2018 Toyota Highlander: A Dependable SUV, Despite Fuel Pump Recalls & Potential Electrical Problems

Gilbert Smith
Oct 28, 2021

There’s not a whole lot wrong with the 2018 Toyota Highlander, but a handful of issues include recalls for potential fuel pump failure, a parts shortage related to those recalls, and electrical features simply failing to turn on.

2018 Toyota Highlander SE - Photo by Toyota

Key Points

  • The 2018 Toyota Highlander has been recalled twice for faulty fuel pumps, with many drivers still waiting on those repair parts, as dealers have reported a shortage.
  • Much of the reason behind the parts shortage is that over 1.5 million Toyota models were affected, a tall order even for an auto giant.
  • The Highlander has suffered a seemingly random assortment of electrical issues pointing to computer modules in need of an update.

2018 Toyota Highlander XLE - Photo by Toyota

2018 Highlander Faced Two Recalls for Fuel Pump Failure, which Affected Over 1.5 Million Toyota Models

Part of the reason we don’t have much to complain about with the 2018 Highlander is that Toyota has already addressed the SUV’s biggest concern with a pair of recalls at the beginning and end of 2020, each covering over 1.5 million 2018-2019 Toyotas, and each for potential fuel pump failure.

Worst case scenario, its failure leads to your car losing power, which can be dangerous while driving.

This problem makes the top of our list, even though it’s already been recalled, simply because it is pretty important that you get it taken care of as soon as possible. Recalls are free, and valid for the lifetime of your car, no matter when your warranty runs out. Don’t put it off.

2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum - Photo by Toyota

Parts Shortage on Fuel Pump Recall Means Most Affected 2018 Highlander Owners will Have to Be Patient

The 2018 Highlander has only had 100 or so registered National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints in its three to four years on the road, which isn’t bad. The clearest pattern here is found across 17 engine complaints, 14 fuel system complaints, and 12 propulsion complaints that mostly point to a parts shortage with the aforementioned fuel pump recall.

We can rest easy knowing that the parts are on the way, and the recall has already been issued. This isn’t a repair that’s going to have to come out of your pocket.

Still, the most recent report, as of the time of this writing, came through in September of 2021. For drivers to still be waiting for replacement parts nearly two years after the first recall was issued, while not a bad sign, is a bit disheartening.

Fortunately, the incident rate here is pretty low when you consider that nearly 2,000,000 drivers were affected in the last recall alone. Most Highlanders are getting the parts that they need, but some aren’t.

If you happen to be one of the unlucky few they told to wait, the good news is that you don’t need to worry about covering thousands in repairs out of pocket if you did your best to get the recall addressed. Toyota covers the repair costs in the event that they are unable to fix the issue.

But, that doesn’t do much for your peace of mind when you’re driving your Highlander at highway speeds and hoping that the fuel pump doesn’t go out on you. No matter who pays for the repairs, nobody wants to be in an accident. If you have a backup car, you may want to stick to short trips in the Toyota for now and stay off the highway.

2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum - Photo by Toyota

Toyota’s 2018 Highlander also Struggles with Faulty Brakes, Forward Collision-avoidance Issues & Electrical Concerns

The most common issues not related directly to the fuel pump recall have to do with the 2018 Highlander’s electrical system. We have 13 complaints for electrical systems, 22 for service brakes, and one for forward collision avoidance. These issues may seem unrelated at a glance, but add them up, and they clearly point to some problems with the car’s onboard computer and wiring systems.

A driver in Texas reports that they got a dash warning, and soon after, “All electronic features failed and [the] vehicle did not turn on at all. [The] vehicle wouldn’t even lock.”

An Ohio driver reports, “[The] starting battery is defective. My Toyota dealer stated this is a known issue … but replacement batteries are unavailable.” They report that while this is covered under warranty, the car cannot even be started until the new battery comes in.

A Virginia driver was driving when their Highlander, “started swiveling to the left, and the traction became very wobbly.” This driver also mentioned that the brakes would not work.

The reports are all over the place, from loss of power steering to radios and interior lights failing, but the most concerning complaints have to do with braking. Just over eight thousand 2018 Highlanders were recalled when it was found that water could trickle down into the wire harness and short-circuit the electrical system.

It’s worth checking your VIN to see if this recall affects you, but if you’re experiencing electrical problems, it could be an unrelated issue, so you might want to review related technical service bulletins for matching reports.

Don’t Avoid the 2018 Toyota Highlander, it’s a Reliable SUV with a Solid Reputation

Yes, five recalls isn’t the lowest number compared to other models in its class, but the 2018 Highlander only has 100 or so complaints, where some competitors have more than double that.

When combined with an Owner Review rating of 4.6 stars out of five here at Vehicle History across more than 500 reviews, it quickly becomes clear that while not perfect, the 2018 Highlander is a safe pick in its class.

Photos: Toyota

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Mike Friesen on November 15, 2023
Transfer case failure
Purchased 2018 Highlander in 2021 with 42000 kms. 2 years later at 88000 kms I started to hear a wining noise so took it to dealer who found metal shavings in the transfer case and recommended transfer case replacement @ $5200.00 and a rear driveshaft bearing @ $750.00. I had kept up with all recommended maintenance and all fluids were replaced 6 months prior including the differential and transfer case.They even talked me into changing the brake fluid. My warranty was just over the 5 years but under 100,000 kms. However they (Toyota Canada) said too bad . They acknowledged the maintenance routine was followed as per the VIN #. What a disappointment! I buy Toyotas so I don't get these expensive surprises. This is my 5th. So much for the reliability myth.Idon't think my next vehicle will be aToyota.
accountCircle Ryan Drebing on October 31, 2021
HORRIBLE entertainment software
Toyota’s Etune Software is amongst the worst in the industry. I have called Toyota customer service on number of occasions to seek a solution to the numerous issues I have encountered. I have had issues with Bluetooth pairing, system crashes and everything in between with this software. Toyota customer service representatives acknowledge that “the software is less than desirable” and “have experienced a number of complaints”. Despite all of this, they offer no remedy or support for these issues.
accountCircle Unhappy 2-time Owner on July 8, 2022
Guess what just went out 2 years after being replaced on recall? The fuel pump!
I am LIVID. My car is a 2018 Toyota Highlander, and it has right at 80,000 miles on it, so no warranty coverage, of course. The fuel pump/direct injector just went out. Mechanic said there is NO WAY this should already be happening, even if it was the original much less the one replaced in July 2020 after the recall. My local dealership said they can't even look at my car until NOVEMBER. Ridiculous. This was my 2nd Highlander. Don't think I'll get another...
accountCircle James H Johnson on November 1, 2021
Less than 3 years in and expensive electronics repairs
The screen on the radio went black and nothing works. Took it to a Toyota Dealer and after a $79 evaluation charge was told the radio/computer/GPS, etc. Is out and the ONLY fix is a new system. Which of course at 48,000 miles is out of warranty so the cost is $1084.00. That seems like alot to have to pay for a glitch in the audio system that I had nothing to do with. It also seems like the system is very expensive for me to replace.
accountCircle Bobby on October 30, 2021
Brake Issues
It seems to have one flaw and that is the brakes. At 10,000 miles I had warped rotors and bad brake pads so the dealer said I had to pay for them that they were not covered. After fighting about this not being normal they did not budge and I got stuck with a $378 bill on a brand new car. Now at 30,000 miles in I have the same problem again.
accountCircle John Pizzulo on November 1, 2021
No more Toyota's for us.
It developed a small oil leak at about 1000 miles. It was so minor at first I didn't think it was the new car leaking. But with time it became worse and I was able to verify that it was the car that was leaking. Now I find out that due to a manufacturing defect in an engine casting they are going to have to remove the engine to fix it.
accountCircle Ro on November 1, 2021
Very disappointed!
There is no light in the trunk so good luck getting things in and out at night, the power trunk door is delayed when trying to open and close it and when it finally goes, its very slow, and lastly, the most annoying is the horrible muffled phone/bluetooth quality to the person you are trying to speaking with!
accountCircle Shan C on October 29, 2021
Electronic glitches
I have problems with the check engine light coming on even though there is nothing wrong with the engine. I have had it checked many times. It is a short in the wires. The oil lights come on also but the oil has just been changed.
accountCircle Angela L on October 28, 2021
Problems with safety features.
The safety crash system sometimes has errors. When I use the cruise control, I sometimes get a notification about the blind spot detection. Also, the start and stop option is not always available.
accountCircle Cheryl C on October 29, 2021
Minor annoyances
There has always been a slight hesitation when it shifts from lower to higher gears. It is starting to have a squeaky liftgate and some interior rattles of unknown source when at higher speeds.
accountCircle Jaime Abondano on November 1, 2021
2018 XLE Highlander leather issues
The leather has poor quality on the steering wheel and the front seats. The car has 16k miles on it HD the leather is peeling off.
accountCircle Cheryl W on October 30, 2021
Recall due to stopping while driving
I did recently receive a recall notice about my make model and year maybe having a problem with it stopping while driving.
accountCircle Raquel on October 28, 2021
Bluetooth does not work right
The Bluetooth system sometimes reboots randomly and I can't get to connect my phone to play music
accountCircle Tempest A on October 30, 2021
Sensor system broke on day 1
Sensory issues called vehicle to cut off while on expressway 1 day after purchasing the vehicle.
accountCircle Emily P on November 1, 2021
Interior durability is questionable
There were two recalls on this model and a few of the plastic covers have popped off things
accountCircle Katie T on October 28, 2021
2018 Toyota highlander XLE
Current recall on fuel pump - still waiting on parts for repair.
accountCircle Stu N on November 2, 2021
Recall due to safety issue
The only issue we've had with the car is a safety recall.
accountCircle Anthony P on October 29, 2021
Highlander fuel injector recall
Recall work was done on the fuel injector.
avatar Gilbert Smith
Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.
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