Toyota Highlander years to avoid and best years
Newer Toyota Highlander years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2019 has the most complaints per year, at 49 (480 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 13 (from 135 complaints), 2024 at 14 (from 42 complaints), and 2012 at 15 (from 191 complaints). The Toyota Highlander 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2019 Toyota Highlander, 164 of 480 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2014
2024
2012
2025–26
Toyota Highlander reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Toyota Highlander. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 31.3 |
| 2025 → Too early | 5 | 9 | 4 | Electrical system, Speed control, Forward collision avoidance | 28.6 |
| 2024 → Fewest | 14 | 42 | 7 | Service brakes | 29.8 |
| 2023 → | 42 | 180 | 9 | Structure | 29.8 |
| 2022 → | 40 | 248 | 5 | Powertrain | 29.3 |
| 2021 → | 42 | 514 | 4 | Powertrain | 29.3 |
| 2020 → | 22 | 315 | 4 | Powertrain | 29.3 |
| 2019 → Most | 49 | 480 | 3 | Powertrain | 24 |
| 2018 → | 33 | 265 | 5 | Powertrain | 24 |
| 2017 → | 28 | 267 | 4 | Powertrain | 24 |
| 2016 → | 15 | 110 | 3 | Service brakes | 23.8 |
| 2015 → | 24 | 191 | 2 | Electrical system | 23.8 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 13 | 135 | 5 | Structure | 23.8 |
| 2013 → | 27 | 212 | 3 | Steering | 22.3 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 15 | 191 | 2 | Steering | 22.3 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (SAE 5W-20 may be used; 0W-20 preferred) · 6.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- P245/65R17, P245/55R19
Known issues for this generation
Recall 14V-148 covers certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles in which the second-row left-hand seat may not lock into the inboard seat track in the forward first or second adjusting position, so the seat could move and increase injury risk in a crash; dealers modify the seat so it locks into the track, free of charge.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (SAE 5W-20 may be used; 0W-20 preferred) · 5.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/60R18, P245/60R18, 245/55R19
Known issues for this generation
Recall 14V-272 covers certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles whose air bag electronic control unit may use the restraint setting designed for small occupants for all front passenger sizes; dealers install a software update in the air bag ECU, free of charge. Recall 14V-576 covers certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles (with 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, and Sienna and 2015 Lexus RX350) where fuel may leak from one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment, increasing fire risk; dealers replace suspect fuel delivery pipes. Recall 20V-012 and its expansion 20V-682 cover certain 2017-2019 Highlander vehicles, among many other Toyota and Lexus models, where the low-pressure fuel pump may fail and stall the engine while driving; dealers replace the fuel pump, with 20V-682 specifying an improved assembly. Toyota Special Service Campaign 19TC04 addresses the engine oil cooler pipe on certain 2017-2019 Highlander Hybrid (Highlander HV) vehicles, where a manufacturing issue may allow a small oil cooler leak that can lead to low-oil warnings if ignored; dealers replace the pipe, free of charge.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (SAE 5W-20 may be used; 0W-20 preferred) · 5.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/65R18, 235/55R20
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V-162 covers certain 2020 Highlander vehicles with the 3.5 L V6 gasoline engine where an engine control unit programming error may fail to supply fuel correctly while the stop-and-restart feature is active, which can stall the engine; dealers reprogram the ECU, free of charge. Recall 20V-633 covers certain 2020 Highlander and Highlander hybrid vehicles where incorrect front seat trim covers can prevent the seat-mounted side air bag from deploying properly; dealers inspect and replace the trim covers as necessary. Recall 23V-720 covers certain 2020-2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles where minor front bumper impacts may leave the lower front bumper cover loose or detached; dealers repair or replace the bumper covers. Recall 23V-865 covers certain 2020-2021 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles (among other Toyota and Lexus models) where a short circuit in the Occupant Classification System sensor may prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying; dealers inspect and replace the sensor as necessary. Recall 26V-128 covers certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles whose second-row seat backs may fail to lock during adjustment; dealers replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies as necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Highlander years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 13 (from 135 complaints), 2024 at 14 (from 42 complaints), and 2012 at 15 (from 191 complaints).
Which Toyota Highlander year has the most owner complaints?
2019 has the most complaints per year, at 49 (480 complaints). On the 2019 Toyota Highlander, 164 of 480 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Toyota Highlander owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Toyota Highlander years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Toyota Highlander years are too early to compare?
The Toyota Highlander 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Toyota Highlander take?
US gasoline Highlanders in these generations prefer 0W-20 (5W-20 may be used temporarily). Approx. capacities with filter: ~6.4 qt (2012-2013 3.5L), ~5.8 qt (2014+ 3.5L V6).
Does recall 20V-162 cover the Toyota Highlander?
It covers certain 2020 Highlander vehicles with the 3.5L V6: an ECU programming error may fail to supply fuel correctly during stop-and-restart; dealers update the ECU software.
What generation is the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
5th generation (2020 onward). 2014-2019 are 4th generation; 2012-2013 are late 3rd generation in this catalog.