2012 Toyota Highlander Steering Problems
- 36
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 36 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- steering shaft · 17 records
- steering wheel · 17 records
- steering column · 9 records
- intermediate steering · 9 records
- turning steering · 8 records
- popping noise · 7 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 12 |
| 60–100k mi | 12 |
| 1–30k mi | 5 |
| 100–150k mi | 3 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Steering
While turning the wheel, there is a loud popping noise. The steering assembly also feels loose when turning. This happens at all speeds and whether turning left or right.
ODI 11240454
Steering
While turning steering column was making light clicking noise for a few years. In 2019 clicking rate and volume increased and was accompanied by a definite feel in the column. Resolution was replacing intermediate steering shaft at a cost of four hundred and forty four dollars.
ODI 11229870
Steering
My 2012 toyota highlander started making popping noises when turning right in june 2019, less than 100 thousand miles. This month october 2019, just rolled over to 100,000 and the popping has gotten worse(louder) and now pops when turning left and right. We never thought toyota would never stand behind a car with such a safety issue. Nothing has happened yet! But if something does, guaranteed my children will not…
ODI 11269462
Steering
Steering column making ticking sound. Took to a mechanic and he stated knuckle joint is bad. Happens when driving. Potentially could cause steering tofail
ODI 11228665
Steering
While operating the vehicle and traveling at less than 20 miles per hour, a popping noise was present when turning the steering wheel in either direction. I took it to a local mechanic and it was diagnosed as a intermediate steering shaft problem and was told it should be replaced. The problem was first detected at about 55,000 miles.
ODI 11205861
Steering · Suspension
For several months now i have been hearing a clucking noise when turning the steering wheel left or right and upon breaking a thud sound in the front of my car. After taking my car in to the dealership they came back and said that the noise was coming from the intermediate shaft. I asked well how do you damage a whole intermediate shaft? They said it occurs over a period of time. My vehicle has 92,000 miles on it…
ODI 11217145
Steering
Steering shaft- after experiencing clunking and popping when turning the wheel at low speeds the vehicle was inspected and found that this is a known issue with the steering shaft assembly. This will cost approximately 1000 dollars to fix. This can cause major safety issues if not fixed!
ODI 11186161
Steering
When turning the steering wheel on my 2012 toyota highlander i experience a "pop" in the steering wheel. My mechanic says this is a recurring problem with the intermediate steering shaft but is not warranted by toyota notwithstanding the fact it is a known and common problem with this year vehicle. If left unrepaired it could cause a significant safety problem.
ODI 11185735
Steering
Steering makes noise (clanks) under turning and acceleration. I spoke with toyota and there is a tsb for the steering column which has several reported failures and many complains. There is an ongoing nhtsa engineering investigation. Toyota dealership wants around $1000 to repair.
ODI 11174699
Steering
Hearing a noise when turning left or right at low speed. Started around when it was around 45000 miles but toyota dealership was unable to recognise it or reproduce it. Now at 63000 miles vehicle is out of warranty and service charge for replacing steering shaft is about $1000, which has to be serviced under warranty when the issue arised. This is a big severe failure on toyota saftey check and has to be recalled as…
ODI 11184305
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing steering failure. Freedom toyota of harrisburg ([redacted], harrisburg, pa 17112, [redacted]) was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While driving 20 mph, the intermediate shaft separated from the steering column. The vehicle was pulled over and towed back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The…
ODI 11163417
Steering
Making popping noise in steering wheel when turning. Took to dealership where i have it serviced and they informed me it was the steering shaft assembly. Which cost $273 dollars before labor. My understanding is that they have had problems with the 2008 to 2013 models. In my opinion this is a safety issue and should be covered by toyota.
ODI 11162957
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota highlander. While the contact was backing the vehicle out of the driveway, a popping noise was heard from the steering column. The noise occurred for at least six months and was becoming more frequent. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer (mcgeorge toyota, 9319 w broad street, henrico, va 23294) to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
ODI 11162516
Steering
When vehicle is being turned, specifically to the right, there is a popping and clunking noise coming from the steering column. When turning the vehicle, the steering wheel began to allow extra travel play which almost caused a crash. There is an existing technical service bulletin t-sb-0034-13 which outlines a replacement steering intermediate shaft.
ODI 11133146
Steering
CLUNKING WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL
ODI 11093446
Steering
Upon turning steering wheel, even slightly, an obvious "clunking" noise is heard and felt through the steering column. The mileage on the car was approximately 62k. At 70k i am having it repaired although i was told there wasn't a safety issue. The sound seems to have increased in the last 8k miles.
ODI 11204780
Steering
When driving, steering became difficult while turning. Heard a knock sound at various times. Took to dealer and was told that i needed to have the steering shaft replaced. The cost came to $540. The vehicle only had 70,000 miles. Based on other complaints i see online, it seems that this is a trend and should be a recall volunteered by toyota.
ODI 11115836
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota highlander. While operating the vehicle, a popping noise was present when turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (seeger toyota, [redacted], st. Louis, mo 63141). Where it was diagnosed that the steering intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but no solution was…
ODI 11074994
Steering
Have noise in steering shaft at low speed when turning and backing up and pulling forward . Toyota dealer checked at 50,000 mile while still under warranty and said they could not duplicate noise . When having oil change at 62000 miles mentioned it again to service man and was told it probably is the steering intermediate shaft they always go bad in that year and toyota will not replace unless i pay for it. Have…
ODI 11164109
Steering
When turning steering wheel left or right, clunking and popping noises are heard. Vibration and pulsing felt through steering wheel while turning. Informed dealer. They checked it and said it was the intermediate steering shaft. This happens while the vehicle is moving at any speed.
ODI 11164824
Steering
Very shortly after purchase it was immediately noticed that there was difficultly controlling the direction of the vehicle on acceleration. Later it appeared as if there was a high point in the steering. All four tires were changed at 32k miles and now there is a distinct clunk in the steering when turning or accelerating. The car was checked for alignment when the tires were changed. I received no report of…
ODI 10972155
Seats · Steering · Suspension
This vehicle presents a high noise bump when steering. The suspension front & back is terrible, causing interior rattles front and back.
ODI 11066446
Electrical System · Electronic Stability Control · Steering
While driving at highway speeds and exiting a highway, approximately 50 mph, the steering wheel locked up, dashboard flickered, and engine died. The red steering wheel warning light came on briefly, but the wheel could not be turned for several seconds. This happened 3 times in the period of a few minutes. Battery & alternator were tested - no malfunction.
ODI 10960048
Steering
Wife was in parking lot after school activity. Went to turn car out of parking spot, was not able to and hit a pole. Steering wheel turned but wheels did not. Towed vehicle to andy mohr toyota avon. Advised that rack was sheered. Never seen anything like it the two years service writer had been working there. There was no accident prior that would of caused problem. Also dealer indicates steering wire is also…
Crash reported
ODI 10959521
Horn · Steering
2012 toyota highlander. Consumer writes in regards to intermediate steering shaft failure and horn cable failure. *ld the consumer stated there should be a recall for these failures and to be reimbursed. The vehicle was repaired. *js
ODI 11066232