2012 Toyota Highlander Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 46 steering complaints for the 2012 Toyota Highlander, 25% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 68,000 miles. Two crashes and no fires or injuries are linked to this category, and there is no related steering recall for this model year.
- Steering complaints
- 46
- 25% of 182
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 68,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners describe a popping or clunking noise from the steering column or intermediate shaft when turning left or right, especially at low speed or when backing up.
- Several report the noise recurring or worsening over months, with some describing it as a repeat failure of the intermediate steering shaft.
- One owner reported the steering wheel turned but the wheels did not respond, tracing to a sheared steering rack, which led to a crash into a pole.
- One owner described losing control of the steering wheel at highway speed after the rear of the vehicle began swaying, resulting in a crash.
- A separate report described the steering wheel locking up for several seconds at highway speed along with a dashboard flicker and the engine dying.
When 2012 Toyota Highlander steering complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 12, 2013, latest Jun 9, 2021.
Steering recalls for the 2012 Toyota Highlander
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Steering complaints by Highlander model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are steering complaints on the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA lists 46 steering complaints for the 2012 Highlander, which is 25% of the 182 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
- No. The data shows no related recalls listed for steering on the 2012 Toyota Highlander.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2012 Highlander is 68,000 miles.
- Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data links 2 crashes to steering complaints on the 2012 Highlander, with no fires and no injuries reported.
- What steering symptoms do owners report most?
- Owners most often describe a popping or clunking noise from the steering column or intermediate shaft when turning at low speed, sometimes worsening over time.