Toyota / Highlander / 2012
2012 Toyota Highlander problems
Owners have filed 228 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 20.2% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 12.7%.
Complaints228
Crashes20
Fires4
Injuries13
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 20.2% · 46
Electrical system 12.7% · 29
Unknown or other 10.1% · 23
Structure 8.8% · 20
Engine 7.5% · 17
Visibility/wiper 6.1% · 14
Vehicle speed control 6.1% · 14
Air bags 4.8% · 11
Severity
Of those complaints, 20 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 13 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 23 model years of the Toyota Highlander in this data, 2012 sits 18th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 12 in the last three years against 30 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 48,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Popping and clunking sound in steering or suspension. Can be produced at speeds and at stand still. Could it be this? https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/SB-10075792-2280.pdf https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Highlander/2013/steering/steering.shtml NHTSA Action Number: EA18006 https://www.consumerclasslawyersblog.com/snap-crackle-pop-intermediate-shaft-noise-coming-from-toyota-highlanders/ Steering
Had to install a new steering shaft assembly at the 5th yr inspection. The warranty was up, had to pay $451.82 Myself. Problem and noise from day one. Told I could have been in an accident from it. This was on 3/29/2017 at diehl automotive in butler, pa. Always clanked when turning wheel, loud noise. 1St time it was brought to my attention. Many others out there same way. Steering · reported at 77,000 miles
Intermediate steering shaft 45220-48171 had to be replaced. At high rate of speed I had to brake hard, then the abs intermittently pushed the pads against the discs creating vibration that was felt at the steering wheel very noisy and shake like looked like my Highlander front wheels came apart .Then I knew the vehicle must be repaired immediately due safety problem. Steering · reported at 75,753 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…