2012 Toyota Highlander
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 182
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
25% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 182 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 137 |
| 2002 | 301 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 224 |
| 2006 | 278 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 404 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 182 |
| 2013 | 207 |
| 2014 | 136 |
| 2015 | 193 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 271 |
| 2018 | 272 |
| 2019 | 505 |
| 2020 | 320 |
| 2021 | 531 |
| 2022 | 260 |
| 2023 | 184 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
25% · 46 reportsElectrical system
16% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing horn and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER was locked & battery was dead. Could not unlock using either the key fob or the mechanical key in the fob. Was told even the mechanical key requires battery power.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-01
Structure
11% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing body and sun visor.
Engine
9% · 17 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was driving on a highway I heard a noise and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and looked under the hood and saw smokr a tow truck driver who happened to be passing by pulled over and sure fire under the hood he put the fire...
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-17
Visibility/wiper
8% · 14 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2013-03-21Air bags, seats13V014000 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…
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. Owners may…
-
R
2013-05-28Equipment13V123000 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…
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…
-
I
2018-05-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2018-11-20 Upper Steering Column Separation
-
I
2018-11-16Engineering analysisClosed 2024-04-02 Steering Column Separation
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 46 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 20 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V014000 · Air bags, seats
- Recall 13V123000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Toyota Highlander is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Highlander have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.