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2012 Toyota

Highlander Hybrid 4WD

Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L

Toyota Highlander: best and worst years
2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2012.

PhotoAlexander MiglCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (variable gear ratios)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
HybridEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Axle ratio
3.54
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,200EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
25.2 mpg, reported by 9 driversabout 2.8 mpg below the EPA combined estimate

Dimensions & capacity

Length
189 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
75 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
110 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,180 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
2
Owner complaints
190
Reported injuries
13
Theft rate
0.5 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • STEERING20%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER10%
  • STRUCTURE9%
  • ENGINE7%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 238 total.

Toyota Highlander: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  • EA18006opened Nov 16, 2018STEERING

    Steering Column Separation

  • PE18005opened May 4, 2018STEERING

    Upper Steering Column Separation

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

232 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Feb 13, 2026ENGINET-SB-0119-15 Rev2

    OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.

  • Feb 13, 2026ENGINET-SB-0009-26

    This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger.

  • Jan 7, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERT-SB-0055-24 Rev2

    Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual a

  • Dec 6, 2024STRUCTURE:BODYT-SB-0039-24 Rev2

    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the

  • Dec 6, 2024STRUCTURE:BODYT-SB-0038-24 Rev2

    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

  • Dec 6, 2024STRUCTURE:BODYT-SB-0035-24 Rev2

    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cann

  • Dec 5, 2024STRUCTURE:BODYT-SB-0061-23 Rev2

    Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.

  • Dec 3, 2024STRUCTURE:BODYT-SB-0062-23 Rev2

    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair P

  • and 224 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
2 yr
Maintenance
2 yr / 25k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 150k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.