2012 Toyota Highlander problems
The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā), is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.
Announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size SUV or mid-size crossovers. The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota's best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.
The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4. The Kluger nameplate is also used in Australia because "Highlander" is a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (Klüger – with diacritics – means "someone who is smarter than another" in German).
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Common 2012 Toyota Highlander problems
The 2012 Toyota Highlander is known for its strong engines and class-leading quality and reliability ratings. However, there are a few common problems that owners have reported, which potential buyers should be aware of before making a purchase decision.
Engine problems are one of the most frequently reported issues with the 2012 Toyota Highlander. High mileage models are known to use a lot of oil, which is closely related to the numerous lawsuits Toyota has faced for problems with its oil consumption. Most problems have been linked to an issue with the piston oil ring or to excessive wear of the cylinder liner on the thrust side, which can lead to oil leaks. While timely oil changes can help prevent this problem, if the consumption is found to be excessive, the engine may need to be rebuilt, with typical failure mileage close to 125,000 miles.
Transmission problems are less common but still occur in some 2012 Toyota Highlander models. Some owners have reported judder, lurching, and shifting delays, which could indicate a poorly maintained transmission with a higher risk of failure over time. These problems could also be a sign of a more serious issue that could lead to a costly rebuild or replacement.
Another frequently reported problem with the 2012 Toyota Highlander is its liftgate's inconsistent operation. Some of the most frequent issues include forgetting to lock or unlock, unintentional opening while the car is in park, or closing and opening the trunk while it is being used. According to Toyota, there is a software problem with the control module that should be resolved when the system is initialized correctly and resets. Hardware problems are hardly ever seen in this case.
Steering problems are also a common issue with the 2012 Toyota Highlander. The most frequent problem reported is steering column failure, which can cause clicking sounds from the steering and require more effort to steer. An intermediate steering shaft was found to be the source of the issue, and its replacement was estimated to cost more than $1,200. Although users have complained that this problem has been fairly widespread, the manufacturer has not issued any service bulletins or recalls.
In addition to these common problems, there are a few other issues that some 2012 Toyota Highlander owners have reported. For example, some have reported that the interior is too dark and lacks sufficient lighting, especially in the back seats. Others have reported cracking noises, especially in the radio section, which can be fixed with some glue. Finally, some have reported that the spark plugs are difficult to change, requiring the removal of the entire engine cover and potentially costing up to $500 to replace.
In summary, while the 2012 Toyota Highlander is generally known for its strong engines and class-leading quality and reliability ratings, there are a few common problems that owners have reported. These include engine problems, transmission problems, liftgate issues, and steering column failure. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchase decision.
How many miles will a 2012 Toyota Highlander last?
300,000 miles
The Toyota Highlander is one of the longest-lasting midsize SUVs available, with the ability to continue running up to 300,000 miles after your drive it off the lot.
What is the most common problem with Toyota Highlander?
Common Issues With The Toyota Highlander
- Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped. ...
- Engine Failure. ...
- Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average. ...
- Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems. ...
- Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor. ...
- Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market?
What year did Toyota Highlander have problems?
Defective airbags were common in some 2013 and 2016 Highlanders. Airbags from these model years did not deploy upon collision, increasing the risk of injuries. While no recalls were made for them, Toyota issued a recall for the 2020 redesign because of the same issue.
What is the best year of Highlander to buy?
A: The best years for the Toyota Highlander, according to the above guide, include the 2004, 2005, and 2007 models from the first generation and the 2017-2019 models from the third generation. These years have shown high reliability, minimal complaints, and good owner satisfaction ratings.
What is the most common problem with Toyota Highlander?
Common Issues With The Toyota Highlander
- Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped. ...
- Engine Failure. ...
- Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average. ...
- Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems. ...
- Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor. ...
- Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market?
How many miles will a 2012 Toyota Highlander last?
300,000 miles
The Toyota Highlander is one of the longest-lasting midsize SUVs available, with the ability to continue running up to 300,000 miles after your drive it off the lot.
What year did Toyota Highlander have problems?
Defective airbags were common in some 2013 and 2016 Highlanders. Airbags from these model years did not deploy upon collision, increasing the risk of injuries. While no recalls were made for them, Toyota issued a recall for the 2020 redesign because of the same issue.
Is Toyota Highlander high maintenance?
A Toyota Highlander will cost about $5,771 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $3,362. There is also a 16.08% chance that a Highlander will require a major repair during that time.
2012 Toyota Highlander car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Highlander problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Toyota Highlander vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Toyota Highlander
The NHTSA has received 184 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Toyota Highlander. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Toyota Highlander vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-20
- VIN: 5TDZA3EH4CS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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)
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-17
- VIN: JTEDC3EH5C2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. Thanks.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-03
- VIN: 5TDDK3EH6CS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: No accident
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-29
- VIN: 5TDDK3EH2CS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-22
- VIN: 5TDZA3EH3CS
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-23
- VIN: 5TDDK3EH4CS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-09
- VIN: 5TDZA3EH8CS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 have been on the interstate with our 4 and 6 year old children in the vehicle if the engine seized. This is a tremendous engine issue and we understand that soon the engine will produce smoke that could blow into the vehicle. We have calculated that a quart of oil is being burned every 600 or so miles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-01
- VIN: 5TDDK3EH2CS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-22
- VIN: JTEBC3EHXC2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-28
- VIN: 5TDBK3EH5CS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: When turning on the defrost button, the engine shuts off while driving.
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-27
- VIN: 5TDDK3EHXCS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I was driving and arrived home and suddenly lost my braking and almost hit my house if I didn't steer the wheel towards my lawn and put on my parking brake it would have been a disaster. I felt so unsafe that I had my vehicle towed for repair and had to replace the brake master cylinder. Two weeks later, we went on a family trip and parked my vehicle with my family and it was on a slight slope and went to put on the parking brake and it was still slightly moving forward only to put my vehicle in reverse QUICKLY in order in NOT DRIVE INTO A LAKE WITH MY FAMILY IN THE vehicle!!! I have just read the complaints and this is an ongoing problem since 2011 and I am quite SHOCKED that this is NOT ON RECALL!!! My wife has a Prius V 2013 and have not had any problems at all, BUT has a recall on a Brake Hydro-Boost pump fail for her vehicle, BUT nothing is wrong with her brakes, ONLY THE 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER!!! Please let me know what Toyota needs to do to get this this fixed!!! I know there are probably more that no one is reporting this and I guess there must be a fatality in order for Toyota to fix this problem!!!!
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-05
- VIN: JTEDC3EH8C2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The Brake Hydro-Boost pump failed while driving on I-75. Subsequently almost all braking was lost on the vehicle. I have researched similar failures on the same model brake pump assemblies, and feel that this is a very unsafe failure condition for the vehicle. The repair cost for this failure is exorbitant given the rate of failure which seems to exist with this make/model. Luckily I was driving the vehicle at the time and had the presence of mind to allow the vehicle to roll to a stop using engine braking. This failure could have caused a multiple fatality accident in may opinion. Toyota is negligent in their care regarding theses failures.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-29
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5TDBK3EHXCS
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: On December 29, 2021, while backing up my 2012 Toyota Highlander accelerated at speed that I was unable to control. One car that was packed in the driveway was damaged beyond repair. An office building where I was working was damaged and has been accessed with a loss of over $100,000. I contacted Toyota after knowing that there was a recall regarding unintended acceleration in some Toyota cars. Toyota sent an inspection team to Geico Insurance company which had taken over possession of the car. The inspection team and the Toyota representative assured me a final report would be sent to me within a month after the inspection had been completed but even up to this moment Toyota has not responded to my email requesting for the report. You can reach out to Toyota and reference File # 220105001224. For the six years I owned the car, i have never been informed of any recall. My car was regularly serviced by Toyota Ourisman Chantilly and Ourisman Toyota Fairfax.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-23
- VIN: 5TDZK3EH2CS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The front passenger side airbag light has been going off and on for a few months when someone is sitting in the seat now and now the sea is showing up
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-11
- VIN: 5TDZK3EH0CS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: In July 2018, I was rear ended and had to have the Toyota of Greenville repair and repaint the rear of my car. Prior to that I had had no issues with chipping paint anywhere on my car. After that I began to have small bubbles of chipping paint on the front end of my car. I questioned the process and what may have caused it. I got nowhere with the Toyota of Greenville repair shop. I returned to Toyota of Greenville because that is where I bought my Highlander which is a 2012 and felt that service would be superior. That was in 2018 and as of today March 2, 2022 the front end of my Highlander has more chips and dings of paint. The rear end also had to be redone two times because of poor quality if the paint shop did not use adequate materials and protect the rest of my car the change in the temperature etc. could have aggravated the paint and caused it to chip and bubble. I requested that Toyota consider this a recall issue or service repair issue and repaint my Highlander. I purchased the Highlander because I was assured that it would maintain its exterior for many years. I have noted several recalls on paint colors that are metallic and my car has a metallic gray which could be an issue.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-30
- VIN: 5tdza3eh9cs
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly loss motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain fractured and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-12
- VIN: 5TDZK3EH9CS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I have had at least 6 occasions that in shifting from reverse and backing up that the bakes did not work, fortunately I was going slow and stopped with emergency brake. I have it also after backing safely, then shifting into drive that the brakes went to the floor and wouldn’t stop the vehicle again, between the emergency brake and park I avoided disaster. Our car has only 27000 miles and we are very concerned that something bad could easily happen. The multiple occurrences have taken place in the last 1 - 2 years most recent today 12/12/2021.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-12
- VIN: 5TDYK3EH9CS
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: Toyota and other vehicle brands use wheel lug nuts that become "swollen" over time. This happens because a cosmetic cap (with no mechanical purpose) made from a different metal is bonded over the metal of the lug nut. The cosmetic cap deforms or swells, because of its different properties compared to the lug nut itself. On 12 August 2021 I was unable to change a flat tire because the lug nut wrench that came with the vehicle no longer would fit over the lug nuts in order to loosen them. The lug nut wrench would not fit any of the 20 lug nuts on the vehicle. There is not one single mention in the 636-page owner's manual about swollen lug nuts, only an advisory to use genuine Toyota wheel nuts and wrenches, which easily become incompatible. The genuine Toyota wrench no longer fit, I had no other means of loosening the lug nuts, and became stranded. I was fortunate that a friendly motorist with a set of different sockets and a breaker bar came along and was able to assist me. Such fortune is not always the case. Being stranded puts the personal safety of the motorist in jeopardy, as can be confirmed in numerous reported incidences. On 13 August 2021 I went to the dealer to repair / replace the flat tire. The dealer acknowledged that the swollen lug nuts were a known mechanical defect with many Toyota vehicles, but refused to install lug nuts on my vehicle without this defect. The only recourse offered was for me to buy new lug nuts of the same style, which would not have improved the situation. Because of the personal safety issues involved, intentionally selling vehicles with know mechanical defects to unsuspecting buyers should come with serious consequences for a manufacturer. Refusing to repair such defects when pointed out to the dealers should also carry consequences.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-10
- VIN: 5TDYK3EH3CS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Major issue with Airbags July 2021. A warning appeared shortly after Passenger Sensor malfunction, that stated “Check SRS Airbag System. Have your vehicle checked by dealer immediately.” Dealer did Diagnostic. Toyota Dealer has tried to fix airbags three times in three weeks but it fails within a day or so and warning comes back on. Toyota has issued a recall for 2012 Highlanders for seats and front airbag that describes the issue this vehicle has however Toyota Dealer said our Vin is not included. The recall is under Campaign no. 13V014000 Report Date Jan 16 2013 Component Seats.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-08
- VIN: 5TDBK3EH8CS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS check light is on, says "have dealer check immediately". Took vehicle to dealer, dealer determined the main wire that runs under the carpet is defective and has to be fixed. The cost for the diagnostics is $750 without repairs. The cost to repair is $5100. I bought this vehicle brand new and have had all maintenance performed to manufacturers requirements. I don't believe I should be responsible for a defective wire that controls the air bags. At this point there are no recalls on my vehicle. I believe the manufacturer should paid the cost for this repair.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-09
- VIN: 5TDZK3EH5CS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Popping and clunking sound in steering or suspension. Can be produced at speeds and at stand still. Could it be this? https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/SB-10075792-2280.pdf https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Highlander/2013/steering/steering.shtml NHTSA Action Number: EA18006 https://www.consumerclasslawyersblog.com/snap-crackle-pop-intermediate-shaft-noise-coming-from-toyota-highlanders/
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-11
- VIN: 5TDDK3EH1CS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN I DRIVE THE VEHICLE YOU CAN HEAR A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT HAPPENS AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. WHEN MAKE A TURN RIGHT, OR LEFT YOU HEAR CLUNKING IS THE STEERING COLUMN. IT FEELS LIKE THE STEERING WANTS TO COME OFF, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATE TO FIX IT WILL COST OVER 1000$. I HEAD THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT, BUT HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-24
- VIN: 5TDZK3EH2CS
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN FILLING THE HIGHLANDER WITH FUEL, IT LOOKS LIKE A WATERFALL OF FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A GAS TANK ISSUE BUT A PROBLEM WITHIN THE LINES? ONCE YOU STOP FUELING WITH THE MAJOR LEAK AND GO TO ANOTHER AREA THERE IS NO FUEL DROP UNDERNEATH THE TANK.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-29
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A DEFECT WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, BUT THE TIRES ARE ALL AT THE CORRECT PRESSURE LEVELS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE TPMS DEACTIVATED UNTIL A FIX WAS AVAILABLE. *JS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-22
- VIN: 5TDDK3EH5CS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY VEHICLE WAS FINE NO NOISE NOTHING ALL OF SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION FAIL TO SHIFT GEARS
2012 Toyota Highlander recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2012 Toyota Highlander.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2012 Toyota Highlander car reviews
Positive 2012 Toyota Highlander car reviews
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We absolutely love the variety of beverage holders! Not only does it handle snow like a dream, but it also gets great mileage, is incredibly quiet, and provides ample room for comfortable road trips. It has proven to be extremely reliable, requiring only regular oil changes and good tires. We did experience a couple of minor hardware issues, such as a broken door opener handle and a non-functioning 12v power outlet, but overall everything functions perfectly and it handles like a champ. We even used it to haul a couple of big loads of landscaping bricks and it performed beautifully. All in all, it's a wonderful, reliable, comfortable, and fairly economical vehicle that we highly recommend!
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Gets great gas milage and is so comfortable on long trips! Will last forever!
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I had a 2007 Rav4 which I liked very much. The new Highlander has a nicer, quieter ride. Although it does not have as much power-pick-up as the Rav 4, I still like it. I hope that the reliability is as good as the Rav. Thank you Toyota for making such a great car!
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I'm so glad to hear that your wife is safe! It's amazing how much of a difference a reliable SUV can make in a dangerous situation.
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The best SUV you've ever owned! :)
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Toyota Highlander problems:
Buying a Highlander 2012/13 | Toyota Nation Forum
Apr 30, 2021 ... The 2012 Toyota Highlander has 261 problems & defects reported by Highlander owners. The worst complaints are steering, accessories - exterior, ...
2012 Toyota Highlander Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Apr 5, 2022 ... The 2012 Highlander can last over 300,000 miles with only minor steering and electrical complaints. At $11,294 – 18,436 it's expensive, but ...
2012 Toyota Highlander Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 Toyota Highlander? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
2012 Toyota Highlander : r/ToyotaHighlander
Mar 21, 2023 ... We liked the 2012 a lot, and it had been a reliable family truckster for 10 years with no mechanical issues. It was in a fender bender, and that ...
2012 Toyota Highlander Problems and Complaints - 1 Issues
Problem with your 2012 Toyota Highlander? Our list of 1 known complaint reported can help you fix your 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Other years of Toyota Highlander
Are you having problems with your 2012 Toyota Highlander?
Jedidiah Senger 2024-11-11
I noticed a few things about my car that I didn't realize before. For example, the SE model's driver's seat doesn't have seatpan depth adjustment like the Limited model does. Additionally, the SE driver's seat is quite firm, while the Limited model is much more comfortable. I also learned that you can't control the back A/C from the front - it stays wherever the back seat passenger left it last. Unfortunately, there aren't many storage areas within reach of the driver. Lastly, if you have the silver/grey console, it can reflect the sun into your eyes on bright days. I can see why some reviews mention the amount of hard plastic in the interior. Ouch!