2012 Toyota Sienna: clunking or noise when steering

5 of the 247 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Sienna describe clunking or noise when steering.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Clunking or noise when steering by model year

2015
2
2013
3
2012
5
2011
1
2010
1
2008
5
2007
2
2006
2
2005
4
2004
5
2000
1
1999
1
1998
2

What owners say

Filed Dec 31, 2019 · Steering · 95,000 miles · IL

2012 toyota sienna developed a "clunk" in steering system while turning from a stopped position. The clunk can be felt through both the steering wheel and floor. This is caused by a well-known safety problem toyota has had with several other models including rav4, highlander, and camry (some of which had recalls). Toyota is pushing the cost of their mistakes on its customers. This is an ongoing problem, along with others, with toyota.

Filed Jan 29, 2018 · Steering · 80,000 miles · MO

Steering knock is experienced at speeds of approximately 35mph and less whenever steering left or right. This condition was first noticed at approximately 80k miles and has gotten worse over the next 50k miles. The knock is not only felt in the steering wheel, but it has become an audible noise as well. I've read several complaints where dealers have fixed this known problem, however I haven't seen any recalls on this or any information from toyota stating that this is a known condition and is safe to continue operation. Until toyota acknowledges this as a known problem and determines whether or not it is a safety issue, then I'll continue to operate my 2012 sienna with the understanding that it is safe to operate and just put up with the knock. It would certainly be great if toyota would at least put its customer's mind at ease by at least making a statement about the condition and whether it is safe to continue operation of vehicles with this condition.

Filed Jan 6, 2018 · Steering · 50,000 miles · NC

The vehicle made thumping / popping noise when turning steering - mostly turning left, but not exclusive to left turns. The sound was recognizable more during lower speeds, and less noticeable at higher speeds. This went on for a couple of months, and fearing safety issues and loss of steering, I got it fixed at the dealership. The dealership replaced the steering mid-shaft and had to perform the alignment at a cost of approx $650. It has been 3 weeks since, and the issue has not occurred again.

Filed Sep 15, 2016 · Steering, Wheels · GA

Steering wheel column (or part of the steering wheel is making a clicking sound when turning wheels in low speeds or in reverse. The clicking sound is getting louder and the wheels appear to "skip" or "jerk slightly" when turned. I thought that it was a typical or individual issue, but a lot of toyota sienna owners are experiencing the same issue.

Filed Sep 15, 2016 · Steering · 40,000 miles · GA

The vehicle is making clicking noise when wheels are turned and the vehicle is in low speeds forward and in reverse. It appears that the clicking noise comes from the steering system and/or wheels. The clicking sound is becoming louder and louder. Also, it appears that the wheels "jerk" slightly when turned left/right and in motion.