2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    transmission automatic

    3 stranded, 43 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    48
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. While operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound was also heard through the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmissi…"~85,000 mi, complaint #2168019
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with tra…"~130,000 mi, complaint #2008710
  2. #2

    brake hydraulics

    3 stranded, 20 unsafe

    23
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=16, median 21,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "LOW POWER BRAKING POWER LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. OWNED FOR JUST 6 MONTHS WITH JUST OVER 2000 MILES . THIS HAPPENED WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY."~2,000 mi, complaint #1542113
    • "SLOWLY (3-5MPH) MOVING TOWARD EXIT RAMP FROM HOSPITAL PARKING LOT. TRIED TO BRAKE BEFORE TURNING RIGHT ONTO RAMP, BUT SERVICE BRAKE DIDN'T RESPOND -- FELT LIKE I WAS JUST POUNDING THE FLOOR. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO COAST. I TURNED IT ONTO EXIT RAMP. DURING…"~12,880 mi, complaint #1634687
    • "SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS AND THE CAR KEPT GOING AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER CAR INFRONT OF ME. THERE WAS AT LEAST 300 FEET DISTANCE FROM THE TIME I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS TILL THE CRASH. I WAS GOING ON HIGHWAY ABOUT 50 MPH."~21,000 mi, complaint #1650259
    • "INTERMITTENTLY DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THERE EXISTS INSTANCES WHERE BRAKE HYDRAULIC FAILURE OCCURS. AT TIMES THE "BRAKE" INDICATOR LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL FEEL. BRAKING POWER IS REDUCED. ALSO, DRIVER DISPLAY SCR…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1685363
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the Brake warning light illuminated, the contact observed a beeping noise coming from the instrument panel. Additionally, the messages "Braking Power Low - Stop in a safe place…"~77,000 mi, complaint #1958858
  3. #3

    brake booster

    1 stranded, 16 unsafe

    17
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF OF SAFETY RECALL FOR HIGHLANDER 2018 NHTSA RECALL NO 18V-211 VACUUM PUMP. CAR WAS TESTED AT DEALER ON JUN 13TH, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE NEED THE REPAIR. VACUUM PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. REPLACEMENT PART WAS ORDERED…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1495349
    • "WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKE ASSIST VACUUM PUMP FAILS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE VACUUM FOR THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM ASSIST. RESULTING IS A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER. A BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITANTLY ON THE DASH PANEL AND POSSIBLY AN AUDIO WARNING AND ERROR MESSAGE. PLUS…"~14,100 mi, complaint #1594724
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the "Brake Power Low" message was displayed. The contact stated that the brake pedal was firm before pulling over to the side of the roadway. The contact shut off the vehicle h…"~29,000 mi, complaint #1917570
    • "MY 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE had a break malfunction April 15, 2022. The Brake light illuminated, "low brake power" flashed briefly and the pedal became stiff and unable to press for braking. I swerved to avoid rear ending the car in front of me. Brought it i…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1808511
  4. #4

    airbag system

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "RECENTLY INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN GOING IN REVERSE. THE SRS ALARM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE REVERSE BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT INDICATED THAT I WAS CLOSE TO THE OBJECT."~2,200 mi, complaint #1481510
    • "SUV WAS IN A CRASH AND HIT A TREE MID FRONT BUMPER WITH SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF SUV. DAMAGE APPEARS TO BE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FORWARD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEATBELT AND NO AIRBAG DEPLOYED OF ANY KIND IN ANY AREA OF THE SUV. DRIVER HI…"~17,500 mi, complaint #1688551
    • "I WAS INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON 1/28/20 WHERE I SUSTAINED A DIRECT, FRONT IMPACT COLLISION, AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, ACCELERATING FORWARD THROUGH A GREEN-LIT INTERSECTION WHEN A LARGE DODGE RAM TRUCK TUR…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1642059
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STANDSTILL, ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT 50 MPH CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WER…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1730513
    • "The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, occupied with her children in the rear passenger seats, the contact was attempting to merge onto the intersection, and a state trooper failed to yield at 55-60 MPH veh…"~140,000 mi, complaint #2196623
  5. #5

