Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2016 Toyota Highlander HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 108 owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Most complaints involve service brakes (22) and electrical system (14). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
28mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
108
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
108 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2015 – Jan 2025
- Service brakes22
- Electrical system14
- Engine9
- Air bags9
- Exterior lighting8
- Visibility/wiper7
- Tires5
- Structure5
- Steering5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Highlander Hybrid model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 650 |
| 2007 | 234 |
| 2008 | 603 |
| 2009 | 174 |
| 2010 | 238 |
| 2015 | 182 |
| 2016 | 108 |
| 2017 | 224 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 9 |
- Crashes reported
- 12
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 10
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Service brakes
22 reports7 crashes
“The contact owned a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed low speeds on a decline, the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard. As a result, the vehicle rolled downhill into a busy intersection and was struck by another vehicle on the passenger side door. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed at total lose by the contacts insurance provider. A police report was filed with no injuries reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 62,000.”
Electrical system
14 reports1 crash1 fire
“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk power switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the trunk power switch was enabled to unlock, however the trunk door did not unlock. The contact stated that the trunk power switch failed to unlatch the trunk door and the trunk door was stuck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with battery failure due to a lack of voltage. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that a Representative provided remedy options over the phone. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred intermittently. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.”
Engine
9 reports
“The water pump on my 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE disintegrated while I was driving in heavy traffic. The pulley came loose from the water pump shaft. I have the water pump. Our safety was at risk because this happen in heavy traffic and it could have effected my control of the vehicle if it had came off completely. The pulley was wedge between the wheel well and fame. I sent a claim to Toyota and it was rejected due to the vehicle be out of warranty. I'm saying this is a manufacturing defect. No warning before it happen.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 28 | 28 | $2,200 | 320 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 28 | 28 | $2,200 | 313 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Toyota Highlander HV SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 10122
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 Highlander Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 108 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (22), electrical system (14), engine (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026