2012 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2012 Toyota Highlander has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 182 complaints with NHTSA, including 16 crashes, 3 fires, 13 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Steering (46 reports).

2Recalls
182Owner complaints
16Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Highlander?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2012 Toyota Highlander recalls

Equipment:Other:Labels

Recall 13V123Apr 9, 20137,525 vehicles affected

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive; Seats

Recall 13V014Jan 16, 20133,235 vehicles affected

Most common 2012 Toyota Highlander problems

Problem areas named in the 182 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Steering46
Electrical System29
Unknown Or Other23
Structure20
Engine17
Vehicle Speed Control14
Visibility/Wiper14
Service Brakes12
Air Bags11
Power Train7

What owners report

2026-08-21, Service Brakes
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 design issue seems like based on the google search with Toyota Hybrid vehicles
2026-01-04, Other/I Am Not Sure
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
2025-12-29, Engine And Engine Cooling
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 mechanic who diagnosed that the timing cover had a leak, and that the timing cover area was smeared
2025-09-25, Tires
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.
2025-07-26, Structure
The paint is malfunction , and is available for inspection upon request.

2012 Toyota Highlander questions

Does the 2012 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2012 Toyota Highlander: Equipment:Other:Labels; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive; Seats. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Highlander?

Based on 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (46), Electrical System (29), Unknown Or Other (23).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Toyota Highlander has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Toyota Highlander years

Other 2012 Toyota models