Toyota is one of the most reliable and useful SUVs for families. The latest version offers a hybrid variant that can be perfect for long commutes and family adventures. The Highlander includes three rows of seats for a , making it a great option. With all of the good things about this SUV, you’ll still want to know about the most common Toyota Highlander problems.
The most common Toyota Highlander problems
Toyota has a solid reputation for reliability, and one of the best vehicles to wear that badge is the Highlander. However, it has compiled the data to show us the most common problems owners face with this SUV. These problems are:
On the road, the numbers are quite low, making this Toyota SUV a highly reliable vehicle.
What should owners do when faced with a massive oil spill?
Oil leak or loss of oil pressure occurs in Toyota Highlander SUVs when the VVT-I oil line bursts. This can be a large leak, covering the ground and undercarriage in oil. If this problem occurs while driving, the SUV should be towed back to your home or shop.
To fix this problem, a mechanic must replace the oil line and thoroughly clean the engine compartment and undercarriage. This problem has mostly manifested itself in Highlanders with more than 120,000 miles on the odometer.
How do owners deal with the airbag warning light coming on in the Toyota Highlander?
One of the most common Toyota Highlander problems is the airbag light coming on due to a problematic center airbag sensor. If this is the case, owners are advised to take their midsize SUV to a repair shop to have a diagnostic test performed. This problem could mean that the center air bag sensor needs to be replaced. Typically this problem appears after 120,000 miles.
The third most common Toyota Highlander problem is a simple fix
If the hose becomes detached from the air filter housing while the air filter is being replaced, the Check Engine Light will come on. Before you take your Highlander to a repair shop to pay for a diagnostic test to learn the fix was reconnecting the hose, check this hose to see if that is the problem. This is especially important for owners who maintain their Toyota Highlander themselves.
Is the Toyota Highlander a reliable midsize SUV?
The Toyota Highlander receives a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal. This places the Highlander seventh out of 26 models for the midsize SUV class. This ranking is based on three factors which are:
- Cost Toyota Highlander average annual repair and maintenance costs are $489 compared to $573 for midsize SUVs.
- Frequency – Highlander owners take their vehicles to the shop for unscheduled repairs 0.33 times per year compared to 0.4 for the class.
- Severity – The probability of major repairs for the Toyota Highlander is 13% compared to 13% for midsize SUVs.
Is the Toyota Highlander a good midsize SUV?
ranks the Highlander 14th out of 22 midsize SUVs. This does not detract from this Toyota SUV’s exclusive cabin, spacious and comfortable seats in the first two rows and an updated infotainment system. Consumers generally find a composed and confident ride in the Highlander.
On the downside of things, the new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine hums loudly when pushed hard, and the third row is a cramped, small space best left to the kids.
Next, check the efficiency of or learn more about the 2023 Toyota Highlander in this video below:
