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.
Steering, Feb 11, 2016
AT 40,000 MILES I NOTICED FOR THE FIRST TIME A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT WHILE AT A SLOW SPEED. OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS IT WORSENED. I LOOKED UP THE ISSUE ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND DOZEN OF SIMILAR OCCURRENCES IN THIS SAME MODEL WITH VEHICLE OWNERS REPORTING HAVING TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT. SOMETIMES IF LEFT LONG ENOUGH, I READ THAT THIS HAS LEAD TO STEERING FAILURE. I TOOK THE HIGHLANDER TO MY DEALER TODAY WHO DETERMINED THE STEERING SHAFT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT WHICH WILL COST AROUND $600. THIS TO ME IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD LET THIS GO. I HAVE MAINTAINED THIS CAR EXACTLY AS RECOMMENDED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THIS DOES NOT SEEM LIKE THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE OWNED OVER A DOZEN VEHICLES IN THE LAST 40 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SHAFT. I AM CURIOUS WITH SO MANY OTHER OCCURRENCES OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE BY OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS WHY THIS HASN'T RESULTED IN A RECALL TO REPAIR ALL HIGHLANDERS OF THIS VINTAGE WITH THIS STEERING SHAFT.
Air bags, Jan 25, 2016
RE: OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, SRS, ZERO POINT CALIBRATION SAFETY ISSUE. OWNERS WILL BE RELUCTANT TO SPEND $130+ AT THE DEALER FOR CALIBRATION. LOCAL REPAIR SHOPS IS NOT EQUIPPED TO DO THE CALIBRATION. MUST BE A DEALER. I SPENT THE MONEY. I KNOW OF OTHERS WHO HAVE NOT. THIS VEHICLE HAS 49000 MILES ON IT. THE PASSENGER SEAT IS INFREQUENTLY USED. THE WARNING LIGHTS AND DISPLAY WENT OFF JUST AFTER SOMEONE SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THIS SEAT SENSOR SYSTEM. LOTS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ONLINE ABOUT THE NEED TO RE-CALIBRATE.
Electrical system, Structure, Nov 9, 2015
REAR TAILGATE NO LONGER WORKS.STARTED NOT CLOSING OFF AND ON IN JAN. 2015. FINALLY STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER IN AUGUST 2015.TOOK TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHY IT WAS NOT WORKING THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS A BROKEN MOTOR.I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST TO FIX IT.SINCE IT IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. CONTACTED THE TOYOTA CORPORATION THEY WENT OVER MY COMPLAINT AND SAID THEY WOULD NOT COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN ON IT IN 2012 AND MANY CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS FILED ON IT.
Steering, Nov 7, 2015
KLUNK SOUND AND FEELING IN STEERING WHEEL STARTED AROUND 48000 MILE AT 51000 TOLD BY DEALER THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED REPLACING. THIS SEEMS TO BE AND ON GOING PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA CARS
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2015
LIFT GATE HANDLE LITERALLY FELL OFF AND BROKE AS WE WERE CLOSING THE DOOR USING THE POWER BUTTON ON THE REAR DOOR. SCREW JUST FELL OUT OF ITS ATTACHMENT. UNABLE TO USE POWER LIFT GATE FUNCTION. PART OF THE REAR DOOR AREA WHERE THE HINGE IS ATTACHED IS WARPED, POSSIBLY STRUCTURAL ISSUES.
Power train, Oct 3, 2015
PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK IN GARAGE AND TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE. I OPENED THE CAR DOOR TO MAKE SURE IN WAS PARKED STRAIGHT, AND THE CAR BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS. THEM CAR ROLLED ABOUT A FOOT, WITH THE DOOR STRIKING A GARAGE PILLAR BEFORE I COULD APPLY THE BRAKES. DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY COSMETIC, BUT THE EVENT WAS UNNERVING AND POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS.
Visibility, Sep 23, 2015
2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WINDSHIELD ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE NOTICED THE START OF PITTING IN THE WINDSHIELD THAT GAVE OFF A DARK LOOK. THE CONDITION BECAME WORSE, SO HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON NOVEMBER 20, 2014. THE DEALER DID NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN THE CONSUMERS CONCERN. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PITTING WAS THE RESULT OF DETERIORATION OF THE GLASS DUE TO EITHER INCLUSIONS OR CHEMICAL INTERACTION WITH NORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. *JB
Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2015
DRIVING VISIBILITY IS AFFECTED AS THE PART HANGS DOWN OBSCURING THE ROAD.
Visibility, Aug 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 11, 2015
THE SUN GLASS HOLDER DOES NOT STAY LATCHED. IT WILL FALL AND PARTIALLY OBSCURES THE REAR VIEW MIRROR
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2015
THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING. WITH ONLY 17300 ON THE CAR, ALL 4 DOORS WONT CLOSE WITH THE KEY FOB, OR ON THE DOOR. THEY OPEN BUT DONT CLOSE, I HAVE TO MANUALLY CLOSE EACH DOOR LOCK EVERY TIME I WANT THE DOORS LOCKED. AM I THE ONLY OWNER?I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW, AND AS SOON AS IT CAME OUT OF WARRANTY THE DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. I DISCONNECTED THE AUTO CLOSE WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, NOW THE DOORS CLOSE ONCE IN A WHILE FROM THE KEY FOB.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2015
THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK (DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR) ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER RECENTLY BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS; IT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY FOR A SHORT TIME, THEN CEASED WORKING AT ALL. AFTER A RECENT SERVICE TRIP, TOYOTA QUOTED ME OVER $500 TO REPLACE THE DOOR ACTUATOR AND LABOR. I REALIZE THIS SEEMS LIKE A SMALL ISSUE. BUT I, AND MY FAMILY, HAVE OWNED TOYOTAS PREVIOUSLY AND HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE, EVEN WITH DIFFERENT MODELS. I CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL THAT TOYOTA IS MAKING A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND I, AS A CONSUMER, AM FOOTING THE BILL FOR THEIR FAULTY PART. MOREOVER, A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH FINDS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS UBIQUITOUS; THERE ARE MYRIAD FORUMS DEDICATED TO FINDING A SOLUTION. I FEEL THAT THIS MAY EVEN JUSTIFY A RECALL.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2015
ON (OR ABOUT) THE LAST WEEK OF MAY 2015, I HAD MY AUTO SERVICED AT THE DEALSHIP. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE 'THROTTLE BODY' NEEDED 'CLEANING' AND THIS WAS DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP AT THAT TIME. ON JUNE 4, 2015, I WAS BACKING INTO A PARKING SPOT ON A PARKING LOT, WIITH THE CAR 'COASTING' BACK AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ABOUT HALF WAY INTO THE 'SPOT' THE CAR ENGINE SUDDELY ACCELLERATED AND I HAD TO USE EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO OBTAIN A 'MINIMUM' OF SLOWING. THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE REAR TIRES, MADE CONTACT WITH AN 'IN-PLACE' CEMENT PARKING BARRIER AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATION ONLY CEASED WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN 'PARK' GEAR. IT HAS NOT OCCURED SINCE, NOR HAS IT EVER OCCURED WHILE DRIVING FORWARD. I AM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER WITH YEARS OF TRAINING IN DRIVING AND DRIVER SAFETY, AND AM CERTAIN OF THIS ACTION OCURRING AS I HAVE DESCRIBED.
Electrical system, Jun 8, 2015
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS. IT HAS TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. I SEE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME TYPE FAILURE IN THEIR VEHICLES AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME MILEAGE-RIGHT AROUND THE TIME THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED OR SOON AFTER. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ENOUGH PROBLEM THAT IT SHOULD BE FIXED AT TOYOTA'S EXPENSE.
Electrical system, May 23, 2015
THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING. WITH ONLY 17500 ON THE CAR, ALL 4 DOORS WONT CLOSE WITH THE KEY FOB, OR ON THE DOOR. THEY OPEN BUT DONT CLOSE, I HAVE TO MANUALLY CLOSE EACH DOOR LOCK EVERY TIME I WANT THE DOORS LOCKED. I AM THE ONLY OWNER, I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW, AND AS SOON AS IT CAME OUT OF WARRANTY THE DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING.
