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6.8

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
56,400 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replace motor (2 reports)
2012 Toyota Highlander accessories - exterior problems

accessories - exterior problem

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2012 Toyota Highlander Owner Comments

problem #5

Sep 012017

Highlander Limited 3.5L, V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,547 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We are seeing that many owners are having the same problem and it is costly to repair but no one can say exactly what the problem is. We have physical health problems and are elderly so it is a serious problem. We further understand that Toyota was aware, in 2011, of this problem which was before we made the purchase and feel that Toyota is responsible to make the repairs since they knew about the problem before we made our purchase. I feel this is fraud. Our rear door door actually came open while I was on the highway and an alert fellow driver alerted me. That could have caused a serious accident so it is a safety issue. It is a danger with grandchildren. We also feel Toyota was irresponsible for continued sales without warnings to prospective buyers. We have tried all suggestions that have been posted without success. Considering that we cannot use the rear of our car for children and pets it is a very dangerous situation and the inconvenience makes everyone effected very angry. Does Toyota expect we will purchase another of their products, not on your life. We have spoken to many owners who feel the same. From the number of complaints online, I expect they will sell fewer vehicles. I want our car repaired by Toyota.

- asteve, Young Harris, US

problem #4

Dec 212016

Highlander Limited 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,262 miles

Power lift gate will open but not close. Car taken to dealer 12/21/16 and problem witnessed by service advisor and a service tech. Tech suggested checking for a default code(s) in computer. No codes found and suggested replacing hatch motor and related parts at a cost of $1340.81. Tech estimated labor at $500.00. Also, service advisor stated that there were no service bulletins for this problem. From complaints found on internet, it appears Toyota was well aware of problem.

I cannot afford to make repairs. Unfortunately we will have to do without this nice feature on a very expensive Toyota model unless Toyota does something to help. Wife is very unhappy!

- Terry T., Cape Coral, FL, US

problem #3

Nov 242015

Highlander 4x2Limited 3.5L-Fi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

2012 Toyota Highlander SUV tailgate started not closing fully and would reopen. Finally, would not open or close at all. Brandon Florida Dealer determined the tailgate power motor was inoperative and would cost $1,431 to replace the motor. Southeast Toyota Customer Service was notified and a complaint # 1605061342, was filed. Motor is out of warranty and there are no extended or limited warranties to cover the cost of repair. Repair cost would be customer responsibilities.

Contacted Morgan & Morgan Law firm that has a class action law suit filed against Toyota due to the many, many complaints from Toyota customers with the same problem.

Toyota does not even give a reduced price for replacing the tailgate motors although they have many, many customer complaints filed.

National Transportation Safety Board complaint filed. Heavy door could injure a person as it falls to close.

(NBTA) Never Buy Toyota Again!

- harve, Sun City Center, FL, US

problem #2

Feb 012016

Highlander Limited 3.5L Dohc V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,000 miles

We are very disappointed with the power lift gate on our 2012 Highlander Limited! Just after the warranty is up it stops working. I am reading that lots of people are having similar problems and Toyota knew about it all the time. There is even a class action law suit on it which of course we missed out on because the problem occurred after they quit taking claims. What can we do about it??? It looks like it could cost us thousands to fix.

- Bob M., Plover, WI, US

problem #1

Jan 242015

Highlander V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Liftgate will NOT open. IT will usually open manually but to close... It is very heavy!!! Completely defeats the purpose/reason I chose to specifically have this feature in my new vehicle. Of course the problem began right after the warranty expired. Now to find out on-line that Toyota knew about the problem but DID NOT recall any vehicles and the repairs may cost up to $5000... SOOOO disappointed and angry with Toyota.

- Joann C., San Antonio, TX, US

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