2012 Toyota Highlander Technical Service Bulletins

320 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 Toyota Highlander. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10132161Sep 26, 2013Equipment. Customers using iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5S, or 5C running iOS 7.0 or later now have the ability to make Facetime Audio calls (no video). When a customer is paired by Bluetooth Hands Free and they make a Facetime Audio call the vehicle radio will treat it as a typical Bluetooth phone call. Because Facetime works differently than a typical phone call, the in-vehicle experience may not meet the customer?s expectations.
• 10062062Sep 26, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132157Sep 13, 2013Equipment. To receive satellite radio functions after the initial trial period has expired, the customer must enter into a contract with XM Satellite Radio Inc. After entering into a contract, registration of an 8-digit XM Radio ID is required. This 8-digit XM Radio ID is found by turning to channel ?0? of the satellite radio.
• 10132156Sep 13, 2013Equipment. If a customer states there is an unpleasant odor in the vehicle from the HVAC system, there are various factors that may be involved.
• 10062013Sep 13, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10131985Sep 12, 2013Equipment. Some 2004 ? 2014 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced.
• 10131984Sep 9, 2013Equipment, Brakes. A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
• 10061620Sep 9, 2013Brakes. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10062057Aug 27, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132203Aug 9, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some 2008 ? 2013 model year Highlander vehicles equipped with the 5-speed automatic transaxle may exhibit a whine noise from the final drive gear assembly. This noise is noticeable above 35 mph. Please refer to the repair procedure to address this condition.
• 10054855Aug 9, 2013Steering, Transmission and drivetrain. Toyota: there is a whining noise when vehicle is driven above 35 mph, from final drive gear assembly and a repair procedure has available to address this issue. Model 2008-2013 highlander.
• 10062047Aug 5, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10062009Aug 2, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132269Jul 25, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Tips for writing a DPR (Dealer Product Report) on manufacturing issues for windows and windshields.
• 10062053Jul 25, 2013Body and structure. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132242Jul 18, 2013Latches, locks and linkages, Electrical system. Some 2008-2012 model year Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles may exhibit a condition where the Power Back Door does not close properly. The Back Door may get to the fully closed position and then reverse to the open position. In cases where the Power Back Door does close, a pop or clunk noise may also be heard when the back door latch reaches the striker during the power close function.
• 10132239Jul 11, 2013Equipment. The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
• 10061589Jul 11, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132048May 22, 2013Tires. Please refer to the following recommendations for the best practices for vehicle tire rotations.
• 10062016May 22, 2013Tires. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132046May 14, 2013Equipment. On some Highlander, Sienna, and Sequoia vehicles, a plastic clamp connecting the rear A/C lines may become loose. This may allow separation of the A/C lines and a loss of refrigerant.
• 10062048May 14, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10062046May 14, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132295Apr 23, 2013Equipment. This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
• 10132287Apr 23, 2013Equipment. California (CA), Federal (FED), and 50 State Certified emission control underhood labels (emission labels) may be obtained through your dealership?s Parts Department utilizing standard replacement parts ordering procedures. Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to ensure proper label application.
• 10132319Apr 15, 2013Electrical system. Technicians should confirm the following key points to minimize the potential for future MIL "ON" concerns after HV battery replacement.
• 10132316Apr 4, 2013Equipment. Since MY 2011, several different update or upgrade USB SSTs have been issued for Toyota audio and navigation systems. Refer to the chart below for a comprehensive list of all current and previously issued USB SSTs and their applicability.
• 10132281Apr 4, 2013Body and structure, Back-over prevention (rear camera). If a creak, tick, or rattle noise is heard at the top or bottom of the windshield, or at the top of the rear glass, the source of the noise may be the two stoppers bonded to the top of the windshield/rear glass, or the windshield retainers bonded to the lower edge of the windshield. This bulletin provides the recommended repair procedure to eliminate these types of noises from the windshield/rear glass area.
• 10062044Apr 4, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10132327Apr 3, 2013Equipment. In mid-April 2013 Toyota will be mailing an update to the Owner's Manual for 2008 through 2012 Model Year Highlander and Highlander HV. Sample Owner labels are provided below for your reference.
• 10052590Apr 3, 2013Equipment. Toyota: see document search button for owner letter. Information provided regarding the updated owner's manual for certain vehicles. Models 2008-2012 highlander.
• 10133809Mar 25, 2013Engine. Starting with 2010 Model Year, Toyota began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0W-20 viscosity engine oil. There a re man benefits of this oil.
• 10062010Mar 25, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10133786Mar 15, 2013Engine. Immediately following a cold soak startup, some 2009 ? 2013 model year vehicles equipped with 1AR-FE or 2AR-FE engines may exhibit a brief knock/rattle noise from the engine compartment for approximately one second. Follow the repair procedure below to address this condition.
• 10061557Mar 15, 2013Engine. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10054846Mar 15, 2013Engine. Toyota: on certain vehicles, a knock or rattle noise, coming from engine compartment, is heard during a cold soak startup, and the condition lasts approximately one second. Model years 2009-2012 camry, highlander, sienna, venza, rav4.
• 10053959Mar 15, 2013Engine. Toyota: there is a knocking or rattling noise coming from engine compartment, for a short period of time, after a cold soak startup. Model 2010-2012 camry, 2009-2013 highlander, venza, 2009-2012 rav4, 2011-2013 sienna.
• 10133860Feb 27, 2013Electrical system. The customer is having difficulty changing the multi-display screen from Day Mode. If the multi-display screen is set to Day Mode when the headlights are on, the setting we be memorized when the engine is turned off.
• 10133875Feb 25, 2013Equipment. Toyota will be sending Safety Recall Follow-up notices to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had campaign repairs completed
• 10133874Feb 25, 2013Equipment. Toyota will be sending Safety Recall Follow-up notices to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had campaign repairs completed
• 10133857Feb 25, 2013Steering. The vehicle will not start or ready-on and the steering wheel lock is engaged so that the steering wheel may only be turned very little from side-to-side.
• 10062035Feb 25, 2013Steering. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10133837Feb 21, 2013Steering. Some 2008 ? 2013 model year Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles may exhibit a clunk, pop, or knock-type noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. A new intermediate shaft has been developed to address this condition. Use the following repair procedure to remove and replace the steering intermediate shaft.
• 10075792Feb 21, 2013Steering. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10133836Feb 20, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin contains general vehicle pulling diagnosis and repair procedures along with specific information to help correct pulling complaints.
• 10133835Feb 19, 2013Equipment. Some customers may inquire about the frequency and power output of the Smart Key/Smart Entry systems used on various models. The Smart Key/Smart Entry systems conform to all applicable FCC rules. This bulletin details the applicable specifications for these systems.
• 10061549Feb 19, 2013Electrical system. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10133867Feb 7, 2013Equipment. SSTs are key elements to provide your customers with swift and accurate repairs resulting in superior customer satisfaction.
• 10133928Jan 29, 2013Equipment. This communication pertains to a current safety recall being conducted by the Southeast Toyota Distributors LLC (SET). TMS is sending this communication for informational purposes in the event you are contacted by a customer covered by this recall.
• 10133901Jan 29, 2013Equipment. This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0012-13.

← All problems reported for the 2012 Toyota Highlander