Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Toyota Highlander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the intermediate steering shaft was making an abnormal knocking noise while turning to the left or the right. Additionally, the driver's side window failed to roll up or down because it was off track. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
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 dangerous at some point.
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)
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. While driving unknown speeds, there was an abnormal knocking and popping noise when turning the steering wheel left and right. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called the local dealer (five star Toyota of milledgeville, 2816 n columbia st, milledgeville, ga 31061, [phone]) and was informed to schedule a service appointment. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA action number: pe18005 (steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 156,000.
I had a clunking noise whenever I turned the steering wheel left or right at slow speeds. I checked on line and found this site which noted fault to be the intermediate steering shaft, as the issue. I took my vehicle into a Toyota dealership for repair. They confirmed that this was the issue and because it is not considered a safety issue, no recall has been issued. Toyota would not cover any of the cost which was $684. It started when I had 80,000 miles on the vehicle and I took it in for repair at 94,000 miles when noice became louder.. Disappointed Toyota did not help with the repair cost.
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 have been recalled years ago. This issue shouldn't have to come to the point of someone getting injured or dying to have this matter addressed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. While driving at low speeds or going over a bump in the road, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to steve landers Toyota (10825 colonel glenn rd, little rock, ar 72204, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the intermediate shaft in the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,396.
When making a right hand turn the steering system has a significant "bump" of "thump". This appears to be a problem with a part of the steering sector shaft that Toyota is well aware of but will not acknowledge there is a problem with design. Toyota will only correct problem if customer is willing to pay cost of approximately $1200. Not sure what will happen if correction is not made, but I believe it could lead to failure of the steering system to function appropriately.
At around 90,000 miles I noticed a distinct clunk in the steering as the wheel unwound from sharp turns at slow speed. The clunk also showed up while driving straight on rough roads and under firm braking. This is apparently a known issue https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/sb-10075792-2280.pdf. I have had the part replaced with the updated version, and the steering is now good again, but I expected something like to be covered in a safety recall.
For several months, there's a thump when turning the steering wheel in either direction, no matter what road/street. We have less than 43,000 miles on it & do not drive on ruff terrain. We purchased the 2011 Toyota Highlander new, take it to the dealer every 6 mos for maint. & now told it needs a steering shaft replacement & 4 wheel alignment. ($657.33 total!) this is inconceivable to pass on to customers. And a road hazard to all on the roads.
NHTSA investigations
Upper Steering Column Separation
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion.
Steering Column Separation
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism.
Steering complaints in other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Toyota Highlander, 19% of the model year's 181 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Toyota Highlander steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2011 Toyota Highlander, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Toyota Highlander steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.