2014 Toyota Highlander
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
27% of complaints: electrical system — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I noticed the smell of wires burning, a billow of smoke started emitting from the two levers used to heat the seats near the gear shift area.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260504
The radio keeps freezing up all the time along with the back tail light area going in and out. I keep smelling like burnt wire smell. Engine sound really rough.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260715
Also filed under VISIBILITY/WIPER and WHEELS
25% of complaints: structure — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS T BONED ON PASSENGER SIDE, SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS PUSHED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN HEAD ON COLLISION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180414
Also filed under AIR BAGS and SEAT BELTS
6% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATH4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured November 20, 2013, through January 18, 2014.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row middle seat belt anchor, and, if necessary, properly secure it to the vehicle floor anchorage, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2014.
Campaign 14V051000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update in the air bag electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on June 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 14V272000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, through April 29, 2014.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the second row right-hand seat, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 14V274000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 14V576000 — check if this car was fixed
Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles.
Remedy: Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019.
Campaign 18E107000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2014 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V051000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V272000 (electrical system, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V274000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V576000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18E107000 (electrical system, visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2014 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 Toyota Highlander is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2014 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.