2012 Toyota Highlander electrical problems

Filed Jul 5, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

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)

Filed Dec 1, 2023 · Electrical · WI

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.

Filed Dec 10, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · PR

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?

Filed Nov 5, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

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

Filed Aug 8, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · GA

Major issue with Airbags July 2021. A warning appeared shortly after Passenger Sensor malfunction, that stated “Check SRS Airbag System. Have your vehicle checked by dealer immediately.” Dealer did Diagnostic. Toyota Dealer has tried to fix airbags three times in three weeks but it fails within a day or so and warning comes back on. Toyota has issued a recall for 2012 Highlanders for seats and front airbag that describes the issue this vehicle has however Toyota Dealer said our Vin is not included. The recall is under Campaign no. 13V014000 Report Date Jan 16 2013 Component Seats.

Filed Sep 2, 2020 · Electrical · PA

Powerlift gate bar came off from door, mechanic says I need a new tailgate.

Filed Feb 6, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 117,000 miles · FL

Car has over 117,000 miles and is excessively consuming oil. There is no sign of leaks anywhere. I do not get any warning anywhere about low oil, all I see is a small message that sometimes blinks indicating 'oil pressure'. Oil is not lasting 1000 miles. I thought maybe the oil was not properly filled but after a second oil change, same happened, oil empty with less than 1000 miles after an oil change. Car has been always kept with all recommended maintenance and all oil changes have been done every 5,000 as recommended by toyota. Have never been in any accident that could cause any engine problem, seems this is a factory defect. In the electrical part, power back door does not close/open, there is a recall for that but no dealers in my area will fix it because one of the parts that is inside that motor is not listed in the recall specs and dealers will not fix unless I pay. I took the car to the dealer about 2 years ago. This refers to the warranty enhancement letter zg4.

Filed Jan 29, 2020 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · RI

My 2012 highlander currently has 110,000 miles on the vehicle. At this time none of the power doors locks work when the key fob or door button is depressed. It has been confirmed by my local toyota dealership, that all four lock actuators are faulty. The estimate to fix this problem was presented to me at $2,000.00. I have owned multiple cars prior to this incident, most of them being toyotas and I have never heard of all four door locks being deficient at the same time. I, along with many others feel as though this type of failure is unacceptable and may be grounds for a mass recall due to its frequency rate.

Filed Dec 3, 2019 · Electrical · 131,500 miles · MD

The front driver window was making a clicking noise as if it were coming off the track. Eventually, the arm motor stopped all together and I had to replace the arm. Now the front passenger window is making the same noise and I'm afraid to open it. The leather interior is cracking badly on all seats. I rarely have passengers and condition the leather. I've had to use an adhesive to prevent additional cracking

Filed Nov 29, 2019 · Electrical · 114,100 miles · CA

Driving in a major city, with my wife and two small boys in the back seat, came up on a stop (police closed the road and traffic was stopped. We wait 10 minutes before I place the car into park and doors unlocked. Once traffic started moving only, we heard lock the locks engage but they actually did not engage thus leaving all doors unlocked. As traffic started moving a homeless man opened my door and assaulted me because my doors were not locked. I pushed back and pulled my door closed and manually switched the lock to engage. Then I did the same to my back doors where my kids were. Once we got home and put the car into park, the doors did not unlock. I pulled on the handle, pushed the lock out and the lock would not disengage. If there had been and emergency and I had to flee the car I would be unsuccessful and would be injured.