Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Toyota Highlander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Popping and clunking sound in steering or suspension. Can be produced at speeds and at stand still. Could it be this? https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/SB-10075792-2280.pdf https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Highlander/2013/steering/steering.shtml NHTSA Action Number: EA18006 https://www.consumerclasslawyersblog.com/snap-crackle-pop-intermediate-shaft-noise-coming-from-toyota-highlanders/
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 damaged. Lucky wife was not on interstate or other highway, accident could of been catastrophic.
At 40,000 miles I noticed for the first time a clunking noise in the steering column when I turned the steering wheel right or left while at a slow speed. Over the next few weeks it worsened. I looked up the issue on the internet and found dozen of similar occurrences in this same model with vehicle owners reporting having to replace the steering shaft. Sometimes if left long enough, I read that this has lead to steering failure. I took the Highlander to my dealer today who determined the steering shaft required replacement which will cost around $600. This to me is a safety issue because who knows what would have happened if I had let this go. I have maintained this car exactly as recommended in the owners manual. This does not seem like this is normal wear and tear. I have owned over a dozen vehicles in the last 40 years and have never experienced a problem with the steering shaft. …
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 been in touch with Toyota directly and they had the dealer calkl me twice to set up appointment to look at the car. When I was told that I would have to pay a diagnostic fee to see what is wrong and would have to pay for any repairs ,I declined ,was told then they were going to get back to Toyota factory representative , this was the week of 12/10 2018
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 suspension or tie rod problems. Clunk became more audible. My research indicates that this is a problem with the intermediate steering shaft. Toyota should recall and fix the problem. This car was bought new and a problem was evident very early. Current mileage less than 33K.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. When the contact attempted to turn the vehicle to the left or right, the steering wheel seized. In order to release the steering wheel, the contact had to retract the steering wheel quickly to the point that it would seize. The contact took the vehicle to west coast Toyota (located at 3399 w. Willow st, long beach, ca 90806) where it was diagnosed that the steering column failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. The VIN was unknown.
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 repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,987. Consumer stated noise was diagnosed as intermediate steering shaft. Vehicle was repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing steering failure. Freedom Toyota of harrisburg (6060 allentown blvd, harrisburg, pa 17112, [phone]) 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 manufacturer had been contacted. The failure mileage was 62,000.
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, 12833 olive st, 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 offered. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 55,000.
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 stop until something has appropriately been done..
NHTSA investigations
Upper Steering Column Separation
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion.
Steering Column Separation
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism.
Steering complaints in other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Toyota Highlander, 25% of the model year's 182 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Toyota Highlander steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2012 Toyota Highlander, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Highlander steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.