The Lemon Index2016 Toyota Highlander.
The 2016 Toyota Highlander is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 71 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 37, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 20 to 28 mpg combined. The best Toyota Highlander year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander, 19.0M views. The 2016 is the same generation.
- Timing chain & engine622K views
2014-2019 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid Buying GuideThe Car Care Nut · 376K views · 3 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical594K views
Toyota Highlander (2014-2019) Apple CarPlay Android 10.2" Touchscreen UPGRADE ViaBecsPicture Time · 151K views · 5 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors471K views
Troubleshooting highlander rear door 2014 to 2019Steven Welch · 406K views · 2 videos - Oil changes & service204K views
Bluetooth greyed out? Hard reset for 2014+ Toyota highlander-tacomasTech 305 · 116K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Spark plugs & ignition coils118K views
2014 - 2020 Toyota highlander 3.5L spark plugs replacement. Save money diyAJ Imports · 118K views - Brakes & ABS76K views
How to Replace Front Brakes 2014-2019 Toyota HighlanderTRQ · 76K views - Steering & suspension57K views
How to Replace Control Arms 2014-2019 Toyota HighlanderTRQ · 57K views - Cooling system57K views
How to Replace Radiator 2014-2019 Toyota HighlanderTRQ · 57K views
Before you buy, watch
Highlander Vs. Pilot: Which 2017 3-Row SUV Should You Buy? — Cars.comCars.com · 464K views
Top 5 Problems Toyota Highlander SUV 2014-2019 3rd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 185K views
2014 Toyota Highlander Liftgate ProblemsKyle Moody · 57K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 117 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Highlander year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 8K to 46K miles on the car (77 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 17K–47K miles
Recalls 3
- electrical 2018
The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).
- electrical 2016
The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level.
- equipment 2016
The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 284 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "a battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life
- While a vehicle is in inventory, the battery is subject to conditions that can reduce its…
- Front Brake Vibration Key Points: * Issue can occur at any time if improper torque is applied…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Highlander HV SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Takata recall'dashboard airbag icon will not rrset
2016 Toyota Highlander owner · NHTSA complaint 11203780
More owner reports
Brakes did not work and car went through a 4 way stop sign. Dates went out: september 2019, october 2019. Brakes failed on a normal day driving under 30 mph in residential area.
NHTSA complaint 11257590
Recall vehicle sold to me as new car wihout remedy. Manufacturer recall issued NHTSA #16v775 recall #g03 safety (noncompliance) recall g03 - remedy notice, certain 2016 Model year Highlander, brake fluid reservoir sensor connector
NHTSA complaint 10945504
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 37; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Highlander year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2016 Toyota Highlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (24%), airbags (10%) and electrical (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have?
3 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota Highlander get?
20 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Toyota Highlander problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 8,200 and 46,500 miles. The middle report was at 25,000 miles, from 77 complaints.
Does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Toyota Highlander cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have?
2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Toyota Highlander year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works