Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid
We analyzed 3207 owner complaints and 49 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Toyota Highlander model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2021 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in powertrain & transmission.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Powertrain & Transmission
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Highlander Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Toyota Highlander Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 191 | 2 | 81/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Toyota Highlander | 212 | 3 | 95/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Toyota Highlander | 136 | 5 | 61/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Toyota Highlander | 193 | 2 | 99/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Toyota Highlander | 111 | 3 | 64/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Toyota Highlander | 271 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Toyota Highlander | 273 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Toyota Highlander | 508 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Toyota Highlander | 322 | 4 | 94/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 535 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander | 266 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander | 189 | 9 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Toyota Highlander: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Toyota Highlander years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Toyota Highlander model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring powertrain & transmission issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Toyota Highlander?
The most reliable used model year for the Toyota Highlander is 2014 (as well as 2014), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Toyota Highlander?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Toyota Highlander are Powertrain & Transmission, Unknown Or Other, Electrical System. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Toyota Highlander?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 49 safety recall campaigns and recorded 3207 official owner complaints for the Toyota Highlander.