2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    steering column

    21 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    25
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=22, median 62,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "VERY SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE IT WAS IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THERE WAS DIFFICULTLY CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE ON ACCELERATION. LATER IT APPEARED AS IF THERE WAS A HIGH POINT IN THE STEERING. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE CHANGED AT 32K MILES AND NOW THERE…"~28,000 mi, complaint #1370534
    • "HAVE NOISE IN STEERING SHAFT AT LOW SPEED WHEN TURNING AND BACKING UP AND PULLING FORWARD . TOYOTA DEALER CHECKED AT 50,000 MILE WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE NOISE . WHEN HAVING OIL CHANGE AT 62000 MILES MENTIONED IT AGAIN TO SE…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1527297
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING STEERING FAILURE. FREEDOM TOYOTA OF HARRISBURG ([REDACTED ADDRESS], HARRISBURG, PA 17112, [REDACTED PHONE]) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1526514
    • "CRUNCH NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN MAKING TURNS."~80,000 mi, complaint #1700522
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. IN ORDER TO RELEASE THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CONTACT HAD TO RETRACT THE STEERING WHEEL QUICKLY TO THE POINT THAT IT WO…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1622187
  2. #2

    power windows and locks

    14 unsafe, 3 broken, 3 annoyance

    20
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=20, median 55,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING. WITH ONLY 17500 ON THE CAR, ALL 4 DOORS WONT CLOSE WITH THE KEY FOB, OR ON THE DOOR. THEY OPEN BUT DONT CLOSE, I HAVE TO MANUALLY CLOSE EACH DOOR LOCK EVERY TIME I WANT THE DOORS LOCKED. I AM THE ONL…"~17,400 mi, complaint #1184983
    • "RIGHT FRONT DOOR DOES NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK USING THE KEYLESS REMOTE HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HAD TO HAVE THE ACTUATOR REPLACED ON MARCH 17TH, 2014. NOW ON APRIL 8TH, 2014 DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK USING…"~48,151 mi, complaint #1054862
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AUTOMATIC DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE OF THE FOUR DOORS. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER REAR DOOR LOCK AC…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1426545
    • "MY 2012 HIGHLANDER CURRENTLY HAS 110,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. AT THIS TIME NONE OF THE POWER DOORS LOCKS WORK WHEN THE KEY FOB OR DOOR BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, THAT ALL FOUR LOCK ACTUATORS ARE FAULTY. THE ESTI…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1642131
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN COLD WEATHER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK WAS HEARD HOWEVER, AFTER SEVERAL MOMENTS OF DRIVING, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND HE HEA…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1698435
  3. #3

    steering rack mechanical

    10 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    13
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 85,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CLICKING FEEL IN THE STEERING SYSTEM ABOUT A YEAR AND 9 MONTHS FROM MANUFACTURE DATE. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A FAILED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND RECOMMEND INDICATE REPLACEMENT . I CONTACTED TOYOTA AS I FEEL REPAIR…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1068867
    • "HEARING A NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEED. STARTED AROUND WHEN IT WAS AROUND 45000 MILES BUT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO RECOGNISE IT OR REPRODUCE IT. NOW AT 63000 MILES VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND SERVICE CHARGE FOR REPLACING STEERING SHA…"~59,000 mi, complaint #1545342
    • "HAD TO INSTALL A NEW STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY AT THE 5TH YR INSPECTION. THE WARRANTY WAS UP, HAD TO PAY $451.82 MYSELF. PROBLEM AND NOISE FROM DAY ONE. TOLD I COULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT FROM IT. THIS WAS ON 3/29/2017 AT DIEHL AUTOMOTIVE IN BUTLER, PA.…"~77,000 mi, complaint #1678707
    • "NOTICED A SUBTLE KNOCKING SOUND ON THE STEERING WHEEL ONE YEAR AGO. TODAY IT BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED ,LOUDER , AS I TURN THE WHEEL EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. I WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. AND IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE MY HIGHLANDER ?"~114,000 mi, complaint #1625627
    • "WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT A POPPING NOISE OCCURS AT LOW SPEED."~130,000 mi, complaint #1677452
  4. #4

