NHTSA holds 5,774 complaints for the Toyota Highlander from 2001 to 2025, and the two years that stand out are recent: the 2021 with 517 and the 2019 with 482, both at least twice the 238 median. The power train is the top complaint category for both, and they lead the complaints that mention transmission problems. The 2008 is third with 404 complaints and has 13 recall campaigns, the most of any year. Across the model there are 54 recall campaigns and 4 defect investigations, including a steering column separation inquiry on 2008 to 2013 models that closed in 2024 without a recall.
Toyota Highlander Common Problems and Years to Avoid (NHTSA Data)
By the founder of CarWorthItPublished
Short answer
Toyota Highlander years to avoid, going by NHTSA owner complaints: 2021 (517 complaints) and 2019 (482), each at least twice the median model year (238). The components owners report most are power train (1,026), service brakes (761) and electrical system (632). NHTSA lists 54 recall campaigns and 4 defect investigations for the 2001 to 2025 model years.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls and defect investigations for the 2001 to 2025 Toyota Highlander, 5,774 complaints in all, pulled September 28, 2026.
Toyota Highlander complaints and recalls by model year
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation and distinct recall campaigns, for every model year with records, counted on September 28, 2026. The median model year up to 2021 drew 238 complaints; a year is marked to avoid when it is one of the three highest and drew at least twice that. Years after 2021 have had less time to collect complaints, so they are judged only if they already pass the same line.
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Recalls | Crash / fire / injury reports | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Too new to judge | 10 | 4 | 2 / 0 / 1 | Vehicle speed control (3), Service brakes (2), Forward collision avoidance (2) |
| 2024 | Too new to judge | 42 | 7 | 4 / 0 / 4 | Service brakes (8), Fuel/propulsion system (7), Electrical system (6) |
| 2023 | Too new to judge | 181 | 9 | 12 / 0 / 11 | Structure (32), Engine (28), Power train (20) |
| 2022 | Too new to judge | 249 | 5 | 16 / 1 / 6 | Power train (53), Structure (42), Service brakes (38) |
| 2021 | Year to avoid | 517 | 4 | 16 / 4 / 12 | Power train (222), Service brakes (67), Structure (51) |
| 2020 | Above median | 315 | 4 | 15 / 0 / 13 | Power train (125), Service brakes (39), Air bags (32) |
| 2019 | Year to avoid | 482 | 3 | 22 / 1 / 12 | Power train (195), Fuel/propulsion system (86), Engine (69) |
| 2018 | Typical | 265 | 5 | 23 / 1 / 15 | Power train (65), Service brakes (58), Engine (33) |
| 2017 | Typical | 267 | 4 | 18 / 2 / 15 | Power train (73), Engine (46), Electrical system (46) |
| 2016 | Fewest complaints | 110 | 3 | 14 / 1 / 7 | Service brakes (19), Electrical system (14), Air bags (10) |
| 2015 | Typical | 192 | 2 | 17 / 6 / 12 | Electrical system (52), Structure (32), Steering (25) |
| 2014 | Typical | 135 | 5 | 5 / 1 / 6 | Electrical system (35), Structure (32), Power train (8) |
| 2013 | Typical | 212 | 3 | 26 / 0 / 12 | Steering (46), Engine (32), Vehicle speed control (31) |
| 2012 | Typical | 191 | 2 | 16 / 3 / 5 | Steering (47), Electrical system (30), Structure (22) |
| 2011 | Typical | 186 | 5 | 14 / 0 / 7 | Steering (34), Structure (27), Visibility/wiper (25) |
| 2010 | Typical | 238 | 10 | 19 / 2 / 8 | Electrical system (55), Service brakes (36), Visibility/wiper (31) |
| 2009 | Typical | 134 | 9 | 6 / 5 / 5 | Service brakes (26), Engine (23), Electrical system (20) |
| 2008 | Above median | 404 | 13 | 44 / 14 / 24 | Service brakes (81), Engine (58), Air bags (57) |
| 2007 | Typical | 123 | 4 | 11 / 1 / 4 | Service brakes (35), Electrical system (23), Vehicle speed control (16) |
| 2006 | Typical | 277 | 7 | 29 / 4 / 19 | Service brakes (101), Vehicle speed control (43), Electrical system (26) |
| 2005 | Typical | 225 | 6 | 35 / 4 / 16 | Power train (51), Vehicle speed control (39), Steering (27) |
| 2004 | Typical | 286 | 5 | 32 / 3 / 16 | Power train (58), Vehicle speed control (40), Steering (35) |
| 2003 | Typical | 270 | 2 | 34 / 1 / 11 | Engine and engine cooling (48), Engine (42), Service brakes (34) |
| 2002 | Above median | 327 | 2 | 27 / 6 / 18 | Visibility (125), Vehicle speed control (31), Engine and engine cooling (24) |
| 2001 | Typical | 136 | 3 | 19 / 2 / 10 | Visibility (23), Service brakes (19), Engine and engine cooling (17) |
Counts are raw totals and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so a big-selling year draws more complaints than a slow one. Crash, fire and injury columns count complaints that report one, as filed by the owner.
Check the value and recall status of a specific Toyota Highlander
Model-year counts cannot tell you about the car in front of you. Enter its 17-character VIN for the free report: the exact year, trim and engine it was built with, the safety recalls NHTSA lists for its year, make and model, its crash-test ratings and running costs. No account. Then, from $2.99, see what that Toyota Highlander is worth at its mileage near your ZIP code, with the listings behind the number, and whether the asking price is fair. The $6.99 Full Report also checks that VIN for recalls still outstanding.
2019 to 2021: power train and transmission complaints
The power train is the top complaint category for the 2019 (195), 2020 (125) and 2021 (222). Of the 882 complaints that mention transmission problems, 220 are for the 2021, 196 for the 2019 and 127 for the 2020, and complaints describing hesitation, jerking or surging reach 43 each for the 2019 and 2021. These are raw totals, not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
2017 to 2019: stalling and fuel pump recalls
The 2019 leads the 287 complaints that mention stalling or loss of power while driving, with 77, ahead of the 2017 with 39, and it leads mentions of the check-engine light with 45 of 202. Its second largest complaint category is the fuel/propulsion system (86). Recall 20V682000 covers the 2017 to 2019 because the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, and 20V012000 is a separate fuel pump campaign for the 2018 and 2019. On the 2020, 20V162000 covers an Engine Control Unit programming error that may stop fuel being supplied correctly while using the stop and restart feature.
2008: the most recalls and crash reports
The 2008 has 404 complaints, 13 recall campaigns and the most crash (44), fire (14) and injury (24) reports of any year. It leads the complaints that mention air bags (58), engine failure, seizure or knocking (30) and fire, smoke or a burning smell (22). Its recalls include 10V023000 (2008 to 2010), where the accelerator pedal can get stuck wide open if trapped by an unsecured or incompatible floor mat, and 14V168000 (2008 to 2010), for a flexible flat cable to the driver's airbag that could be damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
2008 to 2013: steering and a closed column investigation
Steering is the top complaint category for the 2011 (34), 2012 (47) and 2013 (46), and the 2012 and 2013 each have 45 of the 445 complaints that mention steering. NHTSA examined the steering column on the 2008 to 2013 models twice: preliminary evaluation PE18005 on upper steering column separation, opened May 4, 2018, and engineering analysis EA18006 on steering column separation, opened November 16, 2018 and closed April 2, 2024. Neither produced a recall campaign.
What to check on a used Toyota Highlander
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, which lists any recall not yet repaired on that car (see what else a free VIN check shows), and confirm 20V682000 on a 2017 to 2019 and 23V865000 on a 2020 or 2021, for an occupant classification sensor short circuit that can stop the front passenger air bag deploying.
- On a 2019 to 2021, drive long enough for the transmission to shift through every gear and note any hesitation, jerking or surging from a stop.
- On a 2017 to 2019, ask whether the car has ever stalled or lost power and whether the check-engine light has come on.
- On a 2008 to 2010, make sure the driver's floor mat is the right type and secured, and confirm 10V023000 was done.
- On a 2008 to 2013, turn the steering wheel fully both ways while stationary and feel for looseness or clunks in the column.
- On a 2021 to 2025, check that the second-row seat backs lock into position, the subject of recall 26V128000.
- Before you settle on a price, check the seller's asking price against the Toyota Highlanders for sale near you with the used car price check.
Before you make an offer, check what a specific Highlander is worth by VIN. The valuation, from $2.99, prices that VIN at its mileage near your ZIP code against cars for sale.
What Toyota Highlander owners report most
NHTSA files each complaint under one or more component categories. Across all 5,774 Toyota Highlander complaints, these are the most common:
| NHTSA component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 1,026 | 17.8% |
| Service brakes | 761 | 13.2% |
| Electrical system | 632 | 10.9% |
| Engine | 538 | 9.3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 450 | 7.8% |
| Structure | 448 | 7.8% |
| Steering | 369 | 6.4% |
| Air bags | 351 | 6.1% |
| Visibility | 318 | 5.5% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 269 | 4.7% |
The categories are broad, so the owners' own descriptions were also searched for specific symptoms. These are counts of complaints whose text mentions each one, not diagnoses, and one complaint can mention several.
| What the complaint describes | Complaints | Share | Model years with the most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1,072 | 18.6% | 2006 (116), 2008 (115), 2021 (70) |
| Transmission problems | 882 | 15.3% | 2021 (220), 2019 (196), 2020 (127) |
| Steering | 445 | 7.7% | 2004 (47), 2012 (45), 2013 (45) |
| Hesitation, jerking or surging | 430 | 7.4% | 2004 (60), 2019 (43), 2021 (43) |
| Air bags | 376 | 6.5% | 2008 (58), 2021 (37), 2013 (26) |
| Stalling or loss of power while driving | 287 | 5.0% | 2019 (77), 2017 (39), 2021 (31) |
| Check-engine light | 202 | 3.5% | 2019 (45), 2017 (30), 2018 (22) |
| Engine failure, seizure or knocking | 176 | 3.0% | 2008 (30), 2013 (16), 2021 (15) |
| Sunroof | 170 | 2.9% | 2021 (20), 2020 (18), 2015 (15) |
| Fire, smoke or a burning smell | 152 | 2.6% | 2008 (22), 2003 (12), 2015 (11) |
Toyota Highlander recalls (54 campaigns)
Every recall campaign NHTSA lists for the Toyota Highlander, newest first, with the model years it covers and NHTSA's own description of the defect, shortened. A recall on the model is not proof a given car was affected or left unrepaired: check a specific car by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or in the free CarWorthIt VIN report.
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V128000 | March 5, 2026 | 2021 to 2025 | Seats | The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment. A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 25V872000 | December 17, 2025 | 2024 to 2025 | Seat belts | The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 25V744000 | October 30, 2025 | 2023 to 2025 | Back over prevention | A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility." |
| 25V595000 | September 11, 2025 | 2023 to 2025 | Electrical system | Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights. |
| 25V040000 | January 29, 2025 | 2023 | Steering | An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." |
| 24V548000 | July 23, 2024 | 2023 to 2024 | Equipment | The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." |
| 24V452000 | June 18, 2024 | 2021 to 2024 | Tires | The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." |
| 24V419000 | June 6, 2024 | 2022 to 2024 | Tires | The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." |
| 23V865000 | December 20, 2023 | 2020 to 2021 | Air bags | A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. |
| 23V720000 | October 26, 2023 | 2020 to 2023 | Structure | During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching. A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V480000 | July 12, 2023 | 2023 | Steering | An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." |
| 22V310000 | May 6, 2022 | 2022 | Equipment | The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." |
| 20V682000 | November 4, 2020 | 2017 to 2019 | Fuel system, gasoline | The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V633000 | October 14, 2020 | 2020 | Air bags | Incorrect seat trim covers on one or both of the front seats can prevent the seat-mounted side air bag from deploying properly. Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 20V162000 | March 19, 2020 | 2020 | Fuel system, gasoline | Due to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) programming error, fuel may not be correctly supplied to the engine while using the stop and restart feature. Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Show the other 39 Toyota Highlander recalls
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20V012000 | January 13, 2020 | 2018 to 2019 | Fuel system, gasoline | The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V244000 | March 27, 2019 | 2019 | Equipment | The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." |
| 18E107000 | November 27, 2018 | 2014 to 2018 | Electrical system | The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V211000 | April 3, 2018 | 2018 | Service brakes, hydraulic | During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist. |
| 17V831000 | December 20, 2017 | 2018 | Equipment | These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." |
