2012 Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2012

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2012 Toyota Highlander repairs by problem area

Engine (10%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (10%)

Brakes and Traction Control (15%)

Suspension and Steering (13%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (31%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (7%)

Other (13%)

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Chart based on 68 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Toyota Highlander.

2012 Toyota Highlander transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (14%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (29%)

< $100 (57%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 7 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

104000 mi

US $380
Check engine light on accompanied with erratic shifting. Car would die at stop lights and could only be re-started in neutral. Dealer found park-neutral safety switch faulty. Replaced switch and car now drives normal. 
161000 mi

US $200
Flush & fill transmission fluid 
72000 mi

US $4500
Torque converter threw a "check engine" code...dealer replaced entire transmission. 
67000 mi Bought car with a little bit of factory extended powertrain warranty still valid. Heard pinion gear whine when driving, found that Toyota has a Service Bulletin out for a batch of improperly honed pinion gears, took to dealer. Dealer verified and put in a remanufactured transaxle under warranty per the service bulletin. Excellent service, no hassles, car is now perfect! Way to go, Toyota! 
11000 mi Clicking noise 50% of the time when shifting from park to drive/reverse. Dealer has replaced the shift mechanism twice. Now they are telling me that this is a common sound on highlanders. 
58000 mi Rear end locked up/Froze on highway. Toyota certified when purchased and maintenance at same dealership. Total replacement covered under warranty. 
4000 mi Drivetrain making a growling/grinding noise. Noise confirmed by dealer. Source not found. Crankcase oil changed. No sign of wear or grinding. Unknown if other components inspected. Holding open ticket. 

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2012 Toyota Highlander Transmission Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Toyota Highlander problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.