The Toyota Highlander is a reliable SUV that has the capacity to travel with around 6 people easily. The SUV does not struggle in any department, which is good to hear, yet there are some apprehensions about its safety. The 2016 Highlander has 3 recalls, 0 investigations, and 84 complaints so far. The service brakes have received most of the complaints, which are mainly about the brake malfunctioning, brake failure, and slow braking. The rest of the complaints are regarding the engine, exterior lighting, airbags, fuel system, and some other components. The rivals for the Toyota Highlander are the Ford Explorer, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Acura MDX. The Toyota Highlander is known for many things, exceptional comfort, space, and decent performance. How well does it do in terms of safety? How reliable is the SUV? Let's find out
2016 Toyota Highlander Problems and complaints
Mechanical problems
- Stalling of engine: In the list of 2016 Highlander issues, buyers have reported that the engine would stall while the vehicle slows down at a stop sign. The accelerator shuts down as well, while some have noted the engine would make weird squeaking noises while driving at high speed. Several users have also reported that the vehicle would create cracking noise after they turn the engine off.
- Improper functioning of service brakes: Most of the 2016 Toyota Highlander problems and complaints revolve around the braking system. Multiple users had issues where the brakes would fail and the vehicle would rather accelerate when the brake pedal is pressed. The safety feature would apply the brakes by itself, even if the user accelerates to avoid another vehicle. Recall taken place, refer to NHTSA ID 16V775000
- Fuel/Propulsion system Issue: One user stated that he would get less mileage than advertised, instead of getting the full mileage/ The buyer reported that the vehicle would manage only 20 MPH rather than the claimed figures of 27MPH. For another user, the SUV had a problem with refilling fuel. The dealership claimed the problem was overfilling the gas and was told to change the carbon cartridge.
- Steering failure: Users claimed that the steering would be harder to turn left or right due to EPS failure. The steering wheel icon would show on the dashboard and just lock the steering wheel, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
- Wheel issue: Users had faced issues where the tire would be defective or even create large audible noises and the tire would blow out.
Electrical problems
- Exterior lighting issues: Users claim that the tail light would fog up or get filled up with water that may or may not cause an electrical short circuit. Other users had issues with the headlight slowly reducing the light distance or dying after a certain period of time. Recall took place regarding the water getting filled in the tail light, refer to NHTSA ID 18E107000.
- Electrical system concerns: One of the major concerns with the SUV was the electrical system malfunction. Buyers have reported random warnings popping up on the dash, while others have recorded the vehicle would turn off and on randomly. Additionally, there were also issues reported where the vehicle turned on without the user inside the vehicle.
Safety problems
- Airbag issues: Users of the 2016 Toyota Highlander have reported the failure of the airbags to protect the occupants from injuries, despite deploying appropriately. In some other cases, users have also found the sensor of the airbags to be faulty.
- Seatbelt failure: In a one-off case, a user had issues with the seatbelt not locking up during an accident.
Other problems
- Visibility/Wiper: Few buyers of the vehicle have had a rare issue, where the windshield would crack unexpectedly. Some other users have also reported the sunroof exploding, without impact or incidence. The final issue deals with the side mirror being too bulky, which results in poor visibility while making a turn.
2016 Toyota Highlander recalls
|
S.no |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues noticed |
Additional remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
November 27 2018 |
18E107000 |
Water may enter into the windshield harness wire |
Due to the entry of water, ECM damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the chance of risk |
Owners will be notified and service centers will replace the windshield and inspect the ECM for damage, and replace it free of charge, if required. |
|
2 |
October 24 2016 |
16V775000 |
Inoperative brake fluid level sensor |
If the brake fluid level sensor fails, braking performance may decrease, increasing the chances of risk. |
Owners will be notified and dealers will connect the wire to the sensor, free of charge |
|
3 |
June 9 2016 |
16V420000 |
Improper load- capacity label |
Incorrect label may cause the owner to overload the SUV, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the incorrect information on the label also results in the vehicle failing to comply with federal laws. |
Owners will be notified and be provided the correct label, free of charge |
Should you buy the 2016 Toyota Highlander
Yes, the 2016 Toyota Highlander can be considered as an option since the problems addressed by the users were either taken care of or recalls were introduced by the brand. The 2016 Highlander, overall, is a decent SUV. NHTSA has officially given the SUV 5 stars in the overall safety rating, which is assuring. The performance is good as well since it offers a 3.5L V6 engine starting as standard. Comfortable and spacious like it's supposed to be. There are no other recommendations as well since the Japanese SUV has managed to get fewer recalls and complaints than most rivals compared.
