There are no safety recalls for the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA.
2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Structure | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | |
| Seats | 1 | |
Most reported parts
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 86,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Structure · at 110,000 miles · reported Dec 6, 2018
Vehicle power unlocking mechanism is unreliable, and shows significant defect in the unlocking capabilities of all but the drivers door. After several lock actuator replacements, the vehicle still exhibits improper operation. Dealership agrees that there is a common complaint with this vehicle, and it's lock operation. Biggest issue I see is having to leave my children unattended to enter the vehicle to manually unlock doors. I have researched this extensively, and found similar complaints online, in many forums etc - toyota refuses to acknowledge that there is an issue with the lock…
Service Brakes · at 114,000 miles · reported Nov 20, 2018
Brake booster pump/ABS actuator c1391/c1256 were codes given in attached report from toyota. This is apparently been a problem with other models of toyotas and are covered under a warranty enhancement, however the 2012 is not covered. Nothing seems wrong with the car and they cannot really tell me what exactly is wrong or if it is a bad sensor, however they want $4,200 to replace the whole unit. Seems like this is a known issue that they have not been able to fix from previous models and would like it covered due to potential safety risk.
Steering · at 82,427 miles · reported Jun 11, 2018
The vehicle developed a clunk or knock type noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. It occurred at slow speeds such as turning at an intersection. This required replacement of the steering intermediate shaft. This is a known , reported defect on highlanders from 2008 - 2013. It needs to be elevated to the level of a recall.
Visibility/Wiper · at 105,002 miles · reported Mar 1, 2018
The sunroof exploded and shuttered with a load explosion noise while I was driving 55mph on a highway 17 in california with my children.
Hybrid Propulsion System · at 86,000 miles · reported Feb 17, 2015
No prior history of hybrid problems during previous 65,000 miles. On monday morning, the highlander hybrid started up fine. After warming up for 5 minutes to scrape off snow, shifted to drive and began driving. Car shut down after about 12 feet. Car would not restart. Warning message appeared on display, indicating hybrid system problem. Aaa came, put on flatbed, and took to nearest dealership. Dealership was unable to determine cause or fix problem following 6+ hours of troubleshooting by their hybrid expert yesterday. They indicated it could be something in the inverter, but that it may not…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Owners report structure problems most often (2 reports), followed by fuel system, other (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 86,000 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.