2012 Toyota Highlander Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 2012 Toyota Highlander, 5% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Re: occupant classification system, srs, zero point calibration safety issue. Owners will be reluctant to spend $130+ at the dealer for calibration. Local repair shops is not equipped to do the calibration. Must be a dealer. I spent the money. I know of others who have not. This vehicle has 49000 miles on it. The passenger seat is infrequently used. The warning lights and display went off just after someone sat in the passenger seat. Something is not right with this seat sensor system. Lots of people complaining online about the need to re-calibrate.”
NHTSA complaint #10822127, filed 2016-01, 49,000 miles“Drivers airbag failed to deploy in accident. Front end crushed, probably $20,000 damage to front end although tow truck driver said it was totaled. Wife was driving and could have been injured if seat belt had failed also.”
NHTSA complaint #10454532, filed 2012-04, 3,600 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. While stationary, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a cabinet in front of her house. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer was not made aware of the crash. The failure mileage was 48,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10954933, filed 2017-02, 48,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a wall. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver did not sustain any injuries and a police report was not filed. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 14,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10670407, filed 2015-01, 14,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a head injury that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10664274, filed 2014-12, 54,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10244113Aug 17, 2023TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most…
- 10227898Nov 23, 2022TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this…
- 10190460Mar 17, 2021Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10132410Jul 20, 2017TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 6% |
| 2022 | 32 | 12% |
| 2021 | 42 | 8% |
| 2020 | 32 | 10% |
| 2019 | 14 | 3% |
| 2018 | 19 | 7% |
| 2017 | 9 | 3% |
| 2016 | 10 | 9% |
| 2015 | 8 | 4% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 17 | 8% |
| 2012 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 4% |
| 2010 | 14 | 6% |
| 2009 | 8 | 6% |
| 2008 | 58 | 14% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 4% |
| 2004 | 9 | 3% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 | 13 | 4% |
| 2001 | 10 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2012 Toyota Highlander
46 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology