that sounds to me like a high current draw on the electric steering pump is dropping your voltage low and making the radio cut off. I would have a good diagnostic ran on your battery and alternator - probably one or both are not doing their job. If they test out good, then it could be the power steering motor itself.

 

Start by cleaning your battery terminals, then see how it responds.

 

Indeed, always a prudent easy and cheap step to do when dealing with possible electrical issues... Visual inspection of the terminals can tell a lot about connection quality and proper maintenance. So many of my friends cars have battery terminals that look like have 1/2 inch of white mold growing on them - not what you want to see.

 

Check battery and charging system condition. Modern cars require constant full electrical power.

 

Anyone find a solution to this? I have a 2012 with the same issue. New battery and new oem alternator didnt help. Also replaced both battery terminals and cleaned up grounds.

 

I have a 2015 highlander with 122,000 miles on it. Took it to the dealership January 2024 - they were unable to locate the issue. Battery was replaced, alternator was not replaced, as it is still in great condition. Something was draining the battery, and it might be a sensor in the door, which can drain the battery, along with causing the vehicle to cut off along with the radio. This was told to be by a friend who works for another car company. We shall see tomorrow, as I will be driving it to work for the first time since Oct 2024. Happy New Year. Hope we can find a solution for our cars soon. If this happens 1 more time, I am trading my vehicle in since it is paid off and getting something new.

 

Did you every get this fixed?
I have same problem, see my thread 06/20/25.