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Model year record

2016 Toyota Highlander recalls & problems

The 2016 Toyota Highlander has 3 safety recalls and 111 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (21 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints111filed by owners
Crashes · fires14 · 1reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2016 Toyota Highlander in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

VisibilityNov 27, 2018

Windshield

Recall 18E1070008,202 vehicles

Problem
Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).
Risk
The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.

Components: Visibility › Windshield; Electrical system

Electrical systemOct 24, 2016

Wiring

Recall 16V7750007,056 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, connect the wire harness to the sensor, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this G03.

Components: Electrical system › Wiring; Service brakes, hydraulic › Fluid

EquipmentJun 9, 2016

Other › Labels

Recall 16V4200004,253 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk
An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2016 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk18.5%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2016 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.9%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2016 Toyota Highlander NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2016 Toyota Highlander NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Highlander 2WD

22mpg combined
City / highway20 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.7 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Highlander 2WD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Highlander AWD

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Unknown or other2110121,475 mi
Service brakes1970526,500 mi
Electrical system1411125,000 mi
Air bags1060610,000 mi
Engine900046,000 mi
Exterior lightingTail lights900035,000 mi
Visibility/wiper710018,250 mi
Tires700027,750 mi
Steering600032,000 mi
Seats40008,500 mi
Vehicle speed control420315,000 mi
StructureBody4100—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.