2003 Toyota Highlander Steering Problems

“2003 Toyota Highlander-limited (v6): power steering pump fluid lines corroding and leaking fluid; thereby causing failure of pwr-assisted steering at any speed. In jan-feb 2010, my Highlander exhibited significantly reduced steering ease at intermittent periods. Highest safety risk occurrences were at (1) hwy speeds, and (2) city traffic speeds when accident avoidance handling was required. A dealer in frederick, md diagnosed the prob as thoroughly corroded pwr steering pump lines. They replaced the lines at my cost. The vehicle had only 56k miles on it.”

“The vehicle was being operated at about 30 MPH when it suddenly veered to the left and crashing into a large boulder. The police report suggested it was a mechanical failure. I asked Toyota to do a forensic examination of the vehicle to avoid a similar occurrence on other vehicles as a similar incident at highway speed might have had very serious results. Toyota advised that they inspected the vehicle and determined that all damage to the vehicle was the result of impact and not the result of any manufacturing defect.”

“1) vibration with one or more windows down. 2) front end pulling to one side while driving at highway speed. Taken to two different dealerships on several occassions for servicing. Told at the dealership of purchase nothing was wrong. They refused to drive it on the freeway at freeway speed to determine if there was a problem. Because the service manager only drove the vehicle on city streets, pulling did not occur. Second dealership drove vehicle on freeway and determined there was no problem, steering, alignment, tires and balance are all ok. …”

“The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Highlander. While driving 40 MPH on ice, the power steering seized and the rear driver's side wheel locked up. As a result, the vehicle spun out and crashed into a snow mound. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 200,000.”

“The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Highlander. The contact was driving up an incline approximately 65 MPH on wet road conditions. The vehicle began pulling to the right with an aggressive force. Suddenly, the vehicle traveled into the highway median. The police was called to the scene. The driver was able to resume operation. The vehicle sustained damages to the bumper. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for replacement of the front bumper. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was unknown.”