What Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid: Key Models to Skip in 2024

The Toyota Highlander remains a top choice in the midsize SUV segment, but not all model years deliver the same value—some carry hidden flaws that make certain years less desirable for buyers.

Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid Due to Reliability Issues

Older Highlander models like the 2013–2015 generations face recurring problems including faulty infotainment systems, transmission glitches, and frame cracks. These reliability concerns drastically reduce long-term ownership satisfaction, making these years best avoided for buyers prioritizing dependability.

Models with Outdated Safety and Tech Features

The 2010–2011 Highlanders lack modern safety advancements like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, common in newer competitors. This technological gap limits convenience and protection, making these early years less appealing despite the Highlander’s rugged reputation.

Years Prone to High Maintenance Costs

Models from 2016–2017 often experience frequent brake and suspension repairs, increasing ownership expenses. Buyers should avoid these years if low maintenance and reliability are priorities, as service costs can offset initial savings.

When choosing the Toyota Highlander, steer clear of the 2013–2015 and early 2016–2017 models due to reliability, outdated tech, and high maintenance needs. Opt for more recent years with proven durability and cutting-edge features to maximize value and peace of mind.

Best and worst Toyota Highlander years - which to avoid Leveraging in-depth analysis of owner testimonials and a comprehensive review of reported issues, our best and worst Toyota Highlander years guide identifies high. Here's The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Toyota Highlander Are: The best Toyota Highlander model years are 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2009, 2007, and 2001. The worst model years of the Highlander are 2019, 2015, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, and 2002.

This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback. What Are The Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid? Six years of Toyota Highlander should be avoided at all costs. The 2003-2005, 2008-2012, and 2020 have reported issues.

They range from the engine to steering to faulty ignition coils and CO2 sensors. Many of the issues occurred after the warranty expired. 6 Highlander Years To Avoid The 6 model years to avoid for Toyota Highlander are 2003, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2020.

These models are plagued with engine issues, engine cooling failures, braking problems, malfunctioning transmissions, faulty electrical systems, and problematic steering. 2003 Toyota Highlander As of 2025, the 2003 Toyota Highlander has logged 269 complaints and 2 recalls on. Not all Highlanders are built the same.

We analyze reliability data to list the Toyota Highlander years to avoid and the best model years for your money. While Toyota resolved many of these issues in later years, the 2014 model remains a weak link in the Highlander's generally strong lineup. As such, it's on our list of Toyota Highlander years to avoid.

Avoid the costly mistake of buying a Toyota Highlander from one of its worst years. This analysis shows you exactly which Toyota Highlander years to avoid. Not all Toyota Highlanders perform equally.

Check out our list of the best and worst options if you're thinking of investing in a Highlander. While Highlanders generally enjoy Toyota's reputation for reliability, certain model years have developed notorious reputations for expensive problems. This guide will help you identify which Toyota Highlander years to avoid so you can make a smarter purchase decision.

Know the Toyota Highlander years to avoid and get advice on spotting reliable models and avoiding problem years in the used market.

Load Site Average 0,422 sec