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What steering problems are Toyota vehicles being recalled for?
Toyota's steering recalls split into three recurring stories. Full-size trucks lead: 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia power steering gear assemblies built incorrectly can leak oil and cost you power assist, covered once for the vehicles and again for JTEKT replacement gear service parts. Next is the spiral cable in the steering wheel, where a failed electrical connection disables the driver's airbag on 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Highlander and Tacoma — and a 2025 recall repeats it for vehicles repaired incorrectly the first time. Then come one-off defects: a cracked intermediate shaft that can detach on 2023-2024 Corolla, water entering the 2019-2020 RAV4 electric steering gear box, a Supra tie rod, converted Sienna steering shaft extensions, and untightened 4Runner fasteners.
Warning signs to watch for
- Steering that suddenly takes much more effort, especially at low speed or when parking
- Oil leaking from the power steering gear on a Tundra or Sequoia
- Clunking, play or looseness in the steering or front suspension
- Handling that feels off or vague, as with the Supra tie rod damaged by heat and rough roads
- With the spiral cable recalls the vehicle drives completely normally, so you may notice nothing at all
Is it safe to keep driving?
No steering recall in this group tells owners to stop driving or park outside, and no park-it order has been issued even for the most serious. That said, the 2023-2024 Corolla intermediate shaft can fracture and detach from the steering column, which is a repair to get done immediately rather than at your convenience. The Supra tie rod and the converted Sienna shaft extensions carry the same urgency. The Tundra and Sequoia gear leaks, RAV4 water intrusion, 4Runner fasteners and the airbag spiral cable recalls are acceptable to drive with while you schedule.
What the free repair involves
All work is free. Dealers replace the intermediate steering shaft on Corolla, inspect and replace the Tundra and Sequoia power steering gear assembly, replace the RAV4 power steering gear box, replace the Supra steering gear tie rods, and inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly if necessary. Southeast Toyota inspects and re-tightens 4Runner steering and suspension fasteners; Braun replaces Sienna steering shaft extensions. No over-the-air fixes here.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 2 |
| high | 6 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-29 | Toyota and Lexus vehicles may have disabled driver's airbag | high |
| 2024-11-21 | Toyota Corolla steering shaft can crack and break apart | critical |
| 2023-07-12 | Toyota and Lexus steering wiring can disable driver's airbag | high |
| 2021-12-23 | Toyota Tundra and Sequoia steering part can leak fluid | critical |
| 2021-11-23 | Toyota Tundra and Sequoia may lose power steering assist | high |
| 2020-06-24 | Toyota RAV4 may lose power steering assist suddenly | medium |
| 2020-06-15 | BMW and Toyota Supra steering tie rod can break | high |
| 2019-09-20 | Toyota 4Runner steering and suspension bolts may be loose | high |
| 2019-07-16 | Modified Toyota Sienna steering extensions may crack and break | high |
Common questions
My Corolla was recalled for the steering shaft — can I wait?
Don't. The intermediate shaft on 2023-2024 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid can crack and fracture, possibly detaching from the steering column. Toyota has not ordered owners to park the car, but this is a repair to book immediately.
I already had the spiral cable recall done — why another letter?
The January 2025 recall covers vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 23V-480. Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly again, free, because a bad connection can leave the driver's airbag unable to protect you.
Why are Tundra and Sequoia listed twice for power steering?
One recall covers the vehicles themselves — 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia with incorrectly manufactured gear assemblies that can leak oil. The other covers JTEKT replacement power steering gear service parts with the same defect. Dealers inspect and replace either way.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.