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
10 recalls · 424 complaints
36 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 531
8 recalls · 387 complaints
25 reported injuries
3 reported deaths
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 476
5 recalls · 276 complaints
14 reported injuries
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 319
Best Toyota Highlander Years to Buy
1 recall · 2 complaints
Main area: SEAT BELTS
Problem score: 5
5 recalls · 18 complaints
Main area: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 33
3 recalls · 79 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 99
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 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 5 | 18 | — | — | 33 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 7 | 93 | 4 | — | 122 | Good |
| 2022 | 6 | 108 | — | — | 126 | Good |
| 2021 | 5 | 276 | 14 | — | 319 | Caution |
| 2020 | 5 | 163 | 16 | — | 210 | Caution |
| 2019 | 3 | 255 | 15 | — | 294 | Caution |
| 2018 | 4 | 173 | 18 | — | 221 | Caution |
| 2017 | 3 | 174 | 22 | — | 227 | Caution |
| 2016 | 3 | 90 | 11 | — | 121 | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | 133 | 11 | — | 161 | Good |
| 2014 | 3 | 79 | 3 | 1 | 99 | Good |
| 2013 | 2 | 142 | 9 | — | 166 | Good |
| 2012 | 2 | 115 | 6 | — | 133 | Good |
| 2011 | 4 | 130 | 8 | — | 158 | Good |
| 2010 | 7 | 150 | 9 | — | 189 | Caution |
| 2009 | 6 | 117 | 9 | — | 153 | Good |
| 2008 | 10 | 424 | 36 | 1 | 531 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 3 | 141 | 6 | — | 162 | Good |
| 2006 | 8 | 387 | 25 | 3 | 476 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 4 | 148 | 25 | — | 210 | Caution |
| 2004 | 5 | 161 | 14 | — | 204 | 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 10 recalls, 424 owner complaints, and 1 reported death. The overall problem score is 531 — 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 1 recall and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Highlander has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2024, 2014 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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