Visibility/wiper, May 8, 2015
MY PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE INTERNALLY AND THE INTERNAL SPRING FORCED IT TO POINT STRAIGHT DOWN. IT BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF VEHICLES APPROACHING FROM A SIDE STREET ON THE RIGHT . I HAVE FIDDLED WITH IT AND GOT IT TO STAY UP ABOUT 3 INCHES FROM THE ROOF , BUT IT KEEPS CREEPING BACK DOWN . I ORDERED A REPLACEMENT SUN VISOR FROM TOYOTA THROUGH MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN JANUARY . THE ORDER WAS "BACK ORDERED" AND HAS YET TO BE SHIPPED FROM ( I PRESUME ) SOUTH EAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS . *TR
Electrical system, Mar 31, 2015
2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS BEGAN TO FAIL AT ABOUT 40K MILES. THE INITIAL FAILURE BEGAN WITH RT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, BUT ALL FOUR DOORS BEGAN TO FAIL TO LOCK OR UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY BY SMART KEY REMOTE OR BY DRIVER SIDE DOOR CONTROLS (SOMETIMES ALL THE DOORS WOULD FAIL TO UNLOCK). EMERGENCY ACCESS TO ANY OF THE PASSENGERS WOULD BE A CONCERN. AT 47K MILES, TWO OF THE DOORS' ACTUATORS (RT FRONT PASSENGER & LT REAR PASSENGER) HAD TOTALLY FAILED, AND ARE BEING REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AT OWNER'S EXPENSE OF $900 PLUS $125 DIAGNOSTIC FEE. WEB RESEARCH OF MULTIPLE TOYOTA AND AUTOMOTIVE FORUMS HAVE REVEALED THAT SIMILAR DOOR ACTUATOR FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED WITH OTHER TOYOTA MODELS AND YEARS, MANY REPORTING FAILURES THAT OCCUR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING EXPIRATION OF WARRANTY AT 3YRS/36K MILES. BASED ON OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS' REPORTS ON THIS ISSUE, WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE OTHER TWO DOOR ACTUATORS ARE LIKELY TO FAIL IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Mar 25, 2015
SUN VISOR, DRIVER'S SIDE: HANGS DOWN AT APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREE ANGLE TOWARD DRIVER IN THE STOWED POSITION AND BUMPS HEAD ON THE BOTTOM EDGE WHEN EXITING OR LEANING FORWARD. WHEN IN THE USED POSITION IT GOES AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD GIVING LITTLE BENEFIT AS IT IS TOO HIGH TO BLOCK SUN AT SUNSET OR SUNRISE. IT WILL NOT STAY IN A FULL DOWN POSITION. THE INTERNAL SPRING HOLDS THE SUN VISOR IN THESE 2 POSITIONS ONLY. IN AN ACCIDENT IT MAY POSE A CUTTING PROBLEM ON FOREHEAD IN THE RETRACTED/STOWED POSITION. THE SUN VISOR?S SPRING MECHANISM APPEARED TO ROTATE OUT OF POSITION UPON NORMAL USE. IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AS TO MANY POSTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. DEALER CONTACTED ABOUT ISSUE AND CLAIMED IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Electrical system, Hybrid propulsion system, Feb 17, 2015
NO PRIOR HISTORY OF HYBRID PROBLEMS DURING PREVIOUS 65,000 MILES. ON MONDAY MORNING, THE HIGHLANDER HYBRID STARTED UP FINE. AFTER WARMING UP FOR 5 MINUTES TO SCRAPE OFF SNOW, SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND BEGAN DRIVING. CAR SHUT DOWN AFTER ABOUT 12 FEET. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON DISPLAY, INDICATING HYBRID SYSTEM PROBLEM. AAA CAME, PUT ON FLATBED, AND TOOK TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OR FIX PROBLEM FOLLOWING 6+ HOURS OF TROUBLESHOOTING BY THEIR HYBRID EXPERT YESTERDAY. THEY INDICATED IT COULD BE SOMETHING IN THE INVERTER, BUT THAT IT MAY NOT BE COVERED BY EXISTING EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND THAT WE MAY WANT TO CONTACT OUR INSURANCE COMPANY. AWAITING CALL BACK. AFTER RESEARCHING ON SAFECAR.GOV, THIS SOUNDS SIMILAR TO RECALL 13V396000 FOR 2006-10 HIGHLANDERS, AND 14V053000 FOR 2010-14 PRIUS. WE HOPE TOYOTA DOES THE RIGHT THING FOR US, AND FOR OTHERS WITH THE SAME DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Feb 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 12, 2015
AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE THAT TIME, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES AND WAS REPLACED OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR HAS ALSO FAILED. THREE OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE FAILED BETWEEN 30,000 AND 42,000 MILES AND ONLY ONE WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jan 6, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Visibility, Dec 24, 2014
2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER STATED THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 22, 2014
THE VISOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NO LONGER STAYS UP, SO IT EITHER HAS TO BE PUSHED TO THE SIDE THUS BLOCKING THE SIDE VIEW, OR LEFT AS IS BLOCKS THE AHEAD VIEW, OR MUST BE HELD WITH ONE ARM WHILE DRIVING ONE-ARMED (NOT IDEAL DRIVING CONDITIONS). MY GARAGE IS ORDERING A NEW VISOR BUT WAS TOLD THESE VISORS ARE ON BACKORDER - THERE ARE 1000 ALREADY ON BACKORDER! SEEMS THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM HERE. *TR
Structure, Dec 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HATCH LIFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART DO TO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,700.