Best & worst years to buy a used Toyota Highlander
Not every Toyota Highlander is created equal — the same model can have a very different track record depending on the year. Using official NHTSA owner-complaint data, here's how each Toyota Highlander model year we track stacks up, cleanest to worst.
Every Toyota Highlander year, ranked
Owner complaints and recalls on file with NHTSA for each model year. Click any year for its full free report.
| Year | Complaint volume | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 210 | 3 | |
| 2014 | 133 | 5 | |
| 2015 | 186 | 2 | |
| 2016 | 109 | 3 | |
| 2017 Avoid | 259 | 4 | |
| 2018 | 254 | 5 | |
| 2019 Best pick | 0 | 3 |
Check a specific Toyota Highlander
Model-level data tells you what to expect; a VIN check tells you what actually happened to that car. Both are free.
Check this car nowFrequently asked
What is the best year to buy a used Toyota Highlander?
Among the model years we track, the 2019 Toyota Highlander has the fewest owner complaints on file with NHTSA (0). Complaint volume isn't the whole story — always check the specific VIN and get an inspection — but it's a strong starting signal for the cleanest year.
Which Toyota Highlander year should I avoid?
The 2017 Toyota Highlander has the most owner complaints in our data (259). That partly reflects how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so treat it as a "look harder here" flag rather than an automatic no.
How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander have?
Recall counts vary by year — see the table above, where each year links to its full recall and complaint report. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, so always ask the seller whether the work was completed.
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Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.gov). Informational only — not mechanical or purchase advice.