2012 Toyota Highlander Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Toyota Highlander, 1% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 miles.
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.
“Occasionally, after coming to a stop, and then taking off and turning either right or left, the engine will lose power for a few seconds. The engine does not shut off, it just slows down to just above idle speed for 3 or 4 seconds and then resumes normal acceleration operation.”
NHTSA complaint #10448434, filed 2012-02, 8,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that 5,000 miles after purchasing the vehicle, the contact noticed an oil leak. The contact performed the oil changes and had noticed that engine oil had leaked down onto the weather seal in the vehicle. The contact noticed several oil stains on the ground during rainy weather. The contact noticed that the new tires that the dealer installed at the time of the vehicle sale were worn out. The contact checked the tires and noticed that the plastic rubber on the front strut was severely damaged. …”
NHTSA complaint #11707520, filed 2025-12, 160,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10253223Mar 4, 2024This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the…
- 10183281Oct 21, 2020TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 10179698Aug 5, 2020TSB: Some 2003 ? 2020 model year Prius, Prius C, Prius V; 2006 ? 2019 model year Highlander Hybrid Vehicle; 2007 ? 2020 Camry Hybrid Vehicle; 2013 ? 2020 model year Avalon Hybrid…
- 10178524Jul 30, 2020TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 10177599Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no…
- 10177598Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no…
- 10131893Mar 27, 2017TT: Rev2 Some Customers may complain about a Hybrid Vehicle Battery cooling system warning message. This warning message may appear when the HV Battery cooling system loses…
- 10134345Jul 7, 2016TSB: For vehicles that are used under certain severe operating conditions, the HV Battery Cooling Fan may experience an excessive buildup of dust, lint, or other debris that can…
- 10111400Apr 7, 2015TT: Starting with 2010 Model Year, Toyota began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil. Due to the them…
- 10111207Apr 7, 2015TT: Starting with 2010 Model Year, Toyota began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil. Due to the them…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 10% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 18 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 21 | 8% |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 | 20 | 7% |
| 2003 | 46 | 18% |
| 2002 | 23 | 8% |
| 2001 | 17 | 12% |
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 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsTires
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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