2012 Toyota Highlander Problems & Owner Complaints

Steering 47 2 crash

“WIFE WAS IN PARKING LOT AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY. WENT TO TURN CAR OUT OF PARKING SPOT, WAS NOT ABLE TO AND HIT A POLE. STEERING WHEEL TURNED BUT WHEELS DID NOT. TOWED VEHICLE TO ANDY MOHR TOYOTA AVON. ADVISED THAT RACK WAS SHEERED. NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT THE TWO YEARS SERVICE WRITER HAD BEEN WORKING THERE. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT PRIOR THAT WOULD OF CAUSED PROBLEM. ALSO DEALER INDICATES STEERING WIRE IS ALSO DAMAGED. LUCKY WIFE WAS NOT ON INTERSTATE OR OTHER HIGHWAY, ACCIDENT COULD OF BEEN CATASTROPHIC.”
NHTSA complaint #10959521, 2017 · crash

“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 MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10519433, 2013 · crash

“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/”
NHTSA complaint #11420336, 2021

Electrical System 30

“I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11671369, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11557916, 2023

“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?”
NHTSA complaint #11496907, 2022

Unknown Or Other 24 1 crash

“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 THE DRIVEWAY AND HIT A PARKED TRUCK. THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE VEHICLE. VIDEO FROM SAFETY OFFICER AT HIGH SCHOOL SHOWS THE WHOLE EVENT. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK, LIGHTS TURN OFF AS I PARKED VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SITS STILL IN PARK FOR SOME TIME, THEN PROCEEDS TO MOVE ON ITS OWN AND RUNS INTO VEHIC…”
NHTSA complaint #10958968, 2017 · crash

“I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11671369, 2025

“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 PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11635068, 2024

Structure 22 1 crash 4 injury

“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 CENTER SEAT. CENTER CONSOLE UNIT DISLODGED DURING IMPACT AND/OR ROLL AND FLEW THROUGH REAR PASSENGER AREA, STRIKING TWO CHILDREN ON THE HEAD AND CAUSING HEAD/BRAIN INJURY (CONCUSSION AND LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10629834, 2014 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“THIS EVENT HAPPENED WHEN MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2012 (SE V6 4WD) WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. I PRESSED THE REMOTE CONTROL BUTTON TO AUTOMATICALLY OPEN THE CAR HATCH DOOR. THE DOOR WAS OPEN AND STAY UP. HOWEVER, WHEN I WAS PUTTING SOME GROCERY BAGS INSIDE THE CAR, THE DOOR CAME DOWN WITHOUT ANY ANNOUNCEMENT AND HITTING MY HEAD. I HAD HEAD ACHE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. AFTER THIS HAPPENED, THE BACK DOOR DOES NOT STAY UP. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER TWO DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. I AM STILL WAITING FOR A DECISION FROM TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AND WITHOUT MY CAR (3 WEEKS AND COUNTING…”
NHTSA complaint #10534724, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)

“The paint is malfunction , and is available for inspection upon request.”
NHTSA complaint #11676365, 2025

Engine 17 2 fire

“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 FIRE EXTINGUISHER I CALLED NINE-ONE-ONE FOUR FIRE TRUCKS TO MAKE SURE THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED MY MECHANIC SAYS A ROD POPPED AND PUNCTURED THE OIL TANK WHICH CAUSED ALL THE OIL TO LEAK OUT ONTO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY THE FIREMEN ACTUALLY SPREAD SAND OVER IT MY INSURANCE COMPANY HE'S REFUSING TO REPAIR THE CAR BECAUSE THEY SAY…”
NHTSA complaint #11162121, 2018 · fire

“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 COMPONENT NEEDS TO HAVE SAFETY FEATURE ADDED OR STERN WARNING COMMUNICATED AND POSTED IN THE CAR OF THIS DANGER. WE LEARNED THAT LESSON THE VERY HARD WAY. INTERNET SEARCHES AFTER THE FACT SHOW OCCURRENCES OF THIS SAME SCENARIO ON ICE, ETC ON MODERN CARS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10597939, 2014 · fire

“I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11671369, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 15

“THE SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHUTTERED WITH A LOAD EXPLOSION NOISE WHILE I WAS DRIVING 55MPH ON A HIGHWAY 17 IN CALIFORNIA WITH MY CHILDREN.”
NHTSA complaint #11075617, 2018

“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 OCCURRING, REQUIRING THE NEED TO KEEP GOING IN AND CLEANING IT OR HAVING TO REPLACE IT AS SOME HAVE REPORTED WHICH APPEARS TO BE THE POINT I AM AT THE LAST TIME I TOOK IT IN.”
NHTSA complaint #11130384, 2017

