WELL BEFORE MY OIL CHANGES ARE DUE, MY VEHICLE NEEDS MORE OIL. THERE ARE NO APPARENT EXTERIOR LEAKS BUT THE OIL HAS TO BE LEAKING SOMEWHERE OR BURNING AWAY THROUGH THE EXHAUST.
2012 toyota Highlander engine problems
severe 9 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 …
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 9 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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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