2012 Toyota Highlander: Electrical System complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Highlander that list the electrical system component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11671369 (filed 07/05/2025): “I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11557916 (filed 12/01/2023): “2012 toyota highlander was locked & battery was dead. could not unlock using either the key fob or the mechanical key in the fob. was told even the mechanical key requires battery power.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11496907 (filed 12/10/2022): “This is the second highlander hybrid i've owned that has had the brake actuator and booster assembly fail affecting the functionality of the car's braking system. replacing these two parts has an absurd price of over 3k at the dealership and other independent hybrid repair shops. my car only has 70k…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .