Toyota’s Highlander is a durable and versatile midsize SUV. Despite having several recalls and complaints for the 2010 to 2021 models over fuel system and electrical problems, the sport utility vehicle remains a safe family vehicle.
Key Points
- The 2010 Toyota Highlander received the highest number of complaints, mainly about faulty electrical components. In addition, there are two investigations related to upper steering column separation.
- Toyota’s Highlander has consistently earned the Top Safety Pick from the 2010 to 2021 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Moreover, the 2014-2017 models earned the Top Safety Pick+, awarded to vehicles that perform admirably in crash testing.
- The 2018 Highlander Hybrid is one of the most reliable models throughout all generations. It has zero recalls or investigations and only four complaints.
- Current fourth-generation Highlander problems include a faulty fuel propulsion system.
- The Highlander is considered the most durable SUV out there. With proper maintenance, it can continue running up to 300,000 miles.
Highlanders from 2010 to 2013 have Many Recalls Over Airbags not Deploying, and a Faulty Inverter that Causes the Hybrid Models to Stall
The Toyota Highlander midsize SUV debuted in 2001 as the fifth model in Toyota’s SUV lineup and became one of their most successful models to date.
Overall, the second-generation Highlander can boast a good reliability record despite having some recalls and complaints, especially from the 2010 to 2013 model years.
Buyers looking for a second-generation Highlander will likely be focusing on the 2012 model year, which has proven to be very reliable.
According to J.D. Power, the 2012 model year from the second-generation Highlander scored a rating of “Great” regarding quality, reliability, and resale value.
However, the 2011 and 2010 Toyota Highlander model years face several recalls and more complaints.
The 2010 Highlander has seen the highest number of second-generation models’ recalls. A total of 11 recalls were issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, including two that are airbag-related.
Several airbags were prone to be deactivated, failing to deploy in the event of a crash due to a faulty airbag module and some cases, due to a sensing system calibration malfunction in the passenger seat.
Also, the 2010 Highlander faces two investigations over claims of upper steering column separation. And, there are over 215 complaints related to defective electrical components.
Popular auto influencer Scotty Kilmer claims the 2010 Hybrid model is the worst Highlander you could buy.
Although the 2011 Highlander has five recalls, it is one of the safest second-generation model years based on crash tests performed by the IIHS.
Third-generation Highlanders have Improved Safety but Can’t Escape Fuel-related Problems and Recalls Over Faulty Fuel Pumps
The third-generation Highlander (2014-2019) is available with a gas-only or hybrid powertrain. Toyota addressed many of the issues of previous generations, but fuel-related problems continued to dog the Highlander.
For instance, the 2014 model faced one recall over potential fuel leakage from the fuel delivery pipe increasing the risk of fire.
In addition, the Highlander 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years all had recalls related to faulty fuel pumps and many complaints about the fuel propulsion system.
Both fuel problems can cause the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of crash.
Other recalls for the 2018 model cover a malfunctioning vacuum pump, loss of braking assist, and a risk of engine stalls.
The 2019 non-hybrid model has the most fuel-related complaints of the third-generation Highlander. A total of 81 out 151 total complaints are related to the fuel system.
Fourth-generation Highlanders are Reliable, but String of Complaints about Fuel Propulsion System Continue, Among Other Problems
Although they haven’t been on the road that long, the modern Toyota Highlanders have been reported to be very reliable.
However, the fuel propulsion system saga continues. The 2020 and 2021 Highlander models face NHTSA complaints about incorrect fuel tank capacity labels, false fuel gauge readings, and getting much lower mpg than advertised.
Other complaints about the fourth-generation Highlander include a problem with involuntary brake pressure release, and a malfunctioning lane-keeping assist.
Fuel Problems Plague Some Years of Highlander’s Second through Fourth Generations, but SUV has Excellent Record of Reliability and Safety
Through its four generations, the Highlander has remained one of the most popular SUVs and became the longest-lasting SUVs available. Thanks to its excellent reliability record, good reputation among its owners, and high levels of safety, the Highlander is the versatile family hauler you can rely on.
Photos: Toyota
