FaultScore

FaultScore report

2012 Toyota Highlander problems

Owners have filed 230 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 19 of 25 worst.

C

FaultScore 53/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota Highlander.

How this is worked out

The numbers

230

Complaints

20

Crashes reported

4

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

48,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

39%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

NHTSA overall crash rating

From the agency's own crash tests

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 40 vs 50 Severity 65 vs 50 Early failure 67 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 40
Against the median year of the Toyota Highlander. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 67
39% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2012 compares with every other Toyota Highlander

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2012 Toyota Highlander

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Steering 46 20.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 68,000 mi

Median failure at 48,151 miles

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 63,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 35,000 mi

Median failure at 47,560 miles

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 31,900 mi

7 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,200 mi

Brakes 14 6.1%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 6,244 mi

Airbags 11 4.8%

6 crashes, 0 fires · median 31,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 7 3.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,500 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 5 2.2%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Tires 4 1.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 9,197 mi

Seats 3 1.3%

Median failure at 32,007 miles

Wheels 3 1.3%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 26,487 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 3 1.3%

Median failure at 39,850 miles

Suspension 3 1.3%

Median failure at 80,007 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 2 0.9%
Lights 2 0.9%

Median failure at 1,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 0.4%

Median failure at 71,579 miles

Seat Belts 1 0.4%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 14 58.3%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems 2 8.3%
Latch 2 8.3%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 2 8.3%
SUN Visor 1 4.2%
Automatic Emergency Braking 1 4.2%
Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette 1 4.2%
Adaptive Cruise Control 1 4.2%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 4 2.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 32 20.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 17 10.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 31 19.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 36 22.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 17 10.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 17 10.8%
150,000+ miles 4 2.5%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Frontal crash test of a 2012 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2012 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD

Side barrier crash test

Side pole crash test of a 2012 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD

Side pole crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2012 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD
17.4% risk
2012 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD
19.8% risk

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Feb 2012 peak 7 Aug 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Toyota Highlander

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA18006 Opened 16 Nov 2018 Closed 2 Apr 2024 STEERING:COLUMN

Steering Column Separation

On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an Engineering Analysis (EA18-006) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-005).  The investigation focused on allegations of steering wheel separation from the lower steering column after using the tilt and/or telescoping mechanism. Given the separation occurring when operating the tilt and/or telescoping function and failure of both shear capsules to maintain the lower steering column mounting position, potential for shear capsule damage in the known failures due to collisions, the overall low rate of occurrence,...

PE18005 Opened 4 May 2018 Closed 20 Nov 2018 STEERING:COLUMN

Upper Steering Column Separation

On May 4, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-005 to investigate three allegations of steering column separation for Model Year (MY) 2008 through 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two (2) of the 3 complaints were received by ODI in April 2018 and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Since opening PE18-005, one (1) additional VOQ involving steering column separation has been received. This incident occurred while the vehicle was stationary.As part of PE18-005, ODI examined the field data, warranty data, and relevant technical information submit...

Recalls on the 2012 Toyota Highlander

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2021723 55,683 units in Canada

Electrical

Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Sterling, VA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

On December 29, 2021, while backing up my 2012 Toyota Highlander accelerated at speed that I was unable to control. One car that was packed in the driveway was damaged beyond repair. An office building where I was working was damaged and has been accessed with a loss of over $100,000. I contacted Toyota after knowing that there was a recall regarding unintended acceleration in some Toyota cars. Toyota sent an inspection team to Geico Insurance company which had taken over possession of the car. The inspection team and the Toyota representative assured me a final report would be sent to me within a month after the inspection had been completed but even up to this moment Toyota has not responded to my email requesting for the report. You can reach out to Toyota and reference File # 220105001224. For the six years I owned the car, i have never been informed of any recall. My car was regularly serviced by Toyota Ourisman Chantilly and Ourisman Toyota Fairfax.

NHTSA complaint #11463537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ashburn, VA Crash 5 injured

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL - DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE FULLY DURING THE FRONTAL ACCIDENT ON 05/26/2018. PASSENGER AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE AT ALL DURING THE FRONTAL ACCIDENT ON 05/26/2018. SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE AT ALL DURING THE FRONTAL ACCIDENT ON 05/26/2018. VEHICLE WAS MOVING ON HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER AND ON

NHTSA complaint #11203472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 133,993 miles Solomons, MD Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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. WITNESS CORROBORATED THE SOUND OF A THE ENGINE AT HIGH RPM IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE CRASH.

NHTSA complaint #11163347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,300 miles Camp Springs, MD Fire

ENGINE

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY I HEARD A NOISE AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND SAW SMOKR A TOW TRUCK DRIVER WHO HAPPENED TO BE PASSING BY PULLED OVER AND SURE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD HE PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I CALLED NINE-ONE-ONE FOUR FIRE TRUCKS TO MAKE SURE THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED MY MECHANIC SAYS A ROD POPPED AND PUNCTURED THE OIL TANK WHICH CAUSED ALL THE OIL TO LEAK OUT ONTO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY THE FIREMEN ACTUALLY SPREAD SAND OVER IT MY INSURANCE COMPANY HE'S REFUSING TO REPAIR THE CAR BECAUSE THEY SAY THERE WAS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE CAR WHEN THEY LOOKED AT IT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE CAR BECAUSE IT ALL LEAKED OUT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I HAD JUST PUT OIL IN THE CAR THE PREVIOUS DAY THIS HAPPENED ON NOVEMBER 26TH 20186

NHTSA complaint #11162121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 93,000 miles Brownsburg, IN Crash

STEERING

WIFE WAS IN PARKING LOT AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY. WENT TO TURN CAR OUT OF PARKING SPOT, WAS NOT ABLE TO AND HIT A POLE. STEERING WHEEL TURNED BUT WHEELS DID NOT. TOWED VEHICLE TO ANDY MOHR TOYOTA AVON. ADVISED THAT RACK WAS SHEERED. NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT THE TWO YEARS SERVICE WRITER HAD BEEN WORKING THERE. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT PRIOR THAT WOULD OF CAUSED PROBLEM. ALSO DEALER INDICATES STEERING WIRE IS ALSO DAMAGED. LUCKY WIFE WAS NOT ON INTERSTATE OR OTHER HIGHWAY, ACCIDENT COULD OF BEEN CATASTROPHIC.

NHTSA complaint #10959521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Durango, CO Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ON FEBRUARY 2, 2017,MY 2012 HIGHLANDER WAS PLACED IN PARK AND LEFT IN HIGH SCHOOL( DHS DURANGO, CO) ROUND ABOUT WITH KEYS IN CAR. I PARKED MY CAR IN FRONT OF A SCHOOL ROUND ABOUT, LEFT THE KEYS IN IGNITION BECAUSE I WAS RETURNING. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK, ACCELERATED UP A SLIGHT INCLINE IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HIT A PARKED TRUCK. THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE VEHICLE. VIDEO FROM SAFETY OFFICER AT HIGH SCHOOL SHOWS THE WHOLE EVENT. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK, LIGHTS TURN OFF AS I PARKED VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SITS STILL IN PARK FOR SOME TIME, THEN PROCEEDS TO MOVE ON ITS OWN AND RUNS INTO VEHICLE AHEAD OF IT. THE TRUCK IN FRONT HAD DAMAGE TO BACK LEFT BUMPER AND BODY....MY VEHICLE HAS DAMAGE TO FRONT RIGHT BUMPER. MOST ALARMED BY VEHICLE HAVING CHANGED GEARS AND MOVED ON ITS OWN WITH NO ONE IN VEHICLE. SEVERAL WITNESS AND VIDEO THAT I AM UNABLE TO UP LOAD. CASE HAS BEEN INITIATED WITH TOYOTA AND SOMEONE IS COMING FROM DENVER TO DO A EDR ON TUESDAY, MARCH 7TH, 2017. I'M AFRAID ALL THE STORIES I'VE READ OVER THE WEEKEND ON INTERNET ARE VERY TRUE...THERE IS NO OTHER EXPLANATION TO WHAT HAPPENED. CONCERNED THAT TOYOTA REP WILL TRY TO MISREAD AND MIS-INTERPRET FINDINGS OR CAUSE DATA TO BE TAMPERED WITH...MY MAIN CONCERN IS SAFETY AND ASIDE FROM THIS INCIDENT AND A FEW UNEXPLAINED PULLING ON THE GAS PUMP LIKE A DRAG OR ACCELERATION, I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS SAFE---SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED. SINCE I WAS NOT PRIVY TO WHAT HAPPENED UNTIL VIDEO WAS PROVIDED FE. 23, I HAD NO IDEA HOW TO REPORT TO INSURANCE MY VEHICLE RUNNING INTO SOMEONE WITH NO ONE IN IT!

NHTSA complaint #10958968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Parker, CO

SERVICE BRAKES

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

NHTSA complaint #11758617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Parker, CO

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

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

NHTSA complaint #11758617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spencer, WV

Other/I am not sure

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

NHTSA complaint #11708636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles South Shore, KY

SUSPENSION

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 that the dealer installed at the time of the vehicle sale were worn out. The contact checked the tires and noticed that the plastic rubber on the front strut was severely damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing cover had a leak, and that the timing cover area was smeared with an unknown silicone patch. The struts were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.  The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11707520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles South Shore, KY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 that the dealer installed at the time of the vehicle sale were worn out. The contact checked the tires and noticed that the plastic rubber on the front strut was severely damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing cover had a leak, and that the timing cover area was smeared with an unknown silicone patch. The struts were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.  The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11707520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,200 miles District Heights, MD

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Center, which was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Upon further investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V452000 (Tires). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,200.

NHTSA complaint #11689639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

East Hartford, CT

STRUCTURE:BODY

The paint is malfunction , and is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11676365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

los Angeles, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11671369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

los Angeles, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11671369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

los Angeles, CA

ENGINE

I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11671369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fulshear, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2012 Toyota Highlander Blizzard white paint peeling I need help!!! I noticed paint peeling on a side panel 2 months ago and then followed up the peeling to find the entire top of my car is totally peeled! Please, help!!! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11635068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Florida, PR

STRUCTURE:BODY

Hello, to whom it may concern: My 2012 Toyota Highlander Color Pearl White vin [XXX] ) has a repaint recall before Nov 2024. I was told at the dealer that I have to contact the Toyota dealers until I get the opportunity to get it paint. I was told that I had to contact any Toyota dealer until I get a date of acceptance. Thinking that it was not fair to delegate the responsibility on myself I made a few calls until I did get an appointment to get my SUV painted. The recall period is almost over (Nov 2024) I was told and I will put a claim on Toyota Corporation for not making sure all the vehicles are completely painted. I will also put a lawyer to help me get across my claim if I am not informed from Toyota the date that they will work on my SUV with the repaint recall. Respectfully, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11620903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mililani, HI

SERVICE BRAKES

All brake warning indicators lit up. Took it to a mechanic that specializes in hybrids and they diagnosed it as a brake assembly/actuator issue, with a diagnostic code of C1391, with a repair estimate of $4888. Found online that there was a Toyota Customer Support Program 21TE03 that addressed this issue, but my vehicle was outside of both the primary and secondary coverage periods. My issue is that if they knew this was a very serious safety defect for older hybrid vehicles, why would they only offer to address it during a very short period of time?? There are many people reporting online that the same thing happened to them (problem arose after coverage period expired). Toyota says they “care about the customers’ ownership experience,” but by neglecting to help those of us experiencing this issue, they are showing the exact opposite. Hope you will help the roughly 74,700 owners potentially impacted by this, by encouraging Toyota to be accountable for the safety of their owners. Thanks.

NHTSA complaint #11609089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Valley Stream, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

No accident

NHTSA complaint #11594945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Prairie DU SAC, WI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER was locked & battery was dead. Could not unlock using either the key fob or the mechanical key in the fob. Was told even the mechanical key requires battery power.

NHTSA complaint #11557916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Prairie DU SAC, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER was locked & battery was dead. Could not unlock using either the key fob or the mechanical key in the fob. Was told even the mechanical key requires battery power.