| 17V520000 | August 23, 2017 | 2017 | Equipment | The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly. The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V295000 | May 2, 2017 | 2017 | Tires | The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label. A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V775000 | October 24, 2016 | 2016 | Electrical system | The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems." |
| 16V420000 | June 9, 2016 | 2016 | Equipment | The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars." |
| 16V396000 | June 2, 2016 | 2005 to 2011 | Seats | The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 15V689000 | October 22, 2015 | 2008 to 2011 | Visibility | During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts. If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 15V144000 | March 13, 2015 | 2015 | Steering | A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system. |
| 14V743000 | November 19, 2014 | 2006 to 2011 | Seats | The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring. Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant. |
| 14V576000 | September 19, 2014 | 2014 | Fuel system, gasoline | Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 14V274000 | May 22, 2014 | 2014 | Seats | The affected vehicles may have a second row right-hand seat assembly that does not fully lock into the inboard seat track in the forward first, second and third adjusting positions. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems." |
| 14V272000 | May 22, 2014 | 2014 | Electrical system | The affected vehicles may have improper software installed in the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) for the operation of the front passenger seat belt force limiter, and as a result, the force limiter may use the restraint setting designed for small occupants, such as those that weigh approximately 110 pounds, for all occupants regardless of their size. As such, some of these vehicles do not conform to Federal Mo... |
| 14V168000 | April 9, 2014 | 2008 to 2010 | Air bags | In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned. |
| 14V148000 | March 27, 2014 | 2013 | Seats | In the affected vehicles, the second row left hand seat may not lock in place when positioned in the forward front or second adjusting position. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems." |
| 14V051000 | February 7, 2014 | 2014 | Seat belts | The third row middle seat belt assembly might not have been properly secured to the vehicle floor anchorage during vehicle assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." |
| 13V123000 | April 9, 2013 | 2010 to 2013 | Equipment | These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." |
| 13V014000 | January 16, 2013 | 2009 to 2013 | Air bags | During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed. |
| 12V491000 | October 10, 2012 | 2008 | Visibility | The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat. |
| 11V539000 | November 9, 2011 | 2004 to 2005 | Engine and engine cooling | The amount of adhesive agent applied between the outer ring and the torsional rubber damper (inner ring) in the crankshaft pulley may be inadequate. If the adhesive is insufficient, there is a possibility that the outer ring may become misaligned and it may not properly rotate with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the battery discharge indicator light. |
| 11V245000 | April 21, 2011 | 2008 | Air bags | In the curtain shield airbag (csa) system, there are two sensors in the airbag sensor assembly which are designed to detect vehicle roll angle. If one of these sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light (malfunction indicator light: mil) will illuminate and the roll detection system will be suspended; however, the airbag csa remains available in the event of a side crash. |
| 11V112000 | February 24, 2011 | 2004 to 2006 | Vehicle speed control | If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm. |
| 10V499000 | October 21, 2010 | 2004 to 2006 | Service brakes, hydraulic | Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. |
| 10V036000 | February 3, 2010 | 2006 to 2010 | Equipment | These vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels. A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 10V035000 | February 3, 2010 | 2005 to 2010 | Equipment | These vehicles were sold between September 1, 2005 and June 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels. |
| 10V023000 | January 27, 2010 | 2008 to 2010 | Vehicle speed control | The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. This recall is an expansion of a campaign of 3.8 million other Toyota vehicles announced in 2009 for the same issue (see 09v-388). |
| 10V017000 | January 21, 2010 | 2010 | Vehicle speed control | Due to the manner in which the friction lever interacts with the sliding surface of the accelerator pedal inside the pedal sensor assembly, the sliding surface of the lever may become smooth during vehicle operation. In this condition, if condensation occurs on the surface, as may occur from heater operation (without A/C) when the pedal assembly is cold, the friction when the accelerator pedal is operated may increas... |
| 09V223000 | June 15, 2009 | 2006, 2008 to 2009 | Equipment | These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." |