    trunk or liftgate

    8 unsafe, 4 broken

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "POWER LIFTGATE ON 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FAILS TO FULL CLOSE AND LATCH. 4 YEARS OLD NOW, PROBLEM BEGAN 2 YEARS AGO AT 12,000 MILES, AND NOW 1 YEAR PAST 3/36 WARRANTY AND 47,000 MILES. LIFTGATE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY MANUAL FOR LAST 1-1/2 YEARS. USING BUTTONS T…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1289981
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HATCH LIFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART DO TO THE REPAIR WAS UN…"~22,700 mi, complaint #1139694
    • "REAR TAILGATE MOTOR WITH POWER TO OPEN/LIFT AND CLOSE THE TAILGATE NO LONGER WORKS. COURTESY TOYOTA COLLISION CENTER PROVIDED ESTIMATE OF $1,431.82 ON 4-11-2016 TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. PROBLEM STARTED CIRCA JULY 2015 AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED NOT CLOSING OFF AND ON…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1280918
    • "POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR ARM DETACHED FROM THE UPPER PORTION OF THE REAR DOOR. UPON REPEATED USE AND TIGHTENING IT BECOMES STRIPPED. FORUMS REPORTS THIS IS COMMON FOR SEVERAL MODEL YEARS - NO RECALL. HOLE TO SCREW BECOMES STRIPPED OVER TIME. NO ACCESS TO THE BACK…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1391760
    • "LIFT GATE HANDLE LITERALLY FELL OFF AND BROKE AS WE WERE CLOSING THE DOOR USING THE POWER BUTTON ON THE REAR DOOR. SCREW JUST FELL OUT OF ITS ATTACHMENT. UNABLE TO USE POWER LIFT GATE FUNCTION. PART OF THE REAR DOOR AREA WHERE THE HINGE IS ATTACHED IS WARPED…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1229355
  5. #5

    unintended acceleration

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 7,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE CONTACT THEN ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH WAS UNRESPONSIVE. THE ENGINE RMPS INCREASED UP TO 3,000. THE BRAKE PEDAL…"~4,000 mi, complaint #916577
    • "ON FEBRUARY 4, 2013 THE HIGHLANDER ACCELERATED THREE CONSECUTIVE TIMES. TURNED OFF THE ENGINE EACH TIME AND ENGINE ACCELERATED WHEN COMING TO A STOP EACH TIME. ON JUNE 16, 2013 THE HIGHLANDER ENGINE ACCELERATED AS THE CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN BEFORE IT CAME TO A…"~5,787 mi, complaint #986613
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND WENT OVER THE CURB. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET AND SHIFTED INTO PARK IN ORDER…"~11,500 mi, complaint #934375
    • "THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE WHEN WE CAME TO A STOP. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO HELP. THE CAR HAS TO BE TURNED OFF BEFORE IT GETS OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE HAS BEEN NO RESOLUTION OR SOLUTION FOR THE ACCELERATIO…"~19,004 mi, complaint #1040192
    • "WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPOT WITH FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN AND UNANTICIPATED ACCELERATION RESULTING IN THE CAR CRASHING INTO A CONCRETE WALL AND BEING TOTALED. WITNESS CORROBORATED THE SOUND OF A THE ENGINE AT HIGH RPM IMMEDIAT…"~133,993 mi, complaint #1526208
  6. #6

