Toyota Highlander Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Toyota Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, based on complaint index scores of 93, 100, 87, and 80 out of 3,549 total complaints across 39 recall campaigns. Best years are 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2025, all with complaint indexes under 27.
Avoid 2019Avoid 2021Avoid 2022Avoid 2023Best 2011Best 2014Best 2016Best 2025
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 3,549
- Recall campaigns
- 39
- Crashes reported
- 238
- Fires reported
- 22
- Top problem area
- Transmission & Powertrain
Highlander 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 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Good | 47 | 214 | 18 | 2 | 10 | Electrical System | 20 | — |
| 2011 | Best | 20 | 181 | 14 | 0 | 5 | Visibility & Wipers | 20 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Good | 33 | 182 | 16 | 3 | 2 | Steering | 20 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 53 | 207 | 26 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 20 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Best | 7 | 135 | 5 | 1 | 4 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Good | 40 | 192 | 17 | 6 | 1 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Best | 13 | 110 | 14 | 1 | 2 | Brakes | 21 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 60 | 267 | 18 | 2 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 22.5 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 67 | 265 | 23 | 1 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 22.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 93 | 482 | 22 | 1 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 22.5 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Caution | 73 | 315 | 15 | 0 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 23 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Avoid | 100 | 517 | 16 | 4 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 23 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Avoid | 87 | 249 | 16 | 1 | 5 | Structure & Body | 23 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Avoid | 80 | 181 | 12 | 0 | 9 | Structure & Body | 24 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Good | 27 | 42 | 4 | 0 | 7 | Brakes | 24 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Best | 0 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 4 | Engine | 24 | 5★ |
Highlander years to avoid: what went wrong
2021 Toyota Highlander Index 100 · 517 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2021 Highlander has the highest complaint index of any year, 100. Transmission and Powertrain complaints dominate at 43% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 59,000. Owners report the vehicle shifting into neutral or reverse unexpectedly, including one case where a parked vehicle rolled and struck another car. Structure and Body complaints, at 11%, include seat back failures during crashes. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this year, including a seat back recliner spring recall.
2021 transmission & powertrain problems →2021 brakes problems →2021 structure & body problems →
2019 Toyota Highlander Index 93 · 482 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2019 Highlander carries a complaint index of 93, the second-highest of all years. Transmission and Powertrain issues make up 40% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 54,471. Fuel System problems account for 22% of complaints with a much lower median mileage of 6,313, pointing to early failures. Owners describe unexpected jerking, backward acceleration, and airbags not deploying in crashes. NHTSA recorded 3 recall campaigns for this year, including fuel pump replacements.
2019 transmission & powertrain problems →2019 fuel system problems →2019 engine problems →
2022 Toyota Highlander Index 87 · 249 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2022 Highlander has a complaint index of 87. Structure and Body issues lead at 24% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 32,827. Transmission and Powertrain follows at 21%, with a much higher median mileage of 98,000. Owners describe brake failure while creeping forward after idling, backup cameras going blank, and airbags not deploying in collisions. NHTSA recorded 5 recall campaigns for this year, including tire load rating and seat back issues.
2022 structure & body problems →2022 transmission & powertrain problems →2022 brakes problems →
2023 Toyota Highlander Index 80 · 181 complaints · 9 recalls
The 2023 Highlander has a complaint index of 80. Structure and Body complaints lead at 28% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 15,700. Engine complaints follow at 18%, median mileage 30,500. Owners describe unintended acceleration at low speed, bumper covers detaching, and airbags failing to deploy during a t-bone collision. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this year, the most of any avoid year, including software updates for the instrument panel and parking assist camera system.
2023 structure & body problems →2023 engine problems →2023 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Toyota Highlander problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Transmission & Powertrain812 (23%)
- Other569 (16%)
- Engine514 (14%)
- Electrical System498 (14%)
- Structure & Body428 (12%)
- Brakes421 (12%)
- Fuel System296 (8%)
- Steering222 (6%)
- Airbags220 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers203 (6%)
Frequently asked questions
- What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. These years have complaint indexes of 93, 100, 87, and 80, the highest among all 16 model years tracked.
- What is the best Toyota Highlander year to buy?
- 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2025 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 20, 7, 13, and 0 respectively, the lowest in the lineup.
- What is the most common problem with the Toyota Highlander?
- Transmission and Powertrain issues are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 812 complaints, or 23% of the 3,549 total complaints.
- Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have transmission problems?
- Yes. Transmission and Powertrain complaints make up 43% of all 2021 Highlander complaints, with a median failure mileage of 59,000, and the year has the highest overall complaint index, 100.
- How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander have?
- NHTSA lists 39 recall campaigns across all Toyota Highlander model years from 2010 to 2025.