Worst 2012 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Toyota Highlander.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 46 | 2 | — | 68,348 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 27 | — | — | 55,489 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 17 | — | 2 | 60,886 mi | |
| Body Structure | 14 | — | — | 43,093 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 14 | 7 | — | 22,141 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 14 | — | — | 44,967 mi | |
| Brakes | 11 | 1 | — | 16,929 mi | |
| Airbags | 10 | 6 | — | 39,286 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | 1 | — | 19,082 mi | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Instrument Cluster | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Horn | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Toyota Highlander
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~10,760 vehicles.
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."
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.
Other Toyota Highlander Years
2012 Toyota Highlander — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Toyota Highlander reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
How safe is the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
Does the 2012 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Toyota Highlander?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Toyota Highlander
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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