    brake hydraulics

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 7,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT, MY HIGHLANDER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND I HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL! MY HIGHLANDER WENT UP OVER THE CURB WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW. I HAD BRAKES AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKE, COMING TO A S…"~1,104 mi, complaint #916910
    • "AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THEN BRAKING, I BACKED UP TO REALIGN THE VEHICLE BETTER. WHEN I PULLED IN THIS TIME AND BRAKE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. I CONTINUED TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE REPEATEDLY, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT STOP. THE ENGINE THE…"~4,989 mi, complaint #928923
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY INSTEAD. SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE HOWEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD BECOME VERY STIFF. SHE HAD TO APPLY EX…"~6,200 mi, complaint #930694
    • "1. MY CAR HAS ONLY 30000 MILES AND YESTERDAY BRAKE MALFUNCTION SHOWED UP. MY WIFE HAD HARD TIME STOPPING THIS VEHICLE. 2. SINCE I AM REPORTING BRAKE ISSUE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO SHARE OUR SPEED GAGE IS COUNTING 2 -3 MILES/HOUR HIGHER THAN ACTUAL SPEED. WE HAD…"~30,101 mi, complaint #1379283
    • "WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE WITH BRAKE BEING PRESSED VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS AND SKID LIGHT CAME ON. PUT VEHICLE IN 'PARK' AND VEHICLE STOPPED. PLACED VEHICLE IN 'DRIVE', ACCELERATED AND DROVE AWAY WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHI…"~45,800 mi, complaint #1496471
  7. #7

    sunroof

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "THE OVERHEAD SUNGLASSES HOLDER SUDDENLY FOLDED DOWN AND WOULD NOT SLIDE BACK INTO PLACE. THERE WAS NO FORCE USED AND IT APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. THE HOLDER BLOCKS THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SAFELY OPERATE A VEHICLE. A QUICK…"~28,500 mi, complaint #1116808
    • "I WAS ABOUT TO START THE CAR. MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SHE LOWERED THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR AND THEN TRIED TO PUT IT BACK UP. WE HEARD A CLICK, AND FOUND THAT THE SUN VISOR WILL NOT GO BACK INTO THE "UP" POSITION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAU…"~44,120 mi, complaint #1022009
    • "DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR IS MALFUNCTIONING CREATING A SAFETY ISSUE WITH CLEARLY VIEWING THE ROADWAY. WITHOUT BEING MANIPULATED BY A VEHICLE OCCUPANT, THE SUN VISOR--UNPROMPTED--HANGS DOWN PARTIALLY IN THE VISION OF THE VEHICLE DRIVER. ATTEMPTS TO PUSH THE VIS…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1102100
    • "MY PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE INTERNALLY AND THE INTERNAL SPRING FORCED IT TO POINT STRAIGHT DOWN. IT BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF VEHICLES APPROACHING FROM A SIDE STREET ON THE RIGHT . I HAVE FIDDLED WITH IT AND GOT IT TO STAY UP ABOUT 3 INCHES FROM THE R…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1181078
    • "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…"~128,000 mi, complaint #1905175
  8. #8

    airbag system

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 36,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "DRIVERS AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT. FRONT END CRUSHED, PROBABLY $20,000 DAMAGE TO FRONT END ALTHOUGH TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID IT WAS TOTALED. WIFE WAS DRIVING AND COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED IF SEAT BELT HAD FAILED ALSO. *TR"~3,600 mi, complaint #913563
    • "THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY TOAD. THE DISPLAY ALSO NOTIFIED ME AND READ, PLEASE TAKE THIS TO A TOYOTA DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE HORN ON THE CAR ALSO STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE NO HORN AND A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. ARE THEY CO…"~7,400 mi, complaint #1503194
    • "RE: OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, SRS, ZERO POINT CALIBRATION SAFETY ISSUE. OWNERS WILL BE RELUCTANT TO SPEND $130+ AT THE DEALER FOR CALIBRATION. LOCAL REPAIR SHOPS IS NOT EQUIPPED TO DO THE CALIBRATION. MUST BE A DEALER. I SPENT THE MONEY. I KNOW OF OTHER…"~49,000 mi, complaint #1255463
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1139116
    • "AS I WAS DRIVING AT [REDACTED ADDRESS] WITH MY HUSBAND SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT (WITH HIS SEATBELT ON) AND THE EMERGENCY LIGHT WENT ON AND A MESSAGE SAYING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF CAME ON. IF WOULD NOT RESET AND TOLD US TO CALL OUR LOCAL DEALER…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1442447
  9. #9

