Avoid: 2021, 2008, 2006 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2001 · Best recent: 2016
23 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 25 model years, the Toyota Highlander has 8,944 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 138 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and electrical system. 2008 drew the most complaints (1,005), 2001 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (139).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Toyota Highlander vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2023 | 190 |
| 2022 | 255 |
| 2021 | 532 |
| 2020 | 324 |
| 2019 | 488 |
| 2018 | 270 |
| 2017 | 491 |
| 2016 | 218 |
| 2015 | 374 |
| 2014 | 266 |
| 2013 | 418 |
| 2012 | 378 |
| 2011 | 370 |
| 2010 | 476 |
| 2009 | 308 |
| 2008 | 1,005 |
| 2007 | 356 |
| 2006 | 925 |
| 2005 | 225 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2003 | 270 |
| 2002 | 328 |
| 2001 | 139 |
Highest: 2008 (1,005 complaints). Lowest: 2001 (139).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value.
Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+.
General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023.
Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6.
Described by some as "frumpy," "cheap feeling" in lower trims, or having a "station wagon" aesthetic compared to competitors.
Reported as a known issue in some models, including the Highlander Hybrid.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Highlander. Individual model years are broken down above.
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