How common are steering complaints on the 2013 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA has logged 46 steering complaints for this model year, which is 22% of the 207 total complaints filed for the 2013 Highlander.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Toyota Highlander steering shaft?

No. NHTSA's data shows no related recalls filed for this steering issue on the 2013 Highlander, even though many owners describe the same clunking noise.

At what mileage do steering problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 54,426.5 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records 3 crashes and 1 injury among the 46 steering complaints for the 2013 Highlander.

How does the 2013 Highlander compare to other years for steering complaints?

The 2013 model's 46 steering complaints tie with 2012 for the highest count among Highlander model years listed, both at 46 complaints, though 2012 has a 25% share versus 22% for 2013.

2013 Toyota Highlander Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 46 steering complaints for the 2013 Toyota Highlander, 22% of its 207 total complaints that year, with 3 crashes and 1 injury reported. There is no related recall on file, and median mileage at failure was 54,426.5 miles.

Steering complaints: 46; 22% of 207
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 54,427 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners describe a knocking or clunking noise from the steering column when turning left or right, often blamed by mechanics on a failing intermediate steering shaft.
Several reports say the noise and a vibration in the steering wheel get worse over time and are more noticeable at low speeds or in parking lots.
One owner reported the steering wheel locked up hard while trying to pull out of a parking lot, with the brakes also feeling unresponsive at the same time.
Another owner said the tilt/telescopic steering wheel became loose and eventually dropped after being adjusted, and a separate report describes the steering wheel detaching in the driver's hands while driving on a highway.
Some drivers said the noise and looseness kept increasing with mileage even after being inspected by a Toyota dealer, with no defect found on first visits.

When 2013 Toyota Highlander steering complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 29, 2014, latest Aug 8, 2024.

46 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2014 to Aug 2024; peak Nov 2018 (5).

Steering recalls for the 2013 Toyota Highlander

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Highlander model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200526 (12%)
200616 (6%)
20076 (5%)
200840 (10%)
200911 (8%)
201021 (10%)
201134 (19%)
201246 (25%)
201346 (22%)
20144 (3%)
201525 (13%)
20166 (5%)
20174 (1%)
201810 (4%)
20198 (2%)
20205 (2%)
20219 (2%)
20221 (0%)
20232 (1%)
20240 (0%)
20251 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering complaints on the 2013 Toyota Highlander?: NHTSA has logged 46 steering complaints for this model year, which is 22% of the 207 total complaints filed for the 2013 Highlander.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Toyota Highlander steering shaft?: No. NHTSA's data shows no related recalls filed for this steering issue on the 2013 Highlander, even though many owners describe the same clunking noise.
At what mileage do steering problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 54,426.5 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records 3 crashes and 1 injury among the 46 steering complaints for the 2013 Highlander.
How does the 2013 Highlander compare to other years for steering complaints?: The 2013 model's 46 steering complaints tie with 2012 for the highest count among Highlander model years listed, both at 46 complaints, though 2012 has a 25% share versus 22% for 2013.