2011 Toyota Highlander
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 137 |
| 2002 | 301 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 224 |
| 2006 | 277 |
| 2007 | 123 |
| 2008 | 403 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 182 |
| 2013 | 206 |
| 2014 | 135 |
| 2015 | 191 |
| 2016 | 110 |
| 2017 | 265 |
| 2018 | 265 |
| 2019 | 479 |
| 2020 | 310 |
| 2021 | 511 |
| 2022 | 241 |
| 2023 | 179 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: steering — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electric power assist system.
15% of complaints: structure — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.
INJURY14% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 25 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing solenoid and speedometer/odometer.
9% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding persistent safety issues with my 2011 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240525
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
SAFETY TIMELINE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, an
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contac
Campaign 13V014000 — check if this car was fixed
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toy
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still be
Campaign 13V123000 — check if this car was fixed
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2...
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015.
Campaign 14V743000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4,...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015.
Campaign 15V689000 — check if this car was fixed
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser,...
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 16V396000 — check if this car was fixed
Upper Steering Column Separation
Steering Column Separation
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V014000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V123000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V743000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V689000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V396000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Toyota Highlander is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Toyota Highlander have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.