repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Toyota HighlanderProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 111 owner complaints about the 2016 Toyota Highlander, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-775 the manufacturer reports only 89% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 1, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Toyota Highlander has problems
111 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
19Service brakes7 crash/fire/injury
14Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
10Air bags6 crash/fire/injury
9Engine
9Exterior lighting
7Tires
7Visibility/wiper
6Steering
4Wheels
3213 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 19 | 7 |
| Electrical system | 14 | 3 |
| Air bags | 10 | 6 |
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 0 |
| Tires | 7 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 7 | 1 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 1 |
| 13 other systems | 32 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2016 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 · 2017 Q4
Other: labels
Risk. An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk 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.
Best & worst years
2016 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
2016 Toyota Highlander safety ratings
2016 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Highlander owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owned a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed low speeds on a decline, the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard. As a result, the vehicle rolled downhill into a busy intersection and was struck by another vehicle on the passenger…
I have had problems with the brakes since I bought the vehicle new in 2016. I have the brakes checked every year and when I had problems but they never found the problem why the brakes do not work. The worse accident was on November 19, 2022 when my wife was using the car. She was in the car alone.…
brakes did not work in January 13, 2023 when backing out of driveway. Have had numerous dealership look at it multiple times in last 4 years.
Own a 2016 Highlander?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.