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Is the Toyota Highlander 2014 reliable?

The Toyota Highlander 2014 is generally considered a reliable and dependable midsize SUV. According to reviews and owner feedback, the 2014 Highlander has proven to be a durable and well-built vehicle that can provide years of trouble-free service with proper maintenance.

Reliability Ratings and Assessments

The 2014 Toyota Highlander has received strong reliability ratings from several authoritative sources. J.D. Power gave the 2014 Highlander a reliability score of 4 out of 5, indicating "better than average" reliability. Consumer Reports also rated the 2014 Highlander as "above average" in predicted reliability.

Owners of the 2014 Highlander have generally reported positive experiences, with many praising the vehicle's build quality, dependability, and low maintenance costs. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2014 Highlander has a relatively low number of reported problems or recalls compared to other midsize SUVs from the same model year.

Common Issues and Maintenance

The most commonly reported issues with the 2014 Highlander include minor electrical problems, such as issues with the infotainment system or climate controls, and occasional transmission concerns.

However, these problems are relatively infrequent, and many owners report that the Highlander has required little more than routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake service, to keep it running wellli>
With proper care and maintenance, the 2014 Highlander is known to have a long lifespan, with many owners reporting their vehicles reaching 200,000 miles or more without major issues.

Overall, the 2014 Toyota Highlander is widely regarded as a reliable and durable midsize SUV that can provide years of dependable service with minimal maintenance and repair costs. Its reputation for quality and reliability is a key reason why the Highlander remains a popular choice in the midsize SUV segment.

What is the typical lifespan of a 2014 Highlander?

According to vehiclehistory.com, a typical Toyota Highlander is expected to last 250,000-300,000 miles with ease if it receives proper maintenance during its life. It's a solid car with plenty of room and the ability to carry on for many years.

What year to stay away from 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

Is 2014 a good year for a Toyota Highlander?

Yes, the 2014 Toyota Highlander is generally considered a good car, praised for its reliability, comfort, and spacious interior, though it has some drawbacks like a weak base engine option and a clunky infotainment system. With proper maintenance, it can last for a long time and offers a quiet, smooth ride.

Pros

Reliability: Toyota is known for reliability, and the Highlander is no exception. It has a strong reputation for lasting a long time with proper maintenance.
Comfort and space: It offers a comfortable and quiet ride, with ample room for passengers in the first two rows, and a third row that is suitable for children and can be used by adults with some compromise.
Powertrain: The available V6 engine is powerful and provides good acceleration, with enough towing capacity for most needs (up to 5,000 lbs).
Safety: The 2014 model earned high marks in crash tests from both the government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Interior features: Higher trim levels offer desirable features like a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, and advanced safety tech like blind-spot monitoring.

Cons

Base engine: The 2.7L 4-cylinder engine in the base LE model is widely considered underpowered for a vehicle of this size and should be avoided if possible.
Infotainment system: The infotainment system is considered clunky and difficult to use, with an awful design and cheap-feeling knobs.
Cargo space: While it has good passenger space, the cargo area is not as large as some competitors, particularly behind the third row.
Minor issues: Some reviewers noted a slow-reacting power liftgate and that the navigation system could not be programmed while the vehicle was in motion.

What is the most reliable year for a used Toyota Highlander?

The most reliable Toyota Highlander years include the 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2022 models, with some sources also citing the 2009, 2013, and 2017 models as strong contenders. These years often appear on lists of best years to buy due to consistent performance, a lower number of reported issues, and high ratings from consumer and reliability organizations.
Recommended years

2016 and 2019: Both models are frequently mentioned as being particularly reliable, with the 2019 model often highlighted as a top choice.
2021 and 2022: These are newer options that receive high ratings, especially for hybrid versions.
2009 and 2013: These models are praised for their strong performance and low maintenance costs, representing the more reliable end of the second generation.
2017: This is a solid choice from the third generation, known for a good balance of features and reliability.

Years to be cautious about

2001–2003: Some early models in the first generation had issues.
2005–2007: Several reports indicate these years had transmission or engine problems.
2008: Despite being the start of the second generation, this model year had a higher number of recalls and complaints.
2014–2015: These years had a higher frequency of reported issues.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.