Last updated: 2026-03-04

Toyota Highlander

0 Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Toyota Highlander average of 72/100

All Toyota Highlander years score consistently around the model average of 72/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2025 76/100 and the weakest is 2024 67/100.

Verdict

All Toyota Highlander years score consistently around the model average of 72/100 (67–76 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2025 76/100 and the weakest is 2024 67/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Toyota Highlander Problems?

Top reported issues across all Toyota Highlander model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

485 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

226 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

179 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

162 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STRUCTURE

138 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

134 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Toyota Highlander Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Toyota Highlander

The 2018 Toyota Highlander has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 242 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Severity signals include 21 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (44), Service Brakes (40), Unknown Or Other (29).

Score: 72/100 (Good)5 recalls242 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Toyota Highlander Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?
All Toyota Highlander years in our database score consistently around the model average of 72/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Toyota Highlander?
The best year for the Toyota Highlander is 2025, with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 8 recalls and 40 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander have?
Across all years in our database, the Toyota Highlander has a total of 66 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Toyota Highlander worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 76/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 72/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Toyota Highlander problems?
The most common Toyota Highlander problems are power train (485 complaints), unknown or other (226 complaints), service brakes (179 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable long-term?
The Toyota Highlander has an average reliability score of 72/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Toyota Highlander generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Toyota Highlander generation is the Fourth generation (XU70) with an average score of 72/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Toyota Highlander?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Toyota Highlander is $489 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Toyota Highlander is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 8 recalls and 40 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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