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A class action lawsuit has been filed against Toyota Motor Corporation by a consumer who claims that the car manufacturer sold 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles with a steering wheel design defect.
Plaintiff Linda Drake says the intermediate drive shaft causes a clunk, pop, or knock-type noise when the steering wheel is turned to the left or right.
She says the steering wheel defect can be exhibited when the cars are parked or when on the highway.
Drake says she bought a used 2009 Toyota Highlander in 2012. Before she purchased the vehicle, she viewed advertisements about the car, took it for a test drive, and spoke to the Toyota sales representative about the car’s features, including those dealing with safety.
In March 2013, she claims that she noticed a noise while she was shifting gears and, at times, her vehicle did not shift at all.
She claims that she contacted the dealership to secure warranty coverage for her car, but the dealership denied her request, claiming that the noise she heard in the car could not be replicated and that the noise would eventually pass.
The plaintiff alleges that the noise caused by the steering wheel defect distracts drivers as it moves their attention from the road to the noise. In addition, one side effect of the steering wheel defect is that the cars are unable to shift gears.
The Toyota class action states that other car owners have reported that the power steering fails because of the defect.
“This fundamental inability to operate could result in perilous situations, thereby placing both the driver of the Class Vehicle and fellow motorists in serious danger,” according to the plaintiff.
Drake claims that the defendants have had long-standing knowledge of the defect in the steering wheel and have sold thousands of cars without disclosing this information to consumers.
The Toyota steering wheel class action lawsuit also alleges that Toyota’s service technicians deny that the steering wheel defect exists and say that the issue occurs from normal wear and tear on the car.
Drake claims that Toyota has had knowledge of the steering wheel defect since 2013 when they issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) which told dealers about the defect and proposed “fixes” at the vehicle owner’s expense. These TSBs were never communicated to the vehicle owners, according to the Toyota class action lawsuit.
In addition, the plaintiff alleges that Toyota has hidden the steering wheel defect from vehicle owners, have not recalled the cars to fix the problem, have not offered customers a replacement for free and have not offered to reimburse those who have paid out-of-pocket to repair the defect.
“In short, as a result of Defendants’ unfair, deceptive, and/or fraudulent business practices, current and former owners and/or lessees of Class Vehicles, including Plaintiff, have suffered an ascertainable loss of money, property, and/or loss in value,” the Toyota class action lawsuit argues.
The plaintiff states that if she had known about the defect in the steering wheel of her car, she would not have purchased the vehicle or would have paid less for it.
Do you own a Toyota with a steering wheel defect? Leave a message in the comments section below.
The plaintiff is represented by Jordan L. Lurie and Ari Y. Basser of Pomerantz LLP
The Toyota Steering Wheel Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Linda Drake v. Toyota Motor Corp, et al., Case No. 2:20-cv-01421, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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259 thoughts onToyota Class Action Alleges Steering Wheel Defect
2011 Toyota Camry been clunking from left to right for about four months now driving me nuts trying to figure out what was wrong with it now that I’ve done some searching I have a clue what the fix and I’m not waiting for Toyota to graciously fix it for me because the dealership will tell you you’re out of warranty whether is a TSB or not
We purchased our 2012 Highlander new and have had the clunking noise since early on. We are now getting a weird noise on the same side as the clunking noise, not sure how to describe it but sounds like a rubber belt or band stretching when we turn the steering wheel. Thinking it’s related to the first problem. Very, very concerning! We had tried to research the clunking issue on the internet and could never find anything conclusive and had no idea that this has been a known issue with Toyota. We are taking our car to a mechanic tomorrow and will let him know about this. We are interested in a class action lawsuit if that ever happens.
I purchased a 2012 Toyota Highlander and just like the others have stated, I’m having the clucking and popping noise when turning left or right. I’ve been told by one of the service reps that the intermediate steering shaft is probably bad and needs to be replace. No one has been able to answer my question as to how does this part goes bad and to make matters worse it’s a very important part of the steering system. The dealership is estimating anywhere from $1200-$2000 to fix the issue. I purchased my highlander based on Toyota’s vehicle reliability ratings but I’m not so sure that I made the right decision. I’m unable to afford the cost for such a repair that technically should be a recall and I’m appalled at the fact that a recall hasn’t been issued as of yet. I would like to be a part of this class action lawsuit and in the mean time I pray for the safety of all who is dealing with this issue. Toyota…with all the money that you’re making it’s time that you step up and do what’s right to get this issue resolved before some is hurt all because you want to save money!
I have the same issues with my 2012 toyota camera. Now my car is to the point of it being non drivable bc my tires either do not turn with the steering of the car or it feels like something is going to snap under the car at any moment. When my lever for the tilt steering is unlocked the car drives almost normal but the moment its locked the tires shake everything under the hood sounds as if it will fall out from under the car. Sometimes I have to play with the tilt in order for it to make a turn. I know there is a major concern with the 2012 toyota camrys electrical steering issues. And other recalls with this year and model toyota. No mechanic seems to understand where my issues lie bc they dont see what is causing it but witnessed what I have been complaining about for two years. I was never able to enjoy my car or just go take a joy ride bc I’m to scared it will break and I cant afford the repairs nor to wreck it.
We purchased our 2013 Highlander brand new and with in a couple of year the clunk noise of the steering started, currently it only has 40,000 miles, well maintained and kept in the garage when not in use, the SUV looks like new, however Toyota corporate REFUSES to fix the problem, we made it clear that if ANYTHING happens to us while driving they will be held accountable!!! How can we join this lawsuit?
Same problem with my 2012 Highlander Limited. Got a quote to fix it for $2000.
2011 HiHy – same as the comments above – clunky steering, vibration at high speed – regardless of multiple tire changes, rotations, etc..k
Yes, currently have a problem with my 2008 steering shaft. Mechanic was unable to get the part and needs to contact the dealer for it. He said he’s never seen this part go bad before. Once I hit 65 the wheel starts shaking terribly. I also get the clunking when turning the wheel. I have no idea what the cost will be yet, but I have to fix it, too dangerous not to. Toyota needs to step up before people die.
I just had to drop nearly $3,000 to replace a bad intermediate steering shaft and motor. I really hope Toyota steps up and creates a recall, since so many people are reporting the same issue!
2013 Highlander makes the clunking sound when turning and steering wheel feels like it is has about an inch of play at lower speeds. Just talked with Toyota Customer Care at 1-800-331-4331. Very nice woman but I had to tell her about the bulletin. She then informed my my car is out of warranty. I knew that with 149K. She elevated to a Tier 2 with a 24 call back. I’m assuming it will be a super nice supervisor telling me the same thing. I asked for either the part shipped to me, Intermediate Steering Shaft, or the labor paid. Out of warranty or not, if the original part is defective, Toyota should fix it.