One of Toyota’s best-selling models, the Toyota Highlander midsize crossover combines the rugged performance of a pickup truck with the comfort and practicality of a full-sized SUV. That’s why it’s no surprise that Highlanders are in great demand among car buyers looking for a tough and dependable ride. But how reliable is a Toyota Highlander? This guide gives a general breakdown of this highly popular SUV, its common issues, and its best model years.
Are Toyota Highlanders Reliable?
Toyota has earned a reputation for building dependable, incredibly hardy vehicles, and the Highlander is no exception. The SUV has consistently received high reliability ratings from reputable organizations such as JD Power, which gave the Highlander an overall score of 80/100, and RepairPal, which gave a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Critics also noted the Highlander’s 25,000-mile, two-year complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage, which its contemporaries don’t offer. In addition, its standard coverage of five years or 36,000 miles is in line with the industry average.
What Are the Most Common Issues with Toyota Highlanders?
While the Toyota Highlander has consistently received high marks for reliability, it is not without its flaws. Some of the common issues reported for this specific model include:
Oil Leaks
The oil lines of earlier Highlander models have been known to burst, resulting in a significant leak that could result in massive pressure loss and complete engine failure. Toyota has advised that any defective oil lines are to be replaced.
Affected Model Years:
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor in select Highlander models has been known to fail prematurely, disrupting the engine control unit’s (ECU) ability to determine a balanced fuel-to-air ratio for the engine. Replacing the stock sensor often solves this problem.
Affected Model Years:
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2006
- 2008
- 2010
Faulty Airbag Sensor
One of the key sensors of the front passenger airbag in some Highlander models has been known to short-circuit, preventing it from deploying properly. Toyota has advised dealers to inspect the affected models and replace the sensor as necessary.
Affected Model Years:
- 2020
- 2021
Loose Air Filter Hose
The air filter hose in some Highlander models is prone to coming loose, especially when changing the air filter, causing the check engine light to illuminate. Checking each hose for a secure fit when replacing the filter is the typical solution for this issue.
Affected Model Years:
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
What Are the Best Model Years for the Toyota Highlander?
The following are the best model years for the Toyota Highlander. This list is compiled based on multiple car review sites and customer testimonials, highlighting the models that show consistent performance with minimal reported issues.
- 2012
- 2016
- 2018
- 2021
FAQ
How long do Toyota Highlanders last?
Toyota Highlanders have been known to last up to 300,000 miles or more with normal driving habits and regular maintenance. With SUVs racking up more than 12,000 miles on average per year, this makes the Highlander one of the longer-lasting models on the market.
Where is the Toyota Highlander built?
The latest generation of the Toyota Highlander is built in Princeton, Indiana, and in Guangzhou and Tianjin, China. Earlier versions were assembled in Toyota’s Miyakawa plant in Fukuoka, Japan.