TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND STEERING TO THE RIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DEFROSTER FOR THE REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO REMAIN FOGGY…
2012 toyota Highlander electrical problems
moderate 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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 b…
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 ADDIT…
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.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 toyota Highlander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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