2011 Toyota Highlander: common problems and reliability

The 2011 Toyota Highlander has 370 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and structure. Owners most often flag 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure) — primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2011 model year

370
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
28
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Toyota Highlander vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

steering
68
structure
54
visibility/wiper
50
electrical system
45
service brakes
36

Recalls affecting the 2011 Highlander

seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler

Campaign 16V396000

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacom…

seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler

Campaign 14V743000

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, C…

visibility:power window devices and controls

Campaign 15V689000

Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry…

air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive

Campaign 13V014000

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2…

What owners say across generations

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. Long-term owners o

  • 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure) — Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission problems in gas models — General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine transition concerns — Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Interior quality and design — Described by some as "frumpy," "cheap feeling" in lower trims, or having a "station wagon" aesthetic compared to competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity issues — Reported as a known issue in some models, including the Highlander Hybrid. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Highlander.

Typical used price

Used Highlander listings typically run $18,655–$29,616 across 2002 to 2024 model years.

Other Highlander model years

2022 Highlander2020 Highlander2016 Highlander2013 Highlander2007 Highlander2006 Highlander2003 Highlander
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