    engine stall or no start

    2 stranded, 10 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "AFTER VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP ENGINE RPM SPEED DROPS TO NEAR 500 WHEN BRAKE ENGAGED AT STOP LIGHTS AND VEHICLE IDLES ROUGH AND ATTEMPTS TO STALL. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL BRINGS RPM SPEED BACK UP AND IDLES SMOOTH AGAIN. PROBLEM OCCURS DAILY OVER LAST TWO MONTHS. VEHI…"~1,750 mi, complaint #1519370
    • "LEARNED OF RECALL IN JAN. 2020--SINCE THEN TOYOTA HAS NOT PROVIDED A REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL BASED ON DIRECT CONTACT WITH TOYOTA, THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM,NTHSA AND MEDIA---I HAVE VERY LIMITED USE OF VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE CHANCE FOR ACCIDENTS A…"~8,050 mi, complaint #1661127
    • "ON MAY 5, 2020 I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN THE LEFT TURN LANE, AFTER JUST HAVING A 20K MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON MY 2018 HIGHLANDER XLE. AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I ACCELERATED AND AS I WAS ENTERING THE INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STALLED. IT WAS N…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1665936
    • "I OWN A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, ME AND MY FAMILY INCLUDING MY 4 YEAR OLD SON WERE TAKING A DRIVE UP TO NEVADA CITY. WE LIVE IN CALIFORNIA AND WHEN WE GOT ON THE ROAD AND TRIED TO COME TO A STOP ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES STARTED TO SHAKE…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1665281
    • "The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had been completed on the vehicle. The contact stated while her husband was driving 55-65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertent…"~49,000 mi, complaint #1769285
  6. #6

    sunroof

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "I HAD JUST MADE A LEFT HAND TURN. I WASN'T GOING MORE THAN 40 MPH. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY CARS NEXT TO ME OR IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. I PULLED OVER BECAUSE I ASSUMED SOMETHING HIT MY CAR, BUT DIDN'T SEE ANY BODY DAMAGE. I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN…"~5,100 mi, complaint #1486804
    • "WHILE DRIVING INTO GRAND TETON NP OUR HIGHLANDER'S SUNROOF EXPLODED LOUDLY IN WHAT APPEARED TO BE A SPONTANEOUS FASHION. NO SIGN OF A ROCK OR OTHER ROAD DEBRIS WAS SEEN OR FOUND. FORTUNATELY, OUR SUN SHADE WAS CLOSED AND WE WERE NOT SHOWERED WITH GLASS. WE WER…"~9,900 mi, complaint #1594447
    • "THE REAR SUNROOF ON OUR CAR SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON ON 8/24/19 WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (I-15 IN NORTHERN UTAH, AROUND 8PM). THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF AN IMPACT FROM A FOREIGN BODY WHEN WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF AND INVESTIGATE. INITIALLY TH…"~13,000 mi, complaint #1597609
    • "JANUARY 22, 2019 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED IN MY CAR. SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN WHEN OFF AND THE PRESSURE I FELT IN MY BACK, I THOUGHT I GOT SHOT. GLASS TOTALLY BLEW OUT OF THE CAR WITH ONLY A C…"~23,161 mi, complaint #1561115
    • "OUR SUNROOF GLASS "EXPLODED" SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A SMOOTH ROAD - NO ROCKS OR DEBRIS AROUND AND NORMAL COOL WINTER DAY ~25F. DRIVING 70MPH ON MAINE I295 AT NOONTIME. WE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR TWO HOURS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT ALSO IN GOOD WEATHER AND…"~59,500 mi, complaint #1727174
  7. #7

    fuel pump

    1 stranded, 7 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "CAR HAD PROBLEMS ACCELERATING TWO TIMES FROM AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. IT WAS ROUGH, DASH LIGHTS FLASHED QUICKLY AND I WAS UNABLE TO SEE WHICH LIGHTS WERE FLASHING. AS I COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AFTER THAT, I WASN'T SURE ABOUT BRINGING IT TO T…"~17,500 mi, complaint #1665847
  8. #8

    adas collision warning

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "PCS (PRE COLLISION SYSTEM) AND PEDESTRIAN DETECTION SYSTEM DO NOT FUNCTION AS ADVERTISED BY THE MANUFACTURE AND ASSURED BY THE DEALER. THERE IS NO INDICATION OR ANY EVIDENCE THAT SUCH A SYSTEM EXISTS IN THE CAR. THEREFORE, IT GIVES YOU A FALSE SENSE OF SECURIT…"~600 mi, complaint #1456313
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON A ROAD WITH TWO LANES SOUTHBOUND. NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME IN EITHER LANE. A CAR WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM THE SHOULDER. IT WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY NOR WAS IT HEADED BACK TOWARD THE HIGHWAY. THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM ATT…"~1,600 mi, complaint #1476309
    • "I WAS RECENTLY IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN MY 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM. THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM WAS WORKING WELL THROUGH OUT OUR TRIP BUT UNFORTUNATELY DID NOT WORK WHEN IT WAS MOST NEEDED. WE WERE INVOLVED IN A PILE UP ON INTERSTATE…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1479941
    • "THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM FAILED TO ASSIST IN AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY IN TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY. SINCE THE REPAIR, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE SPEEDOMETER SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMI…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1563391
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, and later at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance failed to operate properly. The contact was unable to turn off the system. The contact stated that…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1972433
  9. #9

    other

    2 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "THE RECALL WAS POSTED ON JANUARY 13. TOYOTA DID NOT NOTIFY US UNTIL MID MAY. THERE IS STILL NO REMEDY. IT IS MORE THAN 6 MONTHS. OUR HIGHLANDER IS SITTING IN A TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER FOR OVER A MONTH. WE NEED THEM TO REMEDY THE SITUATION IMMEDIATELY. TOYOTA REN…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1671226
    • "MUSTY SMELL IN THE VEHICLE SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2018, VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP EARLY APRIL 2019 WITH NO RESOLUTION. VEHICLE RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP EARLY MAY 2019. WATER FOUND UNDER PASSENGER CARPET ALONG WITH MOLD. ADVISED BY TOYOTA NO DEFECTIVE PARTS AND TH…"~16,500 mi, complaint #1566938
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAULING A 2019 WINNEBAGO TRAVEL TRAILER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE CRACK ON THE TRAILER HITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRENT BROWN TOYOTA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], OREM, UT 84058) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE…"~27,000 mi, complaint #1692901
  10. #10

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 43,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I NOTICED A HESITATION WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. ON ONE INCIDENT ON I-288 I PRESSED THE GAS TO PASS A CAR AND IT HESITATED AND THE RPM JUMPTED TO 51/2. FINALLY THE CAR ENGAGED SO I COULD PASS. I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. ON THE WAY…"~10,999 mi, complaint #1550961
    • "APON ACCESLARATION , CAR HESITATE FOR A FEW SECOND, RPM GOES TO 5000 UNTIL VEHICLE SLOWLY START TO MOVE. FEELS LIKEW THER IS NO PROPER SYNCH BETWEEN ENGING AND TRANSMISSION. DANGEROUS WHEN PASSING OR AVOIDING A VEHICLE AHEAD OF YOU. THE SAME ISSUE WHILE USING…"~14,800 mi, complaint #1569691
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON MAKING A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED NOTIFICATI…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1659262
    • "AS OF THIS DATE, MY 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS DELAYED ACCELERATION, HESITATION, JERKING, LURCHING, ERRATIC THROTTLE RESPONSES, ETC. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWO TIMES TO DATE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE V…"~43,100 mi, complaint #1694039
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power after coming to a full stop at a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer; however, th…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1832146
  11. #11

    glass and windshield

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "I PURCHASED A NEW TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FROM MASSEY TOYOTA IN KINSTON, NC IN MAY OF 2018. ON AUGUST 11, 2018, THE REAR HATCH GLASS SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED AND FELL OUT OF THE CAR WHILE IT WAS SITTING UNTOUCHED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF THE OWNERS HOME. THE WEATHER WAS CL…"~1,215 mi, complaint #1499082
    • "SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODING PANORAMIC SUNROOF.I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO-LANE HIGHWAY ALONE ON THE ROAD MAY 31, 2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30PM.I HAD MY SUNROOF COVER CLOSED AND WAS TRAVELING THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL TURNED ON.I HEARD A VERY L…"~6,437 mi, complaint #1582186
    • "THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY AT TWO YEARS OLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EVEN MOVING AND NEVER GOT STRUCK WITH A STONE OR A VEHICLE DEBRIS. THE CRACK IS VERY CLEAN AND LINEA WITHOUT ANY DENT AND STARTS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD ALL THE WAY TO ONE-F…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1688646
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 58 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the sunroof, and it was discovered that the sunroof glass had shattered. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer wa…"~165,000 mi, complaint #2173826
  12. #12

    unintended acceleration

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "MY 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EXPERIENCED 4 DIFFERENT EPISODES OF SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION WHILE ON LOCAL HIGHWAYS, 3 BEING ON RESUMPTION OF SPEED WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL AND THE 4TH NOT WHILE ON CRUISE CONTROL.THERE ARE 10 OTHER ELECTRONIC TYPES OF MALFUNCTION…"~4,500 mi, complaint #1684161
    • "WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE, SLOWLY, WITH RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE, GETTING READY TO STOP BEFORE THE CURB, THE CAR ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB GOING OVER THE SIDEWALK AND HIT THE BUILDING. MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE WHEN IT STOPPED. THIS HAPPE…"~12,300 mi, complaint #1610732
  13. #13

    brake pads and rotors

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "AN INSPECTION FOUND MY LEFT REAR BRAKE WAS SEVERELY WORN AT ONLY 21000 MILES. THIS IS SO UNUSUAL I WANT TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. ALL OF THE THREE BRAKES WERE ONLY LIGHTLY WORN."~21,500 mi, complaint #1701571
  14. #14

    tire failure

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "I BOUGHT A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FROM A DEALERSHIP BRAND NEW APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 1500 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. THERE IS A HOLE IN THE TIRE. THERE IS NO OBJECT IN THE TIRE…"~1,500 mi, complaint #1467297
    • "TOOK MY 2018 HIGHLANDER TO HAVE THE 5000 MILE SERVICE DONE. UPON ENTERING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT I SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS. I TOLD HIM MY VEHICLES IS PULLING TO THE LEFT. THEY THEN DID A ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION. AFTER LEAVING MIKE WOOD…"~5,076 mi, complaint #1465335
  15. #15

    adas blind spot

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THE BLIND SIDE MONITOR, BSM, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK! IT DOES NOT CONSISTENTLY DETECT LARGE SEMI-TRUCKS, LARGE PICKUP TRUCKS, SOME SUV VEHICLES AND RANDOM CARS. THE BSM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WORKS VERY WELL. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE TO…"~500 mi, complaint #1484444
    • "WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION BLIND SPOT MONITORING SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY DETECTS VEHICLES AND HAS CAUSED ME TO CUTOFF VEHICLES THAT ARE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DUE TO NO DETECTION. DEALER IS UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING SINCE THERE IS NO SYSTEM FAILURE BUT IT IS A SAFETY…"~2,044 mi, complaint #1533092
    • "BLIND SPOT MONITOR ON PASSENGER SIDE WORKS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. *TR"~7,762 mi, complaint #1662200
  16. #16

    engine oil consumption

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY CAR IS ONLY 2YEARS BUT I FOUND OIL ARE LEAKING. I HAD CHECK UP AT LOCAL BODY SHOP AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT OIL LEAKS VACUUM PUMP SO I NEED TO REPLACE. *TR"~14,000 mi, complaint #1667338
  17. #17

    lighting exterior

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY DIM MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT. WHEN I AM NEXT TO OTHER VEHICLES, THEIR HEADLIGHTS LIGHT UP THE ROAD IN FRONT OF ME AT LEAST 80% MORE THAN MY HEADLIGHTS. PHYSICALLY, THE HOUSING LOOKS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE IT IS CLOUDY. PERHAP…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1547084
    • "AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN FOR NO REASON. THIS IS NOT THE NORMAL CYCLING (HIGH BEAMS ON/OFF WHEN TRAFFIC DETECTED) OF THE SYSTEM. ICON INDICATING SYSTEM IS ON DISAPPEARS AND CANNOT GET HIGH BEAMS TO OPERATE. THIS HAPPENS ON DARK STRAIGHT ROADS WITH…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1729093
    • "AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM FUNCTION SHUTS DOWN ERRATICALLY LEAVING CAR WITH NO HIGH BEAMS. NECESSARY TO TURN OFF AUTOMATIC FUNCTION TO USE HIGH BEAMS. THIS HAPPENS WHILE IN MOTION @ 30-35 MPH ON A COMPLETELY DARK ROAD AND WITH NO ONCOMING OR LEADING TRAFIIC TO TRIGGE…"~24,800 mi, complaint #1677610
  18. #18

