2013 Toyota Highlander Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 22%of 207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,426miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Toyota Highlander, 22% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,426 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There are sounds when sometimes when turning, including poping or sometimes like a whirling sound. The steering is a bit stiff sometimes and not easy to turn the wheels, this does not happen at any specific speed. I do not have any picture or other document I can upload as this is not physical damage that can be photographed.”
NHTSA complaint #11404623, filed 2021-03, 45,500 miles“I got hit by a drunk driver while I was at an intersection stationary. I was waiting to make a left turn and an oncoming car going 35 MPH crossed lanes and crashed into me. It was a bad accident, both cars involved totalled.I had 4 other passengers in the car, and no airbags went off. I received head injuries (a lot of dizziness), neck and back injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #11187259, filed 2019-03, 96,000 miles“When I turn my steering wheel going very slow or stationary my steering wheel makes a popping sounds and my mechanic says it's the intermediate shaft. Its getting worse as I'm putting miles on it. Since it's a steering component, it's a very serious issue since if it fails I will loose complete control of my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11254600, filed 2019-09, 88,000 miles“My steering makes a clunking sound, which you can actually feel in the steering wheel when it occurs, when turning either left or right. It is increasing in occurrence and intensity. It occurs at any speed. This has been going on for several months. I took it to the dealership and they lubricated something, saying there was no danger. Should it become worse bring it back. It's going back!”
NHTSA complaint #11241450, filed 2019-08, 33,000 miles“Started hearing a loud popping noise underneath the steering wheel or pedals. Noise became louder as time went on especially when I made turns. Toyota recent diagnosed the problem as an intermediate steering shaft. Was originall told it might be a rack and pinion problem. Hopefully that this doesn't now turn into something else. This is not covered under my powertrain warranty. Very upset.”
NHTSA complaint #11145364, filed 2018-11, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10182983Oct 12, 2020TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
- 10168537Oct 21, 2019TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
- 10142508Apr 26, 2017TSB: 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…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 10% |
| 2023 | 2 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 9 | 2% |
| 2020 | 6 | 2% |
| 2019 | 8 | 2% |
| 2018 | 10 | 4% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 5% |
| 2015 | 25 | 13% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 46 | 22% |
| 2012 | 46 | 25% |
| 2011 | 34 | 19% |
| 2010 | 21 | 10% |
| 2009 | 11 | 8% |
| 2008 | 40 | 10% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 16 | 6% |
| 2005 | 26 | 12% |
| 2004 | 35 | 12% |
| 2003 | 6 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2013 Toyota Highlander
32 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsSeats
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology