Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Toyota Highlander model year (2001–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid
9 recalls · 424 complaints
36 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 528
7 recalls · 388 complaints
25 reported injuries
3 reported deaths
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 474
1 recall · 327 complaints
14 reported injuries
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 358
Best Toyota Highlander Years to Buy
0 recalls · 3 complaints
Main area: SEAT BELTS
Problem score: 5
2 recalls · 26 complaints
Main area: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 32
3 recalls · 88 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Problem score: 107
Found the right year? Verify that specific Highlander with a free VIN report.
Toyota Highlander — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 3 | 1 | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 2 | 26 | — | — | 32 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 2 | 108 | 7 | — | 128 | Good |
| 2022 | 2 | 133 | — | — | 139 | Good |
| 2021 | 1 | 327 | 14 | — | 358 | Avoid |
| 2020 | 1 | 184 | 18 | — | 223 | Caution |
| 2019 | 3 | 280 | 15 | — | 319 | Caution |
| 2018 | 4 | 179 | 21 | — | 233 | Caution |
| 2017 | 3 | 181 | 24 | — | 238 | Caution |
| 2016 | 1 | 87 | 11 | — | 112 | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | 137 | 11 | — | 165 | Good |
| 2014 | 5 | 82 | 3 | 1 | 108 | Good |
| 2013 | 3 | 142 | 9 | — | 169 | Good |
| 2012 | 2 | 115 | 6 | — | 133 | Good |
| 2011 | 3 | 131 | 8 | — | 156 | Good |
| 2010 | 7 | 150 | 9 | — | 189 | Caution |
| 2009 | 7 | 117 | 9 | — | 156 | Good |
| 2008 | 9 | 424 | 36 | 1 | 528 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 4 | 141 | 6 | — | 165 | Good |
| 2006 | 7 | 388 | 25 | 3 | 474 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 3 | 148 | 25 | — | 207 | Caution |
| 2004 | 3 | 161 | 14 | — | 198 | Caution |
| 2003 | 1 | 147 | 7 | — | 164 | Good |
| 2002 | 2 | 179 | 11 | — | 207 | Caution |
| 2001 | 3 | 88 | 5 | — | 107 | Good |
All 26 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Toyota Highlander Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Highlander models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2014Mid-decade Highlander units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2014 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Highlander models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Highlander should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2008 Toyota Highlander if possible. It has 9 recalls, 424 owner complaints, and 1 reported death. The overall problem score is 528 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Highlander to buy?+
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 5. It has only 0 recalls and 3 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Highlander has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2024, 2001 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Toyota Highlander Research
Check a Specific Toyota Highlander VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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