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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
2008 Hybrid Limited owner here. I have owned the car for 2 years and have replaced the intermediate shaft last year out of my own pocket using Toyota Dealership. Records exists in Toyota as well as physical receipt.
I would not have purchased if I knew the issue would take my attention from road, as it felt very unsafe.
2012 Toyota Highlander Base (V6) front wheel drive. I also have the knocking sounds when turning the wheel from left to right. Had it “unofficially” looked at by a Toyota service advisor, he thought it may be the steering links, but after reading the TSB, it’s probably the Intermediate steering shaft. Planning to take it in to a reputable dealership, since the one I previously went to did some shady things ( causing a loss of trust). This is really frustrating when the manufacturer refuses to issue a recall for a safety issue such as this. I would be willing to cover half the cost, but to allow these corrupt dealerships to price gouge customers on repairs that look like manufacturing defects? Sounds like they are in this scheme together. Losing my faith in Toyota overall. My next purchase might be another Honda, at least they issued Recalls for manufacturing defect items that can cause a fatal crash. I am going to make sure the work order clearly states my concern, and the invoice clearly states their response to it. Let them try to tell me “nothing is wrong with my car”. So tired of being lied to and scammed about the reliability/safety of my vehicle. Greed is taking over this world.
I have a 2013 Highlander that I bought used 6 years. Within a year it started making the same clunking noise when turning. The steering wheel also rattles when going over bumps. I had it looked at 4 years ago and Toyota said they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. To this day it still rattles.
2010 Highlander has been making that clunking noise for years!!! How do I get Toyota to fix it without it coming out of my pocket? Clearly this is way too common!
I have a 2012 Highlander that has had the same issue (clunking) for as long as I can remember. Was looking into replacing the steering shaft when I came across this link. What are the chances that this issue will be recalled or owners will be fully reimbursed if they have the issue repaired?
Yes, hello I currently own a 2012 Toyota Highlander limited edition V6 3.5l 2grfe. Currently at 180,000 miles on the dash and yes their is electric power steering complications. (Eps) light goes on and in some cases total loss of steering occurs. Steering is difficult on occasion and their is trouble turning the wheel. I have more information concerning safety on these vehicles as well as video and audio recordings of Toyota dealership denying potential issues that have been discussed and are related to public safety. Please feel free to contact me via email if anyone is interested in learning more of what I’ve uncovered about these vehicles.
My 2008 Toyota Highlander has the same issue. Will this be recalled or any help with repair costs?
My 2011 Lexus RX 350 (Toyota Highlander platform} has an awful steering column noise that is totally unacceptable. Dealer can fix it for some over $3000.00. That also is unnacceptable. I am very unhappy owner of a lexus vehicle.
Having the same clunking issue on my 2010 Highlander. Is this a recall yet?
Same concern on my 2013 Hylander Hybrid. Toyota Canada needs to do a recall on this. Trading vehicle in as another concern is rattle type noise when cold from left side of engine.