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2012 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Toyota Highlander carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering sensor/control module-inactive and labels. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Intermediate steering shaft clunking or popping noise.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Campaign #13V014000 · Jan 16, 2013

Issue: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #13V123000 · Sep 4, 2013

Issue: 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 data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Toyota Highlander.

Reported to NHTSA

Intermediate steering shaft clunking or popping noise

STEERING

43 NHTSA complaints · 2013-06 → 2021-06

“WHEN I DRIVE THE VEHICLE YOU CAN HEAR A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT HAPPENS AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. WHEN MAKE A TURN RIGHT, OR LEFT YOU HEAR CLUNKING IS THE STEERING COLUMN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398404
“STEERING SHAFT CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURN LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEED. CONFIRMED STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FAILURE BY IRA TOYOTA TECHNICIAN ON 7/31/2020 . THIS IS 3RD TIMES FAILURE. 1ST FAILURE WAS JAN/2012 AND 2ND TIME FAILURE WAS 11/2013”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11343172
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281114

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power door lock actuator failure preventing locking

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2020-10

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11302931
“THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STOPPED WORKING. WITH ONLY 51K 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10950440
“THE POWER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WENT OUT ON THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR IF MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. I ONLY NOTICED THE FAILURE BY CHANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11210570

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power liftgate fails to close, latch, or stay attached

STRUCTURE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2018-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10874467
“REAR LIFT GATE OPENED AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. DANGEROUS. NOW THE DOOR DOES NOT WORK AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11025461
“I OPENED THE POWER REAR DOOR BY DEPRESSING THE SWITCH NEXT TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE DOOR BEGAN TO OPEN, MADE A CLUNKING NOISE, AND CLOSED ITSELF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10604746

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sun visor detaching or failing to stay in position

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2017-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10966152
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10715302
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10701692

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden unintended acceleration at low speed or while parking

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2012-02 → 2022-05

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10495051
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10470867
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11163347

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2023-08

“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'”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307417
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11196195
“Around 112,500 miles our vehicle's oil pressure light came on. My husband drove it home, and our mechanic told us to tow it to his shop for inspection”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11524742

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

58 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Toyota Highlander reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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