2012 Toyota Highlander Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Toyota Highlander, 1% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,000 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.
“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and steering to the right, the engine suddenly emitted an abnormal noise. The contact also stated that the headlights would not shut off intermittently when powering off the vehicle. In addition, the defroster for the rear window would not function properly, causing the windows to remain foggy for a long period of time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that there were no failures. …”
NHTSA complaint #10489150, filed 2012-12, 1,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the head lights were too dim, making it difficult for night driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician verified the failure and adjusted the lights however, the failure was not remedied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 4,000. ... Updated 02/27/13 updated 03/04/13”
NHTSA complaint #10493322, filed 2013-01Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 5% |
| 2021 | 8 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 | 10 | 5% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 12 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 9 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 5% |
| 2003 | 15 | 6% |
| 2002 | 12 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
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 30, 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