2005 Toyota Highlander steering problems
Owners reported steering problems in 26 complaints for the 2005 Toyota Highlander, 9% of the complaints on file.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 26 9% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 55,000 miles 25 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When steering problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 4 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 11 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 4 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 25 steering complaints that report mileage, the median is about 55,000 miles, and 64% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 2 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries.
What owners wrote
On saturday, may 30th at approximately 8:30 I was moving our 2005 highlander from the street into our reserved parking space within our complex. As I was starting my right hand turn into the complex the car accelerator stuck. I hit the curb on the driver's/left side causing the vehicle to veer to the right. As the car continued to accelerate I hit a tree and knocked over one of the community's posted signage.
There has been a noticeable increase in steering wheel noise and play in my 2005 toyota highlander. The issue was noticed around 40,000 miles becoming increasingly worse in a only a few months. Mileage now is 46,000. Took vehicle to dealership and was told the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. After researching this issue it appear there is a defect in this part or design posing a serious safety risk.
Other problems reported for the 2005 Toyota Highlander
- Cruise control 40 complaints
- Transmission 32 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 29 complaints
- Electrical system 25 complaints
- Brakes 24 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 22 complaints