What is the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander 2GR-FE V6 Oil Leak (Timing Cover and Oil Cooler Line)?

The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 in the 2008-2013 Highlander develops two significant oil leak patterns. The timing cover sealant fails over time, causing a slow but persistent oil leak from the front of the engine that worsens progressively. More critically, the rubber oil cooler hose can rup… Repairs typically run $300-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93?

The Highlander Hybrid uses a dedicated electric water pump to circulate coolant through the power inverter/converter, which runs separately from the engine cooling system. The electric pump wears out and stops circulating coolant, allowing the inverter and hybrid electronics to o… Repairs typically run $700-$1,100. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Brake Booster / ABS Actuator Assembly Failure (Accumulator Leak) — C1391?

The regenerative-braking brake actuator (the integrated ABS/booster/accumulator pump module) is a known weak spot on the Highlander Hybrid. The accumulator develops an internal leak and the pump runs constantly, triggering a loud, repetitive whirring/buzzing and warning lights; i… Repairs typically run $1,600-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2013 Toyota Highlander 1AR-FE 2.7L Four-Cylinder Excessive Oil Consumption (Low-Tension Ring / Carbon Buildup)?

The four-cylinder 1AR-FE 2.7L offered on the base second-gen Highlander is notorious for burning oil, especially when owners follow Toyota's 10,000-mile oil-change interval. The engine uses low-tension piston rings for fuel economy, and carbon buildup clogs the oil-control ring g… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander Rear A/C Underbody Line and Rear Evaporator Refrigerant Leak — Rear Vents Blow Warm First?

Highlanders equipped with rear air conditioning route refrigerant lines along the underbody, up the passenger side, to a rear evaporator and expansion valve behind the trim. Those long runs, their crimped hose-to-aluminium-line joints, and the rear evaporator core itself are a we… Repairs typically run $250-$1,600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor Signal Stuck Lean — P2195 / P2197 with P0138 / P0158 (2GR-FE)?

Second-generation Highlanders with the 2GR-FE V6 commonly set a check engine light for an upstream air/fuel ratio sensor whose signal sticks on the lean side of its range. The characteristic Toyota pattern is a downstream oxygen sensor circuit-high code (P0138 bank 1 or P0158 ban… Repairs typically run $220-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2019 Toyota Highlander HV Battery Cooling Fan and Intake Filter Clogged With Dust/Pet Hair — False Hybrid Battery Failure (P0A80 / P0A7F)?

The Highlander Hybrid cools its high-voltage battery by drawing cabin air through an intake located under the cargo floor, past a filter, through a blower and across the pack. Dust, lint and pet hair progressively clog the filter and cake the fan blades. Airflow drops, cells run… Repairs typically run $60-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander Ignition Coil and Intake/PCV Failure Causing Random Misfire (2.7L 1AR-FE / 2GR V6) — P0300?

Highlanders develop random/multiple-cylinder misfires (P0300) plus single-cylinder misfire codes from a cluster of common causes: failing ignition coils, worn spark plugs, a failing PCV valve creating a vacuum leak, and upper intake plenum gasket leaks (especially after a spark-p… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander Power Liftgate Support Arm and Hinge Failure (Rear Hatch Bows / Won't Close) — Class Action?

The power liftgate on second- and third-generation Highlanders (and the Hybrid) is prone to the power lift arm/strut breaking away from the gate, which lets the driver-side hinge bow and can leave the hatch stuck open or unable to latch closed. A class action filed in 2025 (Morga… Repairs typically run $250-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2001-2016 Toyota Highlander Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure — P0420 / P0430 Check Engine Light?

A very common Highlander check-engine complaint is P0420 (Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1) and its Bank 2 twin P0430. The downstream oxygen sensor readings track the upstream sensor too closely, indicating the catalytic converter is no longer scrubbing exhaust efficie… Repairs typically run $200-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2018 Toyota Highlander Front Strut Mount / Suspension Clunk & Knock Over Bumps?

A widely reported Highlander complaint is a clunk, knock or rattle from the front suspension over bumps and during turns. The most common culprits are worn upper strut mounts (including the bearing, which can also cause a creak when steering), tired struts, control-arm bushings,… Repairs typically run $200-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander 2GR-FE Valve Cover Gasket & Spark-Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak (Oil-Fouled Coils / Misfire)?

The 3.5L V6 valve cover gaskets and integrated spark-plug tube seals harden and leak with age. Externally the oil weeps and bakes on the block; internally, oil seeps down the spark-plug tubes and pools around the coil-on-plug boots, fouling the plugs and corroding the coils and c… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander AWD Rear Differential Coupling & Bearing Noise (Whine/Growl That Rises With Speed)?

AWD Highlanders (and platform-mate Sienna/Venza) develop an abnormal whine, hum, roar or growl from the rear that grows louder with vehicle speed. The source is typically the electromagnetic AWD coupling assembly ahead of the rear differential and/or its two supporting ball beari… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander Rear Cargo / Hatch Water Leak (Taillight & Hatch Seal Intrusion)?

Water pools in the rear cargo area, spare-tire well, and behind the rear interior trim because of leaks at the taillight seals/gaskets and the liftgate/hatch weatherstrip, plus secondary paths through the third (high-mount) brake light, the rear air-deflector/spoiler bracket foam… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: low.

What is the 2008-2016 Toyota Highlander Exhaust Resonance Drone / Boom at 1,500-2,000 RPM — Rigid Exhaust Support Bracket (2GR-FE)?

2GR-FE Highlanders produce a low-frequency drone or boom inside the cabin whenever the engine passes through roughly 1,500-2,000 rpm under load, independent of road speed — most noticeable in light-throttle cruise and on gentle hills where the transmission holds a tall gear. It i… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: low.

What is the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander Second-Row Walk-In Seat Latch and Seatback Release Cable Breakage — Third-Row Access Blocked?

On XU40 Highlanders the second-row seat uses a latch, cable and linkage assembly to fold the seatback and auto-slide the seat forward for third-row access. The plastic cable retainer in the latch mechanism cracks and lets the release cable jump out of position, and the cables the… Repairs typically run $80-$600. Severity: low.

What is the 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander Sun Visor Sags / Won't Stay Up (Warranty Enhancement ZF1)?

The sun visors slowly rotate/droop downward and no longer hold position, obstructing the driver's view. The internal pivot friction mechanism wears out and cannot support the visor's weight. Toyota acknowledged the defect with a Warranty Enhancement / Customer Support Program (co… Repairs typically run $60-$250. Severity: low.

Toyota · Known Issues

2012 Toyota Highlander Problems: 21 Known Issues

2012 model year · 3,050+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,050+ owner reports, the 2012 Toyota Highlander has 21 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption ($0-$4,000 repair), Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure ($1,500-$5,500 repair), 2GR-FE V6 Oil Leak (Timing Cover and Oil Cooler Line) ($300-$4,000 repair), Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93 ($700-$1,100 repair), Hybrid Brake Booster / ABS Actuator Assembly Failure (Accumulator Leak) — C1391 ($1,600-$3,500 repair), Radiator Internal Transmission-Cooler Failure — ATF/Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake") ($400-$4,500 repair) and 1AR-FE 2.7L Four-Cylinder Excessive Oil Consumption (Low-Tension Ring / Carbon Buildup) ($200-$3,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption with 1,850 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $5,500.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,050+ owner reports, the 2012 Toyota Highlander has 21 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption, Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure, 2GR-FE V6 Oil Leak (Timing Cover and Oil Cooler Line). Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

The 2012 Toyota Highlander has 21 known issues documented across 3,050+ owner reports. 7 issues are rated critical: 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption and Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure and 2GR-FE V6 Oil Leak (Timing Cover and Oil Cooler Line) and Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93 and Hybrid Brake Booster / ABS Actuator Assembly Failure (Accumulator Leak) — C1391 and Radiator Internal Transmission-Cooler Failure — ATF/Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake") and 1AR-FE 2.7L Four-Cylinder Excessive Oil Consumption (Low-Tension Ring / Carbon Buildup). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Highlander problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Highlander issues range from $0 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $0-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption?

The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 in 2nd-gen Highlanders consumes oil excessively, often 1 quart per 1,000-2,000 miles. The root cause is piston ring design allowing oil past the rings into the combustion chamber. Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure?

Highlander Hybrid NiMH battery packs degrade over time, with individual cells failing after 8-12 years or 150,000+ miles. Failed cells cause reduced fuel economy, loss of hybrid assist, and eventual inability to start the vehicle. Repairs typically run $1,500-$5,500. Severity: high.

All 21 Known Issues

Other Toyota Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Highlander problems?

What is the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption?

What is the 2006-2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure?

2008-2013 Toyota Highlander: 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption#

2008-2013 Toyota Highlander: 2GR-FE V6 Oil Leak (Timing Cover and Oil Cooler Line)#

2009-2013 Toyota Highlander: 1AR-FE 2.7L Four-Cylinder Excessive Oil Consumption (Low-Tension Ring / Carbon Buildup)#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: Ignition Coil and Intake/PCV Failure Causing Random Misfire (2.7L 1AR-FE / 2GR V6) — P0300#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: 2GR-FE Valve Cover Gasket & Spark-Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak (Oil-Fouled Coils / Misfire)#

2006-2019 Toyota Highlander: Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93#

2001-2013 Toyota Highlander: Radiator Internal Transmission-Cooler Failure — ATF/Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake")#

2006-2013 Toyota Highlander: Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure#

2006-2019 Toyota Highlander: HV Battery Cooling Fan and Intake Filter Clogged With Dust/Pet Hair — False Hybrid Battery Failure (P0A80 / P0A7F)#

2006-2013 Toyota Highlander: Hybrid Brake Booster / ABS Actuator Assembly Failure (Accumulator Leak) — C1391#

2008-2013 Toyota Highlander: Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor Signal Stuck Lean — P2195 / P2197 with P0138 / P0158 (2GR-FE)#

2001-2016 Toyota Highlander: Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure — P0420 / P0430 Check Engine Light#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: EVAP Purge Valve / Charcoal Canister Failure — P0441 / P0455 & Fuel-Pump Click-Off#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: Power Liftgate Support Arm and Hinge Failure (Rear Hatch Bows / Won't Close) — Class Action#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: Rear Cargo / Hatch Water Leak (Taillight & Hatch Seal Intrusion)#

2008-2013 Toyota Highlander: Second-Row Walk-In Seat Latch and Seatback Release Cable Breakage — Third-Row Access Blocked#

2010-2013 Toyota Highlander: Sun Visor Sags / Won't Stay Up (Warranty Enhancement ZF1)#

2008-2013 Toyota Highlander: Rear A/C Underbody Line and Rear Evaporator Refrigerant Leak — Rear Vents Blow Warm First#

2008-2018 Toyota Highlander: Front Strut Mount / Suspension Clunk & Knock Over Bumps#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: AWD Rear Differential Coupling & Bearing Noise (Whine/Growl That Rises With Speed)#

2008-2016 Toyota Highlander: Exhaust Resonance Drone / Boom at 1,500-2,000 RPM — Rigid Exhaust Support Bracket (2GR-FE)#