    other

    5 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "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 UN…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1104531
    • "SUN VISOR, DRIVER'S SIDE: HANGS DOWN AT APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREE ANGLE TOWARD DRIVER IN THE STOWED POSITION AND BUMPS HEAD ON THE BOTTOM EDGE WHEN EXITING OR LEANING FORWARD. WHEN IN THE USED POSITION IT GOES AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD GIVING LITTLE BENEFIT AS IT I…"~38,620 mi, complaint #1169029
    • "THE SUN VISORS ARE BOTH BROKEN AND ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. THE DRIVERS VISOR HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR TIME. THE PASSENGER VISOR JUST BROKE RECENTLY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND AM SURPRISED I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. I HAVE WORN OUT LOTS OF VEHICLES, B…"~125,000 mi, complaint #1363406
  10. #10

    glass and windshield

    4 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "THE SUN GLASS HOLDER DOES NOT STAY LATCHED. IT WILL FALL AND PARTIALLY OBSCURES THE REAR VIEW MIRROR"~25,000 mi, complaint #1208409
    • "REAR WINDSHIELD BLEW OUT ON THE INTERSTATE. THE CAR WAS WARMED PRIOR TO DRIVING AND FONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WERE ON DEFROST PRIOR TO THE REAR WINDSHIELD EXPLODING."~54,000 mi, complaint #1470955
    • "IN LEFT TURN LANE, ACCELERATING FROM RED LIGHT STOP, A LOUD BAND (AS FROM A ROCK), SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED INTO THOUSANDS OF PIECES. NO INJURIES."~75,000 mi, complaint #1700873
    • "ON MARCH 19, 2019 AROUND 9:30PM (DRY ROAD CONDITION ' NO RAIN), MY HUSBAND AND I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION OUTSIDE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY (I-70) GOING APPROX. 70 MPH. IT SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE BLEW OUT OR A GUN SHOT. MY HUSBAND DIDN'T FEEL THE CAR WAS WOBB…"~91,000 mi, complaint #1552994
  11. #11

    engine internal

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND STEERING TO THE RIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY WH…"~1,000 mi, complaint #954248
    • "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…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1074863
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY I HEARD A NOISE AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND SAW SMOKR A TOW TRUCK DRIVER WHO HAPPENED TO BE PASSING BY PULLED OVER AND SURE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD HE PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A F…"~100,300 mi, complaint #1524615
  12. #12

    engine oil consumption

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "WITH 1000 MILES LEFT ON AN OIL CHANGE OR SO OUR CAR WOULD RANDOMLY STALL WHEN YOU MAKE CERTAIN TURNS. OCCAISIOANLLY THE OIL LIGHT WOULD POP ONE WHEN IT WOULD STALL. I CHECKED THE DIPSTICK AND YOU COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING ON IT. I ADDED OIL AND TOOK IT INTO DE…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1557917
    • "CAR HAS OVER 117,000 MILES AND IS EXCESSIVELY CONSUMING OIL. THERE IS NO SIGN OF LEAKS ANYWHERE. I DO NOT GET ANY WARNING ANYWHERE ABOUT LOW OIL, ALL I SEE IS A SMALL MESSAGE THAT SOMETIMES BLINKS INDICATING 'OIL PRESSURE'. OIL IS NOT LASTING 1000 MILES. I TH…"~117,000 mi, complaint #1644083
    • "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 veh…"~160,000 mi, complaint #2161167
    • "THE "MAINTENANCE REQUIRED " LIGHT CAME ON AND I STARTED NOTICING A STRANGE NOISE AS I STARTED THE CAR EVERY MORNING AND AGAIN AS I ACCELERATED. I CALLED AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ATTENDANT REPORTED TO ME THAT…"~216,148 mi, complaint #1515814
  13. #13

    paint and clearcoat

    4 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE SEAL COATING ON THE ROOF PAINT CLEAR COAT IS UNDER CURRENT WARRANTEE AND THE DEALER WANTS NOT TO COVER IT. INSTEAD THEY WANT TO NOT USE THE POLICY ,BUT CHARGE ME $1000 FOR THEM TO PAINT IT.THIS I CONSUMER FRAUD."complaint #1565361
    • "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…"complaint #1799156
    • "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 P…"complaint #2054615
    • "The paint is malfunction , and is available for inspection upon request. "complaint #2114266
  14. #14

    driveshaft axle cv

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "REPEATED POPPING NOISE FROM INTERMEDIA SHAFT. STAR TOYOTA SERVICE REPLACED THE INTERMEDIA SHAFT UNDER THE WARRANTY WITH OLD DESIGN PART#45220-48170 BACK IN OCT. 2013. THE PROBLEM RESURFACED AFTER 3 YEAR, OCT. 2016. THERE WAS A NEW DESIGN FROM TOYOTA, PART#4522…"~19,882 mi, complaint #1333106
    • "POPPING NOISE FROM THE INTERMEDIA SHAFT."~19,882 mi, complaint #1333110
  15. #15

