Name: 2018 Toyota Highlander
Brand: Toyota

In-car Electronics

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

What Owners Say

Display screen freezes up

"Answered in previous question."

Anonymous A., MI (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Display screen goes blank

"had to be replaced"

Anonymous A., NM (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"For no reason, no change in settings,the screen will go blank. By turning the car off and restarting it seems to reset itself. Its only happened a couple times, but it is frustrating."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"Audio clarity when talking through car audio making a phone call"

Anonymous, AZ (2018 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

"The car does not have Apple Play so it is extremely hard to connect an iPhone for play music. Often it freezes and I cant connect at all. Very bad electronic system."

Anonymous A., MI (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Hardware replacement

"Screen, GPS died and had to be replaced"

Anonymous A., NM (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"The display failed to power-up at all. There was no radio, gps etc. Apparently the unit could not be repaired anywhere in our area. Had to purchase a used one."

Anonymous A., ON (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"The radio /Gps system went blank and wouldnt work. Paid $1000 for a new system"

Anonymous, NY (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Had to replace the head unit which cost $1200.00"

Anonymous, (2018 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"The GPS quit working after working intermittently. I tried a man updated SD card, but the system does not work. I had to replace it with a plug in GPS device."

Anonymous A., VA (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Head unit had to be replaced with a refurbished unit for $1400"

Anonymous A., (2018 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"When answering my cell using the Bluetooth I find that callers are not getting clear communication. They often ask if I can call them back later when Im not in my car."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Radio

"Radio works intermittently and seems to be related to the malfunctioning GPS. The message pops up telling me to take it to the dealer."

Anonymous A., VA (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Brakes

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

What Owners Say

Calipers

"Ive had to replace a brake caliper every year. This has been an issue on previous Toyota vehicles Ive owned. Just seem to go through brakes and especially calipers much more often than other vehicles."

Anonymous, MI (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Premature brake wear

"Rear pads and rotors were replaced at approximately 70,000, which was acceptable, but then gain just over 95,000, which absolutely is not. Toyota would do nothing about it although the dealership provided a very minor price break on the 2nd brake job."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Brought to dealer with @ 30,000 miles. Needed new brakes and rotors. They also replace struts and calibers. Seemed very odd for such low mileage especially when vehicle mileage was a lot of highway to PA and OH."

Anonymous, RI (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Rotors

"Rotors have had to be replaced several times. Seems to be about once a year or so."

Anonymous, MI (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"had rotors cut last year and this year had front rotors replaced"

Anonymous, PA (2018 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Happens when going down a fairly steep grade"

Anonymous, WV (2018 Toyota Highlander LE Plus 3.5-L V6)

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Can't see parking lines - hidden by the front of the vehicle. Can't be resolved."

Anonymous, GA (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Right/front CV boot cover replacement. July 2023 $552.00"

Anonymous A., MS (2018 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

"Drivers visor light blowing fuses. Replacement visor took 3 months to arrive."

Anonymous, NV (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Mirrors block drivers vision"

Anonymous, AR (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Rear hatch sticks and will not go up or down.,"

Anonymous, IN (2018 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

Ball joints

"I didn't know this was a problem until the dealership reported it during an oil change and check up. Frankly, I doubt the work needed to be done at that time. I don't really trust the dealership but it is convenient for our work schedules."

Anonymous, WA (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

Bushings

"The highlander has only 66,000km . Cost 1200.00 CAD dollars. To fix the problem. Loose steering was noticed."

Anonymous, MB (2018 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

Shocks or struts

"See previous. Basically they replace the front and rear components. Luckily we had an extended warranty so only paid for the premature brake parts"

Anonymous, RI (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Middle shaft was replaced."

Anonymous, TX (2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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

12V battery

"Stop-Start battery failure"

Anonymous, MS (2018 Toyota Highlander Limited)

"Had to replace the battery twice because the battery would not keep a charge. Something was draining the battery and never got a clear answer as to the cause."

Anonymous, MD (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Noises And Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Started as a flapping noise around the sunroof when driving with the windows lowered. Since has progressed to water leaks around the sunroof. Have spoken to Toyota and it is ridiculously expensive to diagnose, never mind repair"

Anonymous, ON (2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6)

Other noises & leaks problem

"Plastic sun glass case creaked over rough roads. Added felt cover to inside case to better cushion large sun glass frames stopping the plastic on plastic rubbing."

Anonymous A., (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Driver side exterior mirror was making whistling noise at 40miles or more for over 2years. Removed mirror and added sponge rubber gasket between mirror base and door."

Anonymous A., (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Squeaks or rattles

"Rattles emanating from the rear hatch"

Anonymous A., (2018 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Transmission leaks

"Noticed a purple stain on the snow covered driveway. It kept getting bigger. Had it inspected and confirmed a transmission fluid leak. The gasket/seal was replaced."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"transmission oil coolant line split where it goes close to the front drivers side tire. Line was replaced and fixed the issue."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

Paint And Trim

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

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint so thin that bugs damage front hood and bumper even if cleaned in timely manner"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"The drive side rocker panel. The paint is coming off. Toyota will not repaint the rocker panel."

Anonymous, MB (2018 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Not shifting between gears. Hesitating constantly between gears"

Anonymous, IL (2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 3.5-L V6)

Engine Major

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

What Owners Say

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

"CV joint boot on right side"

Anonymous A., TN (2018 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

Toyota Highlander

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Brakes

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Noises And Leaks

What Owners Say

Transmission Minor

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

What Owners Say

Transmission Major

What Owners Say

Engine Major

What Owners Say

Drive System

What Owners Say

Climate System

Engine Electrical

Body Hardware

Engine Minor

Engine Cooling

Fuel System/Emissions

2018 SUVs Reliability

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability