general problems of the 2012 Toyota Highlander

24 problems related to steering have been reported for the 2012 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2012 Highlander.

1 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/09/2021

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. . Read more...

2 Steering problem

Failure Date: 07/16/2020

When turning the steering wheel to the left or right a popping noise occurs at low speed.

3 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/24/2019

Noticed a subtle knocking sound on the steering wheel one year ago. Today it became more pronounced ,louder , as I turn the wheel either left or right. I wanted to know if there is a recall on this problem. And is it safe to drive my Highlander ?.

4 Steering problem

Failure Date: 07/12/2019

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.

5 Steering problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2019

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. .

6 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/06/2019

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.

7 Steering problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2019

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!.

8 Steering problem

Failure Date: 03/04/2019

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.

9 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2019

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 more and more customers have the same issue.

10 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2019

Steering wheel is clunking when turning left or right. See a lot of problems with this on the internet. Noise definitely coming from the steering wheel assembly.

11 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2018

Clunking when turning the wheel.

12 Steering problem

Failure Date: 03/22/2018

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.

13 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2017

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.

14 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/12/2017

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.

15 Steering problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2017

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.

16 Steering problem

Failure Date: 03/06/2017

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.

17 Steering problem

Failure Date: 07/06/2016

Intermediate steering shaft 45220-48171 had to be replaced. At high rate of speed I had to brake hard, then the abs intermittently pushed the pads against the discs creating vibration that was felt at the steering wheel very noisy and shake like looked like my Highlander front wheels came apart . Then I knew the vehicle must be repaired immediately due safety problem.

18 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2016

Clunking in steering at slow speed when making sharp left or right turns. Diagnosed as intermediate steering shaft needing replacement. Repaired at Toyota dealership.

19 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/05/2015

Klunk sound and feeling in steering wheel started around 48000 mile at 51000 told by dealer the intermediate steering shaft needed replacing. This seems to be and on going problem with Toyota cars.

20 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/21/2014

The vehicle developed a clicking feel in the steering system about a year and 9 months from manufacture date. Toyota dealership diagnosed problem as a failed intermediate steering shaft and recommend indicate replacement . I contacted Toyota as I feel repair should be covered by company due to nature of failure and age of vehicle. They have not offered anything in way if assistance and have no recall pending even though this seems to be a serious problem across the whole Toyota vehicle line up.

21 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2014

I purchased this car brand new, I've been the only owner/driver. With in the 3rd year of having this car, I start to hear a ( clanking) noise. The first thing that I thought was , that it was the cv joints. I realize that I was close to the 36,000 miles. I took it to the dealer, they checked it and they said they couldn't find anything, but that they would change the cv joints since it was still under warranty. Eventhough they did make change, I can still hear the noise when I turn either right or left on the steering wheel. I went back and still they couldn't find anything wrong. I took it to another mechanic and they said it was the shaft. I went to the dealer and they said they couldn't find anything , so I would have to pay out of pocket. Till this day I still hear the clanking noise.

22 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/07/2013

Popping noise from the intermedia shaft.

23 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/07/2013

Repeated popping noise from intermedia shaft. Star Toyota service replaced the intermedia shaft under the warranty with old design part#45220-48170 back in oct. 2013. The problem resurfaced after 3 year, oct. 2016. There was a new design from Toyota, part#45220-48171 in 2013. Toyota refused to repair this with warranty. Toyota issued t-sb-0034-13. This issue should be a recall as the intermedia shaft could cause the vehicle to loss control.

24 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2013

Tl- the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the rear of the vehicle began swaying. The contact was unable to control the steering wheel and crashed into a billboard. There were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000. Kmj.



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