Toyota Highlander: Owner & Buyer Guide
What breaks, what it should cost to fix at an independent shop versus a dealer, when routine service comes due, and what to check before you buy.
Last reviewed: July 2026Reviewed by a drivway-verified technician3.5L V6 (2GR-FE, 6-speed automatic) on 2014–2016 models; refreshed 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS with D-4S direct injection, 8-speed automatic) on 2017–2019 models; a 2.7L I4 was offered on base FWD trims. TODO confirm any differences for the Highlander Hybrid (2GR-FXS), which isn't the focus of this guide.
The short version
The 3rd-generation Highlander (2014–2019) is a solidly above-average reliability pick — RepairPal rates it 4.0/5, 7th of 26 midsize SUVs, with lower-than-average annual repair costs. The one issue worth budgeting for is a widely reported power liftgate mechanism failure, serious enough to have drawn a proposed class-action lawsuit, alongside smaller reported quirks like a 2014–2016 brake-actuator issue and occasional AC condenser or water pump leaks. This guide is a research skeleton: the reliability data and liftgate details are sourced, but repair cost ranges are marked TODO pending real shop quotes.
Reliability: Solidly above average — RepairPal rates the Highlander 4.0/5, 7th of 26 midsize SUVs, with a lower-than-average $489 typical annual repair cost — but a widely reported power-liftgate mechanism failure (the subject of a proposed class action) is common enough across this generation to budget for, especially once the factory warranty has lapsed.
What owners like
- RepairPal rates the Highlander 4.0/5 overall (7th of 26 midsize SUVs), with owners averaging just 0.3 unscheduled repair shop visits a year
- The 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE / 2GR-FKS) is a well-regarded, durable engine used across multiple Toyota/Lexus models, with a timing chain rather than a belt
- RepairPal notes zero reported problems logged for the 2018 and 2019 model years specifically — the tail end of this generation looks like the safer buy
- The 2017 mid-cycle refresh added an 8-speed automatic, direct injection, and more power (295 hp) alongside styling and tech updates
What to watch
- The power liftgate's motor/strut assembly is a widely reported failure point on this generation, prone to breaking in a way that can prevent the rear door from closing properly; it's the subject of a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging Toyota knew of the defect and failed to recall it
- 2014–2016 models have owner reports of a spongy brake pedal feel and false ABS/VSC warning lights traced to the brake actuator
- Electrical quirks — faulty door lock actuators, sensor glitches, and infotainment/Bluetooth drops — are commonly reported across 2015–2019 model years, alongside a Toyota Bluetooth-echo issue that drew a separate class-action settlement
- TODO confirm — verify current recall status by VIN; Toyota issued a broad low-pressure fuel pump recall covering many 2013–2019 models that may include this generation
Common problems & what they should cost
Independent ranges reflect typical parts + labor at a competent independent shop. Dealer ranges reflect published estimator averages. Your quote depends on your area, parts choice, and related work.
Power liftgate failure (motor/strut assembly)
Reported across the generation, frequently surfacing after the factory warranty has expired rather than at a specific mileageOwners report the power liftgate's motor and support-strut assembly failing in a way that can leave the rear liftgate stuck open, stuck shut, or unable to latch — sometimes described online as the 'liftgate won't close' problem. A proposed class action (covering the XU20, XU40, XU50, and hybrid generations) alleges Toyota knew about the defect since around 2010 and failed to recall or adequately warn owners. Full mechanism replacement has been cited in owner reports and news coverage in the roughly $4,700–5,000 range, though a partial fix (strut or motor only) may be cheaper — ask a shop to inspect and quote before assuming a full replacement is needed.
Spongy brake pedal / false ABS or VSC warning light (2014–2016)
Reported on 2014–2016 model-year cars, not tied to a specific mileage threshold in what's sourced so farSome 2014–2016 owners report a soft or spongy brake pedal feel alongside an illuminated ABS or VSC (stability control) warning light, traced to the brake actuator assembly. TODO confirm whether Toyota issued a specific TSB for this and whether it's more common on any particular trim or drivetrain.
AC condenser leak
TODO confirm typical mileage — reported on higher-mileage examples in owner discussionsOwners report the air conditioning losing its charge over time due to a leaking condenser, more common as these vehicles age. TODO confirm with a firmer source (TSB, recall, or documented failure-rate data) before treating this as more than an owner-reported pattern.
Water pump leak (higher-mileage V6)
Reported on higher-mileage V6 examples; TODO confirm a specific mileage rangeA coolant leak or whining noise from the front of the engine on higher-mileage V6 Highlanders can point to a failing water pump. TODO confirm how commonly this shows up relative to other midsize-SUV V6 engines, and whether the pump sits behind the timing chain on this engine (which would raise the labor cost).
Maintenance milestones
| Interval | What's due |
|---|---|
| Every 5,000 mi | Tire rotation. TODO confirm Toyota's exact oil-change interval for this generation by oil type — later 0W-20 full-synthetic-era Toyotas commonly stretch to 10,000 mi, but verify against the owner's manual rather than assuming. |
| ~30,000 mi | TODO confirm — cabin/engine air filter replacement, brake inspection, multi-point check. |
| Every 3 years | Brake fluid — time-based, not mileage. |
| ~120,000 mi | TODO confirm — iridium spark plug replacement interval for the 2GR-FE/2GR-FKS V6. |
| TODO confirm | TODO — Toyota WS automatic transmission fluid is marketed as long-life, but several independent sources recommend a proactive change well before any 'lifetime fluid' claim; verify against the owner's manual and current independent-shop guidance rather than generic estimates. |
Buying a used one? Check these first
A 20-minute inspection catches the issues that actually cost money on this generation. Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- Cycle the power liftgate open and closed several times, listening for grinding or hesitation. This is the headline reliability issue on this generation — test it fully rather than assuming it works because it opened once. Ask whether it's ever been serviced, and if the seller has a receipt, that's a good sign the issue was addressed rather than papered over.
- Press the brake pedal firmly and check for a soft or sinking feel, and scan for any stored ABS/VSC codes. A spongy pedal or an illuminated ABS/VSC light on a 2014–2016 example may point to the reported brake-actuator issue — have a shop scan for codes before buying rather than relying on the dash being clear at the moment of test drive.
- Run the AC on max cold for several minutes and check for weak or warm airflow. A condenser leak shows up as gradually weakening cold air rather than a sudden failure — if it's noticeably warmer than expected, ask when it was last recharged and whether a leak was ever diagnosed.
- Check for a coolant leak or whining noise from the front of the engine, especially on higher-mileage V6 examples. A failing water pump is more likely to show up as mileage climbs — look for coolant residue near the front of the engine and ask for cooling-system service history.
- Check current NHTSA recall status by VIN. TODO confirm — verify whether the low-pressure fuel pump recall (which touched many 2013–2019 Toyota models) or any other open campaign applies to the specific VIN, and that it's been completed.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially transmission fluid service. TODO confirm — verify what Toyota's official transmission-fluid guidance is for this generation and use that to judge whether a used example's service history looks adequate.
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Find a Toyota technicianFrequently asked
Is the Toyota Highlander (2014–2019) reliable?
Generally yes — RepairPal rates this generation 4.0 out of 5.0, 7th of 26 midsize SUVs, with a lower-than-average typical annual repair cost of $489 and just 0.3 unscheduled shop visits a year. The main blemish is a widely reported power-liftgate mechanism failure that's serious enough to have drawn a proposed class-action lawsuit — otherwise the 3.5L V6 and general drivetrain have a solid reputation.
Does the Toyota Highlander have power liftgate problems?
Yes — this is the headline issue for this generation. Owners report the power liftgate's motor/strut assembly failing in a way that can prevent the rear door from closing, often after the factory warranty has expired. A proposed class action alleges Toyota knew about the defect and failed to recall it; full mechanism replacement has been cited around $4,700–5,000 in owner and press reports, though a partial repair may cost less.
What are common Toyota Highlander problems on this generation?
The headline item is the power liftgate mechanism failure discussed above. Other reported issues include a spongy brake pedal / false ABS or VSC warning light on 2014–2016 models, AC condenser leaks, occasional water pump leaks on higher-mileage V6 examples, and general electrical quirks (door lock actuators, sensor glitches, infotainment drops). TODO confirm — verify current recall status by VIN before assuming any known campaign is unrelated.
Are Toyota Highlander repairs expensive?
TODO — needs real independent-vs-dealer cost research; do not guess at figures here. RepairPal's data suggests overall ownership costs run below the midsize-SUV average, but the power-liftgate mechanism is a genuinely large expense if it needs full replacement (commonly cited around $4,700–5,000), which is the main reason to test it thoroughly before buying.
Does the Toyota Highlander have a timing belt?
No — the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE on 2014–2016 models, 2GR-FKS on 2017–2019 models) uses a timing chain, so there's no scheduled belt-replacement interval to budget for.