2012 Toyota Highlander

● Typical for this model

2012 Toyota Highlander
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:51:46.076Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2012: 181 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	274
2007	123
2008	403
2009	134
2010	216
2011	181
2012	181
2013	205
2014	133
2015	186
2016	109
2017	260
2018	254
2019	463
2020	298
2021	471
2022	219
2023	162
2024	39
2025	7
2026	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 25%

25% of complaints: steering — 46 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file.

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, 20231201

ENGINE 9%

9% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show 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, 20181217

VISIBILITY/WIPER 8%

8% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 14 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPOT WITH FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN AND UNANTICIPATED ACCELERATION RESULTING IN THE CAR CRASHING INTO A CONCRETE WALL AND BEING TOTALED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181225

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT, MY HIGHLANDER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND I HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL! MY HIGHLANDER WENT UP OVER THE CURB WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120501

WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE IN PRIVATE SHOPPING MALL AT SLOW RATE OF SPEED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING RAPIDLY ACCELERATED FORWARD INTO VEHICLE PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120216

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20130321 — air bags, seats

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, an

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 contac

Campaign 13V014000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20130528 — equipment

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 Toy

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 be

Campaign 13V123000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20180504 — PE (closed 20181120)

Upper Steering Column Separation

I 20181116 — EA (closed 20240402)

Steering Column Separation