2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a complaint index of 15, the second-lowest among the 21 model years with data, with only 2 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall for an airbag control unit software issue. It ranks 18th worst out of those years, meaning most other years report more problems.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 15/100
- #18 of 21 Highlander Hybrid years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 2
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 27.5 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System1 (50%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (50%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- One owner reported the hybrid system suddenly warned of failure and told the driver to stop immediately, with the car slowing to about 1 mph before it could be pulled over.
- This electrical system failure occurred at 17,200 miles, according to the median mileage figure for that problem area.
- A separate complaint involved a visibility or wiper issue reported at very low mileage, around 10 miles.
- With only two total complaints on file, these two incidents represent the full pattern of reported issues for this year.
2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V272000May 22, 2014Electrical System48,840 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles may have improper software installed in the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) for the operation of the front passenger seat belt force limiter, and as a result, the force limiter may use the restraint setting designed for small occupants, such as those that weigh approximately 110 pounds, for all occupants regardless of their size. As such, some of these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: In the event of a crash, a larger front passenger seat occupant may not be properly restrained and be at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update in the air bag electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on June 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27.5 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other Highlander Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2014 Highlander Hybrid has a complaint index of 15, one of the lowest among the 21 model years tracked, with just 2 complaints and 1 recall.
- Does the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 14V272000) covers improper software in the airbag electronic control unit. Toyota's remedy is a free software update at dealers.
- What is the top problem area for the 2014 Highlander Hybrid?
- NHTSA data lists the Electrical System as the top problem area, tied with Visibility & Wipers, each accounting for 50% of the 2 complaints on file.
- How does the 2014 Highlander Hybrid compare to other years?
- It ranks 18th worst out of 21 model years by complaint index, well below years like 2006 (complaint index 100) and 2008 (complaint index 95), which are rated Avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
- EPA rates it at 28 mpg combined (27.5 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300.