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 ↗2011 Toyota Highlander steering problems
moderate 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 33 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Toyota Highlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 33 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 7 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 ↗TSB: REVISION NOTICE: April 26, 2017 Rev1: G361 ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Some 2008 ? 2013 model year Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles may exhibit a clunk, pop, or knock-type noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. A new intermediate shaft has been developed to address this condition. Use the following repair procedure to remove and replace the steering intermediate shaft.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TOYOTA: THERE IS A WHINING NOISE WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ABOVE 35 MPH, FROM FINAL DRIVE GEAR ASSEMBLY AND A REPAIR PROCEDURE HAS AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. MODEL 2008-2013 HIGHLANDER.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Highlander has two major steering problems. First, a clunking or popping noise from the intermediate steering shaft when turning—often at low speeds in parking lots—is the most common complaint. It starts anywhere from 3,600 to 100,000 miles and gets louder over time. Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0034-13 in February 2013 acknowledging this as a design flaw and offering a replacement shaft. However, Toyota has not issued a recall. Owners out of warranty are charged $500 to $917 for the repair; even those within warranty periods claim Toyota won't cover it after their initial protection expires.
Second, several owners report sudden, intermittent loss of power steering while driving—including at highway speeds—with no warning. The steering becomes unmovable and the vehicle becomes difficult to control. In one case, power steering and brakes both failed simultaneously at 7,000 miles. Dealers have been unable to diagnose these failures and dismiss them as "glitches." One dealership told an owner the electric steering is defective but unfixable.
Other complaints include abnormally stiff or tight steering at highway speeds that makes turning difficult, sluggish steering response, and excessive play in the steering wheel. Several owners note Toyota's case management reviewed their vehicles multiple times and claimed everything was "functioning as designed" while refusing warranty coverage.
Same Toyota Highlander steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Intermediate Steering Shaft Clunk/Knock/Thump
Abnormal clunking, knocking, popping, or thumping noise from the steering column or intermediate shaft when turning the steering wheel left or right, particularly at low speeds during parking maneuvers or over bumps. Noise occurs both at stops and while driving, and can worsen over time. Multiple owners confirm Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0034-13 (February 2013) acknowledging a design flaw and describing a replacement shaft.
When: Most owners report onset between 3,600 and 102,000 miles; one instance noted at 80,000 miles with repair at 94,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking or knocking noise when turning steering wheel; Popping or tapping sound from steering column; Thumping sensation in steering wheel; Noise audible at low speeds and parking; Noise over bumps and rough roads; Noise worsens with time; Noise felt in steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Intermediate steering shaft replacement cost ranges from $500 to $917.25 (parts and labor combined with alignment). One owner had shaft replaced under warranty, then issue recurred. Toyota dealerships confirm this is the corrective repair; one dealer stated it does not require fixing unless customer prefers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0034-13 (February 2013) states a new intermediate shaft was developed to address the condition and that the repair is covered under basic warranty. However, owners report Toyota has not issued a recall or campaign; owners out of warranty or beyond a short service period are charged full repair cost. Toyota headquarters told one owner seeking reimbursement 'NO RECALL, NO CAMPAIGN AND NO CUSTOMER REMUNERATION.'
Loss of Power Steering Function
Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving, occurring intermittently without warning. Vehicle becomes difficult or impossible to steer manually. In several cases the system appears to self-restore after stopping or restarting. One incident involved simultaneous loss of brakes and power steering with warning lights; another involved intermittent losses over a 45-minute period with speedometer and ABS faults.
When: Reported at various mileages and operating conditions; one incident at 7,000 miles shortly after purchase, another on highway cruise control.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Loss of power steering on highway at 40+ mph; Intermittent loss and restoration of power steering; Loss of power steering with simultaneous brake malfunction; Loss of speedometer function concurrent with steering loss; Power steering warning light illumination; Dash lights indicating brake malfunction
Codes mentioned: Brake malfunction (reported on dash display)
Repairs/costs cited: One incident resulted in two weeks of dealer diagnostic work with no defect found; another owner had battery disconnection recommended (unsuccessful). Dealers performed full powertrain, chassis, electrical, and network system checks but found no fault. One owner paid for alignment after cradle correction with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers attributed incidents to 'glitches' or transient faults; no recalls, TSBs, or warranty coverage documented in narratives. One owner stated dealer mechanic said 'there is no way he could do anything about it' and that 'no other shops could fix it.'
Tight/Stiff Steering at Speed
Steering wheel becomes abnormally tight, stiff, and difficult to turn, particularly at highway speeds and on curves. In some cases the vehicle pulls or sways left or right and steering response is sluggish, preventing timely course correction. One owner described the steering not reflexing back to center after turns, causing curb contact.
When: Reported at highway speeds (35–42 mph and higher) on curves.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes stiff and very difficult to turn; Steering tightness worsens on curves; Steering wheel sway left or right at highway speed; Loss of steering control at speed; Slow or delayed steering response; Steering wheel does not return to center smoothly; Steering tightness intermittent, linked to direction of curve
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had alignment performed twice (including four separate alignments) and cradle correction at dealership with no resolution. Owner was told the problem is 'the electric steering wheel' and advised it cannot be fixed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota case management reviewed the vehicle three times and stated the car was 'functioning as designed.' No recall or warranty coverage provided.
Loose/Wandering Steering Feel
Steering develops excessive play and feels loose or as if the vehicle is 'driving on ice,' with unpredictable handling. May include a thud or clunk when steering right.
When: Reported at 89,000 miles over a 30-day period; initial symptoms subtle before worsening.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels loose or unresponsive; Excessive play in steering wheel; Sensation of driving on ice or low traction; Thud when steering right; Gradual onset of looseness
Repairs/costs cited: Owner did not yet have repair completed at time of report.
Steering Wheel Out of Balance/Alignment
Steering wheel not centered or balanced; vehicle pulls or resists centering. Reported early in vehicle ownership despite manufacturer service.
When: 7,000 miles into vehicle ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel off-balance to the right by 5–10 degrees; Steering wheel not centered
Repairs/costs cited: Owner expects this to be addressed during regular tire rotation and service but states it was not.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Intermediate shaft issues. Had one intermediate shaft replaced under warranty a year or two after purchase. Intermediate shaft issues returned in the last year. Toyota dealership wants $500 to replace a shaft they know has been defective for years leading up to this model. This is the primary vehicle for my wife and children. I am concerned about there safety with this matter. This issue should…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota highlander. When the contact moved the steering wheel, it made a loud abnormal popping noise. The noise grew louder when the vehicle was being driven at different speeds. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Clicking in steering column light comes on dash for power steering then hard to make turn then well go back off then able to make turns with ease again
In the last 30 days, the steering has begun to feel "loose", as if I am driving on ice. At first it was barely perceptable. There has been more "play" in the steering. During the last 2 days, the car is now making a thud when I am steering right. I have an appointment for a mechanic to look at it. The car is a 2011 Highlander, AWD, with 89,000 miles on it. I feel the steering issue could be very…
The power steering is clunky, locks in position when backing out of a parking spot, is clunky and unreliable at slow speeds. I can feel the steering column get far tighter feeling when turning at slow speed (3-10 mph)
Had steering trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Toyota Highlander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 50,000 and 108,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 108,000. 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/2011/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.