Last updated: 2026-04-20

Toyota Highlander

1 Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Toyota Highlander average of 73/100

The Toyota Highlander years to avoid are 2024 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2024 with a reliability score of 67/100. The best Toyota Highlander year to buy is 2026 84/100.

Verdict

The 2024 Toyota Highlander scores significantly below the model average of 73/100. The weakest year is 2024 with a score of 67/100 due to unknown or other (43) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 74/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Toyota Highlander average of 73/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202467/100Good16198Unknown Or Other (43)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Toyota Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Highlander has good reliability. There are 16 recalls and 198 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Toyota Highlander. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (43), Power Train (27), Air Bags (27).

16 recalls198 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Unknown Or Other (43), Power Train (27), Air Bags (27), Electrical System (18), Fuel Propulsion System (14), Suspension (11)

View full 2024reliability report →

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

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Toyota Highlander

The 2022 Toyota Highlander has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 186 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (30), Structure (30), Service Brakes (29).

Score: 74/100 (Good)7 recalls186 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Toyota Highlander year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Toyota Highlander Years by Generation

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

Our data covers 2018–2026 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Toyota Highlander years: 2024 (score: 67/100). These model years score significantly below the Toyota Highlander average of 73/100.
What is the best year for the Toyota Highlander?
The best year for the Toyota Highlander is 2026, with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 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 2026 model year, which scores 84/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 73/100 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 73/100 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 74/100. 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 2026 Toyota Highlander a good used buy?
Yes, the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue