VehicleVerdict

2012 Toyota Highlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Toyota Highlander sits mid-pack among Highlander years: 228 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 238, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (46), electrical system (30), and other (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

228

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Highlander years?

Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted613 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 158 complaints2002: 335 complaints2003: 316 complaints2004: 337 complaints2005: 289 complaints2006: 344 complaints2007: 159 complaints2008: 502 complaints2009: 178 complaints2010: 272 complaints2011: 229 complaints2012: 228 complaints2013: 280 complaints2014: 158 complaints2015: 245 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 364 complaints2018: 342 complaints2019: 613 complaints2020: 348 complaints2021: 590 complaints2022: 291 complaints2023: 219 complaints2024: 54 complaints2025: 9 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Toyota Highlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering4620%
Electrical System3013%
Other2411%
Body & Structure209%
Engine198%
Visibility & Wipers198%
Speed Control146%
Brakes136%
Airbags115%
Transmission73%
Tires & Wheels73%
Latches & Locks52%
Fuel System31%
Suspension31%
Seats31%
Lighting21%
Driver Assistance10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2012 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V123000OtherApril 9, 2013 · 7,525 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

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 being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

13V014000SeatsJanuary 16, 2013 · 3,235 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

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 contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWAYING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL AND CRASHED INTO A BILLBOARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 2, 2013 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND EXITING A HIGHWAY, APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, DASHBOARD FLICKERED, AND ENGINE DIED. THE RED STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON BRIEFLY, BUT THE WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PERIOD OF A FEW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 10, 2017

“ON FEBRUARY 2, 2017,MY 2012 HIGHLANDER WAS PLACED IN PARK AND LEFT IN HIGH SCHOOL( DHS DURANGO, CO) ROUND ABOUT WITH KEYS IN CAR. I PARKED MY CAR IN FRONT OF A SCHOOL ROUND ABOUT, LEFT THE KEYS IN IGNITION BECAUSE I WAS RETURNING. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK, ACCELERATED UP A SLIGHT INCLINE IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 2, 2017 · crash

“TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WAS CROSSING INTERSECTION WITH GREEN LIGHT AND WAS STRUCK ON THE MIDDLE SIDE BY ONCOMING VEHICLE RUNNING A RED LIGHT. TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ROLLED 1.25 TIMES. TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAD SECOND ROW SET UP IN BENCH CONFIGURATION WITH CENTER CONSOLE UNIT STOWED AS MANUAL INDICATED UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 7, 2014 · crash

“VEHICLE GOT STUCK IN SHALLOW WET SAND, WITHIN LESS THAN A COUPLE MINS OF ATTEMPTS TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD BY SPINNING WHEELS , THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND BECAME FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE ISSUE IS THE LITTLE THAT IT TOOK TO START A FIRE LIKE THIS - PERHAPS SOME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 8, 2014 · fire

2012 Toyota Highlander — common questions

Is the 2012 Toyota Highlander reliable?

It is close to typical for the Highlander: 228 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 Highlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (46 complaints), electrical system (30 complaints), other (24 complaints).

Does the 2012 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Toyota Highlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Toyota Highlander under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2008, 2017. The cleanest record among Highlander years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2012 Toyota Highlander?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Toyota Highlander earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.