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Model Year Problem Record

Toyota Highlander 2012 - Problems, Recalls, and Investigations

The complete public record for the 2012 Toyota Highlander: what owners reported, which systems drew recalls, and where complaints exist that no recall has ever covered.

182Distinct owner complaintsSource: NHTSA Complaints
2Recall campaignsSource: NHTSA Recalls
4Defect investigationsSource: NHTSA Investigations
24Complaints reporting a crash or fireOwner Reports, Unverified

Complaints by System

Distinct complaints naming each system, most reported first. Select a system for its own page.

Did a Recall Cover It?

The join between complaints and recalls for this model year, system by system. A gap does not prove a defect - it means owners reported the problem and no recall campaign covers that system on this model year.

Steering46 complaints

46 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Electrical System29 complaints

29 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Unknown Or Other24 complaints

24 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Vehicle Structure20 complaints

20 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Engine19 complaints

19 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Visibility19 complaints

19 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Vehicle Speed Control14 complaints

14 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Brakes14 complaints

14 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Air Bags11 complaints

11 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Power Train7 complaints

7 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Latches, Locks and Linkages5 complaints

5 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Tires4 complaints

4 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Fuel and Propulsion System3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Wheels3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Seats3 complaints

3 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 13V014000.

Suspension3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Driver Assistance and Stability Systems3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Lighting2 complaints

2 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Seat Belts1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Recall Campaigns

Every campaign covering this model year, in our own words. The campaign number is the official reference.

13V014000Reported January 16, 2013 - 3,235 vehicles potentially affected

Seats. Recall covering the seats system, reported to NHTSA on January 16, 2013. The campaign covers an estimated 3,235 vehicles across all affected models.

13V123000Reported April 9, 2013 - 7,525 vehicles potentially affected

Equipment. Recall covering the equipment system, reported to NHTSA on April 9, 2013. The campaign covers an estimated 7,525 vehicles across all affected models.

Defect Investigations

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened these investigations touching this model year.

EA18006Opened November 16, 2018 - Closed April 2, 2024

Steering Column Separation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

EA18006Opened November 16, 2018 - Closed April 2, 2024

Steering Column Separation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE18005Opened May 4, 2018 - Closed November 20, 2018

Upper Steering Column Separation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

PE18005Opened May 4, 2018 - Closed November 20, 2018

Upper Steering Column Separation. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

Complaints by Year Received

When this model year's complaints reached NHTSA - whether its problems surfaced early or late in its life.

201213
201312
201416
201519
201613
201717
201822
201926
202012
20219
20228
20235
20243
20255
20262
How to Read These Counts: complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not failure rates. Older and higher-volume vehicles accumulate more reports, and counts are not adjusted for vehicles sold - no per-sales rate or reliability ranking is shown, because the public data does not support one.

Data as of October 30, 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaints, recalls, and investigations files (U.S. Government public domain). DefectRecord is not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. For your specific vehicle, use NHTSA's VIN lookup. Report an error.