Is the 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER reliable?

The 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER has 137 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER?

Top problems: OTHER (21 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (19 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (14 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER?

The 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER is approximately $1,520/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER has 137 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 272. The most common issue is other problems (15% of all complaints), specifically: when i purchased this 2016 toyota highlander le in mid december, i did not realize until i got it home, there was no interior rear door release. no release button on the dash and no interior door handle. i went back to the dealership, found my salesman and asked him if there was an interior door rel. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 16 crash reports 13 injuries

137

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

21 complaints

15%

• WHEN I PURCHASED THIS 2016 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE IN MID DECEMBER, I DID NOT REALIZE UNTIL I GOT IT HOME, THERE WAS NO INTERIOR REAR DOOR RELEASE. NO RELEASE BUTTON ON THE DASH AND NO INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, FOUND MY SALESMAN AND ASKED HIM IF THERE WAS AN INTERIOR DOOR REL
• I PURCHASED THE TOP OF THE LINE LIMITED PLATINUM MODEL IN ORDER TO GET SAFETY FEATURES. HOWEVER, THE WARNING CHINES FOR LANE DEPARTURE, BACK UP CROSS TRAFFIC PROTECTION ETC. ARE VERY FAINT WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER CARS THAT HAVE THESE FEATURES. WHEN THE RADIO PLAYS MUSIC THEY CAN NOT BE HEARD AT ALL R
• WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE IS ON A DECLINE THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT MAINTAIN THE SET SPEED. I NOTICED THIS SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE TRAVELING BETWEEN 65-75 MPH. EACH TIME THERE WAS A CAR AHEAD OF ME AND I NARROWLY AVOIDED WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC ACCIDENTS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“WHEN I PURCHASED THIS 2016 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE IN MID DECEMBER, I DID NOT REALIZE UNTIL I GOT IT HOME, THERE WAS NO INTERIOR REAR DOOR RELEASE. NO RELEASE BUTTON ON THE DASH AND NO INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, FOUND MY SALESMAN AND ASKED HIM IF THERE WAS AN INTERIOR DOOR REL”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER

Based on 84 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 24K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 27K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 25K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 51K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 10K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM27/11/2018

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).

Risk: The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Toyota HIGHLANDER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,520

Full coverage / month

$127

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1520

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota HIGHLANDER Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2016 HIGHLANDER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 137 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: WHEN I PURCHASED THIS 2016 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE IN MID DECEMBER, I DID NOT REALIZE UNTIL I GOT IT HOME, THERE WAS NO INTERIOR REAR DOOR RELEASE. NO RELEASE BUTTON ON THE DASH AND NO INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, FOUND MY SALESMAN AND ASKED HIM IF THERE WAS AN INTERIOR DOOR REL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: RECALL VEHICLE SOLD TO ME AS NEW CAR WIHOUT REMEDY. MANUFACTURER RECALL ISSUED NHTSA #16V775 RECALL #G03 SAFETY (NONCOMPLIANCE) RECALL G03 - REMEDY NOTICE, CERTAIN 2016 MODEL YEAR HIGHLANDER, BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR SENSOR CONNECTOR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY CAR ENGINE STARTED ON ITS OWN AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. I WENT SHOPPING AT WALMART AND PARKED MY 2016 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE IN THE PARKING LOT. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND PUSHED THE ENGINE START/STOP BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR. MY FAMILY AND I EXITED THE CAR AND I USED THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD TO LO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE 2016 HIGHLANDER HIT THE REAR OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT THAT HAD SLOWED FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON 1-25-16 AND THE CAR WAS TRANSPORTED TO A TOYOTA AUTO BODY SHOP ON THE 26TH. SINCE THEN HIGHLANDER HAS BEEN TOTALLY REPAIRED EXCEPT FOR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)