Owners have filed 161 complaints
about the 2014 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 of 25 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 28
Against the median year of the Toyota Highlander. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 61
11.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 82
48% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Toyota Highlander
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
109.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1110.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1311.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3834.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2119.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
109.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
43.6%
150,000+ miles
32.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2014 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD
16.9% risk
2014 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD
18.5% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2014peak 6Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2014 Toyota Highlander
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
18E107000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
14V576000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
14V272000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles may have improper software installed in the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) for the operation of the front passenger seat belt force limiter, and as a result, the force limiter may use the restraint setting designed for small occupants, such as those that weigh approximately 110 pounds, for all occupants regardless of their size. As such, some of these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: In the event of a crash, a larger front passenger seat occupant may not be properly restrained and be at an increased risk of injury.
14V274000
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, through April 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a second row right-hand seat assembly that does not fully lock into the inboard seat track in the forward first, second and third adjusting positions. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk: If the seat does not fully lock into the inboard seat track, the seat could move, increasing the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
14V051000
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured November 20, 2013, through January 18, 2014. The third row middle seat belt assembly might not have been properly secured to the vehicle floor anchorage during vehicle assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk: A seat belt that is not properly secured to its anchorage could increase the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 2019428327,373 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain vehicles, the hook and loop material used to attach the carpet to its underpadding may not be flame resistant. As a result, when it is tested alone, the loop fasteners do not meet the requirements of Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: As the carpet is always assembled, and the loop fasteners are very small, this problem does not create a safety risk. Corrective Action: This is not a recall. The company has made production changes to ensure that all new vehicles meet the requirements of Canadian regulations.
Recall 20144091,422 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the end cap on the right-hand side fuel delivery pipe, located in the engine compartment, could have been improperly welded at time of manufacture. This could result in a fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the fuel delivery pipe and replace with a revised part if necessary.
Recall 20141874,000 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 208 - Occupant Protection. A defect in the programming of the occupant classification system could limit the seat belt loading to the front passenger seat occupant in a crash, which could result in non-compliance to the standard and increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the occupant classification module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Hawthorne, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11735704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesCameron Park, CACrash1 injured1 killed
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON OUR STREET, WHICH IS CONSIDERED A PRIVATE ROAD, WHILE PREPARING TO TURN AROUND A BEND IN THE ROAD, A 94YR OLD WOMAN WALKED IN FRONT OF MY CAR, WAS STRUCK, AND DIED. AT NO TIME DURING MY TURN DID I SEE THE WOMAN AS SHE STEPPED IN FRONT OF MY CAR. RESEARCH OF THE 2014 HIGHLANDER REVEALED MANY OWNERS HAD DIFFICULTY SEEING ANY OBJECT OR PERSON DUE TO THE BLIND SPOT OF THE LEFT SIDE MIRROR. RESEARCH AT TOYOTA NATION FORUM, REVEALED ALL OWNERS HAD BLIND SPOTS DUE TO THE SIZE AND POSITION OF THE LEFT SIDE MIRROR. MOST WERE RELATED TO DRIVERS 5'2" IN HEIGHT, BUT 6FT DRIVERS ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BLIND SPOT OF THE LEFT SIDE MIRROR. IN FACT, I FOUND ANOTHER DRIVER WHO HIT A PEDESTRIAN, BUT THEIR VICTIM SURVIVED.
NHTSA complaint #11203156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesParker, COCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE RIGHT ONLY LANE AND SEE THE RED LIGHT ON THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL. IT IS NOT A BUSY STREET. AND THERE IS A CAR IN FRONT OF MINE. I APPLIED BRAKES AND THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE CAR DID NOT STOP AND TRIED BY PUSHING THE BRAKES IN FULL THROTTLE. IT DID NOT WORK AND MY CAR BUMPED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I TOWED MY CAR AND HAD MY CAR INSPECTED AT DEALERSHIP. THE REPORT WAS GREEN AND SO NO ISSUES. AND FILED A CASE WITH TOYOTA TO HAVE THE BLACK BOX REVIEWED. TOYOTA REPORTED NO ISSUES. AT THIS TIME I AM HELPLESS AND HAVE A SERIOUS CONCERN OF RUNNING INTO THE SAME ISSUE PUTTING MY AND OTHERS LIFE AT RISK.
