Used Car Checklists

Used Toyota Highlander: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 1,892 complaints across these 8 years; the 2019 drew the most.

Toyota Highlander

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Highlander from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area20182019202020212022202320242025Total
Transmission44145901273012289485
Brakes462846301162169
Airbags1712354319927162
Body and structure91126393030104159
Fuel system276514204183151
Electrical184512181011182134

Highlander generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

  1. Fourth generation

    2020–2026

  2. Third generation

    2014–2019

    2016 update: New eight-speed automatic transmission for V6 models; Revised engine with direct injection; Restyled headlights and tail lights

Mileages where Highlander problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileageProblemYear
1,500–3,500 milesHesitation and surging from stop2023
5,000–38,000 milesFuel pump stalling, power loss2019
9,000–25,000 milesFuel pump stalling, hesitation2018
10,000–26,000 milesA/C line refrigerant leak2021
13,000–36,000 milesUnintended acceleration while braking2022
15,000–16,000 milesBrake power loss or delay2025
15,000–25,000 milesFront CV axle clicking2024
21,000–39,000 milesPremature brake pad, rotor wear2018
33,000–85,000 milesFront bumper cover detaching2022
36,000–75,000 milesLeaking front struts2020
45,000–80,000 milesTransmission whine and replacement2020
48,000–57,000 milesBrake booster vacuum pump failure2018
60,000–88,000 milesTransmission whine and failure2022
60,000–127,000 milesTransmission whine and replacement2021

Every Highlander recall to confirm

21 recalls cover the Highlanderyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 11 campaigns span more than one model year.

Show 11 more recalls

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