2012 Toyota Highlander Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 25%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Toyota Highlander, 25% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Had to install a new steering shaft assembly at the 5th yr inspection. The warranty was up, had to pay $451.82 myself. Problem and noise from day one. Told I could have been in an accident from it. This was on 3/29/2017 at diehl automotive in butler, pa. Always clanked when turning wheel, loud noise. 1st time it was brought to my attention. Many others out there same way.”
NHTSA complaint #11340674, filed 2020-07, 77,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11185735, filed 2019-03, 68,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11115836, filed 2018-08, 70,023 miles“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 $273 dollars before labor. My understanding is that they have had problems with the 2008 to 2013 models. In my opinion this is a safety issue and should be covered by Toyota.”
NHTSA complaint #11162957, filed 2018-12, 99,000 miles“When I drive the vehicle you can hear a clunking sound in the steering column. It happens at low and high speeds. When make a turn right, or left you hear clunking is the steering column. It feels like the steering wants to come off, took it to the dealer and they state to fix it will cost over 1000$. I head there was a defect in the steering column which Toyota knows about, but has not done anything to recall and fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11398404, filed 2021-03, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10182983Oct 12, 2020TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
- 10168537Oct 21, 2019TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
- 10142508Apr 26, 2017TSB: REVISION NOTICE: April 26, 2017 Rev1: G361 ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Some 2008 ? 2013 model year Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles may exhibit a…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 10% |
| 2023 | 2 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 9 | 2% |
| 2020 | 6 | 2% |
| 2019 | 8 | 2% |
| 2018 | 10 | 4% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 5% |
| 2015 | 25 | 13% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 46 | 22% |
| 2012 | 46 | 25% |
| 2011 | 34 | 19% |
| 2010 | 21 | 10% |
| 2009 | 11 | 8% |
| 2008 | 40 | 10% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 16 | 6% |
| 2005 | 26 | 12% |
| 2004 | 35 | 12% |
| 2003 | 6 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Toyota Highlander
29 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology