Grade a car

Toyota Highlander Reliability Grade

B+Overall

Above-average reliability

EngineA-
TransmissionB-

Grade a specific Toyota Highlander

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Toyota Highlander earns a B+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A- for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 4th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The transmission (B-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 3,031 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Toyota Highlander reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2001A2002A-2003B2004C+2005B+2006C+2007B+2008C+2009B+2010B+2011B+2012A-2013B+2014A2015A2016A2017B2018B-2019C-2020B-2021C2022B2023B2024A

Best years: 2001, 2002, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016

Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.

How long does the Toyota Highlander last?

250,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Toyota Highlander problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Toyota Highlander, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Highlander problems

Toyota Highlander vs. other midsize SUVs

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Nissan Murano A A A
Toyota 4Runner A A A
Buick Enclave A- B+ A-
Toyota Highlander A- B- B+
Mazda CX-9 B- B+ B+
Subaru Outback B+ B B
Chevrolet Traverse B C+ B-
GMC Acadia B C B-
Dodge Journey B- B- B-
Honda Pilot C C+ C+
Nissan Pathfinder B- C C+
Subaru Ascent B C- C+
Chevrolet Blazer C+ C- C+
Dodge Durango B- C+ C+
Jeep Grand Cherokee C C- C
Volkswagen Atlas C- B C
Ford Explorer C+ C C-
Honda Passport C C C-
Hyundai Santa Fe D C- D
Kia Sorento D C- D
Ford Edge C D D
Hyundai Palisade D D F
Kia Telluride D D F

Most reliable midsize SUVs →

Own a Toyota Highlander?

Tell other buyers how yours has held up: mileage, engine, and any problems with what they cost to fix. It takes about a minute, and your first car earns a free full report.

Rate your Highlander

Toyota Highlander reliability FAQ

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

Above-average reliability. The Toyota Highlander earns a B+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A- for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 4th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The transmission (B-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 3,031 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Toyota Highlander last?

We estimate a well-maintained Toyota Highlander lasts around 250,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Toyota Highlander?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Toyota Highlander model years are 2001, 2002, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid?

No Toyota Highlander model year stands out as a problem year in NHTSA owner complaints.

Is the Toyota Highlander transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Toyota Highlander transmission a B- (average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Toyota Highlander engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Toyota Highlander engine an A- (excellent reliability).