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I PURCHASED BRAND NEW TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2018 ON OCT. 20, 2018 BUT THE RATTLE (CLICKING) NOISE FROM PASSENGER DOOR SIDE (B-PILLAR). I CAN HEAR THE NOISE MOSTLY WHILE I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I DO NOT HAVE ANY CRASH AND ACCIDENT."complaint #1527729
    • "LAST YEAR 02/22/2018 /3,168 MILES, I HEAR A BANG/NOISE FROM REAR OF MY HIGHLANDER ROAD ROUGH ONLY THEY FIXED. THIS YEAR 07/102019 /12,780 MILES SAME PROBLEM"complaint #1583956
    • "I have noticed that the car makes a knocking sound when stopped at signals or in heavy traffic. I have taken my 2018 Highlander LTD many times to the dealer and they cannot hear it nor find anything under the car. This has been going on since I took delivery.…"complaint #1911197
  19. #19

    phone connectivity

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ISSUES WITH HANDS-FREE DEVICE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. PHONE BEING USED IS IPHONE 11 MAX AND WHEN CONNECTED IT SEEMS THAT RADIO AND HANDS FREE WILL GO OFF UNTIL THEY REBOOT THEMSELVES."~14,900 mi, complaint #1651129
    • "BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY DOES NOT WORK FOR OWNERS OF IPHONE 11 PRO MAX WITH THIS MAKE MODEL AND YEAR OF VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED BOTH APPLE AND TOYOTA TO TRY TO RECTIFY THIS ISSUE, AS IT DIRECTLY IMPAIRS THE SAFE DRIVING OF THIS VEHICLE DUE TO NO ACCESS TO THE…"~15,327 mi, complaint #1638403
  20. #20

    transfer case awd

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated informing the driver that the AWD system and stability were disabled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they diagnosed the fa…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1794995
  21. #21

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "About6 months ago I started getting the messege "Breaking power low" when i try to start my vehicle. So I took it to Star Toyota Service paid $175 to diagnose the problem. The found DTC 1241 and told me to change the qhole skid control unit. Eventhough on the…"~76,000 mi, complaint #1845094
  22. #22

    battery and charging

    2 stranded

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "STARTING BATTERY IS DEFECTIVE. MY TOYOTA DEALER STATED THE "THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH TOYOTA. THEY HAD A DEFECTIVE BATCH OF BATTERIES". THE ISSUE IS THAT THE REPLACEMENT BATTERIES ARE UNAVAILABLE, RENDERING THE CAR USELESS AS IT CANNOT BE STARTED. THE BATTERY…"complaint #1722146
    • "I bought my car used. Only had it for 3years and already had to replace the battery twice. Once I was stopped at light turning left, yield to oncoming traffic, since my foot was on brakes battery just dyed in middle of light, police had to come made sure I did…"complaint #1935779
  23. #23

    engine head gasket

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF BOWIE ([REDACTED ADDRESS], BOWIE, MD 20716) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE GASKET WAS NOT SEALED CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE…"~4,200 mi, complaint #1507426
  24. #24

    engine internal

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ON STREET AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO SERVICE PROVIDER AND IS RELATED TO RECALL. NO REMEDY FOR RECALL HAS BEEN DEVELOPED -- CURRENTLY DRIVING A LOANER CAR."~32,000 mi, complaint #1714711
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that there was low compression in cylinder #1. The…"~61,000 mi, complaint #2016994
  25. #25

    infotainment head unit

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE RADIO SHORTED OUT DISABLING ALL COMPUTER APPS I WAS TOLD BY MIDTOWN TOYOTA IT WILL TAKE A WEEK FOR NEW RADIO TO ARRIVE"~5,900 mi, complaint #1511277
  26. #26

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "EARLY TODAY, 3/21/19, WAS ALERTED THAT MY HATCHBACK WAS OPEN. THE CAR HAD BEEN LOCKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, BUT WHEN I CAME OUTSIDE I WAS TOLD BY A FRIEND THAT THE HATCH HAD JUST OPENED ON IT'S OWN. ABOUT AN HOUR LATER, I WAS DRIVING AFTER DARK AND RECEIVED A BLI…"~11,500 mi, complaint #1550870
  27. #27

    seat mechanism

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE XLE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SITS VERY HIGH, CAUSING MY HEAD TO BRUSH UP AGAINST THE CEILING. THIS IS WILL CAUSE HEAD AND POSSIBLY NECK INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. I'M NOT PARTICULARLY TALL AT 5'10', BUT ANYONE TALLER WILL HAVE A WORSE PROBLEM. THER…"complaint #1549080
    • "I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SEAT AS IT GAVE INSTANT PAIN IN THE SPINE AND NECK AND VERY HARD TO DRIVE SITTING ON THE DRIVERS OR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER SEAT. BEING TOO CURVEY IS NEITHER AGRONOMIC FOR ANY STANDARD SIZE HUMAN BEING NOR ALLOWS ANY R…"complaint #1692465
  28. #28

