2016 Toyota Highlander problems
What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. NHTSA does not confirm each one.
- No denominator: popular cars get more complaints. Counts are not failure rates; a best-seller will show more reports than a rare model.
Most reported problems
Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 111.
When problems show up
Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.
Unknown or other
Service brakes
Electrical system
Safety recalls (2)
Recalls that cover the 2016 Toyota Highlander. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.
Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system › wiring; service brakes, hydraulic › fluid
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, connect the wire harness to the sensor, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this G03.
Equipment › other › labels
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence: An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Questions to ask the seller
When were the brakes last serviced? On the test drive, check for pulsing, grinding, a soft pedal, or ABS warnings.
19 owner complaints mention the brakes, half of the reports with mileage are between 16,250 and 33,750 miles.
Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.
14 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 16,500 and 41,000 miles.
Has the airbag warning light ever stayed on? Was any airbag replaced after a crash?
10 owner complaints mention the air bags, half of the reports with mileage are between 6,600 and 18,000 miles.
Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.
9 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 7,100 and 56,000 miles.
Do all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work? Any headlight replacements or moisture inside the lenses?
9 owner complaints mention the exterior lights, half of the reports with mileage are between 14,000 and 39,800 miles.
Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year.
Other Toyota Highlander years
Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.
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