2014 Toyota Venza Steering Problems

While stopped at a traffic light, your steering wheel tightened and then lost all power assist when you tried to turn left. You had to manually force the wheel with extreme effort and drifted across the road with minimal control before safely pulling off. The power steering warning light illuminated, but the steering worked normally after you restarted the engine. The problem recurred on a later date, and you suspect it may be related to a Toyota safety recall for electric power steering control units, though your vehicle isn't on the recall list. The repair shop has not yet diagnosed the issue. A repair will likely involve inspection and possible replacement of the power steering control unit or related electrical components.

Your steering column started making popping or clunking sounds around 125,000 miles, which became very loud at highway speeds (70-80 mph) and caused the steering wheel to shake and pull to the left. The dealer found that a worn $15 bushing/damper in the power steering system was allowing the motor to vibrate excessively, affecting wheel alignment and causing a slow power steering fluid leak. Fixing this issue requires replacing the entire steering column since the bushing cannot be accessed separately.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT OFFER A REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,200.