Most common 2012 Toyota Highlander problems
Share of the 182 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Highlander complaints by model year
Best Highlander years: 2025, 2016, 2014. Years to avoid: 2021, 2019, 2023, 2022, 2020. Compare all years →
2012 Toyota Highlander recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011…
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed.
Seats
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and…
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2012 Toyota Highlander:
Upper Steering Column Separation
On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion.
Steering Column Separation
On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005). The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism.
What 2012 Toyota Highlander owners say
Steering all 46 →
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.consumerclasslawyersblog.com/snap-crackle-pop-intermediate-shaft-noise-coming-from-toyota-highlanders/
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.
Electrical system all 29 →
Major issue with Airbags July 2021. A warning appeared shortly after Passenger Sensor malfunction, that stated "Check SRS Airbag System. Have your vehicle checked by dealer immediately." Dealer did Diagnostic. Toyota Dealer has tried to fix airbags three times in three weeks but it fails within a day or so and warning comes back on. Toyota has issued a recall for 2012 Highlanders for seats and front airbag that describes the issue this vehicle has however Toyota Dealer said our Vin is not included. The recall is under Campaign no. 13V014000 Report Date Jan 16 2013 Component Seats.
This is the second Highlander Hybrid I've owned that has had the brake actuator and booster assembly fail affecting the functionality of the car's braking system. Replacing these two parts has an absurd price of over 3k at the dealership and other independent hybrid repair shops. My car only has 70k miles on it and I've read this issue applies to almost all other Toyota Hybrids. If most hybrid's brakes will fail eventually, putting at risk owners, why is there not a recall to fix this "not a matter of if, but when" possible life threatening issue?
Body & structure all 20 →
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that he noticed that the front and rear driver's side and rear passenger's side carpet were soaked with water. The contact then stated that he also noticed the water had leaked from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water had entered through the sunroof due to the drain tube being improperly designed. The contact stated that he was concerned because of two visible electrical connectors near the front driver's side floorboard and possible mold, corrosion, and rust. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that he would receive a call back but no response was received. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Hello, to whom it may concern: My 2012 Toyota Highlander Color Pearl White vin [redacted] ) has a repaint recall before Nov 2024. I was told at the dealer that I have to contact the Toyota dealers until I get the opportunity to get it paint. I was told that I had to contact any Toyota dealer until I get a date of acceptance. Thinking that it was not fair to delegate the responsibility on myself I made a few calls until I did get an appointment to get my SUV painted. The recall period is almost over (Nov 2024) I was told and I will put a claim on Toyota Corporation for not making sure all the vehicles are completely painted. I will also put a lawyer to help me get across my claim if I am not informed from Toyota the date that they will work on my SUV with the repaint recall. Respectfully, [redacted]
2012 Toyota Highlander engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid | CVT | AWD | 28 / 28 / 28 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 25 / 22 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Toyota Highlander a good car?
Based on 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Highlander rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Highlander at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
The steering — 46 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (29) and body & structure (20).
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Highlander have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Highlander, the most recent from April 9, 2013 (labels). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Highlander?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2016 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2019, 2023, 2022 and 2020. See the full Toyota Highlander years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Highlander problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 51,000 miles; 49% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.