Are there any recalls on 2018 Toyota Highlanders?
Yes—there have been recalls affecting some 2018 Toyota Highlanders; whether your vehicle is affected depends on its VIN. This article explains how to check for open campaigns and what categories have appeared in recalls for this model year.
How to verify recall status for a 2018 Highlander
Recalls are issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Toyota. The definitive way to know if a specific vehicle is affected is to look up the VIN and review any open campaigns associated with it.
To check recalls for your specific vehicle, follow these steps:
- Locate your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the driver-side dashboard or the driver's door jamb, and also in your vehicle registration documents.
- Visit the official recall lookup resources (NHTSA and Toyota) and enter the VIN to see current campaigns.
- Review each open recall or service campaign listed for your Highlander and note the recall numbers and descriptions.
- Contact an authorized Toyota dealer to verify details and schedule any required repairs if an open recall is found.
If a recall is listed, Toyota (and the dealership) will cover the repair cost, typically at no charge to the vehicle owner, provided the vehicle is within the campaign scope and parts are available.
Common recall topics that have involved Highlanders
Across model years, Highlanders have appeared in campaigns covering several safety-critical areas. For the 2018 Highlander, the exact campaigns depend on the VIN and production dates, but several broad categories have historically appeared in recalls for this family of vehicles.
- Fuel system issues, including fuel pump and delivery concerns that can affect engine performance or stall risks.
- Airbags and related components, including inflator or sensor problems that could affect deployment safety in a crash.
- Brake and steering system concerns, including software or hardware updates that impact braking performance or steering assistance.
- Electrical system and wiring problems, which can affect various vehicle functions and safety features.
These categories summarize typical campaigns seen across Highlander model years. The presence of any specific recall for your 2018 Highlander depends on your VIN, so a VIN-specific check is essential.
What to do if you have an open recall
Do not ignore an open recall. If your VIN shows an active campaign, contact an authorized Toyota dealer to schedule a free recall repair. In some cases, you may be asked to arrange transportation or a tow if the vehicle cannot safely be driven until the remedy is completed. Recall work is performed at no cost to the owner.
Dealers can often perform the required repair in a single visit, and in many cases the process is quick once the correct part is available.
Summary
Recalls do exist for some 2018 Toyota Highlanders, but the applicability depends on the individual vehicle’s VIN. To determine if your Highlander is affected, check the VIN against NHTSA and Toyota recall records and contact a Toyota dealer for any required service. Staying informed about recalls helps ensure safety and can protect the vehicle’s reliability over time.
Does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have issues?
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
What is the most common problem with a Toyota Highlander?
The most common problem with the Toyota Highlander is a major oil leak and loss of oil pressure caused by a faulty VVT-i oil line. Other frequent issues include infrequent but noticeable interior rattles, especially from the moonroof or dashboard, and problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission in 2017-2019 models, leading to noises, delayed shifting, and failure.
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Toyota Highlander, including the 8-speed transmission issue: 59sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025
Most common problems
- VVT-i oil line rupture: This is the most frequent and serious issue, where the oil line bursts, causing a massive oil leak that can lead to complete engine failure if the vehicle is driven while the low oil pressure light is on. A revised part has been issued, but it has also been reported to have the same problem.
- Interior rattles and noises: Many owners report various rattles and squeaks coming from the interior, such as the moonroof, dashboard, or infotainment screen, particularly on bumpy roads or in cold weather.
- 8-speed automatic transmission: Specific models, particularly the 2017–2019 Highlanders, have been associated with issues such as a whining noise, delayed shifts, hard shifts, and even complete failure.
- Airbag sensor failure: Some models have a faulty front passenger airbag sensor that can short-circuit, preventing the airbag from deploying correctly.
Other potential issues
- Air and water leaks: Some model years have reported issues with plugged sunroof drain lines, leading to water leaks inside the vehicle.
- Check engine light: This can be caused by various issues, such as the hose coming off the air filter housing or a failed oxygen sensor.
- Brake issues: Some models have reported premature wear of brake pads and rotors, or a vibrating sensation when braking.
This video discusses problems with the 8-speed transmission in the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander: 58sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Jul 31, 2021
What are the recalls on a 2018 Toyota Highlander?
6 Recalls for 2018 TOYOTA Highlander
| Recall Date | Component |
|---|---|
| 4/10/2020 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP |
| 1/12/2020 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP |
| 11/26/2018 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD |
| 4/2/2018 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM |
What year to stay away from a Toyota Highlander?
Years to avoid in the Toyota Highlander include 2003, 2008, 2014, 2015, and 2020 due to common issues like transmission problems, oil leaks, and technology glitches. Other problematic years to consider are 2001-2007 (engine and climate control issues) and 2016-2019 (varying issues including potential oil leaks in some models).
This video discusses problems with the Toyota Highlander from 2020 to 2025, including paint issues: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Toyota Highlander years to avoid
- 2001–2007: Prone to engine overheating, head gasket failures, and climate control issues like AC compressor and blower motor problems.
- 2003: A big year for issues, particularly engine oil sludge buildup and premature transmission wear, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch.
- 2008: A redesigned model that experienced oil cooler line leaks, which can cause engine damage if not addressed, and lower-quality interior components.
- 2014: A recall was issued for the second-row seat assembly that may not lock correctly into the seat track, and there were also reports of issues that might be linked to the transmission, says Clutch and Reddit users.
- 2015: Experienced growing pains from its redesign, with various reports of growing issues, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch.
- 2020: Experienced early transmission and software problems, say Clutch and Reddit users.
You can watch this video to learn more about common problems with the 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander: 51sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025
