Toyota Highlander common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 Toyota Highlander vehicles have filed 2,495 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (74% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 2,495
- Owner complaints
- 49
- Recall campaigns
- 149
- Crash-related reports
- 151
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2021 highlander
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Recall2022 highlander
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Recall2023 highlander
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Recall2024 highlander
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Recall2024 highlander
A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Recall2025 highlander
A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?
- Across 2,495 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Toyota Highlander vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (74%), body & structure (12%), airbags (10%).
- Which Toyota Highlander model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has the most owner complaints, with 477 filed.
- Are Toyota Highlander problems dangerous?
- Of the 2,495 complaints on record, 149 mention a crash, 15 mention a fire and 151 mention an injury, and 1 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2021 accounts for the most complaints (477). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.