*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Power train
Transmission failing beginning at 60,000 miles. Safety issue because car shudders and refuses to accelerate at seemingly random times. My mechanic said this is a known issue and recommended transmission flushing. We've been doing this for six years at lesser and lesser intervals before the problem reappears. Our local Toyota dealership said they've never heard of the problem but it is reported on numerous automotive forums.
Sep 26, 2026Latches/locks/linkages › Electronic lock/latch actuator
Component: Latches/Locks â Power Door Lock Actuator I am the original owner of a 2014 Toyota Highlander AWD, currently with 88,000 miles on it. I have experienced six power door lock actuator failures on this vehicle. All replacements were OEM Toyota parts, and all repairs were paid out of pocket. Failure history: - 01/12/2019 â driver rear (original part) - 02/27/2019 â driver front (original part) - 12/07/2019 â passenger rear (original part) - 06/09/2023 â passenger front (original part) - 08/08/2025 â driver rear (OEM replacement, 6 yr 7 mo service life) - 08/30/2026 â driver front currently failing (OEM replacement, 7 yr 6 mo service life) All four original actuators…
Aug 30, 2026Electrical system
The radio keeps freezing up all the time along with the back tail light area going in and out. I keep smelling like burnt wire smell. Engine sound really rough.
May 11, 2026Structure › Body
The driverâs-side rear spoiler on my 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD has melted, bubbled, and warped. The vehicle has been stored 100% of the time in a fully enclosed garage with no windows since new. It has only 65,000 miles and has received all service exclusively at authorized Toyota dealerships. There has been no direct sun exposure, accident, or misuse. Toyota dealer and Corporate attributed this to âsolar convergenceâ and denied any repair assistance or goodwill coverage. This explanation does not match the facts given the garage setup and minimal outdoor time. This appears to be a materials/design defect in the black plastic spoiler. Similar melting/warping issues are…
Apr 17, 2026Electrical systemFire
I noticed the smell of wires burning, a billow of smoke started emitting from the two levers used to heat the seats near the gear shift area. I was on the freeway and immediately pulled to the side of the road, turned off the car and called 911 before any flames were seen. There were no warning signs, lamps or other symptoms until the smell of burning wires and the smoke.
May 4, 2026Electrical system
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that a hybrid system warning alert was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the windshield wiring system had failed and that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that the windshield failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18E107000 (Electrical System, Visibility). The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The windshield manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure…
Feb 2, 2026 · 190,000 milesStructure › Body
Was driving 70 mph on nj 287 when all sudden I hear something that sounded like implosion and air was coming from sunroof. Ended up being sun roof glass flew out of car sunroof frame. Toyota knew it was a defect as they did inspection but did not want to cover it because they said itâs out of warranty. Thankfully no one was driving behind me at that time
Jan 15, 2026Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Rear lights located both on the tailgate and body of the vehicle. The lights covers failed to remain adhered to the lights themselves and fell off and are partially adhered as a result of what appears to be a failure of the adhesion material . Two light covers may have been lost while driving. Unknown if their loss resulted in damage(s) to others. Without the outer cover results in the exposure of the lights to weather and potential failure. Review with Toyota of Orange service manager confirm the failure of adhesive/ manufacturing process of the lights
Jan 1, 2025
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
