Name: 2016 Toyota Highlander
Brand: Toyota

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"The front brake calipers are garbage and need to be replaced every brake change. Ive been told this is a common problem with this vehicle due to poor design."

Anonymous A., NJ (2016 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Back door doesnt open from inside"

Anonymous, CO (2016 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Ball joints replaced"

Anonymous A., NJ (2016 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Moisture inside rear light"

Anonymous A., ME (2016 Toyota Highlander LE Plus 3.5-L V6)

"Water pump failed at 76,000 miles. Replaced next day by Firestone at a cost of $1,631."

Anonymous A., LA (2016 Toyota Highlander LE Plus 3.5-L V6)

"Water pump had to be replaced"

Anonymous, LA (2016 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"The rear wiper motor seized and the mount rusted ou t."

Anonymous, ON (2016 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"GPS navigation has gone blank and blinks every 3 minutes as if it is trying to restart. Problem first started January 2024. Took vehicle to Toyota dealership service center. Was told to replace GPS/navigation system back to original would cost over $5,000. Also told that the current system inside the car is no longer available. If I purchase a used GPS navigation system I could still have the same problem. The cost of a used is $1,000. I've only owned the vehicle since October of 2022. Because of this problem I have not been able to use ANY features in the vehicle that has a connection to the GPS navigation system. The only thing that works is the display for the backup camera. My dashboard doesn't show maintenance requirement between oil changes after recommended miles. The navigation system display and dashboard display doesn't show any critical warnings about the vehicle anymore. I can only see gas mileage to empty and total miles driven a vehicle. Nothing else"

Anonymous A., OH (2016 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

"display screen will randomly go blank then restart"

Anonymous, RI (2016 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Unreliable, freezes up, has always been a problem."

Anonymous, TX (2016 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Directional arrow always points North. Doesn't point in the direction you are actually going.m"

Anonymous A., IL (2016 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"About 10 months ago the unit started calling phone numbers from my phones contact list (out of my control). I did a number of things to correct the problem but, including a dealer reset and updating of the system. The problem persists. I had to unpair the phone permanently. All of features of the infotainment center work."

Anonymous, MI (2016 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"The AC quit completely after 7 years. Had to have the system replaced."

Anonymous A., NJ (2016 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Blower (fan) motor

"Rear blower stopped working. Replaced."

Anonymous A., NH (2016 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

"Both handhelds stopped working more than 2 years ago. Was not the battery."

Anonymous, OH (2016 Toyota Highlander LE Plus 3.5-L V6)

Tire pressure monitor

"over the last several years the system activated and sensors had to be replaced"

Anonymous, OH (2016 Toyota Highlander LE Plus 3.5-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

CV joint

"The problem was diagnosed by a damaged boot and leaking grease at about 55000 miles. Immediately repaired and covered under a 3 year extended warranty included with the purchase of the vehicle."

Anonymous, SC (2016 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Driveshaft or axle

"Front right drive shaft & axle needed replaced. Was causing a vibration when accelerating."

Anonymous A., OK (2016 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Steering And Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Bushings

"Bushings in Control Arms and Trailing Arms separated and had to be replaced, costing $3500"

Anonymous, NH (2016 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Several clips holding the large front (wrap around) (Extends from hood to bumper) clips are not holding"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Seat controls - power

"The seat had parts that needed to be replaced. It was coming off the rails."

Anonymous, NC (2016 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

Toyota Highlander

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Brakes

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Drive System

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Engine Major

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

What Owners Say

Body Hardware

What Owners Say

Engine Cooling

Transmission Major

Transmission Minor

Noises And Leaks

Engine Minor

Engine Electrical

Fuel System/Emissions

2016 SUVs Reliability

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability