WhichCarParts

2012–2013 XU40 (2nd generation, final years)

2012–2013 Toyota Highlander Factory Maintenance Schedule

The factory maintenance schedule for the 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander covering every service through 120,000 miles. Exactly what is due at each interval, and where severe-service conditions change it.

Last verified

2012–2013 Toyota Highlander maintenance schedule

High confidence

5,000 miles / 6 months

  • Rotate tires
  • Visual inspection of brakes, fluid levels, wipers
  • Top off fluids

10,000 miles / 12 months

  • Replace engine oil and filter (0W-20 synthetic)
  • All 5,000-mile items

15,000 miles / 18 months

  • 5,000-mile items
  • Inspect ball joints, dust covers, steering linkage, exhaust

30,000 miles / 36 months

  • Replace engine air filter
  • Replace cabin air filter
  • Inspect drive belts, brake lines, fuel system
  • Inspect automatic transmission for leaks

60,000 miles / 72 months

  • Repeat 30,000-mile services
  • Inspect drive shaft boots and steering gear

100,000 miles / 120 months

  • Replace engine coolant (Super Long Life; then every 50,000 mi)
  • Inspect water pump

120,000 miles / 144 months

  • Replace iridium spark plugs

Severe service (frequent trips under 5 mi, dusty roads, heavy idling, towing) halves the oil interval to 5,000 mi / 6 months.

Which Toyota Highlander model years does this cover?

These service schedule 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 service schedule: common questions

How often does a 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander need servicing?

The first scheduled visit is at 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, and the pattern repeats from there.

What is due at 30,000 miles on a 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander?

Replace engine air filter; Replace cabin air filter; Inspect drive belts, brake lines, fuel system; Inspect automatic transmission for leaks.

What is due at 60,000 miles on a 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander?

Repeat 30,000-mile services; Inspect drive shaft boots and steering gear.

What is due at 100,000 miles on a 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander?

Replace engine coolant (Super Long Life; then every 50,000 mi); Inspect water pump.

Does severe service change the schedule for a 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander?

Severe service (frequent trips under 5 mi, dusty roads, heavy idling, towing) halves the oil interval to 5,000 mi / 6 months.

Sources