10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 57,947 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
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$. I head there was a defect in the steering column which Toyota knows about, but has not done anything to recall and fix the problem.
- Queens Village, NY, USA
Crunch noise in the steering column when making turns.
- Jersey City, NJ, USA
It makes a loud clicking noise when you steer at all times
- Floral Park, NY, USA
Steering shaft clunking noise when turn left or right at low speed. Confirmed steering intermediate shaft failure by ira Toyota technician on 7/31/2020. This is 3rd times failure. 1st failure was Jan/2012 and 2nd time failure was 11/2013.
- Andover, MA, USA
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.
- Butler, PA, USA
When turning the steering wheel to the left or right a popping noise occurs at low speed.
- Creedmoor, NC, USA
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.
- Carolina Shores, NC, USA
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 ?
- Loma Linda, CA, USA
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.
- Long Beach, CA, USA
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..
- Lenoir City, TN, USA
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.
- Sylvania, GA, USA
While turning steering column was making light clicking noise for a few years. In 2019 clicking rate and volume increased and was accompanied by a definite feel in the column. Resolution was replacing intermediate steering shaft at a cost of four hundred and forty four dollars.
- Jacksonville, FL, USA
Steering column making ticking sound. Took to a mechanic and he stated knuckle joint is bad. Happens when driving. Potentially could cause steering tofail
- Martinez, GA, USA
For several months now I have been hearing a clucking noise when turning the steering wheel left or right and upon breaking a thud sound in the front of my car. After taking my car in to the dealership they came back and said that the noise was coming from the intermediate shaft. I asked well how do you damage a whole intermediate shaft? they said it occurs over a period of time. My vehicle has 92,000 miles on it but its been maintained and serviced and not driven roughly but to make a long story short they said it would cost me about $615 to have the vehicle repaired plus an additional $89.95 for the alignment. This appears to be a manufacture issue and needs to have a recall. I'm very disappointed in Toyota since they pride themselves as being one of the leading auto makers around the world.
- Cypress, TX, USA
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.
- Granite Bay, CA, USA
Upon turning steering wheel, even slightly, an obvious "clunking" noise is heard and felt through the steering column. The mileage on the car was approximately 62K. At 70K I am having it repaired although I was told there wasn't a safety issue. The sound seems to have increased in the last 8K miles.
- Canton, GA, USA
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.
- Miami, FL, USA
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!
- Inver Grove Heights, MN, USA
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.
- Nokesville, VA, USA
- Santa Rosa Beach, FL, USA