2012 Toyota Highlander recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Highlander and 191 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are steering (47), electrical system (30), unknown or other (24). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #6 of 14 Highlander model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (231). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Toyota Highlander. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Equipment · other · labels
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.
Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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
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
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…
Safety ratings
2012 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD
2012 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Highlander 2WD
Auto (S5) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Highlander 2WD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.7 L
Regular
Highlander 4WD
Auto (S5) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Highlander, most recently for equipment · other · labels (04/09/2013). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
Based on 191 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are steering (47), electrical system (30), unknown or other (24).
Is the 2012 Toyota Highlander safe?
The 2012 Toyota Highlander earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Toyota Highlander?
The 2012 ranks #6 of 14 Highlander model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (231). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Highlander get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Toyota Highlander range from 19 to 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Toyota Highlander in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: HIGHLANDER, Highlander.