2012–2013 XU40 (2nd generation, final years)
2012–2013 Toyota Highlander Common Problems and Years to Avoid
4 documented problems with the 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 2 carry a recall or TSB number.
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2012–2013 Toyota Highlander recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA 14V-148 | Second-row seat may not lock in place (recall) | moderate |
| NHTSA 13V-014 | Front passenger occupant-sensing calibration (recall) | moderate |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
2GR-FE water pump leak / bearing noise
moderateThe mechanical water pump on the 3.5L V6 commonly weeps coolant from its seal or develops a growling bearing, leaving pink crust below the pump or a whine at idle. Failure is gradual. Watch the reservoir. Access is tight on the transverse Highlander installation, so labor is a bigger share of the bill than on a Camry.
Power liftgate strut failure
minorThe gas struts and power lift arm on the rear hatch weaken with age; the gate falls, won't stay open, or the power mechanism strains and stops. Widely reported on 2008–2013 Highlanders. Replacing the struts is a cheap DIY; power-arm hardware costs more.
Second-row seat may not lock in place (recall)
moderateOn 2013 Highlanders the second-row left-side seat can fail to lock into position after adjustment, which increases injury risk in a crash. Toyota recalled affected vehicles and repairs the seat lock free of charge.
Front passenger occupant-sensing calibration (recall)
moderateThe passenger airbag occupant classification system could be knocked out of calibration when dealer or accessory work was done, affecting whether the airbag deploys correctly. Dealers recalibrate the system free under a multi-model Toyota campaign.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Toyota Highlander model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Toyota Highlander built from 2012 through 2013 — the XU40 (2nd generation, final years), mid-size 3-row crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander
- 2012Carryover of the 2011 facelift (revised fascia, PSX26W fog lamps). Towing: 5,000 lbs V6 with factory tow prep (3,500 without), 1,500 lbs 2.7L, 3,500 lbs hybrid
- 2013Final XU40 year; subject of the 14V-148 second-row seat recall
2012–2013 Toyota Highlander problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander?
- The recurring ones are: 2gr-fe water pump leak / bearing noise; power liftgate strut failure; second-row seat may not lock in place (recall); front passenger occupant-sensing calibration (recall). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Are there recalls on the 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander?
- 2 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 14V-148 (second-row seat may not lock in place (recall)), NHTSA 13V-014 (front passenger occupant-sensing calibration (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: 2gr-fe water pump leak / bearing noise, $500–$1,200 parts and labor; power liftgate strut failure, $60–$150 DIY (struts); $300–$700 if the power lift arm needs work; second-row seat may not lock in place (recall), Free under recall; front passenger occupant-sensing calibration (recall), Free under recall.
Sources
- Toyota technical data, Highlander XU40 fluids & capacities (toyota-club.net)
- Toyota TrueStart battery application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)
- Toyota Genuine spark plug application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)
- NHTSA recall 14V-148, second row seat lock
- TirePressure.org, 2013 Toyota Highlander placard pressures
- fueleconomy.gov, 2013 Highlander EPA ratings
- XenonPro, 2011–2013 Highlander bulb size chart
- AutoZone, 2013 Highlander wiper blade fitment (26/20)