2018 Toyota Highlander
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 64 of 269 complaints (24%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (19) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 268 in 2017 to 269 in 2018.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | vs. 2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,250–3,100 | 2,150–2,850 | 2,150–2,850 | 2,150–2,850 | 1,750–2,700 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–28 | 22–29 | 22–29 | 22–29 | 23–36 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 18–28 / 24–28 | 19–30 / 24–28 | 19–30 / 24–28 | 19–30 / 24–28 | 20–36 / 27–35 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 313–437 | 305–407 | 305–407 | 305–407 | 245–387 | |
| Complaints filed | 115 | 268 | 269 | 484 | 320 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 14 | 18 | 24 | 22 | 15 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 11 | 26 | 25 | 18 | 20 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2018 Toyota Highlander?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 64 of 269 NHTSA complaints (24%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Toyota Highlander get?
EPA rates it 22–29 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Toyota Highlander?
EPA estimates $2,150–$2,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (8)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.7L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 20 mpg | 24 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 407 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 21 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 384 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 391 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 19 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 403 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 398 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 390 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,250 | 313 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 30 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | $2,150 (low) | 305 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 34 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 64 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 37 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 61 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 21 | 15 | 0 | 19 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 20 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 16 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 45 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 20V682000 · Nov 5, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 20V012000 · Jan 14, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD · Campaign 18E107000 · Nov 30, 2018
Defect: 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).
Consequence: The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · Campaign 18V211000 · Apr 4, 2018
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 17V831000 · Dec 26, 2017
Defect: 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."
Consequence: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.