Model year
2012 Toyota Highlander
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 182 complaints for the 2012 Toyota Highlander (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 0 recalls and 9 complaints under HIGHLANDER HYBRID. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are STEERING (46), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (23). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA rated 3 variants 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 19–28 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,400–$3,550, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2001 137 complaints
- 2002 301 complaints
- 2003 258 complaints
- 2004 286 complaints
- 2005 224 complaints
- 2006 278 complaints
- 2007 124 complaints
- 2008 405 complaints
- 2009 134 complaints
- 2010 216 complaints
- 2011 181 complaints
- 2012 182 complaints
- 2013 207 complaints
- 2014 136 complaints
- 2015 192 complaints
- 2016 111 complaints
- 2017 271 complaints
- 2018 269 complaints
- 2019 502 complaints
- 2020 321 complaints
- 2021 531 complaints
- 2022 263 complaints
- 2023 189 complaints
- 2024 43 complaints
- 2025 10 complaints
- 2026 4 complaints
Recalls
13V123000 · Apr 9, 2013
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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…
13V014000 · Jan 16, 2013
SEATS; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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…
Complaints
182 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 16, fire flag on 3, injury field 13, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| HIGHLANDER HYBRID | 0 | 9 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE18005 | Upper Steering Column Separation · STEERING:COLUMN; STEERING | May 4, 2018 | Nov 20, 2018 |
| EA18006 | Steering Column Separation · STEERING:COLUMN; STEERING | Nov 16, 2018 | Apr 2, 2024 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HV SUV AWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.174 | — |
| SUV AWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.174 | NHTSA photo |
| SUV FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.198 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander 2WD · 2.7L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 25 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
| Highlander 2WD · 3.5L · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 18 | 24 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| Highlander 4WD · 3.5L · Automatic (S5) · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 22 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
| Highlander Hybrid 4WD · 3.5L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · Hybrid | 28 | 28 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Toyota Highlander at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.