NHTSA complaint #11139742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesTallahassee, FLCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS A SOUND, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND COULD NOT STOP WHEN PRESSED THE BRAKE AND THE PARKING BRAKE. CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S YARD WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE CAR ROLL OVER. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY TO ME, A PASSERBY, OR NEIGHBOR'S CHILDREN.
NHTSA complaint #11110937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesHopewell JCT, NYCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
I WAS T BONED ON PASSENGER SIDE, SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS PUSHED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN HEAD ON COLLISION. SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN- I INITIALLY HIT DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW, WHEN T-BONED, THEN WITH FRONT IMPACT HIT STEERING WHEEL, ROOF AND CENTER CONSOLE. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11085042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesHopewell JCT, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS T BONED ON PASSENGER SIDE, SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS PUSHED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN HEAD ON COLLISION. SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN- I INITIALLY HIT DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW, WHEN T-BONED, THEN WITH FRONT IMPACT HIT STEERING WHEEL, ROOF AND CENTER CONSOLE. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11085042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Clearlake Oaks, CA
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11750492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearlake Oaks, CA
ELECTRICAL 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.
NHTSA complaint #11750492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearlake Oaks, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11750492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NE
STRUCTURE:BODY
The driver’s-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 “solar convergence” 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 reported by other owners on Highlanders and RAV4s, even on low-mileage garaged vehicles. Dealer replacement quotes are typically $2,700+. I request NHTSA investigate this recurring plastic failure as a potential defect in materials and workmanship. Attachments (upload with form): • Photos of the melted spoiler (multiple angles) I am available for any additional information. 05 May 2026
NHTSA complaint #11735785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hawthorne, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11735704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesPinole, CA
ELECTRICAL 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 mileage was 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11715109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesPinole, CA
VISIBILITY
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 mileage was 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11715109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edison, NJ
STRUCTURE: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 it’s out of warranty. Thankfully no one was driving behind me at that time
NHTSA complaint #11712555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, CA
EXTERIOR 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
NHTSA complaint #11664729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marmora, NJ
TIRES
Installed (4) Firestone Destination Le3 tires in March 2022. All four tires became dry rot in just over 2 years, failed inspection at 2 1/2 years. 70,000 mile tires with roughly 28,000 miles left of the warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11639254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
STRUCTURE:BODY
Water leaks inside the car every time it rains. We checked the sunroof drain tubes. They are clear. It is getting in through the roof rail bolts. It runs down the pillars to the floor and underneath the floor carpet. The carpet is wet for long periods of time in rainy seasons. I am concerned there is going to be mold issues.
NHTSA complaint #11635420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, KY
STRUCTURE:BODY
The vehicle is painted in Blizzard Pearl, which has a known peeling issue. Toyota never sent us any notification of an issue with the paint. A patch of the paint has peeled off of the top of the vehicle and has continued to grow larger. When we contacted Toyota, we were informed the period to fix this issue has closed and we would have to repair out of pocket. Our vehicle was mostly garage kept and didn't suffer the immediate failure of the paint. Blizzard Pearl is a color with an additional cost and has the most complaints for failure. Toyota has acknowledged the problem but did very little to ensure customers were notified, did not take into account Blizzard Pearl painted vehicles would fail at different times due to climate/storage of vehicles, and only provided a narrow window to their customers for this issue. The peeled paint has exposed the body of the vehicle to the elements, which will cause it to rust.
NHTSA complaint #11634902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesMarietta, GA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the moon roof detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light and there was no impact to have caused the failure. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer had previously replaced a piece on the moon roof. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the moon roof glass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The lift gate will not open and close properly. It only works about 5% of the time.
NHTSA complaint #11559809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesAiken, SC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to open and close properly or as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
NHTSA complaint #11517033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dearborn, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some doors do not lock when the electric lock switch is pressed on the FOB or using the button on the door. Sometimes the doors that did lock don’t the next time. This is a security issue while driving the vehicle and another security issue when parking. It’s also a safety issue for the same reasons. The door’s electrical locking system fails and needs to be fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11516766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fleming Island, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As other 2014 Toyota highlander: issues with the power liftgate/rear door. Have problems open and closing the rear door to the point that it's not working properly anymore. Toyota is not responding unless you pay around $4,000 to get it fix.There are plenty of cases like mine and for the 2010-2023 they had a class action suite for the same problem, resulting in a mass recall to correct the problem. Why is not a recall for this year as well.
NHTSA complaint #11516595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Youngstown, OH
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The glass from the panoramic sunroof detached from the vehicle while traveling approximately 60 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #11513770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairview, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving car started singing and message came on dashboard about idling will cause the engine to turn off then the car turned off while I was driving it has happened multiple other times even after taking it to the dealership twice and then doing an update on it
NHTSA complaint #11505234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairview, NC
ENGINE
While driving car started singing and message came on dashboard about idling will cause the engine to turn off then the car turned off while I was driving it has happened multiple other times even after taking it to the dealership twice and then doing an update on it
NHTSA complaint #11505234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oregon City, OR
VISIBILITY/WIPER
On or about 12-01-2022 the windshield wipers stopped functioning. The result was an inability to drive the car in the rain and especially at night. It was impossible to see so we pulled over and waited for the rain to stop. After analyzing the issue the motor had failed. We contacted Toyota for a replacement motor. What we found: No wiper motors are available from Toyota, no aftermarket parts are available. We ordered a motor from Gladstone Toyota but after a couple of weeks began calling. What I was told: no wiper motors are available and there is no release date for when they will be. I began calling around and found that some dealers (TRD Shop) have over 200 on back order and only 80 were released last time they made them. where we are today: We have a vehicle made by Toyota that is unsafe to operate due to the fact the wipers don't work We replaced the wiper switch $232.00 but that only allowed the rear wipers to function further inspection verified the front wiper motor failed in conjunction with the switch that controls the rear wipers. I contacted Toyota engagement center and reported the issues. case #230106000756 they told us they would have a parts specialist contact us no later than 01-09-23 that never happened ans on 01-10-23 I contacted them to let them know we haven't heard anything. They have yet to reply or contact us regarding our back order. We purchased the vehicle new from Gladstone Toyota all maintenance done there. Issue is the vehicle is unsafe to drive in Oregon in the middle of winter, Parts are not available to repair Toyota unwilling to reply or see what they can do for us using their online engagement website.
NHTSA complaint #11501244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wesley Chapel, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hi, the stereo sound on My Toyota highlander keep going in and out, I can start the car in the morning and the radio will work no problem but if I turn off the car or the radio sound or music will go away. after the car is off for about 3 to 4 hours period of time the sound will come back on when the vehicle is turned back on. This is the original Stereo system. Thank You
NHTSA complaint #11501076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Collins, CO
STEERING
Steering column locked on several occasions while driving. Electrical systems blink on and off. Exactly as described in NHTSA recall #15V144000 and as far I can tell the exact same part number.
NHTSA complaint #11493822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Collins, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Steering column locked on several occasions while driving. Electrical systems blink on and off. Exactly as described in NHTSA recall #15V144000 and as far I can tell the exact same part number.
NHTSA complaint #11493822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
rear tailgate door non-functioning. auto door button does not work and door cannot be opened manually. serious safety issue if car in accident and side doors won't open. checked by dealer in dec. 2020, and they knew about problem and not covered under warrranty. toyota knew about problem in march 2016 and issued service bulletin T-SB-0023-16 which clearly states problem and how to fix in 8 pages.; and only covers 2014/2015 highlanders under warranty. no warning lights; tailgate failed in dec. 2020. vehicle only inspected by toyota dealer in roseville, CA. if Toyota is willing to fix some highlanders, why would they exclude others out of warranty? This makes the vehicle unuseable for a family that hikes, camps, plays sports, etc. and I feel is a clear safety issue if one exit out of vehicle does not operate!
NHTSA complaint #11492649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
