Toyota Highlander Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Toyota Highlander Hybrid years to avoid are 2010, 2020, 2021, and 2023, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 100, 80, 93, and 87 respectively — the four highest of all 16 model years. No year is flagged as a clear best pick, but 2011, 2013, and 2019 carry the lowest complaint indexes (33, 40, 47).
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 106
- Recall campaigns
- 18
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Top problem area
- Brakes
Highlander Hybrid Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 100 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Brakes | 26 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 33 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 28 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 53 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Structure & Body | 28 | — |
| 2013 | Good | 40 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 28 | — |
| 2014 | No verdict | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 28 | — |
| 2015 | No verdict | 27 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 28 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 60 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 28 | 5★ |
| 2017 | No verdict | 20 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Brakes | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 73 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Brakes | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 47 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Avoid | 80 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Airbags | 35 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Avoid | 93 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Airbags | 35 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Caution | 67 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Engine | 35 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Avoid | 87 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Structure & Body | 35 | 5★ |
| 2024 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | 35 | 5★ |
| 2025 | No verdict | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 35 | 5★ |
Highlander Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong
2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Index 100 · 22 complaints · 4 recalls
2010 has the highest complaint index (100) of any Highlander Hybrid year and ranks worst overall. Brakes lead the complaints, accounting for 32% of issues for the year, with a median failure mileage of 34,500 miles. Owners also reported engine problems, including one unintended-acceleration crash, and fuel system concerns tied to the hybrid inverter. NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for 2010, including a fuel system recall covering the hybrid intelligent power module and a separate wiper switch recall shared across multiple Toyota models.
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Index 93 · 15 complaints · 4 recalls
2021 has a complaint index of 93, the second-highest of any year. Airbags dominate the complaints, at 53% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 31,000 miles. Structure and body complaints follow at 27%, including reports of front bumpers detaching while driving, at a median mileage of 38,650 miles. NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for 2021, including a seat-back locking recall, an airbag sensor recall, and the front bumper cover recall.
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Index 87 · 9 complaints · 6 recalls
2023 has a complaint index of 87, ranking third-worst. Structure and body complaints make up 44% of the total for the year, with owners citing delayed parts availability for recall repairs on seat-back and bumper components. NHTSA lists six recall campaigns for 2023, more than any other model year, covering structure, airbags, and a parking-assist camera software update shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models.
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Index 80 · 9 complaints · 4 recalls
2020 posts a complaint index of 80 and ranks fourth-worst. Airbags are the top problem area, making up 44% of complaints for the year. Owners also reported brake pedal issues, with one describing the pedal going to the floor without stopping the vehicle, at a median mileage of 38,000 for brake complaints. NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for 2020, including an airbag sensor recall and a front bumper cover recall shared with 2020-2023 Highlander models.
Most common Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Brakes22 (21%)
- Engine20 (19%)
- Structure & Body17 (16%)
- Airbags14 (13%)
- Other14 (13%)
- Electrical System12 (11%)
- Fuel System11 (10%)
- Steering6 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Toyota Highlander Hybrid should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint and recall data, avoid the 2010, 2020, 2021, and 2023 model years. These have the highest complaint indexes (100, 80, 93, and 87) among the 16 model years covered.
- Is the 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?
- The 2010 model has the highest complaint index (100) of any Highlander Hybrid year and ranks worst overall, with brakes as the top-reported problem area at a median failure mileage of 34,500 miles.
- Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have an airbag recall?
- Yes. NHTSA campaign 23V865000 covers 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrid vehicles for an airbag sensor issue, and airbag complaints make up 53% of all 2021 complaints.
- Which Toyota Highlander Hybrid year has the fewest complaints?
- Among years with complaint data, 2011 has the lowest complaint index at 33, followed by 2013 at 40 and 2019 at 47.
- How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander Hybrid have overall?
- NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns across the 2010-2025 Highlander Hybrid model years, with 2023 having the most at six.