Defective intermediate steering shaft. clunking, etc. seems dangerous, no recall.... this is one complaint to add to the numerous others. toyota, when are you going to do something about this?
Very common problem is being reported in all of the highlanders of 2008 forward. at low mileage, the steering column has a bearing in it called a stub shaft but apparently gets loose leaving to a clunk and looseness in the steering. it is so common that our dealer has to keep multiple replacement parts in stock. people are reporting this within the 36,000 mile warranty, my car began to do it at about 60,000 miles. it is a $700 repair. loss of control of the vehicle is possible.