TOYOTA HIGHLANDER · model year

2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

228 NHTSA complaints, 20 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012TOYOTAHIGHLANDER carries 228 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 20 crashes, 4 fires, 13 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 HIGHLANDER is steering with 46 filings, followed by electrical system (27) and unknown or other (23). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2012 HIGHLANDER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

228
Complaints
20
Crashes
4
Fires
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

228 filings

Crashes Reported

20 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING46
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM27
UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
ENGINE17
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL14
VISIBILITY/WIPER14
STRUCTURE:BODY14
SERVICE BRAKES11
AIR BAGS10
POWER TRAIN7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
WHEELS3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES3
SEATS3
SUSPENSION3

Recalls (2)

13V01400016/01/2013

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

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 y

13V12300009/04/2013

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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, 2010-20

Recent Complaints

20260104Other/I am not sure

The unmatched handle completely broke. So now the insert and the base are stuck together and I can not unlatch them to use this carseat properly to transport my son. I have to take the base and all out of the car as one piece

20251229ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that 5,000 miles after purchasing the vehicle, the contact noticed an oil leak. The contact performed the oil changes and had noticed that engine oil had leaked down onto the weather seal in the vehicle. The contact noticed several oil stains on the ground during rainy weather. The contact noticed that the new tires that the dealer installed at the time of the vehicle sale were worn out. The contact checked the tires and noticed that the plastic rubber on the front strut was severely damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing cover had a leak, and that the timing cover area was smeared with an unknown silicone patch. The struts were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.  The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

20251229SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that 5,000 miles after purchasing the vehicle, the contact noticed an oil leak. The contact performed the oil changes and had noticed that engine oil had leaked down onto the weather seal in the vehicle. The contact noticed several oil stains on the ground during rainy weather. The contact noticed that the new tires that the dealer installed at the time of the vehicle sale were worn out. The contact checked the tires and noticed that the plastic rubber on the front strut was severely damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing cover had a leak, and that the timing cover area was smeared with an unknown silicone patch. The struts were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.  The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

20250925TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Center, which was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Upon further investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V452000 (Tires). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,200.

Mileage: 90,200

20250726STRUCTURE:BODY

The paint is malfunction , and is available for inspection upon request.

20250705ENGINE

I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250705ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250705UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250109UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2012 Toyota Highlander Blizzard white paint peeling I need help!!! I noticed paint peeling on a side panel 2 months ago and then followed up the peeling to find the entire top of my car is totally peeled! Please, help!!! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20241020STRUCTURE:BODY

Hello, to whom it may concern: My 2012 Toyota Highlander Color Pearl White vin [XXX] ) has a repaint recall before Nov 2024. I was told at the dealer that I have to contact the Toyota dealers until I get the opportunity to get it paint. I was told that I had to contact any Toyota dealer until I get a date of acceptance. Thinking that it was not fair to delegate the responsibility on myself I made a few calls until I did get an appointment to get my SUV painted. The recall period is almost over (Nov 2024) I was told and I will put a claim on Toyota Corporation for not making sure all the vehicles are completely painted. I will also put a lawyer to help me get across my claim if I am not informed from Toyota the date that they will work on my SUV with the repaint recall. Respectfully, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240817SERVICE BRAKES

All brake warning indicators lit up. Took it to a mechanic that specializes in hybrids and they diagnosed it as a brake assembly/actuator issue, with a diagnostic code of C1391, with a repair estimate of $4888. Found online that there was a Toyota Customer Support Program 21TE03 that addressed this issue, but my vehicle was outside of both the primary and secondary coverage periods. My issue is that if they knew this was a very serious safety defect for older hybrid vehicles, why would they only offer to address it during a very short period of time?? There are many people reporting online that the same thing happened to them (problem arose after coverage period expired). Toyota says they “care about the customers’ ownership experience,” but by neglecting to help those of us experiencing this issue, they are showing the exact opposite. Hope you will help the roughly 74,700 owners potentially impacted by this, by encouraging Toyota to be accountable for the safety of their owners.

20240617UNKNOWN OR OTHER

No accident

20231201ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20231201UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20230823ENGINE

Toyota Piston and Ring defect. My 2012 Toyota Highlander engine has defective pistons and rings that have led to excessive oil consumption and the potential for a serious accidents as it causes the engine to lose compression and conk out, all of a sudden, in traffic, and costly repair for us customers with less than 150,000 miles. Piston/ring issue diagnosed by Toyota Dealer in Panama City, Florida. A class Action lawsuit needs to be initiated, immediately, for the 2012 Toyota Highlander. Toyota has already had a Class Action Lawsuit for this same problem in 2014 for their other Toyota models.

20230823POWER TRAIN

Toyota Piston and Ring defect. My 2012 Toyota Highlander engine has defective pistons and rings that have led to excessive oil consumption and the potential for a serious accidents as it causes the engine to lose compression and conk out, all of a sudden, in traffic, and costly repair for us customers with less than 150,000 miles. Piston/ring issue diagnosed by Toyota Dealer in Panama City, Florida. A class Action lawsuit needs to be initiated, immediately, for the 2012 Toyota Highlander. Toyota has already had a Class Action Lawsuit for this same problem in 2014 for their other Toyota models.

20230627STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that he noticed that the front and rear driver’s side and rear passenger’s side carpet were soaked with water. The contact then stated that he also noticed the water had leaked from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water had entered through the sunroof due to the drain tube being improperly designed. The contact stated that he was concerned because of two visible electrical connectors near the front driver’s side floorboard and possible mold, corrosion, and rust. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that he would receive a call back but no response was received. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Mileage: 128,000

20230531ENGINE

Around 112,500 miles our vehicle's oil pressure light came on. My husband drove it home, and our mechanic told us to tow it to his shop for inspection. The next day I drove it to the shop, which was only a few miles away, and my mechanic informed us that there was "no oil left" inside the engine and that it was a miracle the engine didn't seize on the way. We left it at the shop, a certified Toyota mechanic, overnight for inspection. The next day our mechanic informed us that the piston rings in the engine have failed and oil was burning internally. Every service had been done on this vehicle by a Toyota dealership or a certified mechanic. We were shocked considering the mileage on the vehicle. We have since discovered that the V4 engine in this vehicle was also problematic with Camrys and other Toyotas, but that the recalls were only repaired prior to 60k miles and our vehicle was not apart of that service bulletin, even though it was the same problem and same engine. We could hav

20230113STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver’s side sun visor detached and fell on the contact. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the driver side sun visor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that in September 2022, the driver's and the passenger's side sun visors detached. The contact took the vehicle to the second local dealer, Capitol Toyota (6800 Automall Pkwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, (408) 335-0587) where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s and the passenger's side sun visors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20221210SERVICE BRAKES

This is the second Highlander Hybrid I've owned that has had the brake actuator and booster assembly fail affecting the functionality of the car's braking system. Replacing these two parts has an absurd price of over 3k at the dealership and other independent hybrid repair shops. My car only has 70k miles on it and I've read this issue applies to almost all other Toyota Hybrids. If most hybrid's brakes will fail eventually, putting at risk owners, why is there not a recall to fix this "not a matter of if, but when" possible life threatening issue?

Compare 2012TOYOTAHIGHLANDER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER have?
The 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER has 228 NHTSA complaints, 20 crashes, 4 fires, 13 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
The 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
Yes, the 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
The most-complained component for the 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER is STEERING with 46 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.