2019 Toyota Highlander Problems: 13 Known Issues
2019 model year · 260+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 260+ owner reports, the 2019 Toyota Highlander has 13 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stalling (Recall 20V-012) ($0-$800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is AC Blower Motor Failure and Resistor Burnout with 260 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 13 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls14 recalls
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
TIRES
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 260+ owner reports, the 2019 Toyota Highlander has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stalling (Recall 20V-012), AC Blower Motor Failure and Resistor Burnout, 2GR-FE Valve Cover Gasket & Spark-Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak (Oil-Fouled Coils / Misfire). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?
The 2019 Toyota Highlander has 13 known issues documented across 260+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stalling (Recall 20V-012). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Highlander problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota Highlander issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stalling (Recall 20V-012), typically costs $0-$800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stalling (Recall 20V-012)?
Certain Highlanders are part of Toyota's large Denso low-pressure fuel pump recall (NHTSA 20V-012). The pump's impeller can absorb excessive fuel and deform, interfering with the pump body and causing the pump to fail. This leads to rough running, hard starting, and engine stalli… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander AC Blower Motor Failure and Resistor Burnout?
The HVAC blower motor in 3rd-generation Highlanders commonly fails or operates intermittently. The blower motor resistor overheats and burns out, causing the fan to work only on the highest speed setting or stop completely. Moisture intrusion through the cabin air filter housing… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander 2GR-FE Valve Cover Gasket & Spark-Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak (Oil-Fouled Coils / Misfire)?
The 3.5L V6 valve cover gaskets and integrated spark-plug tube seals harden and leak with age. Externally the oil weeps and bakes on the block; internally, oil seeps down the spark-plug tubes and pools around the coil-on-plug boots, fouling the plugs and corroding the coils and c… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander AWD Rear Differential Coupling & Bearing Noise (Whine/Growl That Rises With Speed)?
AWD Highlanders (and platform-mates Sienna, RAV4, Camry and Avalon) develop an abnormal whine, hum, roar or growl from the rear that grows louder with vehicle speed. The source is typically the electromagnetic AWD coupling assembly ahead of the rear differential, which wears and… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2021 Toyota Highlander A/C Condenser Leak / Thin-Fin Failure (Rock-Strike Refrigerant Loss)?
The front-mounted A/C condenser on the Highlander is built with thin fins/tubes that owners say cannot survive a stray rock, so it develops small refrigerant leaks and loses cooling — and because the condenser sits low and forward, it gets struck more often than on many vehicles. Repairs typically run $600-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2020 Toyota Highlander Charging System Malfunction / Alternator Failure (No-Start, Battery Not Charging)?
Owners report a 'Charging System Malfunction' warning and intermittent hard-start / no-start conditions traced to a failing alternator that no longer maintains battery voltage. A healthy unit should read ~13.5–14.8 V at the battery with the engine running; below ~13 V confirms a… Repairs typically run $350-$950. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander Ignition Coil and Intake/PCV Failure Causing Random Misfire (2.7L 1AR-FE / 2GR V6) — P0300?
Highlanders develop random/multiple-cylinder misfires (P0300) plus single-cylinder misfire codes from a cluster of common causes: failing ignition coils, worn spark plugs, a failing PCV valve creating a vacuum leak, and upper intake plenum gasket leaks (especially after a spark-p… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander Power Liftgate Support Arm and Hinge Failure (Rear Hatch Bows / Won't Close) — Class Action?
The power liftgate on second- and third-generation Highlanders (and the Hybrid) is prone to the power lift arm/strut breaking away from the gate, which lets the driver-side hinge bow and can leave the hatch stuck open or unable to latch closed. A class action filed in 2025 (Morga… Repairs typically run $250-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2020 Toyota Highlander V6 Engine Water Pump Leak and Failure (Weep-Hole Coolant Loss)?
The engine-driven water pump on V6 Highlanders commonly leaks coolant from its weep hole as the internal seal and bearing wear, typically around 90,000-120,000 miles. Early signs are a pink/green crusty residue or puddle at the front of the engine and sometimes a squeal or whine. Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander Entune Infotainment Touchscreen Freeze / Blank Display (MFD Lockup)?
Third-generation Highlanders with the Entune head unit commonly suffer the multi-function display freezing or going completely blank — the audio cuts out, the touchscreen and side menu buttons stop responding, and sometimes the screen stays dark on startup. Owners report it happe… Repairs typically run $0-$850. Severity: low.
What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander EVAP Purge Valve / Charcoal Canister Failure — P0441 / P0455 & Fuel-Pump Click-Off?
The evaporative-emissions system commonly sets P0441 (incorrect purge flow) and P0455/P0446 (large leak / vent malfunction). The vapor canister purge valve (VSV) sticks open or closed, or the charcoal canister breaks down internally and sheds pellets that clog the system. A class… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.
What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander Rear Cargo / Hatch Water Leak (Taillight & Hatch Seal Intrusion)?
Water pools in the rear cargo area, spare-tire well, and behind the rear interior trim because of leaks at the taillight seals/gaskets and the liftgate/hatch weatherstrip, plus secondary paths through the third (high-mount) brake light, the rear air-deflector/spoiler bracket foam… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Squeak / Squawk / Groan Over Bumps (TSB T-SB-0211-17)?
Third-generation (XU50) Highlanders develop a loud squeak, squawk or groan from the rear suspension when the body moves over bumps, speed humps, driveways and parking-lot transitions. The noise is worst in cold weather and can be reproduced by bouncing the rear of the vehicle by… Repairs typically run $350-$1,100. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.