| 09E028000 | May 14, 2009 | 2008 | Equipment | Due to improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process, the original clamp used to secure the stainless steel exhaust tip to the exhaust pipe may develop microscopic cracks. Eventually the crack may expand causing the clamp to break. |
| 09E022000 | April 27, 2009 | 2008 | Equipment | Due to improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process, the original clamp used to secure the Toyota stainless steel exhaust tip to the exhaust pipe may develop microscopic cracks. Eventually the crack may expand causing the clamp to break. |
| 08V181000 | April 18, 2008 | 2008 | Seat belts | These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The non-driver designated seating positions (DSP) on these vehicles is equipped with seat belt assemblies that have a feature that converts the retractor from an emergency locking retractor (ELR) to an automatic locking retractor (ALR). |
| 06V253000 | July 13, 2006 | 2004 to 2005 | Vehicle speed control | On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with the accelerator pedal rod. |
| 04V181000 | April 15, 2004 | 2001 to 2004 | Latches/locks/linkages | Certain sport utility vehicles have a child protection lock (cpl) system on both of the rear side doors. When an operator of the vehicle closes the door very hard with the cpl lever set to the lock position, there is a possibility that the lever may contact the body panel, causing the cpl lever to move into the unlock position. |
| 02V339000 | December 17, 2002 | 2003 | Wheels | On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with five factory alloy wheels (model 6934 and 6936), with factory llat, and with port installed wr4, four alloy wheel upgrade processed at the jacksonville, florida port and distributed by southeast Toyota distributors in the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina, when the vehicles were processed at the port, an alloy tire/wheel upgrade was installed... |
| 02V208000 | July 30, 2002 | 2001 to 2002 | Fuel system, gasoline | On sport utility vehicles, there is a breather hose that attaches to the nozzle of the on-board refueling vapor recovery (orvr) valve, which is located on the topside of the fuel tank. The breather hose is attached with a clamp, whose "Tabs" face in the upward direction. |
| 01V228000 | July 5, 2001 | 2001 | Service brakes, hydraulic | Vehicle description: sport utiity vehicles. The reservoir filler cap of the brake master cylinder may induce a vacuum, introducing some air into the brake master cylinder reservoir. |
NHTSA defect investigations
Investigations are opened when NHTSA sees a possible safety defect, often from complaints like the ones above. PE is a preliminary evaluation, EA an engineering analysis, RQ a recall query into whether an earlier recall went far enough, DP a defect petition and AQ an audit query.
| Number | Opened | Status | Toyota Highlander years | Subject | Recall campaign linked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EA18006 | November 16, 2018 | Closed April 2, 2024 | 2008 to 2013 | Steering Column Separation | No |
| PE18005 | May 4, 2018 | Closed November 20, 2018 | 2008 to 2013 | Upper Steering Column Separation | No |
| RQ10003 | February 16, 2010 | Closed March 1, 2011 | 2004 to 2006 | Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration | 11V112000 |
| PE06055 | November 21, 2006 | Closed March 28, 2007 | 2006 | SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST | No |
How these numbers were counted
Complaints: NHTSA's complaints API for NHTSA model names HIGHLANDER, each complaint counted once per model year; hybrid and plug-in versions, which NHTSA files separately, are not included. Recalls: distinct campaign numbers from NHTSA's recalls databasefor the same names and years. Investigations: NHTSA's defect investigation file. All pulled September 28, 2026. These are counts of reports, not failure rates, and they say nothing about any individual car. For that, check the VIN.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA files the most Highlander complaints under the power train (1,026), service brakes (761), the electrical system (632) and the engine (538). Of the 5,774 complaints on file, 1,072 mention brakes and 882 mention transmission problems, with the transmission mentions highest for the 2021 (220) and 2019 (196).
What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid?
The 2021 and 2019 model years, with 517 and 482 complaints, both at least twice the 238 median for years up to 2021 and both led by power train complaints. The 2008 is third with 404 but below twice the median, and no 2022 or newer year has reached that level.
How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA lists 54 recall campaigns for the 2001 to 2025 Highlander, and the 2008 is covered by the most, 13. On newer cars, 20V682000 covers the 2017 to 2019 because the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Did NHTSA investigate Toyota Highlander steering columns?
Yes, twice for the 2008 to 2013 models: PE18005 on upper steering column separation in 2018, then EA18006 on steering column separation, which closed on April 2, 2024 without a recall campaign. Steering is the top complaint category for the 2011, 2012 and 2013, with 34, 47 and 46 complaints.