Toyota Highlander Problems and Common Complaints

As a nameplate, the Toyota Highlander is know to be reliable and simply a great car. It’s not entirely perfect though. As with every vehicle, there are a few issues that may crop up over the years. Here’s a master list of the most common issues experienced by Highlander owners.

Note: The list of problems below is organized by year and model. Scroll down to find your year model.

2019-Present Toyota Highlander - Common Problems

The 2020 Toyota Highlander

The fourth generation Highlander was introduced in 2019. There have been no issues reported frequently enough to be called 'common' as of yet. Be sure to check back once in a while because we update the information on this page regularly.

2017-2018 Toyota Highlander - Common Problems

A 2017 Toyota Highlander

Good news: there's nothing to report so far for this generation either! Again, be sure to check back once in a while as we update the information on this page regularly.

2013-2016 Toyota Highlander - Common Problems

A 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum

Trim Gap on the Passenger Side: Many 2013-2016 Highlander owners hear a whistling wind noise in the passenger area at high speeds (usually starting at around 40 mph). While the culprit hasn’t been officially pinpointed, many found that replacing the chrome trim solved the problem. It’s because the chrome trim comes with a gap that allows the wind to get in. Some Highlander owners just cover up the gap with a protection film, which works just as well.

2007-2012 Toyota Highlander - Common Problems

A 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Driver’s Side Power Window Master Switch Failure: The side power window master switch on the driver’s side in 2007-2012 Highlanders wasn’t installed with enough lubricant to protect it from moisture and debris. As a result, the master switch may short circuit, overheat, and melt. Toyota addressed this issue by having authorized dealers either add more lubricant or replace the switch circuit board free of charge.

Damaged Clock Spring: The clock spring, which is part of the steering column assembly, has a part called flexible flat cable that’s prone to damage when the steering wheel is turned. This leads to the airbag failing to deploy when required. Toyota reacted to this issue by having its authorized dealers replace the clock spring assembly free of charge.

2001-2006 Toyota Highlander - Common Problems

A 2004 Toyota Highlander

Improperly Installed Forward Retention Clip: The forward retention clip, which is designed to secure the floor carpet cover, wasn’t installed correctly in some 2000-2006 Highlanders. This allows the floor cover to interfere with the accelerator pedal, making the throttle stick in a partially open position. Owners of affected Highlanders can have their nearest Toyota dealer replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free of charge.

Deteriorating Seal in Brake System: There’s a seal between the master cylinder and brake booster that's prone to early deterioration. This allows fluid to leak into the brake booster, drastically affecting braking performance. Toyota quickly addressed this issue by having its dealers replace the seal with a newly designed one for free.

Broken Transmission Transfer Case Seals: This leads to a transmission fluid leak. Symptoms include rough shifting, hesitation while accelerating, and downshifting even when on throttle. Replacing or rebuilding the transmission transfer case usually takes care of this problem.

2001-2017 Toyota Highlander TSBs

To find these TSBs, you can try Googling the TSB ID #, the name of the TSB, or some combination. You can also go to NHTSA.gov and search for the TSB by entering your VIN.