VehicleVerdict

2019 Toyota Highlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 613 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Highlander year — the 2019 model ranks #1 of 30 Highlander years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 28 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 182 reports (30% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

613

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

38

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

28

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Highlander years?

Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted613 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 158 complaints2002: 335 complaints2003: 316 complaints2004: 337 complaints2005: 289 complaints2006: 344 complaints2007: 159 complaints2008: 502 complaints2009: 178 complaints2010: 272 complaints2011: 229 complaints2012: 228 complaints2013: 280 complaints2014: 158 complaints2015: 245 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 364 complaints2018: 342 complaints2019: 613 complaints2020: 348 complaints2021: 590 complaints2022: 291 complaints2023: 219 complaints2024: 54 complaints2025: 9 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Toyota Highlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission18230%
Fuel System10717%
Other7713%
Engine7011%
Electrical System6010%
Brakes193%
Driver Assistance163%
Airbags152%
Body & Structure132%
Speed Control122%
Steering81%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Seat Belts61%
Tires & Wheels61%
Suspension51%
Seats51%
Lighting41%
Latches & Locks20%

Does the 2019 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V682000Fuel SystemNovember 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

20V012000Fuel SystemJanuary 13, 2020 · 1,830,752 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

19V244000OtherMarch 27, 2019 · 3,634 units

Defect

Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I OWN A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, IT HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES DURING BUSY COMMUTE TO OR FROM WORK. I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, THAT I REFUSE TO DRIVE IT TO ANY DESTINATION LONGER THAN 50 MILES. I NEED THIS CAR REPLACED, I HAVE THREE YOUNG CHILDREN, AND I PAYING FOR AN UNSAFE, UNRELIABLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 9, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SLOW AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASHED ALONG WITH A CHIME. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE PROPELLED FORWARD. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 4, 2020 · crash

“I was turning into Starbucks at a low speed when the next thing I knew the car jumped forward and hit the car in front of me not one time but three times. I was finally able to get the car stopped but had Damage to both cars. I believe the accelerator was stuck causing the accident. I want to know…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 29, 2023 · crash

“ I was involved in an accident that I believe was caused by sudden unintended acceleration (sua). In a very busy commercial parking lot, I was pulling into a parking space proceeding at a very slow speed, when there was a sudden surge in acceleration accompanied by a grinding/acceleration sound. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 18, 2021 · crash

“ I was involved in an accident that I believe was caused by sudden unintended acceleration (sua). In a very busy commercial parking lot, I was pulling into a parking space proceeding at a very slow speed, when there was a sudden surge in acceleration accompanied by a grinding/acceleration sound. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 18, 2021 · crash

2019 Toyota Highlander — common questions

Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 613 complaints put the 2019 model at #1 of 30 Highlander years. It is one of the Highlander years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Highlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (182 complaints), fuel system (107 complaints), other (77 complaints).

Does the 2019 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2008, 2017. The cleanest record among Highlander years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Toyota Highlander earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.