NHTSA complaint #11557916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lynn Haven, FL

POWER TRAIN

Toyota Piston and Ring defect. My 2012 Toyota Highlander engine has defective pistons and rings that have led to excessive oil consumption and the potential for a serious accidents as it causes the engine to lose compression and conk out, all of a sudden, in traffic, and costly repair for us customers with less than 150,000 miles. Piston/ring issue diagnosed by Toyota Dealer in Panama City, Florida. A class Action lawsuit needs to be initiated, immediately, for the 2012 Toyota Highlander. Toyota has already had a Class Action Lawsuit for this same problem in 2014 for their other Toyota models.

NHTSA complaint #11540363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lynn Haven, FL

ENGINE

Toyota Piston and Ring defect. My 2012 Toyota Highlander engine has defective pistons and rings that have led to excessive oil consumption and the potential for a serious accidents as it causes the engine to lose compression and conk out, all of a sudden, in traffic, and costly repair for us customers with less than 150,000 miles. Piston/ring issue diagnosed by Toyota Dealer in Panama City, Florida. A class Action lawsuit needs to be initiated, immediately, for the 2012 Toyota Highlander. Toyota has already had a Class Action Lawsuit for this same problem in 2014 for their other Toyota models.

NHTSA complaint #11540363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,000 miles Winston Salem, NC

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that he noticed that the front and rear driver’s side and rear passenger’s side carpet were soaked with water. The contact then stated that he also noticed the water had leaked from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water had entered through the sunroof due to the drain tube being improperly designed. The contact stated that he was concerned because of two visible electrical connectors near the front driver’s side floorboard and possible mold, corrosion, and rust. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that he would receive a call back but no response was received. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA complaint #11529076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rock Hill, SC

ENGINE

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. The next day I drove it to the shop, which was only a few miles away, and my mechanic informed us that there was "no oil left" inside the engine and that it was a miracle the engine didn't seize on the way. We left it at the shop, a certified Toyota mechanic, overnight for inspection. The next day our mechanic informed us that the piston rings in the engine have failed and oil was burning internally. Every service had been done on this vehicle by a Toyota dealership or a certified mechanic. We were shocked considering the mileage on the vehicle. We have since discovered that the V4 engine in this vehicle was also problematic with Camrys and other Toyotas, but that the recalls were only repaired prior to 60k miles and our vehicle was not apart of that service bulletin, even though it was the same problem and same engine. We could have been on the interstate with our 4 and 6 year old children in the vehicle if the engine seized. This is a tremendous engine issue and we understand that soon the engine will produce smoke that could blow into the vehicle. We have calculated that a quart of oil is being burned every 600 or so miles.

NHTSA complaint #11524742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Morgan Hill, CA

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver’s side sun visor detached and fell on the contact. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the driver side sun visor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that in September 2022, the driver's and the passenger's side sun visors detached. The contact took the vehicle to the second local dealer, Capitol Toyota (6800 Automall Pkwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, (408) 335-0587) where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s and the passenger's side sun visors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11501652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Toa Alta, PR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This is the second Highlander Hybrid I've owned that has had the brake actuator and booster assembly fail affecting the functionality of the car's braking system. Replacing these two parts has an absurd price of over 3k at the dealership and other independent hybrid repair shops. My car only has 70k miles on it and I've read this issue applies to almost all other Toyota Hybrids. If most hybrid's brakes will fail eventually, putting at risk owners, why is there not a recall to fix this "not a matter of if, but when" possible life threatening issue?

NHTSA complaint #11496907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Toa Alta, PR

SERVICE BRAKES

This is the second Highlander Hybrid I've owned that has had the brake actuator and booster assembly fail affecting the functionality of the car's braking system. Replacing these two parts has an absurd price of over 3k at the dealership and other independent hybrid repair shops. My car only has 70k miles on it and I've read this issue applies to almost all other Toyota Hybrids. If most hybrid's brakes will fail eventually, putting at risk owners, why is there not a recall to fix this "not a matter of if, but when" possible life threatening issue?

NHTSA complaint #11496907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roselle, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When turning on the defrost button, the engine shuts off while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11492447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roselle, NJ

ENGINE

When turning on the defrost button, the engine shuts off while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11492447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.