YearToAvoid

2012 Toyota Highlander Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 15 brake complaints for the 2012 Toyota Highlander, 8% of its 182 total complaints for the year, with median failure mileage of 7,500 miles and 2 crashes reported. No related recalls are listed for this issue.

Brakes complaints
15
8% of 182
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
7,500 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden total loss of braking while pulling into or backing out of parking spaces, sometimes causing a crash.
  • Some describe the vehicle rolling backward on an incline even with the brake pedal pressed, requiring the parking brake to stop it.
  • Several complaints mention the ABS or brake warning light illuminating along with a 'brake malfunction' message, sometimes tied to an ABS actuator code.
  • Owners report the parking brake failing to hold the vehicle in place on inclines despite repeated dealer adjustments.
  • A few describe brake pedal going soft or to the floor after shifting between reverse and drive, avoided only by using the emergency brake.
  • One owner reported the brake hydro-boost pump failing while driving, resulting in near-total loss of braking.

When 2012 Toyota Highlander brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 1, 2012, latest Aug 21, 2026.

2012 Toyota Highlander brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2012Sep 2012May 2017Sep 2018Dec 2021Aug 2022Aug 2024
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2012 to Aug 2026; peak May 2012 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2012 Toyota Highlander

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Brakes complaints by Highlander model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201035 (16%)
  2. 201119 (10%)
  3. 201215 (8%)
  4. 201319 (9%)
  5. 20144 (3%)
  6. 201517 (9%)
  7. 201623 (21%)
  8. 201731 (12%)
  9. 201860 (23%)
  10. 201924 (5%)
  11. 202041 (13%)
  12. 202167 (13%)
  13. 202238 (15%)
  14. 202318 (10%)
  15. 20248 (19%)
  16. 20252 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA lists 15 brake complaints for the 2012 Highlander, which is 8% of the 182 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for brake issues on the 2012 Highlander.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2012 Highlander?
The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2012 Highlander is 7,500 miles.
Did the 2012 Highlander brake issues cause any crashes?
NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and no fires or injuries linked to brake complaints on the 2012 Highlander.
How does the 2012 Highlander compare to other years for brake complaints?
The 2012 Highlander's 8% share of brake complaints is lower than years like 2018 (23%) and 2016 (21%), based on NHTSA data across model years.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.