Power steering incident

Thank you for allowing me to be part of the forum.
Felt compelled to advise anyone with a 21 Tundra to get their power steering inspected (not sure if it would reveal anything) or stay alert that they are going out. My 2021 Tundra with 3k went out a couple days ago as I was entering a highway. Next thing I knew the steering wheel had a mind of its own and took me and the truck straight across 2 lanes (thank god no one was there) heading towards the median. I was able to avoid the cement dividers and sat awhile on the shoulder. Needless to say I had to regroup. Currently Toyota doesn’t have a fix and I’m told buy the dealer that they will be keeping my truck until Toyota has developed a solution. “Could be weeks” I was told. I understand the situation I’m posting to give a heads-up to any other Tundra owners.
21TRD

 

Scary stuff. I'm glad you are ok.

 

There’s a recall for it. A couple of others have posted that theirs went out and some said the same about no fix yet.

 

Thank you it was quite the surprise.

 

I wonder how long it takes Toyota to fix. I want my truck back. Lol

 

Glad you are OK. There's much concern here on the forum over some of us driving the ticking time bomb. Me included. Although only one out of four of the racks produced during the recall period has a lit fuse there so far hasn't been a way to tell of our racks are fine or one of the unlucky 25%.
In order to help us know what to avoid doing, can to elaborate more on the circumstances when yours failed? E.G, sharp turn to the right or left, turning the steering wheel while stopped or slight turn on an entrance ramp.

I'm a 1,000 miles from home living out of a travel trailer for the winter and darn sure want to be extra careful with mine until this issue gets resolved.

 

I do not know the specifics of this recall. Can Toyota just go back to sourcing racks from older Tundras? I don't think this issue affected older Tundras.

 

Hello, in regards to my situation I was accelerating on an entry ramp I’m guessing I was traveling at 55/60 mph and I was pulling my steering wheel to the right just prior to the hwy. it was then it felt as someone stronger than me pulled my steering wheel left causing my wheels to straighten. As a result and before I wrapped my mind on what was happening I had crossed one lane and as I entered the next lane I realized it was my steering and I turned the wheel hard to the right to avoid the median blocks all while braking and looking for any incoming vehicle’s. Happened quick. I’m not sure what problem Toyota is having but something let loose quickly. No noise, no leaking fluid prior and no subtle warnings. At the time I wasn’t aware of the recall I had thought I hit something on the ramp. Hopefully this helps.

 

Hello ZPhilip
I asked the dealership the same question. They replied “because it in a safety recall status they have to get directions from Toyota “
I can understand their situation. Doesn’t mean I like it.

 

Wow, glad you recovered safely! Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! I hope Toyota finds a solution quickly. Before anyone (else?) gets hurt. Not sure if anyone has been injured due to this but there seem to have been a lot of close calls.

 

This is scary since Toyota seems to be downplaying this recall by mentioning slow speeds making one think it happens while parking.

 

Do we know which dates are affected?

 

Yes, the recall states it. IIRC it spanned all 2021 Tundras with build dates between late July 21 and mid October. There are multiple threads here discussing it in greater detail with links to websites that will verify by VIN.

 

Glad to hear y’all did not get hurt! Wish they would get on the ball. And then my service guy told me they have to dismantle the front underneath to replace the part/s on recall. I don’t like that at all! But what can you do!!

 

I believe the Toyota manual actually says to pull the engine, but most techs just remove the front drive shaft and some other parts to get to it. One member on here replaced his on a trail if I remember right.

There’s a huge thread about steering rack issues prior to this recall. Mine went out on my 2010 while turning around in a mall parking lot.

 

So disappointed. I should have kept my 2014 Tundra with 114k
Never had problems

 

Maybe on the 4x4 but not two wheel drives. I never had a problem with any of my other Tundras and never heard of them having any troubles. I was told the van/sienna (which is on the recall list too) is worse than a tundra to replace the steering assembly. 10 to 12 hour job? WOW!

 

Here’s the thread. Certain revisions had issues both 2wd and 4wd.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/the...olutions-updated-10-2020-in-first-post.33539/

 

I have a 21 which has the recall too. I’m just under 2000 miles and no issues to date (knock on wood) I don’t understand why Toyota is saying they don’t have a fix. Replace the steering rack with a new one! I love my Tundra and don’t plan to let it go, however if it becomes problematic due to this Recall I will be talking to Toyota about my states lemon law. Most states including mine state If the vehicle is in the shop for 30 days or more (doesn’t have to be consecutive) it falls under the lemon law. I know Toyota doesn’t want to pay for these repairs let alone twice, but they better get with the program fast.

 

Yikes! WTF is wrong with a little redundancy in critical components? Say primary and secondary seal. Also wouldn't hurt to have a third party random QC program to catch this stuff. Somebody may be at a red light in a Civic with nowhere to go and take a Tundra to the drivers door as it tries to turn right coming down a ramp and suffers a p/s loss. Just don't make sense to let it ride.

 

Someone just made a post about this. He was getting on the highway when he lost steering. He went across 2 lanes of traffic and almost hit the concrete barriers. This issue could result in major injuries or death, and to date I still have not received any notice from Toyota but according to my research my VIN is included in the Recall.

 

That is THIS THREAD, isn’t it? Or was there another?

 

Lol, you’re right. Wasn’t paying attention to what post I was replying to.