VehicleVerdict

2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other Highlander Hybrid years?

Highlander Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted481 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 481 complaints2007: 160 complaints2008: 272 complaints2009: 55 complaints2010: 26 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 6 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 5 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 9 complaints2020: 9 complaints2021: 17 complaints2022: 10 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Highlander Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Visibility & Wipers150%

Does the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V272000Electrical SystemMay 22, 2014 · 48,840 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles may have improper software installed in the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) for the operation of the front passenger seat belt force limiter, and as a result, the force limiter may use the restraint setting designed for small occupants, such as those that weigh approximately 110 pounds, for all occupants regardless of their size. As such, some of these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, a larger front passenger seat occupant may not be properly restrained and be at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update in the air bag electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on June 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CAR WAS DRIVEN FROM HOME LOCATION AT APPROXIMATELY 3 PM ON FEBRUARY 4, 2015. AFTER A QUARTER OF A MILE AN AUDIBLE WARNING SOUNDED AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW. A FLASHING WARNING TO THE EFFECT OF "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE, STOP CAR IMMEDIATELY" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. CAR CONTINUED TO SLOW TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 4, 2015

2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Highlander Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander Hybrid years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2007, 2009. The cleanest record among Highlander Hybrid years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.