2012 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 191 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 16 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, other, labelsApr 9, 2013
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 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
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. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 16, 2013
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 Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
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. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
191 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Aug 8, 2021
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 19, 2021
ABS check light is on, says "have dealer check immediately". Took vehicle to dealer, dealer determined the main wire that runs under the carpet is defective and has to be fixed. The cost for the diagnostics is $750 without repairs. The cost to repair is $5100. I bought this vehicle brand new and have had all maintenance performed to manufacturers requirements. I don't believe I should be responsible for a defective wire that controls the air bags. At this point there are no recalls on my vehicle. I believe the manufacturer should paid the cost for this repair.
Steering, Jun 9, 2021
Popping and clunking sound in steering or suspension. Can be produced at speeds and at stand still. Could it be this? https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/SB-10075792-2280.pdf https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Highlander/2013/steering/steering.shtml NHTSA Action Number: EA18006 https://www.consumerclasslawyersblog.com/snap-crackle-pop-intermediate-shaft-noise-coming-from-toyota-highlanders/
Steering, Mar 1, 2021
WHEN I DRIVE THE VEHICLE YOU CAN HEAR A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT HAPPENS AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. WHEN MAKE A TURN RIGHT, OR LEFT YOU HEAR CLUNKING IS THE STEERING COLUMN. IT FEELS LIKE THE STEERING WANTS TO COME OFF, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATE TO FIX IT WILL COST OVER 1000$. 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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2021
WHEN FILLING THE HIGHLANDER WITH FUEL, IT LOOKS LIKE A WATERFALL OF FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A GAS TANK ISSUE BUT A PROBLEM WITHIN THE LINES? ONCE YOU STOP FUELING WITH THE MAJOR LEAK AND GO TO ANOTHER AREA THERE IS NO FUEL DROP UNDERNEATH THE TANK.
Tires, Jan 29, 2021
2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A DEFECT WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, BUT THE TIRES ARE ALL AT THE CORRECT PRESSURE LEVELS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE TPMS DEACTIVATED UNTIL A FIX WAS AVAILABLE. *JS
Power train, Jan 23, 2021
MY VEHICLE WAS FINE NO NOISE NOTHING ALL OF SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION FAIL TO SHIFT GEARS
Engine, Dec 30, 2020
WELL BEFORE MY OIL CHANGES ARE DUE, MY VEHICLE NEEDS MORE OIL. THERE ARE NO APPARENT EXTERIOR LEAKS BUT THE OIL HAS TO BE LEAKING SOMEWHERE OR BURNING AWAY THROUGH THE EXHAUST.
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2020
IN LEFT TURN LANE, ACCELERATING FROM RED LIGHT STOP, A LOUD BAND (AS FROM A ROCK), SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED INTO THOUSANDS OF PIECES. NO INJURIES.
Steering, Oct 18, 2020
CRUNCH NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN MAKING TURNS.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 8, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN COLD WEATHER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK WAS HEARD HOWEVER, AFTER SEVERAL MOMENTS OF DRIVING, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND HE HEARD THE DOOR UNLOCKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER MARINA DEL REY TOYOTA LOCATED AT 4636 LINCOLN BLVD, MARINA DEL REY, CA 90292, (310) 439-9894 HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
Electrical system, Sep 2, 2020
POWERLIFT GATE BAR CAME OFF FROM DOOR, MECHANIC SAYS I NEED A NEW TAILGATE.
Steering, Aug 8, 2020
IT MAKES A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WHEN YOU STEER AT ALL TIMES
Steering, Aug 4, 2020
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.
Steering, Jul 21, 2020
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.
Steering, Jul 16, 2020
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT A POPPING NOISE OCCURS AT LOW SPEED.
Steering, Jun 8, 2020
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. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 6, 2020
CAR HAS OVER 117,000 MILES AND IS EXCESSIVELY CONSUMING OIL. THERE IS NO SIGN OF LEAKS ANYWHERE. I DO NOT GET ANY WARNING ANYWHERE ABOUT LOW OIL, ALL I SEE IS A SMALL MESSAGE THAT SOMETIMES BLINKS INDICATING 'OIL PRESSURE'. OIL IS NOT LASTING 1000 MILES. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE OIL WAS NOT PROPERLY FILLED BUT AFTER A SECOND OIL CHANGE, SAME HAPPENED, OIL EMPTY WITH LESS THAN 1000 MILES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. CAR HAS BEEN ALWAYS KEPT WITH ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE AND ALL OIL CHANGES HAVE BEEN DONE EVERY 5,000 AS RECOMMENDED BY TOYOTA. HAVE NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT THAT COULD CAUSE ANY ENGINE PROBLEM, SEEMS THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT. IN THE ELECTRICAL PART, POWER BACK DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE/OPEN, THERE IS A RECALL FOR THAT BUT NO DEALERS IN MY AREA WILL FIX IT BECAUSE ONE OF THE PARTS THAT IS INSIDE THAT MOTOR IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL SPECS AND DEALERS WILL NOT FIX UNLESS I PAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. THIS REFERS TO THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT LETTER ZG4.
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2020
MY 2012 HIGHLANDER CURRENTLY HAS 110,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. AT THIS TIME NONE OF THE POWER DOORS LOCKS WORK WHEN THE KEY FOB OR DOOR BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, THAT ALL FOUR LOCK ACTUATORS ARE FAULTY. THE ESTIMATE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WAS PRESENTED TO ME AT $2,000.00. I HAVE OWNED MULTIPLE CARS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, MOST OF THEM BEING TOYOTAS AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF ALL FOUR DOOR LOCKS BEING DEFICIENT AT THE SAME TIME. I, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS FEEL AS THOUGH THIS TYPE OF FAILURE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND MAY BE GROUNDS FOR A MASS RECALL DUE TO ITS FREQUENCY RATE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2019
THE FRONT DRIVER WINDOW WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE AS IF IT WERE COMING OFF THE TRACK. EVENTUALLY, THE ARM MOTOR STOPPED ALL TOGETHER AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE ARM. NOW THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW IS MAKING THE SAME NOISE AND I'M AFRAID TO OPEN IT. THE LEATHER INTERIOR IS CRACKING BADLY ON ALL SEATS. I RARELY HAVE PASSENGERS AND CONDITION THE LEATHER. I'VE HAD TO USE AN ADHESIVE TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL CRACKING
Steering, Dec 3, 2019
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 ?
Electrical system, Nov 29, 2019
DRIVING IN A MAJOR CITY, WITH MY WIFE AND TWO SMALL BOYS IN THE BACK SEAT, CAME UP ON A STOP (POLICE CLOSED THE ROAD AND TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED. WE WAIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE I PLACE THE CAR INTO PARK AND DOORS UNLOCKED. ONCE TRAFFIC STARTED MOVING ONLY, WE HEARD LOCK THE LOCKS ENGAGE BUT THEY ACTUALLY DID NOT ENGAGE THUS LEAVING ALL DOORS UNLOCKED. AS TRAFFIC STARTED MOVING A HOMELESS MAN OPENED MY DOOR AND ASSAULTED ME BECAUSE MY DOORS WERE NOT LOCKED. I PUSHED BACK AND PULLED MY DOOR CLOSED AND MANUALLY SWITCHED THE LOCK TO ENGAGE. THEN I DID THE SAME TO MY BACK DOORS WHERE MY KIDS WERE. ONCE WE GOT HOME AND PUT THE CAR INTO PARK, THE DOORS DID NOT UNLOCK. I PULLED ON THE HANDLE, PUSHED THE LOCK OUT AND THE LOCK WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. IF THERE HAD BEEN AND EMERGENCY AND I HAD TO FLEE THE CAR I WOULD BE UNSUCCESSFUL AND WOULD BE INJURED.
Steering, Nov 19, 2019
TL* 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.
Steering, Oct 18, 2019
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..
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2019
THE DOOR AJAR LIGHTS ON THE DASH AND "DINGER" COME ON AUG 4, 2019, WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE. I CHECKED ALL DOORS, NOTHING WAS OPEN. THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM EVER SINCE. THESE INDICATORS COME ON WHEN THE DOORS ARE NOT AJAR. THEY COME ON EVERY DAY, THE "DINGING" NOISE AS WELL AS THE LITTLE ICONS OF THE VARIOUS DOORS. I HAVE CHECKED THE DOORS REPEATEDLY AND THEY WERE NOT OPEN. AFTER RESEARCHING, I HAVE FOUND OUT THIS IS A TOYOTA PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM CAN OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK AND STATIONARY AND ALSO WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IT IS ALMOST CONSTANT.AND IS ONGOING. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FOR 7 WEEKS NOW. THERE WAS NOTHING THAT HAPPENED TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. ONE DAY IT JUST STARTED DOING IT. I HOPE TOYOTA CAN RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AND SEND OUT A RECALL NOTICE SO OWNERS CAN GO AND GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE WHEN HAULING ITEMS AND WITH CHILDREN. DOORS COULD ACTUALLY BE AJAR. THE LITTLE ICON LIGHTS COME ON EACH DAY AND THE "DINGING" NOISE IS BOTHERSOME. I DON'T KNOW IF THE DOORS ARE REALLY AJAR OR NOT. THANK YOU.