2018 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 266 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 23 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 25 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 4, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Campaign 20V682000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJan 13, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Campaign 20V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemNov 27, 2018
Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).
The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.
Campaign 18E107000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumApr 3, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.
A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0K/JLD.
Campaign 18V211000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsDec 20, 2017
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
Campaign 17V831000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
33 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, May 29, 2020
ON MAY 5, 2020 I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN THE LEFT TURN LANE, AFTER JUST HAVING A 20K MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON MY 2018 HIGHLANDER XLE. AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I ACCELERATED AND AS I WAS ENTERING THE INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STALLED. IT WAS NOT A SMOOTH DECELERATION, BUT RATHER A JOLTING AND ABRUPT, SLAMMING DECELERATION, ALMOST SCREECHING TO A HALT. LUCKILY, THE CAR BEHIND ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES AND DID NOT HIT ME. ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON, AND AFTER THE CAR WAS STOPPED COMPLETELY, IT RESTARTED AND I DROVE INTO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT. HAD I AND THE CARS BEHIND ME BEEN TRAVELING FASTER, IT'S LIKELY THAT I WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED. THE STOPPING FORCE WAS ENOUGH TO SLAM ME INTO MY SEATBELT. I CALLED TOYOTA SERVICE AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I TURN OFF THE AUTO-START FUNCTION EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE, WHICH I HAVE DONE. THIS APPEARS TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE SAFETY RECALL 20TA02, WHERE THE LOW-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP MAY STOP OPERATING. THE VEHICLE IS IN AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION AND I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT ROLLED OUT THE RECALL REPAIR SOONER. I'M LUCKY THAT I WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE, AND IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR, THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. *TR
Engine, May 26, 2020
I OWN A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, ME AND MY FAMILY INCLUDING MY 4 YEAR OLD SON WERE TAKING A DRIVE UP TO NEVADA CITY. WE LIVE IN CALIFORNIA AND WHEN WE GOT ON THE ROAD AND TRIED TO COME TO A STOP ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES STARTED TO SHAKE. WE DECIDED TO PULL OVER AND AS WE PULLED OVER THE CAR STALLED, WE PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TRIED TO TURN IT ON WITH NO LUCK LEFT IT OFF FOR A COUPLE MINUTES AND STILL NO LUCK AN ERROR CAME ON THAT SAID LOW BREAKING POWER. WE HAD RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE SO WE CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY STATED THEY WOULD NEED TO CHARGE US ABOUT 200 DOLLARS TO CHECK THE CAR. TOOK THE CAR IN AND THEY DECIDED TO KEEP OUT CAR UNTIL THERE IS A RESOLUTION FOR THE RECALL WHICH THEY SAID COULD TAKE 3 TO 4 MONTHS. JUST UNETHICAL FOR TOYOTA TO CHARGE US FOR A PROBLEM THAT IS COMPLETELY OUT OF OUR CONTROL NOT ONLY THAT BUT 4 MONTHS TO FIX A RECALL ERROR IS JUST RIDICULOUS. NOW WE'RE TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE CAR ESPECIALLY WHEN OUR 4 YEAR OLD SON IN THE CAR. CONTACTED TOYOTA MANUFACTURER AND THEY WERE REALLY UNWILLING TO HELP GAVE US A RUN AROUND AND WE DIDN'T COME TO A RESOLUTION ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY DIDN'T OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND WE WERE LEFT WITH MORE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 6, 2020
SLOWLY (3-5MPH) MOVING TOWARD EXIT RAMP FROM HOSPITAL PARKING LOT. TRIED TO BRAKE BEFORE TURNING RIGHT ONTO RAMP, BUT SERVICE BRAKE DIDN'T RESPOND -- FELT LIKE I WAS JUST POUNDING THE FLOOR. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO COAST. I TURNED IT ONTO EXIT RAMP. DURING COAST DOWN RAMP THE MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY SHOWED "LOW BRAKE POWER" OR "BRAKE POWER LOW". VEHICLE SPEED REMAINED RELATIVELY CONSTANT. I SHIFTED INTO R (REVERSE), THINK THAT NO HARM WOULD COME TO TRANSMISSION AT THAT SPEED, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED; COAST REMAINED CONSTANT. LUCKILY NO VEHICLES WERE IN FRONT OF MINE AND NONE WERE COMING ON RT 25 BRIGHTON AVE WESTBOUND IN PORTLAND ME, SO I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE COASTING VEHICLE TO A SLOW STOP ALONG THE ROAD'S EDGE (BUT STILL HALFWAY INTO THE TRAVEL LANE). THEN THE MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF (NOT BY ME). A CITY BUS CAME ALONG ABOUT ONE MINUTE LATER; IF IT HAD COME BY ONE MINUTE BEFORE THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A COLLISION WITH MY VEHICLE. AFTER WAITING TO RECOVER FROM THE SHOCK OF THAT EVENT, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND TESTED THE BRAKES, AND THEY SEEMED NORMAL AND THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL LIGHTS ON MESSAGES ON THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS. I TRIED DRIVING IT CAREFULLY, AND IT SEEMED NORMAL, SO I DROVE IT OFF BRIGHTON AVE AND ULTIMATELY GOT IT HOME IN BUXTON WITHOUT ANY MORE ADVERSE EVENTS. TODAY I LOOKED AT THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AND IT WAS NORMAL (1/4 INCH BELOW MAX). I'M HAVING IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT ON MARCH 1, 2018 AND WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL THEY TELL ME IT HAS BEEN FIXED.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 27, 2019
APON ACCESLARATION , CAR HESITATE FOR A FEW SECOND, RPM GOES TO 5000 UNTIL VEHICLE SLOWLY START TO MOVE. FEELS LIKEW THER IS NO PROPER SYNCH BETWEEN ENGING AND TRANSMISSION. DANGEROUS WHEN PASSING OR AVOIDING A VEHICLE AHEAD OF YOU. THE SAME ISSUE WHILE USING THE CRUSE CONTROL, IT JUMPS FROM A FEW RPMS TO 5K + THAT ALWAYS I HAVE TO BRAKE TO AVID RAMMING A CAR AHEAD OF ME. BRAKES GET SOF THAT I HAVE TO PUMP IT A FEW TIMES. MILEAGE IS 1780 MILES.
Engine, Mar 22, 2019
I NOTICED A HESITATION WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. ON ONE INCIDENT ON I-288 I PRESSED THE GAS TO PASS A CAR AND IT HESITATED AND THE RPM JUMPTED TO 51/2. FINALLY THE CAR ENGAGED SO I COULD PASS. I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. ON THE WAY HOME ON I-295 IT REPEATED AGAIN ONLY THIS TIME THE RPM JUMPED TO 4. THIS WAS ON 3/20 AND THE DEALER STILL HAS THE VEHICLE AND CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER DID DRIVE IT WITH ME AND FELT THE HESITATION.
Engine, Feb 3, 2019
SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP (07/27/2018, THIS VEHICLE HAS THE VERY PUNGENT ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, DRIVER SIDE.AFTER THE ENGINE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THERE ARE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF COOLANT LEAKING, EITHER ON THE PAVEMENT OR INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE IS NO ODOR INSIDE THE CAR INDICATING A LEAKING HEATER CORE. THE CAR IS ONLY EIGHT MONTHS OLD AND 4800 MILES.THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES WITH NO SOLUTION YET.
Engine, Nov 28, 2018
AFTER VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP ENGINE RPM SPEED DROPS TO NEAR 500 WHEN BRAKE ENGAGED AT STOP LIGHTS AND VEHICLE IDLES ROUGH AND ATTEMPTS TO STALL. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL BRINGS RPM SPEED BACK UP AND IDLES SMOOTH AGAIN. PROBLEM OCCURS DAILY OVER LAST TWO MONTHS. VEHICLE IS NEAR NEW, 1750 MILES. AUTO STOP START FEATURE IS NOT ENGAGED. TAKEN TO DEALER WHO ADVISED NO PROBLEM FOUND. RETURNING TO DEALER AGAIN FOR ANOTHER TRY AND HOPEFULLY BETTER RESULTS.
Engine, Oct 17, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF BOWIE (16700 GOVERNOR BRIDGE RD, BOWIE, MD 20716) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE GASKET WAS NOT SEALED CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,200. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.