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "DRIVING VISIBILITY IS AFFECTED AS THE PART HANGS DOWN OBSCURING THE ROAD. "~18,250 mi, complaint #1210678
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS LATCHED TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER BOLTS…"~23,000 mi, complaint #1031460
    • "THE REAR WIPER QUITS WORKING. INITIALLY THE DEALERSHIP TOOK IT APART, CLEANED IT AND IT WORKED TEMPORARILY. BUT THEN THE WIPER QUIT WORKING AGAIN. THERE APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE MECHANISM AND/OR REAR WINDOW ALLOWING IN MOISTURE FOR THIS TO CONTINUE O…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1500461
  16. #16

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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.…"complaint #1758423
    • "While driving one day i got the ABS light and brake light on on my car screen and the small display showed "Barke Malfunction" when i did the scan it is C1391 Code which is for ABS Accutator issue. This showed be fixed by Toyota dealership for free. this is de…"complaint #2237992
  17. #17

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "AFTER DRIVING APROX 1200 MILES FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO FLORIDA NOTICED THAT THE FLOOR MATS UNDER THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE SOPPING WET. BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO ARLINGTON TOYOTA IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA ON 12/27/2012 TO HAVE THE PROBLEM LOOKED INTO.…"~9,796 mi, complaint #1019854
    • "OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW WEEKS WE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT SMELL IN OUR CAR. WE HAVE RUBBER FLOORMATS, SO DID NOT NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A DRAINAGE PROBLEM IN OUR A/C CONDENSER. THE BLOCKAGE CAUSED DRAINAGE TO BACK UP INTO THE BODY OF OUR VEHICLE AND MOLD STARTED…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1016326
  18. #18

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "OCCASIONALLY, AFTER COMING TO A STOP, AND THEN TAKING OFF AND TURNING EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT, THE ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE ENGINE DOES NOT SHUT OFF, IT JUST SLOWS DOWN TO JUST ABOVE IDLE SPEED FOR 3 OR 4 SECONDS AND THEN RESUMES NORMAL ACCE…"~8,000 mi, complaint #905858
    • "I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION (RED LIGHT) AND WAS NEEDING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN BUT THIS INTERSECTION DOES NOT HAVE A GREEN ARROW SO YOU HAVE TO YIELD TO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AS I PROCEEDED FORWARDED A LITTLE BIT INTO THE MIDDLE OF…"~18,800 mi, complaint #991535
  19. #19

    brake booster

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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…"complaint #1819390
    • "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…"complaint #1858633
  20. #20

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE DOOR AJAR LIGHTS ON THE DASH AND "DINGER" COME ON AUG 4, 2019, WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE. I CHECKED ALL DOORS, NOTHING WAS OPEN. THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM EVER SINCE. THESE INDICATORS COME ON WHEN THE DOORS ARE NOT AJAR. THEY COME ON EVERY DAY, T…"~145,000 mi, complaint #1606744
  21. #21

    engine stall or no start

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHILE PARKED AT A CURBSIDE, WITH ENGINE IDLING, I SPONTANEOUSLY DECIDED TO ADJUST MY TILT STEERING COLUMN (UP/DOWN) TO SEE IF THERE WAS A MORE COMFORTABLE POSITION TO DRIVE. WHEN I MOVED THE COLUMN DOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME (I HAD NEVER TRIED TO ADJUST THE POSI…"~9,900 mi, complaint #1052406
  22. #22

    parking brake

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK IN GARAGE AND TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE. I OPENED THE CAR DOOR TO MAKE SURE IN WAS PARKED STRAIGHT, AND THE CAR BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS. THEM CAR ROLLED ABOUT A FOOT, WITH THE DOOR STRIKING A GARAGE PILLAR BEFORE I COULD APPLY THE BRAKES. DAM…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1225238
  23. #23

    steering electric assist

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "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 H…"~71,579 mi, complaint #1362275
    • "IT MAKES A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WHEN YOU STEER AT ALL TIMES"~75,000 mi, complaint #1683221
  24. #24

