2016 Toyota Highlander Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 22 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Toyota Highlander, 20% of its 110 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 35,000 miles. One recall (16V775000) covers a brake fluid level sensor wiring issue, not the tail light or dashboard problems owners describe most often.
- Electrical System complaints
- 22
- 20% of 110
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 35,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Rear taillight housings fog up, crack, or fill with water, sometimes worsening over time and raising concern about brake light visibility to other drivers.
- Rain-sensing wipers activate on their own in clear, sunny weather, and the cruise control display flickers between screens while driving.
- Interior electronics behave erratically, including dashboard warnings appearing when not applicable, navigation showing incorrect directions, and interior lights turning on and off.
- Backup parking sensors and park assist intermittently shut off without warning, sometimes going undetected while backing up.
- Headlights fail to properly illuminate the road on dark or hilly roads, described as having a dark upper half that limits visibility going uphill and downhill.
- The power liftgate has closed without a safety stop or reversal, in one case striking a person standing nearby.
When 2016 Toyota Highlander electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 23, 2016, latest Sep 10, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Toyota Highlander
- NHTSA 16V775000Oct 24, 2016Electrical System7,056 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, connect the wire harness to the sensor, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this G03.
Electrical System complaints by Highlander model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Are electrical problems common on the 2016 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA lists 22 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Highlander, making up 20% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2016 Toyota Highlander?
- Yes, recall 16V775000 addresses a brake fluid level sensor that may not be connected to its wire harness, but it does not cover the taillight or dashboard electronics issues owners describe most often.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2016 Highlander?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2016 Highlander is 35,000 miles.
- What are the most reported electrical complaints on the 2016 Highlander?
- Owners most often describe taillight housings fogging up or cracking, rain-sensing wipers activating on clear days, cruise control display glitches, and headlights that fail to properly light dark roads.
- How does the 2016 Highlander compare to other years for electrical complaints?
- The 22 complaints and 20% share for 2016 are lower than 2015's 61 complaints and 32% share, but higher in share than 2018's 11% and 2020's 6%.