What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,230+ owner reports, the 2001-2024 Toyota Highlander has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption, Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure, 2.4L 2AZ-FE Head Gasket and Head Bolt Thread Failure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

The 2001-2024 Toyota Highlander has 6 known issues documented across 4,230+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption and Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure and 2.4L 2AZ-FE Head Gasket and Head Bolt Thread Failure and 2GR-FE V6 Oil Leak (Timing Cover and Oil Cooler Line). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Highlander problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Highlander issues range from $0 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $0-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Toyota Highlander is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Toyota Highlander. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2001-2024 Toyota Highlander with 6 documented issues from 4,230+ owner reports.

Toyota Highlander Problems: 6 Issues Every Owner Should Know

Toyota Highlander Problems: 6 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

⚠️NHTSA Recalls14 recalls

STEERING:COLUMN

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #23V48000012/07/2023

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.

Campaign #23V72000026/10/2023

TIRES

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #24V41900006/06/2024

TIRES

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #24V45200018/06/2024

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #24V54800023/07/2024

+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Toyota Highlander Problems: 6 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 6 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Highlander problems?

What year Toyota Highlander is the most reliable?