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I WAS DRIVING ON I-35 AND HAS TO STOP AT THE SHOULDER FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO FIX SOMETHING. THE SHOULDER IS SMOOTH AND NEWLY PAVED. THEN I WENT ON DRIVING AGAIN, MINUTES LATE, THE TIRE LOW AIR INDICATOR WAS ON AND A FEW MORE MINUTES LATER, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE…"~7,474 mi, complaint #968078
    • "MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING ALONG EL CAMINO REAL IN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA WHEN WE HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG AND OUR CAR SWAYED TO THE RIGHT AND ALMOST HIT A BYSTANDER. THE REAR PASSENGER RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT AT NO APPARENT REASONS. THERE WAS A BIG CRACK…"~9,197 mi, complaint #961596
  25. #25

    tpms

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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 failur…"~90,200 mi, complaint #2133849
  26. #26

    transmission automatic

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WE WERE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT WITH OUR 2 SMALL CHILDREN WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR JERKED LIKE WE WERE REAR ENDED. I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN TO HAVE IT ONLY HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES. IT WAS VERY SCARY. IF WE WERE ON THE ROAD WE WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY…"~1,500 mi, complaint #1054929
    • "MY VEHICLE WAS FINE NO NOISE NOTHING ALL OF SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION FAIL TO SHIFT GEARS"~46,000 mi, complaint #1721827
  27. #27

    wheel or rim

    2 stranded

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "LUG NUTS ARE 2-PIECE: STEEL NUTS WITH CHROMED COVERS CRIMPED ON. THE NUTS RUST INSIDE THE CHROME COVERS AND SWELL SO THAT THE LUG WRENCH THAT COMES WITH THE VEHICLE (NOR SOCKETS OR TYPICAL 4-WAY LUG WRENCHES) WILL NOT FIT THE NUT. ONE CAN BE STRANDED ON THE SI…"~45,500 mi, complaint #1368732
  28. #28

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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 U…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1729217
  29. #29

    instrument cluster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE 2012 HIGHLANDER SPEEDOMETER CONSISTENTLY SHOWS 3 MILES OVER THE ACTUAL SPEED, AS COMPARE TO VARIOUS HIGHWAY SPEED MONITORS AND COMMERCIAL GPS SPEED INDICATORS. HOWEVER, TOYOTA DEALER AND HEADQUARTER SAID THE SPEEDOMETER IS WITHIN PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION.…"~5,000 mi, complaint #931899
  30. #30

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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. "complaint #1947112
  31. #31

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS WERE TOO DIM, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR NIGHT DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND ADJUSTED THE LIGHTS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WA…"complaint #958538
  32. #32

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THIS VEHICLE PRESENTS A HIGH NOISE BUMP WHEN STEERING. THE SUSPENSION FRONT & BACK IS TERRIBLE, CAUSING INTERIOR RATTLES FRONT AND BACK."complaint #1444657
  33. #33

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MALE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR FAILED TO CONNECT INTO THE FEMALE CONNECTOR. THE SEAT BELT INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FEMALE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR FAILED AND NEEDED…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1330945
  34. #34

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MY HIGHLANDER WAS AT THE AIRPORT FOR THREE DAYS PARKED. WHEN I WAS LEAVING THE LOT I WAS DRIVING SLOW IN THE LOT TO PAY MY PARKING. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE LOT TO MAIN STREAM TRAFFIC I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR WOULD ONLY GO SLOW AS I KEPT PUSHING THE THRO…"~5,000 mi, complaint #920473
  35. #35

    timing belt or chain

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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 rest…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1794216

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TOYOTA HIGHLANDER directly.