possible steering system involvement or interaction. A May 2011 recall involved a forward retention clip for the driver's-side floor carpet; improper installation of the replacement clip could cause the carpet to interfere with the accelerator pedal arm and cause the pedal to stick. Owner indicates the replacement clip may have failed.
When: May 30, 2011; recall repair performed May 21, 2011
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal stuck in partially depressed position; Uncontrolled acceleration at 20–30 mph; Wheels difficult to turn (reported by tow truck driver after accident); Vehicle accelerated despite driver attempt to control it
Repairs/costs cited: Floor carpet retention clip recall repair performed May 21, 2011 (9 days before incident). Replacement clip may have failed to prevent carpet interference with accelerator pedal arm.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign issued (May 2011) for floor carpet forward retention clip installation. Toyota advised that improper installation could allow carpet to interfere with accelerator pedal arm, causing temporary sticking.
Steering control difficulty during turns (intermittent)
Vehicle exhibits intermittent difficulty steering, particularly during left turns. On at least three separate occasions, the vehicle had a tendency to go straight (hard to steer) when making turns; the condition then resolves on its own. Issue occurs on repeated occasions over time.
When: Multiple incidents; most recent complaint dated
Symptoms owners cite: Difficult to steer, especially during left turns; Vehicle resists turning and tends to go straight; Condition is intermittent and resolves on its own
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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…
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…
Had steering trouble with your 2005 Toyota Highlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
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?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 45,000 and 78,850 miles, with the median around 56,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 78,850. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Toyota/Highlander.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.