“THE EYEGLASSES HOLDER IN OUR 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS A MALFUNCTION OF DROPPING DOWN IN FRONT OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR DUE TO THE LOSS OF A SMALL RETAINING PIN. THE ISSUE CAUSES A DISRUPTIVE AND VERY ANNOYING SAFETY HAZARD. ATTEMPTS TO GET THE PROBLEM REPAIRED HAVE MET WITH NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES AS THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP MECHANICS AND ANOTHER DEALERSHIP IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI HAVE CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION, NOT REPAIRABLE. WE HAVE TRIED TO TAPE UP THE EYEGLASSES HOLDER, BUT THE TAPE WILL NOT STICK DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE MATERIEL. THE SITUATION BECOMES EMBARRASSING WHEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS…”
NHTSA complaint #10967665, 2016

Service Brakes 14 2 crash

“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 THEN REVVED UP AND ACCELERATED. AT THIS SAME TIME THE GEAR SHIFT WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AS IT HIT THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING, AND THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO BACK UP THE VEHICLE AND PARK IT IN THE PARKING SPACE, WITH NOT PROBLEM BRAKING IT…”
NHTSA complaint #10466502, 2012 · crash

“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 SAFE STOP. NOT BEFORE SLASHING MY LEFT FRONT TIRE AND BENDING MY TIRE RIM. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10457095, 2012 · crash

“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 tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11609089, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 14 7 crash

“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 with…”
NHTSA complaint #11463537, 2021 · crash

“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 IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE CRASH.”
NHTSA complaint #11163347, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CABINET IN FRONT OF HER HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10954933, 2017 · crash

Air Bags 10 6 crash 9 injury

“TAKATA RECALL - DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE FULLY DURING THE FRONTAL ACCIDENT ON 05/26/2018. PASSENGER AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE AT ALL DURING THE FRONTAL ACCIDENT ON 05/26/2018. SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE AT ALL DURING THE FRONTAL ACCIDENT ON 05/26/2018. VEHICLE WAS MOVING ON HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER AND ON”
NHTSA complaint #11203472, 2018 · crash · 5 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST DUE TO THE ROAD BEING WET. THE VEHCILE BEGAN TO SPIN HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LAND OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT-END AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER RECEIVED NECK INJURIES AND BOTH PASSENGERS THAT WERE SEATED IN THE REAR RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE ABDOMIN. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION…”
NHTSA complaint #10929523, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10664274, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 8 1 crash

“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 THEN REVVED UP AND ACCELERATED. AT THIS SAME TIME THE GEAR SHIFT WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AS IT HIT THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING, AND THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO BACK UP THE VEHICLE AND PARK IT IN THE PARKING SPACE, WITH NOT PROBLEM BRAKING IT…”
NHTSA complaint #10466502, 2012 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11540363, 2023

“MY VEHICLE WAS FINE NO NOISE NOTHING ALL OF SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION FAIL TO SHIFT GEARS”
NHTSA complaint #11389533, 2021

Latches/Locks/Linkages 5

“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 HEARD THE DOOR UNLOCKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER MARINA DEL REY TOYOTA LOCATED AT 4636 LINCOLN BLVD, MARINA DEL REY, CA 90292, (310) 439-9894 HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,…”
NHTSA complaint #11363463, 2020

“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 ACTUATORS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR. COLONIAL TOYOTA (2600 W PIKE RD, INDIANA, PA 15701, (724) 349-9100) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11047406, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DOOR LOCKS WERE REPLACED PER AN UNKNOWN NHTSA CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WINDOW FAILED TO ALIGN WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ROLL IT UP OR DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V689000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE M…”
NHTSA complaint #10948988, 2016

Visibility 5

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11097916, 2018

“2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAULTY ELECTRIC WINDOW MOTOR WHICH RESULTED IN A VEHICLE FIRE. *LD *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10971376, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10749412, 2015

Seats 4

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11428253, 2021

“THE MID-ROW SEATS SHAKE AND RATTLE WHEN DRIVING AND NO ONE IS SITTING ON THEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11219597, 2019

“THIS VEHICLE PRESENTS A HIGH NOISE BUMP WHEN STEERING. THE SUSPENSION FRONT & BACK IS TERRIBLE, CAUSING INTERIOR RATTLES FRONT AND BACK.”
NHTSA complaint #11066446, 2017

Tires 4 1 fire

“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 WAS TOTALLY FLAT. THE TIRE HAS ONLY 7500 MILES ON IT AND WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA DEALER THAT I NEED TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE. AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON IT SINCE IT IS FROM A NEW CAR AND I DID NOT PURCHASE THEIR EXTENDED COVERAGE. I THINK IT IS QUALITY OF THE TIRE USED AND I SAW TONS OF SAME COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER TOYOTA HIGHLANDER OWNERS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10502666, 2013 · fire

“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 failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V452000 (Tires). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,200.”
NHTSA complaint #11689639, 2025

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11391212, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11397781, 2021

