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Toyota Highlander

2012–2016 only

1,045 classified complaints 10 recalls

745,047 sold in the US for 2012–2016.

11 complaints on file
per 10,000 sold

2012–2016 Toyota Highlander models have 1,045 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 10 recalls. The most common issue in this range is Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically surfacing around 42,675 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2012–2016 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Toyota Highlander report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1997–2001

2002–2006

2007–2011

2012–2016

2017–2021

2022–2026

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2012–2016 only

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 207 complaints · 2.8/10k sold

Median onset: 42,675 miles. 3.9% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 104 complaints · 1.4/10k sold

Median onset: 35,000 miles.

More common in newer model years.

Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column · Steering 88 complaints · 1.2/10k sold

Median onset: 60,000 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · Typical repair: $270–$510 nationally.

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 82 complaints · 1.1/10k sold

Median onset: 37,000 miles. 37.8% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Stalling and no-start · Engine 62 complaints · 0.8/10k sold

Median onset: 7,600 miles. 9.7% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 55 complaints · 0.7/10k sold

Median onset: 3,500 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →
Sunroof and panoramic roof · Body and interior 43 complaints · 0.6/10k sold

Median onset: 47,759 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · Typical repair: $330–$620 nationally.

Master cylinder and booster · Brakes 43 complaints · 0.6/10k sold

Median onset: 12,030 miles. 9.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

How does 2012–2016 compare with other Highlander years? Every model year ranked by complaints per 10,000 sold. See years →

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2012–2016 model years. See the full Toyota Highlander report for every year and full specs/safety data.