TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?Various Bluetooth® Audio functions are no longer functioning with customer?s phone such as ability to change the track using the steering wheel controls. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone, or if they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Toyota Highlander steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Toyota Highlander have filed 47 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 68,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
47
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Highlander | 40 |
| 2009 Highlander | 11 |
| 2010 Highlander | 23 |
| 2011 Highlander | 33 |
| 2012 Highlander (this page) | 47 |
| 2013 Highlander | 46 |
| 2014 Highlander | 4 |
| 2015 Highlander | 25 |
| 2016 Highlander | 6 |
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 47 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Toyota Highlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 17 model years of Toyota Highlander we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 47.
Owners have filed 47 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ? Various Bluetooth® Audio functions are no longer functioning with customer?s phone such as ability to change the track using the steering wheel controls. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone, or if they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: 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 clunk, pop, or knock-type noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. A new intermediate shaft has been developed to address this condition. Use the following repair procedure to remove and replace the steering intermediate shaft.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TOYOTA: THERE IS A WHINING NOISE WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ABOVE 35 MPH, FROM FINAL DRIVE GEAR ASSEMBLY AND A REPAIR PROCEDURE HAS AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. MODEL 2008-2013 HIGHLANDER.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2012 Toyota Highlanders report a clear pattern of intermediate steering shaft failure. The problem typically surfaces between 40,000 and 63,000 miles as a clunking, popping, or clicking noise when turning the wheel slowly, though it can occur at any speed. The noise worsens over weeks or months, and steering may feel loose or have extra play. Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0034-13 acknowledging the defect; dealerships replace the intermediate shaft (parts 45220-48170 or updated 45220-48171) at a cost of $273 to $1,000-plus, but only under the factory warranty. Out of warranty, owners pay full freight.
More concerning are reports of outright steering failure: one owner's steering wheel locked at highway speed while the dashboard flickered and engine stalled briefly; another reported the intermediate shaft separating from the column at 20 mph, causing complete loss of steering response during a parking maneuver that resulted in a collision. A third case describes a sheared steering rack that "never been seen" by the service technician in two years. One owner reports the shaft failed three times over nine years. Despite these documented failures and an ongoing NHTSA engineering investigation, Toyota has not issued a recall. Owners consistently express frustration that a known, recurring defect affecting multiple model years remains uncovered by warranty once the three-year period expires.
Same Toyota Highlander steering reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Intermediate Steering Shaft Wear / Play
The intermediate steering shaft develops internal wear, excessive play, or wear in universal joints, producing clunking, popping, or clicking noises when turning the steering wheel. Dealers diagnose this as worn or failed intermediate steering shaft requiring replacement. The failure mode is mechanical wear over time, not due to owner neglect or driving conditions.
When: Begins 40,000–63,000 miles; worsens over following months to years. Some owners report noise from day one or within the first 3 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking, popping, or clicking noise from steering column when turning wheel left or right; Noise occurs at low speeds (under 20 mph) and can occur at highway speeds or while stationary; Noise may be accompanied by vibration or pulsing felt through steering wheel; Steering wheel may feel loose or have increased play
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of intermediate steering shaft (part numbers 45220-48170 or newer design 45220-48171) costs $273–$1,000+ depending on dealer and whether alignment is needed. Repair typically takes place at Toyota dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0034-13 issued by Toyota acknowledging the problem. Some replacements covered under factory warranty (3 years / 36,000 miles); repairs beyond warranty require owner payment. Toyota has not issued a factory recall. Intermediate shaft replaced again at least once in some cases with recurrence.
Steering Column Seizure / Lock-Up
Steering wheel locks or seizes, preventing normal turning operation. In one case, the owner had to retract the steering wheel quickly to release it. In another case, steering wheel locked at highway speeds, dashboard flickered, and engine died briefly with red steering warning light illuminating.
When: One case at 150,000 miles; one case at 62,000 miles; one case during highway operation at 50 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or seizes during turning maneuver; Steering wheel becomes immovable for several seconds despite driver input; Dashboard flickering and engine stall (in one case); Red steering wheel warning light on dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed as steering column failure. Vehicle towed; no repairs completed in narratives provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; referred to dealer for service.
Steering Rack Shear / Intermediate Shaft Separation
Steering rack shears or intermediate shaft separates from steering column during normal operation, causing complete loss of steering control. One owner attempted to turn out of a parking spot and wheels did not respond to steering input, resulting in collision. Another owner reports intermediate shaft separated from steering column while driving at 20 mph.
When: Intermediate shaft separation at 62,000 miles. Rack shear event no prior accident history.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel turns but wheels do not respond; Complete loss of steering control during normal driving or parking maneuver; Loud popping noise from steering column (may precede full failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Intermediate shaft separation and steering rack shear both identified by dealers. Rack shear was described as 'never seen anything like it' by service writer; steering wire also damaged.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; vehicle towed and referred to dealer.
Steering Shaft Assembly Noise with Excessive Play / Looseness
Clunking or knocking noise develops in steering shaft assembly, and steering wheel exhibits increased play or looseness when turning. One owner reports steering wheel feeling like it wants to come off.
When: Begins around 45,000–62,000 miles and worsens over time (progressing from subtle to pronounced over weeks to years).
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking, knocking, or clanking sound from steering column; Sound occurs when turning wheel left or right at any speed; Steering wheel feels loose or has excessive play when turning; Sensation that steering assembly is about to disconnect
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of steering shaft assembly; costs $451–$600+ parts and labor. Multiple replacements may be necessary in same vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No factory recall issued despite acknowledged TSB and ongoing NHTSA engineering investigation. Toyota refuses to cover repairs beyond factory warranty period.
Steering System Noise with Brake Feedback (ABS Interaction)
Hard braking at highway speeds triggers vibration and noise in steering system, with ABS pads creating intermittent pressure against discs. Vibration felt at steering wheel gives false impression of front wheel separation or imminent structural failure.
When: Discovered during hard braking maneuver at high speed in vehicle with prior intermediate shaft issues.
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration felt through steering wheel during hard braking; Very noisy ABS pulsing / brake pad chatter; Visual appearance of wheels coming apart (vibration-induced illusion)
Repairs/costs cited: Intermediate steering shaft (part 45220-48171) replaced due to safety concern.
Synthesized from 47 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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…
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, (717) 545-4726) 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…
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.
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…
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 ?
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Toyota Highlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 47 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 39 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 50,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Toyota/Highlander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.