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE INCIDENT INVOLVES A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER V6 AWD THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW ON JUNE 1, 2018. AS MY 12 YEAR OLD SON WAS BUCKLING HIMSELF INTO THE 2ND ROW DRIVER-SIDE SEAT TODAY, THE SEAT BELT RIPPED APART IN HIS HANDS. THE SUDDEN-MOTION LOCKING MECHANISM NEVE…"~5,445 mi, complaint #1520157
  29. #29

    stability and traction control

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "1) BIGGEST ISSUE: I BOUGHT MY SUV NEW. IT WAS ADVERTISED 30/28 MPG. MY AVERAGE MPG SINCE I BOUGHT IT IS 22-23. 2) IT SLIDES WITH BARELY ANY ICE OR RAIN. IT IS AWFUL. IT SLIDE BACKWARD DOWN A SMALL HILL LAST YEAR & CAUSED ME TO CRASH. POLICE RESPONDED BUT WE…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1736862
  30. #30

    steering electric assist

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel inadvertently locked. The warning message "ETS Failure - Steering Will Be Harder to Steer" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated he forcefully…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1768830
    • "STEERING WHEEL LEATHER IS PEELING AND CAUSING ISSUES WITH GRIP. HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD AND FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING OUR HIGHLANDER WITH 20K ON IT THAT TOYOTA CLAIMS IS COSMETIC ISSUE. TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS VERY BADLY GOING UP HILLS AND ALMOST STALLS OUT."~16,000 mi, complaint #1591896
  31. #31

    suspension struts shocks

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHEN HIT BREAKS HARD... I HEAR A BANG/NOISE FROM REAR OF MY HIGHLANGER. ( DEALERSHIP ADMIT THIS IS ABNORMAL SOUND BUT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT). TRANSMISSION SHIFT ROUGHLY, NOT SMOOTH SHIFTING. IF CAR IS IN DRIVE AND IM HOLDING BREAKS CAR REAR STARTS MA…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1560076
  32. #32

    torque converter

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "1)The following components failed:Symptoms and Diagnostic Trouble Codes TRANSMISSION P0741 - Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off P2757 - Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off P2714 - Pressure…"complaint #2163796
    • "Complaint: I am writing to report a transmission defect in my 2018 Toyota Highlander AWD (UA80 8-speed automatic transmission). Prior to the check engine light illuminating, I noticed a burning smell coming from the vehicle. Subsequently, the following fault c…"complaint #2212021
  33. #33

    trunk or liftgate

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN PARKING LOT UNTOUCHED ( WARM SUNNY DAY) . VEHICLE WAS PARKED . OWNER USED THE REMOTE HATCH OPENING BUTTON ON THE KEY REMOTE. WHEN THE HATCH/ LIFT GATE STARTED OPENING A LOUD CRACKING / BUSTING SOUND WAS MADE.…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1739991
  34. #34

    adas adaptive cruise

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The issue involves the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system (vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode) in my 2018 Toyota Highlander. This system automatically…"complaint #2143933
  35. #35

    adas lane keeping

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • " PROBLEMS WITH MY 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ([XXX]) 1 ) LANE DEPART INDICATOR:SOMETIMES DOESN'T WORK UNTIL I'VE DRIVEN 1 OR 2 OR 4 MILES. SOMETIMES IN EVERY TRIP STOPS WORKING AS WELL AS ACTIVATES WHEN MAYBE A FOOT FROM LANE MARKERS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR…"~14,800 mi, complaint #1637005
  36. #36

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MY VEHICLE CANNOT BE ALIGNED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION. ESPECIALLY ON WET ROADS. TOYOTA HAS HAD 5 PLUS ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THIS.VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BY 2 TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS SPECIALIST. THEY DEEMED THE VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE. 48HRS AFTER IT WAS…"~7,616 mi, complaint #1473999
  37. #37

    backup camera

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The position of the screen monitor for the backup camera is hard to see when the sun creates a glare on the front windshield. "complaint #2239515
  38. #38

    control module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While driving the car at approximately 40 mphs the car suddenly jolted and stopped moving. Luckily no one was behind and I pulled over also noticing check engine light came on. I immediately called Toyota and was able to drive it to them. I spent $140 dia…"complaint #2030337
  39. #39

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND SPLASHED WATER ONTO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CONTA…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1470308
  40. #40

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Three weeks ago, I took my vehicle to Fred Haas Toyota Dealer in Spring, TX and they informed me that my driver axle needed replacement. My service advisor has now given me three ETAs on when the part will be delivered. Today, he mentioned that there is a nati…"complaint #1929042
  41. #41

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP (07/27/2018, THIS VEHICLE HAS THE VERY PUNGENT ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, DRIVER SIDE.AFTER THE ENGINE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THERE ARE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF COOLANT LEAKING, EITHER ON THE…"complaint #1536287
  42. #42

    exhaust system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander equipped with a tow package. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle in for service, he made the dealer aware that on the passenger’s side rear of the vehicle where the muffler tip came out from underneath the…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1779366
  43. #43

    fuel injector

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On July 27, I was driving on a major multi-lane road going approximately 35 miles going to the World Toyota for an oil change. All of a sudden, the vehicle decelerated to almost a stop. I gingerly navigated the vehicle to the side of the road. There was no wa…"complaint #1760620
  44. #44

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH GAS, AFTER THE GAS PUMP SHUTS OFF, GAS COMES SURGING BACK OUT OFF THE FILLER NECK WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO SPLASH ON WHOMEVER IS FILLING THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS AT MULTIPLE GAS STATIONS AND DIFFERENT PUMPS WITH DIFFERENT FLOW RATES.…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1608470
  45. #45

    instrument cluster

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "DEAR SIR. UNIT CAN NOT BE CHANGED. THE UNIT CAN NOT BE CHANGED FROM F TO ℃. I HAVE BEEN LIVING IN CELSIUS TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENT FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS AND HAVE RECENTLY EMIGRATED TO THE UNITED STATES. BY THE WAY, MY CAR CAN NOT SEE THE CELSI…"complaint #1548270
  46. #46

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND ROLLED. IT PICKED UP SPEED AS IT CONTINUED TO ROLL AND THERE WEREN'T ANY OCCUPANT. THIS TOOK PLACE IN A DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE ROLLS WHILE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS ON ALLL THE TIME AS WELL."~25,000 mi, complaint #1642285
  47. #47

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I have a power steering warning light. Steering is harder than normal. I believe this vehicle is having the same power steering problem that Toyota Tundra and sequoias are having. I want it to be recalled and paid for by the manafacturer. This is ridiculous a…"~440,000 mi, complaint #1835150
  48. #48

    software or update

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "PHONE SYSTEM CUTS OUT AND DOESN'T DOWNLOAD CONTACTS. BEING TOLD TOYOTA IS DOING UPDATE. THIS HAS BEEN TOLD TO ME 6-8 TIMES. I CONTINUALLY TAKE THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED ABOUT A FUEL PUMP RECALL THAT CAN CAUSE A CRASH. I FOUND THE RECALL M…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1658917
  49. #49

    steering rack mechanical

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "At 11:15 AM, June 13, 2025 when I turn right at intersection, my steering wheel suddenly became hard (could not turn). My car nearly hit median in my left hand when the steering wheel back to normal. So I could steer my car avoid accident. This is first time I…"complaint #2100535
  50. #50

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact’s daughter owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a clunking sound coming from the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the owner was informed that…"~101,000 mi, complaint #2219666
  51. #51

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND. APPROXIMATELY TWO SECONDS AFTER DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ABR…"~3,450 mi, complaint #1582996
  52. #52

    wheel bearing

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "CAR VIBRATION AT 40MPH AND UP AND BRAKE VIBRATION TOO ."complaint #1544769
  53. #53

    wiper and washer

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WIFE'S HIGHLANDER GOING BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR THE SECOND TIME DUE TO WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT WORKING"~20,065 mi, complaint #1659156
  54. #54

    wiring harness

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Car is not properly wired to tow a trailer equipped with electric brakes. Toyota advertises the Highlander as having 5000 lb towing capacity. On the other hand, trailers weighing 3000 lb or more are required by law to be equipped with trailers brakes in most…"complaint #1750858

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TOYOTA HIGHLANDER directly.