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What are the safety features of the 2012 Toyota Highlander?

In brief, the 2012 Highlander emphasizes occupant protection with Toyota’s Star Safety System, a strong set of airbags, stability and braking aids, and essential restraints. Higher trims offered additional driver-assistance features such as a rearview camera and parking sensors.

Core safety systems

The Highlander’s baseline safety framework centers on proactive stability and braking technologies designed to help prevent crashes and keep the vehicle under control in challenging conditions.

Star Safety System and braking aids

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC)

Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)

Smart Stop Technology (SST)

These features work together to help the driver maintain steering control during sudden maneuvers and to optimize braking performance in emergencies.

Passive safety and occupant protection

Beyond active systems, the Highlander is equipped with a comprehensive set of restraints and cushioning designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash.

Multiple airbags, including front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and curtain airbags for the first and second rows

Driver knee airbag for added lower-leg protection

Lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) in rear seats for easy child-seat installation

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with warning indicator

Active front headrests to reduce whiplash risk in a collision

These passive safety components work in concert with the vehicle's structure to cushion occupants and reduce injury risk.

Safety technology and options by trim

Higher trims and optional packages broaden the Highlander’s safety toolkit, adding driver-awareness aids and rearview visibility enhancements.

Optional cameras and parking aids

Rearview camera (available on many trims or as part of a package)

Parking sensors (front and/or rear, offered on higher trims)

Availability varies by trim and market, so prospective buyers should confirm the exact safety feature set for a given model.

Summary

The 2012 Toyota Highlander prioritizes safety through a robust Star Safety System, a solid array of airbags and restraints, and essential active/passive safety technologies. While core protection is standard across the lineup, higher trims offered additional driver-assistance features that enhanced visibility and parking safety, reflecting Toyota’s enduring emphasis on safety in its family crossover lineup.

What are the common problems with a 2012 Toyota Highlander?

Common problems for the 2012 Toyota Highlander include oil leaks, especially from the VVT-i oil line or timing cover, and AC compressor failures. Other frequent issues are transmission problems like slipping or shifting hesitation, potential issues with electronic components like the CD player or touch screen, and occasional problems with the exhaust or catalytic converter.
Engine and oil

Oil leaks: A major concern is the VVT-i oil line bursting, causing a massive oil leak. Leaks from the front timing cover are also common.
VVT system: The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system can have issues, such as rattling from the gears on cold starts.
Other engine components: Problems can arise with spark plugs, coil packs, knock sensors, and the water pump, which is prone to leaking.

Transmission

Shifting issues: Owners have reported rough or delayed shifting, gear slipping, and a lack of responsiveness.
Fluid leaks: Leaks from the transmission are a known issue.
Noise: A whining noise from the transmission is another symptom to watch for.

Climate control and electronics

AC compressor: The AC compressor frequently fails, often leading to the need for a complete AC system replacement.
In-car electronics: Some owners have experienced problems with the touch screen or CD player.
Display screen: A specific issue reported is a display screen that "went up in smoke".

What are the features of the 2012 Toyota Highlander?

Standard features on all 2012 Toyota Highlander models include front and rear air conditioning, cruise control, illuminated entry system, scheduled maintenance indicator light, daytime running lamps and more. Third row seating is standard on all Highlander models, along with seven airbags.

What is the safety rating of the 2012 Toyota Highlander?

The 2012 Toyota Highlander received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS. The NHTSA gave it an overall 4-star rating, with 4 stars for frontal and rollover crashes and 5 stars for side crashes. The IIHS named it a "Top Safety Pick," and it earned the top "Good" rating in all its crash tests.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Frontal Crash: 4 out of 5 stars
Side Crash: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 4 out of 5 stars

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Overall: Top Safety Pick
Moderate Overlap Front: Good
Side: Good
Roof Strength: Good
Head Restraints & Seats: Good

Standard and optional safety features

Standard: Electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, a driver-side knee airbag, front-seat side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags
Optional: A rearview camera was standard on higher trims and available on the base model. Some models also had pre-collision systems and rear parking sensors.

What year to stay away from a Toyota Highlander?

Years to avoid in the Toyota Highlander include 2003, 2008, 2014, 2015, and 2020 due to common issues like transmission problems, oil leaks, and technology glitches. Other problematic years to consider are 2001-2007 (engine and climate control issues) and 2016-2019 (varying issues including potential oil leaks in some models).

This video discusses problems with the Toyota Highlander from 2020 to 2025, including paint issues: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Toyota Highlander years to avoid

2001–2007: Prone to engine overheating, head gasket failures, and climate control issues like AC compressor and blower motor problems.
2003: A big year for issues, particularly engine oil sludge buildup and premature transmission wear, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch.
2008: A redesigned model that experienced oil cooler line leaks, which can cause engine damage if not addressed, and lower-quality interior components.
2014: A recall was issued for the second-row seat assembly that may not lock correctly into the seat track, and there were also reports of issues that might be linked to the transmission, says Clutch and Reddit users.
2015: Experienced growing pains from its redesign, with various reports of growing issues, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch.
2020: Experienced early transmission and software problems, say Clutch and Reddit users.

You can watch this video to learn more about common problems with the 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander: 51sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.