2016 Toyota Highlander Problems: 17 Known Issues
2016 model year · 260+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 260+ owner reports, the 2016 Toyota Highlander has 17 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93 ($700-$1,100 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 $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 17 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls14 recalls
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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).
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.
+ 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 2016 Toyota Highlander has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93, AC Blower Motor Failure and Resistor Burnout, Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure — P0420 / P0430 Check Engine Light. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?
The 2016 Toyota Highlander has 17 known issues documented across 260+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93. 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 $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93, typically costs $700-$1,100 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2006-2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93?
The Highlander Hybrid uses a dedicated electric water pump to circulate coolant through the power inverter/converter, which runs separately from the engine cooling system. The electric pump wears out and stops circulating coolant, allowing the inverter and hybrid electronics to o… Repairs typically run $700-$1,100. 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 2001-2016 Toyota Highlander Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure — P0420 / P0430 Check Engine Light?
A very common Highlander check-engine complaint is P0420 (Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1) and its Bank 2 twin P0430. The downstream oxygen sensor readings track the upstream sensor too closely, indicating the catalytic converter is no longer scrubbing exhaust efficie… Repairs typically run $200-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2019 Toyota Highlander HV Battery Cooling Fan and Intake Filter Clogged With Dust/Pet Hair — False Hybrid Battery Failure (P0A80 / P0A7F)?
The Highlander Hybrid cools its high-voltage battery by drawing cabin air through an intake located under the second-row seats, past a filter, through a blower and across the pack. Dust, lint and pet hair progressively clog the filter and cake the fan blades. Airflow drops, cells… Repairs typically run $60-$400. 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 2008-2018 Toyota Highlander Front Strut Mount / Suspension Clunk & Knock Over Bumps?
A widely reported Highlander complaint is a clunk, knock or rattle from the front suspension over bumps and during turns. The most common culprits are worn upper strut mounts (including the bearing, which can also cause a creak when steering), tired struts, control-arm bushings,… Repairs typically run $200-$1,000. 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 2008-2016 Toyota Highlander Exhaust Resonance Drone / Boom at 1,500-2,000 RPM — Rigid Exhaust Support Bracket (2GR-FE)?
2GR-FE Highlanders produce a low-frequency drone or boom inside the cabin whenever the engine passes through roughly 1,500-2,000 rpm under load, independent of road speed — most noticeable in light-throttle cruise and on gentle hills where the transmission holds a tall gear. It i… Repairs typically run $150-$900. 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.