repaired · 2016 Q3
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
2014 Toyota HighlanderProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 136 owner complaints about the 2014 Toyota Highlander, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-576 the manufacturer reports only 90% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 28, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Michael Sheehan, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2014 Toyota Highlander has problems
136 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
35Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
32Structure1 crash/fire/injury
9Power train
6Visibility/wiper
5Vehicle speed control
5Seat belts
4Visibility
4Suspension
4Tires
2310 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 35 | 1 |
| Structure | 32 | 1 |
| Power train | 9 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 5 | 2 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 |
| Tires | 4 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 23 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2014 Toyota Highlander recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Electrical system: software
Risk. In the event of a crash, a larger front passenger seat occupant may not be properly restrained and be at an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk. If the seat does not fully lock into the inboard seat track, the seat could move, increasing the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk. A seat belt that is not properly secured to its anchorage could increase the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
40kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 25 electrical system complaints. 92% were reported before 100,000 miles.
7under 30k miles23under 100k miles2100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2014 vs. every other Highlander year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Highlander median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2014 Toyota Highlander safety ratings
2014 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Highlander owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The radio keeps freezing up all the time along with the back tail light area going in and out. I keep smelling like burnt wire smell. Engine sound really rough.
I noticed the smell of wires burning, a billow of smoke started emitting from the two levers used to heat the seats near the gear shift area. I was on the freeway and immediately pulled to the side of the road, turned off the car and called 911 before any flames were seen. There were no warning…
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that a hybrid system warning alert was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the windshield wiring system had failed and that the windshield needed to be replaced. The…
Own a 2014 Highlander?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.