What are the negatives on a Toyota Highlander?

The main drawbacks cited by buyers center on price, practicality of the third row, and how much space and tech you get for the money. In short, the Highlander offers reliability and family-friendly seating, but you’ll want to weigh cost, interior usability, and infotainment quality against rivals.

To understand what this means in real-world terms, this article breaks down common criticisms, notes how they vary by powertrain and generation, and offers guidance on what to test when shopping new or used.

Common drawbacks cited by buyers

Below is a concise list of the most frequently mentioned downsides across recent Highlander models.

• Higher price and value equation relative to some rivals in the midsize SUV segment


• Third-row seating is cramped, with limited legroom and easy access


• Limited cargo space behind the third row when all seats are in use


• Powertrain trade-offs: the turbocharged 2.4-liter four is adequate but not as smooth as a traditional V6, while the hybrid is efficient but carries a higher upfront cost


• Ride quality can feel firm with larger wheels and may transmit road imperfections more than some competitors


• Interior materials and perceived quality can feel less premium on lower trims


• Infotainment and controls can be less intuitive or experience lag on certain model years

Taken together, these drawbacks are balanced by the Highlander’s strong reliability, spacious seating for families, and solid resale value, but they matter for buyers who prioritize maximum cargo versatility, premium feel, or the absolute lowest operating costs.

Year-by-year considerations

Model-year considerations help shoppers understand how the negatives shift with generation changes, feature packages, and powertrain options. The notes below summarize the key differences between earlier and newer Highlander versions.

1. Earlier generations (2014–2019): This period established the Highlander’s three-row layout and overall practicality. Downsides often discussed include an aging interior design, fewer standard safety features on base trims, limited third-row comfort, and a cabin that can feel noisier at highway speeds. Reliability has been strong overall, but some owners note higher maintenance costs as the vehicle ages and more frequent attention to wear-and-tear items.


2. Current generation (2020–present): A comprehensive redesign introduced a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid option, boosting both performance and efficiency. Negatives commonly mentioned include a higher purchase price, potentially steeper maintenance costs if problems arise, continued third-row and cargo-space trade-offs when seating is up, and infotainment interfaces that some find less intuitive. The safety tech package is strong, and overall refinement improved, but the cost and space dynamics differ from earlier models.

Overall, the newer generation offers improved power and efficiency and a more modern tech suite, but it comes with a higher starting price and the same fundamental trade-offs around third-row practicality and cargo space.

Bottom line

The Toyota Highlander remains a strong choice for families seeking reliability, safety, and a comfortable three-row layout. Its negatives—price, third-row practicality, cargo flexibility with all seats in use, and some infotainment quirks—vary by model year and powertrain. Prospective buyers should test seating comfort, cargo needs, and the ease of using the infotainment system across trims, and consider whether the hybrid or turbo gas version best aligns with their budget and driving style.

Summary

In the end, the Highlander’s strengths—reliability, safety, and family-friendly practicality—usually outweigh its drawbacks for many buyers. However, those drawbacks are real and worth weighing: price competitiveness, limited third-row space, cargo capacity with all seats up, and tech ergonomics. By prioritizing what matters most—space, cost of ownership, and technology—shoppers can determine whether the Highlander fits their needs and budget in today’s market.

What years should I avoid when buying 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

What are the disadvantages of the Highlander?

If passenger comfort matters to you competitors may be the better choice. Reason number two cargo capacity conundrum another drawback cargo space or the lack thereof.

What is the common problem of Toyota Highlander?

Common problems reported for the Toyota Highlander include issues with the airbag sensor, excessive oil consumption, and air conditioning system failures. Other recurring complaints involve faulty oxygen sensors, wind noise, and, on certain model years, fuel tank and AC condenser problems. Some specific years are also associated with higher rates of transmission or engine issues. 
Engine and fluid-related issues 

• Oil consumption and leaks: Some Highlanders have reported excessive oil consumption or oil leaks, sometimes linked to a worn VVT gear or sludge buildup, which can be caused by infrequent oil changes. 
• Faulty oxygen sensors: Particularly in older models, oxygen sensors can fail, leading to a "check engine" light and performance issues. 
• Stripped engine bolts: Some engine bolts can become stripped, and the VVT gear can be a point of wear on the 3.5L V6 engine. 
• Water pump leaks: The water pump is prone to leaking on certain models. 

This video discusses common engine and transmission problems in the Toyota Highlander: 1mCar MavenYouTube · Feb 16, 2025
Electrical and sensor issues

• Airbag sensor: The airbag warning light can be triggered by a faulty center airbag sensor, especially in models from 2020-2021. 
• Ignition coils: Ignition coils can fail, often after reaching around 100,000 miles. 
• Battery problems: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining unexpectedly. 
• Other electrical faults: Intermittent failures of the door lock actuators and issues with the ABS system have been reported. 

Other common problems

• Excessive wind noise: Some owners have complained about a high level of wind noise. 
• Fuel tank and A/C condenser: The 2020 redesign has been linked to issues with its fuel tank and A/C condenser. 
• Power liftgate: Some Highlander models are reportedly affected by a defective power liftgate. 
• Moldy smell: A moldy smell from the vents has been reported on some models. 

This video explains the common problems with the 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander, including electrical issues and strange acceleration delays: 58sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Model years to be cautious of

• Transmission failures: Model years 2001–2003, 2005–2007, and 2008–2010 have been cited for transmission issues.
• Other issues: Model years 2014–2015 and 2017–2019 are also listed as having issues, including brake defects, engine problems, and electrical faults. 

What is the lawsuit against the Toyota Highlander?

Recent and ongoing lawsuits involving the Toyota Highlander address issues such as faulty door lock actuators, a potential transmission defect in certain models, and a claim that 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids have fuel tanks that do not fill completely. Other recent lawsuits include an investigation into defective power liftgates and a separate class action settlement for a Bluetooth echo defect that affected some Highlanders. 
Current and recent lawsuits

• Door Lock Actuators: A class action lawsuit was filed because many Toyota models, including the Highlander, reportedly have defective door lock actuators that may fail to engage properly. The lawsuit claims owners have been charged for repeated replacements, which Toyota allegedly considered "wear and tear" items. 
• Transmission Defect: Lawsuits allege that certain Highlander models (2017-2022) equipped with the UA80 automatic transmission have a defect that can cause whining, erratic shifting, and premature failure. A Customer Support Program (CSP ZJC) was created but only covers a limited number of vehicles, according to Change.org. 
• Fuel Tank Defect: A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids, claiming a defective fuel tank vent causes it to not fill to its capacity. 
• Power Liftgate Defect: Some Highlander models (XU20, XU40, XU50, and Highlander Hybrid MHU28) are reportedly affected by a power liftgate defect that can lead to costly repairs, with the lawsuit alleging Toyota knew about the issue but did not issue a recall or warning. 
• Bluetooth Echo Defect: A class action lawsuit over a Bluetooth defect that caused an echo on calls in certain Toyota models, including the Highlander, resulted in a settlement, notes this article from Unión Rayo and ClassAction.org. 

How to proceed

• Identify your vehicle's details: Determine if your Highlander is included in any of these lawsuits by checking its model year, VIN, and the specific defect alleged.
• Gather evidence: Collect any repair invoices, service records, or documentation related to the defect.
• Contact an attorney: Speak to a lawyer who specializes in consumer or automotive class action lawsuits to understand your options and how you may be affected by an ongoing investigation or settlement. 
• Check settlement websites: Visit official settlement websites if they are available for a specific lawsuit, as they often provide important information and instructions for potential claimants.