Truck Will not Start

my brother just recently acquired an 08 Tacoma single cab 4x4 with the 2.7 and a 5 speed. he is currently as we speak driving across the country he came to see the famiily in Pittsbugh, PA and is now heading back to JAckson, Wy. so here is the deal. after he stops to get gas, take a break, get a drink or whatever the truck will not start. he has to turn the steering wheel very hard to the left to get it to start. if he does not do this it will not turn over, all the lights will light up on the dash but it will not crank. any ideas what is going on?