Toyota Highlander years to avoid
The Toyota Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2008, 2017, 2020 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2000 is the cleanest year on record.
7,130
Total complaints
54
Recall campaigns
1997–2026
Years covered
5
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Highlander years to avoid
Every Highlander year
Common questions
What are the worst Toyota Highlander years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2008, 2017, 2020. The cleanest year on record is 2000.
What is the best year for the Toyota Highlander?
By complaint volume, 2000 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Highlander years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander have?
Across all model years, the Highlander has 54 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 7,130 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.