With a tint of grace and a dose of rugged capabilities, the 2014 Toyota Highlanderis one of the more versatile options available in the midsize SUV class. It has been completely redesigned in the current iteration and it cements its position in the market with its refined ride quality, an ostentatious cabin setup, and a potent V6 engine. But its reliability is where its oneness lies. Despite being all-new, the Highlander manages to restrict its problems and recalls list. It has only 112 complaints listed to its name and has been called back 5 times. Though it suffers from some safety and mechanical fallacies, none of its issues render the vehicle an unfavorable option, and in most cases, the ownership experience has been deemed inch-perfect. The 2014 Highlander MSRP starts at $29,215 and it competes with the likes of the Kia Sorento, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
2014 Toyota Highlander User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Issues with the safety system: In a couple of cases, buyers of the 2014 Toyota Highlander have reported the failure of the airbags and seatbelts to perform their intended functions in the event of a collision. Complainants have recorded that neither did the airbags deploy nor did the seatbelts restrain the occupants when the SUV was involved in a crash. As a result, injuries have been reported by the occupants.
Electric System Complaints
- Failing door lock actuators: The 2014 Toyota Highlander door lock problem has been commonly reported on NHTSA and even the unofficial forums. In several cases, complainants have recorded the inability of the doors to be locked and unlocked properly. This happens due to the door actuators failing repeatedly, which can result in a safety issue as doors can be opened when the vehicle is in motion. It also makes it easy to break into the vehicle and similar problems have been noted in other models from the brand.
- Freezing infotainment system: In the 2014 Toyota Highlander electrical problems list, users have reported the Entune system freezing repeatedly. It loses power and reboots unexpectedly, which results in the loss of functionalities like radio and navigation. Additionally, even Bluetooth connectivity seems substandard, with the buyers having a tough time connecting their phones to the system. Where a diagnosis has been conducted, the problem has been linked to the software system, which might warrant an update.
Mechanical Complaints
- Failure of transmission unit: The Toyota Highlander transmission problems are concerned with the vehicle sputtering when shifting between gears. Buyers have reported that the transmission unit fails to keep up with the vehicle’s speed and sometimes does not engage in gears. In most cases, the transmission unit requires replacement and while the cause of the problem has not been ascertained, in one instance, metal pieces entering the transmission pan resulted in the failure.
- Other mechanical concerns: In a couple of cases each, buyers of the 2014 Highlander have reported the power steering functionality ceasing and the braking system failing to bring the vehicle to a halt despite the pedal being depressed. Both issues can result in a loss of control over the vehicle, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Structural Complaints
- Problem with the rear tailgate: The 2014 Highlander liftgate problems are also a common recurrence. In several listed cases, buyers have reported the powered tailgate failing intermittently. The liftgate refuses to open sometimes, while in other instances, it falsely identifies an obstruction and remains in an open position, which requires the owner to manually operate it.
- Explosion of the sunroof: The 2014 Toyota Highlander problems list also includes issues with its sunroof. Without impact or incidence, buyers have reported the glass pane of the sunroof shattering unexpectedly. While no injuries have been reported yet, the problem does qualify as a safety concern.
2014 Toyota Highlander Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
27th Nov 2018 |
18E107000 |
Possible engine stall |
In the vehicles equipped with the aftermarket Replacement Windshields, water may leak into the wire harness, resulting in damage to the Electronic Control Module (ECM). |
Upon inspection, Wanda will replace the windshields and check for damage to the ECM, free of charge. |
|
2. |
19th Sept 2014 |
14V576000 |
Possible fuel leak |
Fuel may leak from one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment. |
Dealers will replace the suspect fuel delivery pipes, free of cost. |
|
3. |
22nd May 2014 |
14V272000 |
Incorrect seat belt restraint software |
Due to an error in the airbag electronic control unit software, the force limiter might not work as intended. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws. |
Dealers will update the airbag electronic control unit, free of cost. |
|
4. |
22nd May 2014 |
14V274000 |
Improper assembly of the second-row seat |
The second-row right-hand seat might not have been correctly assembled, which might cause it not to lock properly into the inboard seat track. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the second-row right-hand seat, free of cost. |
|
5. |
7th Feb 2014 |
14V051000 |
Improper assembly of the third-row seat |
Due to an error in the assembly, the third-row middle seat might not have been secured properly to the floor anchorage. Improper assembly of the second-row seat |
Upon inspection, dealers will secure the seat to the vehicle floor anchorage. |
Should you buy the 2014 Toyota Highlander?
The 2014 Toyota Highlander issues are restricted and so are its recalls. For a vehicle that sells around 146,000 units, the SUV’s user grievances do not seem concerning. They sit well with the segment standards and paint a reliable picture for the SUV. Consequently, from a reliability standpoint, the Japanese vehicle is a true superstar. Even its practicality is uncompromised and with an aura of comfortability, it delivers the best bang for the buck. Additionally, even the Toyota Highlander Hybrid makes for a competitive choice and so, if you want to prioritize efficiency, the Highlander’s greener counterpart comes in as a viable option.
