Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid: Top Models with Reliability Issues

The Toyota Highlander is a tremendous midsize SUV known for its reliability, comfort, and its practicality. It has over the years, become one popular SUV in its class. Not every Toyota Highlander model year, however, has been a hit. But some have had reliability problems, costly repairs and other problems. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Toyota Highlander years to avoid, discuss the most reliable years, and provide tips for maintaining a Highlander.

Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid: The Toyota Highlander Overview

First appearing in 2001, the Toyota Highlander is an SUV crossover aimed at families seeking a nice compromise between utility and comfort. They’ve consistently been a solid seller, with strong customer satisfaction, a smooth ride, and high resale value because of all that space. Among Toyota mid-size SUV models, the Highlander stands out for its versatility and long-term reliability. As is usual with any long running vehicle model, not every year is free from problems. Some model years have a history of mechanical problems, main safety concerns, or worse, poor performance compared to others. 

Why you should learn about the Best and Worst Years for the Toyota Highlander?

If you decide to buy a used Toyota Highlander, you’ll want to know which years to skip to avoid wasting cash and headaches in finding a good and reliable used Toyota Highlander. Investing in a problematic model year can lead to:

• Frequent Repairs: There are some years well known for issues regarding their engines, transmissions, or electrical systems.
• Higher Maintenance Costs: Even models with known problems can end up demanding fixes that are costly and add up quickly.
• Safety Concerns: A few Highlander years have endured recalls for important safety concerns.
• Lower Resale Value: A problematic vehicle will also sell harder and depreciate faster.

Knowing the history and performance of certain model years can be the difference maker in your ownership experience. Buyers can make well informed decisions and avoid spending money on mistakes.

Common Problems Throughout All Years

While the Toyota Highlander is generally reliable, several issues have been reported across multiple years:

• Oil Leaks: Some models have engine oil leaks requiring costly, sometimes time consuming repair if not dealt with right away.
• Transmission Problems: In some years, they reported problems such as rough shifting, delayed engagement, or transmission failure.
• Suspension Issues: A rough ride and expensive replacement of suspension components can come from premature wear of suspension components.
• Electrical Malfunctions: Navigation, instrument, and other electrical problems have been reported.
• Brake Issues: Brake pads and rotors wear prematurely, so some owners have reported, a safety and maintenance issue that adds to costs.

These are recurring problems that just underscore the fact that you need to do your research and inspection thoroughly when you’re looking to buy a used Highlander.

Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid

The Highlander in general is a reliable SUV, but they have had a few bad years too. Below are the Toyota Highlander model years you might want to think twice about before purchasing:

1. 2003 Toyota Highlander

• Problems: The V6 engine on the 2003 model is notorious for engine issues. The two most common complaints are excessive oil consumption and engine sludge formed, which eventually results in engine failure.
• Repairs: This year is risky because fixing engine sludge problems can cost thousands of dollars.
• Owner Experience: Frequent visits to the mechanic and high repair bills have left may owners frustrated.

2. 2008 Toyota Highlander

• Problems: 2008 Highlander owners have reported failures of the electronic power steering system without warning. They also cause common transmission problems, including rough shifting and slipping.
• Repairs: Replacing a faulty power steering system or working on transmission troubles can be an expensive proposition.
• Owner Experience: There are lots of complaints about sudden loss of power steering and unreliable performance.

3. 2015 Toyota Highlander

• Problems: In 2015, there were numerous complaints of the transmission. In addition, the drivers indicated hesitation, rough shifting, and sudden acceleration or deceleration.
• Repairs: Both transmission replacement or repair is very expensive, and the problem affects the overall safety of driving.
• Owner Experience: The transmission issues were a deal breaker for many drivers, and again this model was less desirable.

4. 2016 Toyota Highlander

• Problems: This model year also had electrical system problems, including infotainment system and battery drain. And some owners also complained of excessive wind noise and poor cabin insulation.
• Repairs: Electrical issues take some time and can be expensive to fix.
• Owner Experience: Owners were frustrated with unreliable electronics and their trips to the dealership.

5. 2020 Toyota Highlander

• Problems: The 2020 Highlander brought newer problems, like the problems people had with the redesigned infotainment system, which seems to glitch up or have connectivity problems very often. Most importantly, the model’s turbocharged engine is reported to be less reliable than that of its predecessors.
• Repairs: Some issues may be resolved by software updates, but long-term reliability is something to worry about.
• Owner Experience: It was typical there to be disappointed with the infotainment system and to have worries about the engine’s durability.

Which Toyota Highlander Year Is The Best?

Although you should still know which Highlander years to avoid, you also have to point to the safest years. Here are some of the best Toyota Highlander models:

1. 2009-2013 Toyota Highlander

It’s the second generation of Highlander, and it’s known for reliability and being plenty big inside and smooth riding. On the other hand, the models of 2010 and 2011 tend to be more reliable and have less reported problems.

• Pros: Less of mechanical issues, strong engine performances, and good safety ratings.
• Owner Experience: These are models with many owners reporting long-lasting reliability and minimal problems.

2. 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander

However, the third generation years give you excellent reliability and better fuel efficiency along with improved safety features. This 2017 model featured a refreshing V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission to take away the performance and reliability flaws.

• Pros: Including modern features, strong engine options, and advanced safety technology.
• Owner Experience: It’s performant, comfortable, and dependable, which owners appreciate.

3. 2021 Toyota Highlander

Built on a platform shared with the 2021 RAV4, the 2021 Highlander is part of the vehicle’s fourth generation and is widely lauded for its smooth ride, up to date tech features, and high level safety devices. If you want a newer model with few reported problems, it’s a good gamble.

• Pros: Interior that is of high quality, cutting-edge technology, and excellent scores for safety.
• Owner Experience: This includes good reviews of comfort, performance, and reliability.

How Do You Know If You Have A Good Toyota Highlander?

These steps can help ensure you purchase a reliable and well-maintained Highlander:

• Check the Vehicle History Report: Search for records of regular maintenance, a history of accidents, along with recalls addressed.
• Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly: Like any used item, you want to check for signs of wear and tear, oil leaks, or rust.
• Test Drive: Be aware of how the vehicle behaves by shifting, accelerating, and going down the road. Listen for unusual noises.
• Consult a Mechanic: Before buying, have a mechanic you trust to take the car for a look.
• Verify Recalls: Make sure that any VIN has been addressed with recalls.

Maintain your Toyota Highlander and Learn Tips on How to keep it Running Smoothly

• Regular Oil Changes: Oil changes follow the manufacturer’s recommended intervals to help you avoid engine problems.
• Inspect and Replace Brake Pads: For regular checks, have the brake pads and rotors checked and then replaced as and when needed.
• Transmission Maintenance: Change the transmission fluid according to the service schedule to keep your repairs from costing a bundle.
• Monitor Tire Condition: Changing tires regularly and keeping an alignment to keep a good ride and safety.
• Address Issues Promptly: Early intervention is key as you don’t want to ignore warning lights or strange noises that could lead to bigger problems later down the line.
• Follow the Owner’s Manual: Use the manual to know how to maintain your device as per what has been recommended by the manufacturer.
• Use Quality Parts: If you’re in the process of replacing parts it is recommended as again they need to be compatible and last longer.

Following these maintenance tips will help your Highlander run longer and work better.

Conclusion: Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid

The Toyota Highlander is a reliable SUV, but some years of production are probably best avoided. If you know what years to avoid and what ones to consider, you’ll save yourself time, money, and stress. Whether you are considering a used Highlander or you already own one, regular maintenance is the key to long and problem-free vehicle ownership.

FAQs – Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid