2012 Toyota Highlander recalls and problems
The 2012 Toyota Highlander has 2 safety recalls and 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Toyota Highlander recalls
Recall 13V-123: Equipment
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 13V-014: Seats, Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
2012 Toyota Highlander problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 46 | |
| Electrical System | 29 | |
| Unknown or Other | 23 | |
| Structure | 20 | |
| Engine | 17 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 14 | |
| Service Brakes | 12 | |
| Air Bags | 11 | |
| Power Train | 7 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 5 | |
| Visibility | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 14
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 2
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments — 1
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 51,000 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 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Highlander: 13V-123 (equipment), 13V-014 (seats, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
Owners report steering problems most often (46 reports), followed by electrical system (29). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 51,000 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.