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
- 136
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2014
None on file
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2014: 136 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.
Electrical system
26% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing horn.
Show 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, 2026-05-04
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, 2026-07-15
Also filed under Visibility/wiper and wheels
Structure
25% · 34 reportsMost commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.
Show 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, 2018-04-14
Also filed under Air bags and seat belts
Power train
7% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Transmission failing beginning at 60,000 miles. Safety issue because car shudders and refuses to accelerate at seemingly random times. My mechanic said this is a known issue and recommended transmission flushing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-28
Visibility/wiper
4% · 6 reportsVehicle speed control
4% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2014-03-17Seat belts14V051000 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.
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2014-06-27Electrical system, seat belts14V272000 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.
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2014-07-14Seats14V274000 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.
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2014-11-17Fuel system, gasoline14V576000 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.
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2019-01-29Electrical system, visibility18E107000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2014 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 34 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V051000 · Seat belts
- Recall 14V272000 · Electrical system, seat belts
- Recall 14V274000 · Seats
- Recall 14V576000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 18E107000 · Electrical system, visibility
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2014 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.