2016 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.
17% of complaints: service brakes — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed low speeds on a decline, the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241202
WHILE PARKING IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT, AT IDLE SPEED, THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP FORWARD PROGRESS. CAR STRUCK THE CURBING, CLIMBED ONTO THE DIVIDER, CROSSED THE DIVIDER AND BUMPED A PARKED CAR ON THE OTHER SIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180905
13% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE LIFTGATE HIT MY 73 YEAR OLD MOTHER IN THE HEAD KNOCKING HER BACKWARDS WITHOUT ANY SAFETY FEATURE STOPPING OR REVERSING THE DOOR AS IT CLOSED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200129
PARKING SENSORS AND PARK ASSIST RANDOMLY TURNS ITSELF OFF. WILL NOTICE THE SENSORS NOT DETECTING WHILE BACKING UP AND NOTICE DASH LIGHT IS NOT ILLUMINATED. NOT FUNCTIONING WHEN BACKING AND PARKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190818
9% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAD AN ACCIDENT ON MY CAR GOING 50 TO 60 MPH I THE ROAD CURVED AND I DID NOT I WENT INTO THE TOP OF THE DITCH HIT FRONT END AND WENT AIRBORN 30 TO 50 FEET IN THE AIR OVER THE PERSONS DRIVWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161029
I OWN A 2016 HIGHLANDER LIMITED PLATINUM AND AFTER A MAJOR ACCIDENT I HAVE A SERIOUS CONCERN ABOUT THE SAFETY CLAIMS. YESTERDAY MY WIFE WAS IN A ROLLOVER (2 FULL ROTATIONS) ACCIDENT IN HER 2016 HIGHLANDER PLATINUM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161024
AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE 2016 HIGHLANDER HIT THE REAR OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT THAT HAD SLOWED FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON 1-25-16 AND THE CAR WAS TRANSPORTED TO A TOYOTA AUTO BODY SHOP ON THE 26TH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160321
8% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tail lights.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear taillight covers cracked due to the high outdoor temperatures, and there was condensation inside the taillight housing.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260910
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 16V420000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016.
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.
Campaign 16V775000 — 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
2016 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V420000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V775000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18E107000 (electrical system, visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Toyota Highlander is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have?
3 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.