“ON (OR ABOUT) THE LAST WEEK OF MAY 2015, I HAD MY AUTO SERVICED AT THE DEALSHIP. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE 'THROTTLE BODY' NEEDED 'CLEANING' AND THIS WAS DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP AT THAT TIME. ON JUNE 4, 2015, I WAS BACKING INTO A PARKING SPOT ON A PARKING LOT, WIITH THE CAR 'COASTING' BACK AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ABOUT HALF WAY INTO THE 'SPOT' THE CAR ENGINE SUDDELY ACCELLERATED AND I HAD TO USE EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO OBTAIN A 'MINIMUM' OF SLOWING. THE CAR ONLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE REAR TIRES, MADE CONTACT WITH AN 'IN-PLACE' CEMENT PARKING BARRIER AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATIO…”
NHTSA complaint #10724352, 2015

“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 THROTTLE. THERE WERE CARS ON BOTH SIDES OF ME WITH NO ONE IN FRONT AND THEN THE CAR JUST TOOK OFF. IT DID STARTLE ME BECAUSE I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE I AM SURE I WOULD NOT HAVE REACTED FAST ENOUGH TO STOP BECAUSE OF THE RAPID ACCELERATION. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE THROTTLE IN THESE VEHICLES. I D…”
NHTSA complaint #10459879, 2012

Suspension 3

“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 vehicle. The contact noticed several oil stains on the ground during rainy weather. The contact noticed that the new tires that the dealer installed at the time of the vehicle sale were worn out. The contact checked the tires and noticed that the plastic rubber on the front strut was severely damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent…”
NHTSA complaint #11707520, 2024

“FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW I HAVE BEEN HEARING A CLUCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT AND UPON BREAKING A THUD SOUND IN THE FRONT OF MY CAR. AFTER TAKING MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY CAME BACK AND SAID THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. I ASKED WELL HOW DO YOU DAMAGE A WHOLE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT? THEY SAID IT OCCURS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. MY VEHICLE HAS 92,000 MILES ON IT BUT ITS BEEN MAINTAINED AND SERVICED AND NOT DRIVEN ROUGHLY BUT TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT THEY SAID IT WOULD COST ME ABOUT $615.00 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $89…”
NHTSA complaint #11217145, 2019

“THIS VEHICLE PRESENTS A HIGH NOISE BUMP WHEN STEERING. THE SUSPENSION FRONT & BACK IS TERRIBLE, CAUSING INTERIOR RATTLES FRONT AND BACK.”
NHTSA complaint #11066446, 2017

Wheels 3 1 fire

“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 WAS TOTALLY FLAT. THE TIRE HAS ONLY 7500 MILES ON IT AND WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA DEALER THAT I NEED TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE. AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON IT SINCE IT IS FROM A NEW CAR AND I DID NOT PURCHASE THEIR EXTENDED COVERAGE. I THINK IT IS QUALITY OF THE TIRE USED AND I SAW TONS OF SAME COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER TOYOTA HIGHLANDER OWNERS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10502666, 2013 · fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11429034, 2021

“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 SIDE OF THE ROAD UNABLE TO REMOVE A FLAT TIRE. BESIDES THE WHEEL LOCKS, ALL 16 OF THE REMAINING NUTS WERE AFFECTED. I HAVE ORDERED REPLACEMENT NUTS, ON ADVICE FROM MY LOCAL TIRE SHOP, THAT ARE CHROME PLATED AND NOT 2-PIECE. I INFORMED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED RECEIPT BUTOFFERED NO SOLUTION OR COMPENSATION…”
NHTSA complaint #10970714, 2017

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“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 vehicle. The contact noticed several oil stains on the ground during rainy weather. The contact noticed that the new tires that the dealer installed at the time of the vehicle sale were worn out. The contact checked the tires and noticed that the plastic rubber on the front strut was severely damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent…”
NHTSA complaint #11707520, 2024

“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 ACCELERATION OPERATION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10448434, 2012

Exterior Lighting 2

“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 WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000. ... UPDATED 02/27/13 *BF UPDATED 03/04/13”
NHTSA complaint #10493322, 2012

“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 WHEN POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DEFROSTER FOR THE REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO REMAIN FOGGY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVI…”
NHTSA complaint #10489150, 2012

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“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 MINUTES. BATTERY & ALTERNATOR WERE TESTED - NO MALFUNCTION.”
NHTSA complaint #10960048, 2017

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11478377, 2022

Fuel System 1

“TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE 15,000 MILES CHECK UP. THIS VEHICLE ISN'T EVEN A YEAR OLD. THEY TOLD US THE FUEL TANK CHARCOAL CANISTER WAS CRACKED, HOWEVER THE PLASTIC SHROWD WAS NOT. THE DEALER WANTED $1,100 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOW COULD THIS CAR LESS THAN 20,000 MILES AND LESS THAN A YEAR OLD HAVE A CRACKED CANISTER, WITHOUT THE SHROWD BEING CRACKED. DEALER SAID THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A DEFECT THEN THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10504203, 2013

Hybrid Propulsion System 1

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10683807, 2015

Other/I Am Not Sure 1

“The unmatched handle completely broke. So now the insert and the base are stuck together and I can not unlatch them to use this carseat properly to transport my son. I have to take the base and all out of the car as one piece”
NHTSA complaint #11708636, 2026

Seat Belts 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 TO BE REPLACED. THE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10923806, 2016