Toyota Highlander ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (2001–2025)
Side-by-side AutoScores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Toyota Highlander we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Highlander across generations.
Average AutoScore
90/100
Best Year
2010 Toyota Highlander
Score 92
Weakest Year
2006 Toyota Highlander
Score 88
Every Toyota Highlander Ranked
Sorted by AutoScore. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A supremely reliable family hauler, offering peace of mind and enduring value, with only minor common issues to monitor.
Top risks: Cooling System (V6) · Brake System · HVAC Blower Motor/Resistor
A top-tier choice for reliability, the Highlander offers peace of mind with minimal common issues.
Top risks: HVAC System · Cooling System · Infotainment/Electrical
A supremely reliable family SUV that provides peace of mind and strong value for years to come.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Braking System · 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.5L V6)
A practically bomb-proof family hauler, the 2018 Highlander offers stellar reliability with minimal common issues.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Suspension Components · HVAC Blower Motor
A bulletproof family hauler that delivers peace of mind and keeps going strong for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Minor Suspension Components · Power Liftgate Struts
A top-tier choice for reliability, offering a blend of practicality and legendary Toyota dependability with very few major drawbacks.
Top risks: Infotainment System · 12V Auxiliary Battery · Front Lower Control Arm Bolts
A supremely reliable family hauler that minimizes ownership headaches, backed by Toyota's stellar reputation.
Top risks: Infotainment System · 2.4L Turbo Engine (Non-Hybrid) · Suspension Bushings/End Links
A steadfast and highly dependable SUV that offers strong long-term value with minimal major headaches.
Top risks: Engine Oil Sludge (3.0L V6) · Rear Liftgate Struts/Actuator · Rust and Corrosion
A testament to Toyota's reputation, this Highlander is a remarkably reliable family hauler that will dutifully serve for many more years.
Top risks: Power Steering System · Suspension Components · Radiator End Tanks
A supremely reliable family hauler, though the new turbo engine warrants diligent maintenance.
Top risks: 2.4L Turbo Engine (Gas Models) · Infotainment System · HVAC System
A testament to Japanese reliability, the 2002 Highlander offers peace of mind with only minor, manageable age-related concerns.
Top risks: Exhaust System / Catalytic Converter · Suspension & Steering Components · Engine Oil Consumption (2.4L 4-Cylinder only)
A highly dependable SUV that offers excellent long-term value, provided you address a few common age-related vulnerabilities.
Top risks: Engine (V6 VVT-i Oil Line / 4-cyl Oil Consumption) · Power Steering System · Rear Liftgate / Body
A supremely reliable family SUV that masterfully balances practicality with enduring quality, offering peace of mind for years to come.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Fuel Pump Recall (Fixed) · Brake System Wear
A testament to Toyota's legendary reliability, the 2003 Highlander is a steadfast workhorse that consistently delivers dependable service.
Top risks: V6 Engine Oil Leaks · Rear Subframe & Body Rust · Power Steering Pump
A steadfast and dependable family hauler, the Highlander offers peace of mind with Toyota's proven engineering.
Top risks: Engine (V6 Water Pump) · Suspension Components · Rust and Corrosion
A supremely reliable family hauler, offering peace of mind with minimal common concerns.
Top risks: Cooling System (V6) · HVAC System · Power Liftgate
A supremely reliable family SUV with bulletproof mechanicals, though early models might require a software update or fuel pump replacement.
Top risks: Fuel System · Infotainment System · Braking System
A bulletproof family hauler that consistently delivers reliability, making it an outstanding used vehicle choice.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (V6) · Suspension Components · Oxygen (O2) Sensors
A supremely dependable and practical family SUV with minimal high-cost reliability issues.
Top risks: Engine Oil Cooler Line (V6) · Steering Rack Leaks · Dashboard Cracks/Warping
A supremely dependable and practical family SUV that consistently outperforms many peers in long-term reliability.
Top risks: Engine Cooling (V6) · HVAC System · Engine Oil System (V6)
A supremely dependable family hauler with minimal common faults, ideal for long-term ownership and outstanding value.
Top risks: Cooling System (V6) · Power Steering System (V6) · Suspension & Steering
A top-tier family SUV offering superb reliability and minimal major headaches, making it an enduring smart buy.
Top risks: VVT-i Oil Feed Line (V6) · Water Pump (V6) · Power Liftgate Actuator
A top-tier choice for reliability, offering peace of mind for families and commuters willing to address minor known wear points.
Top risks: Cooling System · HVAC System · Suspension & Steering
A supremely reliable family hauler, offering peace of mind with minimal major headaches.
Top risks: Suspension & Steering · Infotainment/Electrical · Brake System
A supremely dependable family SUV, offering peace of mind and strong value, with the new turbo engine being the primary emerging variable.
Top risks: 2.4L Turbo Engine Longevity · Infotainment System · HVAC Blower Motor Noise
Problems That Follow the Highlander Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Infotainment System
Appears in 9 model years · 36% of generations
HVAC System
Appears in 5 model years · 20% of generations
Suspension Components
Appears in 4 model years · 16% of generations
Cooling System (V6)
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
Suspension & Steering
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
Rust and Corrosion
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations
Power Steering System
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations
Brake System
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations
Highlander vs. the Competition
Head-to-head reliability comparisons with the Highlander's main rivals.
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