Complaint 2256678

Complaint Summary

WHEELS

Owner Narrative

I experienced a serious safety incident involving my 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander with approximately 14,000 miles. While driving on a straight interstate highway at approximately 70 mph, surrounded by other vehicles, the steering wheel suddenly made two to three sharp, forceful jerking movements to the left. Afterward, the steering wheel remained approximately 20 degrees off-center to the left. All lane departure assistance sensors were active during the incident. This unexpected steering behavior created a significant safety hazard. At highway speed, I could have lost control of the vehicle, departed my lane, or collided with surrounding traffic. I was able to reach my destination, but the steering wheel remained crooked. Immediately afterward, I took the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership for inspection and repair. The technician reported that the left rear wheel was significantly out of alignment and that the left rear alignment eccentric lock nut was loose. According to the technician, this caused excessive wear on the inside tread of the left rear tire. The dealership also performed a vehicle health check to identify any system faults. My vehicle has always been serviced by authorized Toyota dealerships. At the last service appointment, at approximately 10,000 miles, no related problems were identified. The technician confirmed that no alignment-related work had been performed during that visit. The vehicle had no previous similar issues. I am concerned that the loose alignment eccentric lock nut and resulting severe misalignment may indicate a mechanical defect that could compromise vehicle stability and steering safety. The sudden steering movements at highway speed presented a serious risk to me, my passengers, and other motorists. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this incident and determine whether a safety defect exists in the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander involving the rear suspension alignment component, eccentric locking, sensors.

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.