AI DamageToyota Highlander: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Toyota Highlander across 11 model years: 2,513 owner complaints and 505 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 31% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 12% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 11% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 9% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 9% of all complaints
- 6 Structure 8% of all complaints
- 7 Air bags 7% of all complaints
- 8 Visibility 3% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 790 complaints (31% of all), 13 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 12.
- Service brakes: 304 complaints (12% of all), 43 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 40.
- Engine: 267 complaints (11% of all), 14 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 98.
- Electrical system: 226 complaints (9% of all), 9 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 338.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 225 complaints (9% of all), 12 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 4.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.4 L · petrol · 4 cyl 2001–2007
- 2.4 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 2023–2026
- 2.7 L · petrol · 4 cyl 2009–2019
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2001–2003
- 3.3 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2004–2007
- 3.5 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2008–2022named in 3 complaints
- 2.5 L · hybrid · 4 cyl 2020–2026
- 3.3 L · hybrid · 6 cyl 2006–2010
- 3.5 L · hybrid · 6 cyl 2011–2019named in 3 complaints
- automatic, 4-speed 2001–2007
- automatic, 5-speed 2004–2013
- automatic, 6-speed 2009–2019
- automatic, 8-speed 2017–2026
- CVT 2006–2026named in 2 complaints
Drive: AWD, FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 2,513 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 790 | 13 | 12 |
| Service brakes | 304 | 43 | 40 |
| Engine | 267 | 14 | 98 |
| Electrical system | 226 | 9 | 338 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 225 | 12 | 4 |
| Structure | 197 | 15 | 314 |
| Air bags | 169 | 62 | 36 |
| Visibility | 82 | 2 | 27 |
| Vehicle speed control | 79 | 17 | 12 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 75 | 21 | 1 |
| Seats | 59 | 3 | 13 |
| Fuel system | 48 | 0 | 28 |
| Steering | 47 | 7 | 5 |
| Exterior lighting | 42 | 0 | 3 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The vehicle was towed to a nearby Collision Center for the repair. The contact sustained injuries to the left leg, left hand, and left elbow. The contact sought medical attention for the injuries. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Accident where Toyota Highlander was struck on the front driver’s side and airbags did not deploy. Driver and passenger were injured. Driver was hospitalized. Need to have car inspected before destruction.
The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side front air bags and curtain air bags failed to deploy as expected. The driver and the passenger sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital by ambulance. The driver's chest struck the steering wheel, causing a mark and swelling.
While driving over a curve in the parking garage and applying the brakes to slow the vehicle and maneuver into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own despite the brakes being applied. The vehicle struck the metal wire safety fence and then came to a stop.
There were no dashboard warning lights or known system malfunction indicators before the crash. I purchased the Toyota Plus service package after completing the required maintenance during the initial coverage period. All scheduled maintenance and inspection
The seat belt restrained me, but the air bag did not activate. My chest is still sore, and I have some bruising on my left shoulder. I have reported the incident to my insurance agency. On August 20, 2026, I took the vehicle to a collision repair center recommended by the insurance claims agent.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- 2026 model year Toyota vehicles are equipped with driver side floor mat retainers to secure the floor mat…
- Some 2020 – 2026 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a water leak from the…
- During the manufacturing process, tires are mounted on the vehicle as matched sets to help reduce…
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and service life
- Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to maintain vehicle condition
- Some 2020 – 2024 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the…
- OBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2026
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and service life
- OBSOLETE NOTICE February 6, 2026
- During the manufacturing process, tires are mounted on the vehicle as matched sets to help reduce…
- OBSOLETE NOTICE February 03, 2026
- 2026 model year Toyota vehicles are equipped with driver side floor mat retainers to secure the floor mat…
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- How to reset Hard codes after collision, warning lights not going off! 2020 Toyota Highlanderamount per author: 70 UNSPECIFIED_DOLLAR
- Toyota Highlander Hidden Costs Owners Regret in 2026amount per author: 62,000 UNSPECIFIED_DOLLAR
- 2016 Toyota Highlander oil life reset#automobile#oilchange#toyota#highlanders
- 2016 Toyota highlander pil life reset #cars #automobile #mechanic #tools #oilchange
- Top 5 Problems Toyota Highlander SUV 2014-2019 3rd Generation
- How to Reset Maintenance Required Light on 2021 Toyota Highlander
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.