NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 138 owner complaints for the 2014 Toyota Highlander. Most complaints involve electrical system (36) and structure (32). The EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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).
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Highlander model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 136 |
| 2002 | 327 |
| 2003 | 270 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 225 |
| 2006 | 279 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 406 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 238 |
| 2011 | 187 |
| 2012 | 191 |
| 2013 | 212 |
| 2014 | 138 |
| 2015 | 193 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 271 |
| 2018 | 273 |
| 2019 | 508 |
| 2020 | 323 |
| 2021 | 535 |
| 2022 | 266 |
| 2023 | 189 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 10 |
“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.”
“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”
“Transmission failing beginning at 60,000 miles. Safety issue because car shudders and refuses to accelerate at seemingly random times. My mechanic said this is a known issue and recommended transmission flushing. We've been doing this for six years at lesser and lesser intervals before the problem reappears. Our local Toyota dealership said they've never heard of the problem but it is reported on numerous automotive forums.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 | 398 |
| Highlander 2WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 419 |
| Highlander AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 437 |
| 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 |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 138 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (36), structure (32), power train (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2014 Toyota Highlander at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Toyota Highlander 5 out of 5 stars overall.