2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 370 |
| 2007 | 110 |
| 2008 | 197 |
| 2009 | 40 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 9 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
SEVERAL SMALL PAINT BUBBLES ON REAR HATCH. ONE HAD BURST AT SEAM OF TRIM AND IS RUSTING. SCREWS HOLDING THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT AND ASSEMBLY ARE RUSTED. UNDERSIDE OF "HIGHLANDER" EMBLEM TRIM WHERE REAR CAMERA IS LOCATED IS CORRODED AND RUSTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140704
1 of 9 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
THE SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHUTTERED WITH A LOAD EXPLOSION NOISE WHILE I WAS DRIVING 55MPH ON A HIGHWAY 17 IN CALIFORNIA WITH MY CHILDREN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180301
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CLUNK OR KNOCK TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. IT OCCURRED AT SLOW SPEEDS SUCH AS TURNING AT AN INTERSECTION. THIS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180611
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: seats.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Upper Steering Column Separation
Steering Column Separation
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.