SUVs · NHTSA data

Used Toyota Highlander: recalls, complaints and safety ratings by year

What the federal data says about every Toyota Highlander model year from 2015 to 2022, before you buy one used in Texas.

Used Toyota Highlander Recalls and Complaints by Year
Short answer. Among 2015–2022 model years, NHTSA data shows the 2015 Toyota Highlander with the fewest recall campaigns plus owner complaints (2 recalls, 193 complaints), and the 2021 with the most owner complaints (535). Complaint counts also rise with how many were sold, so compare years, not brands.

Year by year

Model yearRecall campaignsOwner complaintsMost reported componentBest NCAP overall
20152193Electrical System5 of 5 stars
20163111Unknown Or Other5 of 5 stars
20174272Power Train5 of 5 stars
20185275Power Train5 of 5 stars
20193509Power Train5 of 5 stars
20204323Power Train5 of 5 stars
20214535Power Train5 of 5 stars
20225266Power Train5 of 5 stars

Recall campaigns and complaints are counted from NHTSA records for each model year. NCAP shows the highest overall rating among the tested versions; some versions are not tested.

What owners report most

Components named most often in owner complaints across all years on this page (2484 complaints in total). One complaint can name more than one component.

Power Train778
Unknown Or Other398
Service Brakes270
Electrical System215
Engine210
Fuel/Propulsion System158

Before you buy a used Toyota Highlander in Texas

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask the seller for proof that open recalls were repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
  2. Check the title for salvage, rebuilt or flood brands. See how to check a Texas title.
  3. Get an independent pre-purchase inspection, focused on the components owners report most (above).
  4. If you live in an emissions county (Travis, Williamson, or Bexar since November 1, 2026), plan for the emissions test before registration renewal. See Texas inspection and emissions rules.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a used Toyota Highlander has open recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows recalls that have not been repaired on that exact vehicle. A recall listed on this page may already be fixed on the car you are looking at.

Are NHTSA complaints about the Toyota Highlander verified?

No. Complaints are reports filed by owners and NHTSA does not confirm each one. They are useful to see which parts owners report most, not as proof of a defect.

Which Toyota Highlander years are on this page?

Model years 2015 to 2022, the range most shoppers in the Austin and San Antonio used market look at. Data was pulled from the NHTSA API on 2026-11-05.

Sources

Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything.

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Anthony Hunt

Anthony Hunt

Web developer and car enthusiast in Austin, Texas. Anthony has spent the last year and a half around used cars and auctions, digs into every rule and recall so you don't have to, and knows people across the car business. Need help choosing a car? Ask him, it's free.

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