2012 Toyota Highlander: Steering complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Highlander that list the steering component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11420336 (filed 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.pdf https://www.carcomplaints.com/toyota/highlander/2013/steering/steering.shtml nhtsa action number: ea18006 https://www.co…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11398404 (filed 03/01/2021): “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…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11365057 (filed 10/18/2020): “Crunch noise in the steering column when making turns.…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Electric power steering faults typically need module diagnosis with a scan tool and calibration. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .