Name: 2012 Toyota Highlander
Brand: Toyota

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"My check engine light came on as well as a sympathetic trac off light. I was told by Toyota mechanic that it was the catalytic converter. It hasnt caused any issues at all and I havent repaired it- its a very expensive repair."

Anonymous, GA (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

"About 6 months ago, Check engine light went on. Diagnostics pointed to CC. Expensive to replace, however, does not affect driving. Also it passed the emissions testing VA sets up on the roads. However, inspection w check engine light on will be tricky"

Anonymous, VA (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Other/unsure

"Replaced alternator"

Anonymous, FL (2012 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)

"Battery cables had to be changed out"

Anonymous A., GA (2012 Toyota Highlander Sport 3.5-L V6)

"alternator failed"

Anonymous, WV (2012 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

"Had problems with the rear different differential as well as axle bearings left, and right. Also had trouble with the front control arms"

Anonymous A., ON (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Alternator replacement, very expensive"

Anonymous A., VA (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Liftgate motor failed."

Anonymous, CO (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Rear suspension"

Anonymous, WI (2012 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

"Suspension: shocks"

Anonymous, NM (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"The whole camera and display system is not working. I don't know what's wrong with it and it's so frustrating."

Anonymous, WA (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited Unsure)

External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"The radio will not work with my I-Phone. It will still play music"

Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Our phones pair via bluetooth for making phone calls. Phones do not pair with the audio system for playing music from your phone. This stopped working several years ago."

Anonymous, MA (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Radio

"The radio controls stopped working several times on the radio itself and the radio screen was not illuminated. The screen remained dark (not illuminated), but I could turn the radio power on and off and I could control the volume, channels, and mode with the radio controls on the steering wheel. This malfunction occurred after the sunroof drain vent became clogged (twice) and rain leaked from the left front corner of the sunroof into the vehicle, soaking the driver's seat and pooling in the driver's-side carpet. Apparently, water also got into the radio during both leakage events, because this is when the malfunction occurred: multiple times following each leak. After the second leak, it took several weeks for the controls on the radio to begin working consistently again. For the past 6 weeks, the radio has worked normally. I will not buy a vehicle with a sun roof again."

Anonymous, TX (2012 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"vent stuck open and causing cold air always"

Anonymous, FL (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Heater system

"would not deliver heat to defrost or lower vents. AC radiator and vent motor actuator replaced to fix problem"

Anonymous, TN (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Paint And Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

"Trim on roof had to be adhered/replaced"

Anonymous, BC (2012 Toyota Highlander Sport 3.5-L V6)

"Its trim that goes around the bottom of the seat. It covers the metal part of the seat. It came off and wont stay on."

Anonymous, MO (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Started 4 years ago. Getting worse daily. Was told by another owner there's a paint recall. Dealership said no recall."

Anonymous, VA (2012 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

Rust

"Paint job is rusting."

Anonymous, VA (2012 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

Steering And Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Replaced steering linkage cost $700 not covered by warranty but should have been covered by recall . A safety issue if not fixed."

Anonymous, KS (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Tire wear is uneven

"Hard to keep wheels aligned and tires balanced."

Anonymous, KS (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Wheel bearings

"It started about six months ago and I was able to get it repaired."

Anonymous, WA (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited Unsure)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"The automatic door locks will stop working when trying to lock unlock with key fob, also doesnt work all the time with manual inside door locking mechanism."

Anonymous, UT (2012 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)

Seat controls - power

"Drivers side power buttons and cover is off and broken. Maybe due to weight of driver!"

Anonymous, UT (2012 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"The latch doesnt work at all! Toyota claims it happened in an accident and it should be repaired by the repair shop and the repair shop says it is a Toyota problem. It is well over $1100.00 to get it repaired, since they have to take everything a part to do so. I am only 53 so it is extremely hard for me to close the hatch. Plus I am disabled!"

Anonymous, MO (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Rotors

"There was rust and not sure if proper service had been performed at time of car purchase. I had Toyota dealer service and repair complete brake system."

Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Squeaking

"In reverse"

Anonymous, BC (2012 Toyota Highlander Sport 3.5-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Head gasket

"It resulted in loss of engine power and ultimately $7000 in repairs."

Anonymous A., WI (2012 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)

Noises And Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Other noises & leaks problem

"The vehicle developed an intermittent noise that was found to be a failed water pump that had to be replaced."

Anonymous, MS (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"The alternator failed and caused the battery to completely drain."

Anonymous, KY (2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Toyota Highlander

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Exhaust

What Owners Say

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Body Hardware

What Owners Say

Brakes

What Owners Say

Engine Major

What Owners Say

Noises And Leaks

What Owners Say

Drive System

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Transmission Minor

Engine Minor

Engine Electrical

Engine Cooling

Fuel System/Emissions

Transmission Major

2012 SUVs Reliability

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability