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.

2011 Toyota Highlander

● Typical for this model

2011 Toyota Highlander
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:47:37.186Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 181
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2011: 181 complaints

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	278
2007	124
2008	404
2009	134
2010	216
2011	181
2012	182
2013	207
2014	136
2015	193
2016	111
2017	271
2018	272
2019	505
2020	320
2021	531
2022	260
2023	184
2024	42
2025	9
2026	3

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

19% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system.

Structure

15% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.

INJURY

Visibility/wiper

14% · 25 reports

Electrical system

13% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing solenoid and speedometer/odometer.

Engine

9% · 17 reports

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, 2024-05-25

Also filed under Power train

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2013-03-21Air bags, seats13V014000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-05-28Equipment13V123000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-01-29Seats14V743000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-11-25Visibility15V689000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-07-14Seats16V396000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2018-05-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2018-11-20 Upper Steering Column Separation
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2018-11-16Engineering analysisClosed 2024-04-02 Steering Column Separation

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 34 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 28 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 25 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V014000 · Air bags, seats
Recall 13V123000 · Equipment
Recall 14V743000 · Seats
Recall 15V689000 · Visibility
Recall 16V396000 · Seats

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.