Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Highlander vs FORD Explorer
How the Toyota Highlander and FORD Explorer compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Toyota Highlander vs FORD Explorer: The Highlander averages 222 complaints per year with 44 recalls, while the Explorer averages 476 complaints and 165 recalls. Highlander owners report transmission and brake issues, while Explorer owners face structural and powertrain problems. Choose the Highlander for fewer reported issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Highlander or FORD Explorer more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, over the past decade, has averaged about 222 complaints per year, with the most frequent issues reported in the powertrain, brakes, and engine. Owners describe transmission problems such as stalling and internal failure, brake hesitation, and engine-related odors or idle surges. While these are concerning, the overall complaint rate is lower than the Explorer's, suggesting a relatively more stable ownership experience, though not without notable mechanical concerns.
FORD Explorer
The Ford Explorer has averaged roughly 476 complaints per year over the same period, nearly double the Highlander's rate. The most common problem areas are structural (like cracked stabilizer arms and trim pieces), powertrain (including transmission and drivability issues), and engine (misfires and hesitation). Owners also report the vehicle rolling while parked, which is a serious safety concern. This pattern indicates a higher frequency of reported issues, especially in structural and drivetrain components.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Highlander | FORD Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,223 Better | 4,758 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 165 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 122 Better | 129 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 222.3 Better | 475.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 129 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Toyota Highlander
- 01POWER TRAIN702
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER352
- 03SERVICE BRAKES266
- 04ENGINE247
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM213
Owners report the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) stalling, failing internally, and causing the vehicle to not engage drive or reverse, especially during cold starts. This can lead to sudden loss of power on the highway.
Brake issues include a loss of brake pedal pressure, especially on downhill slopes in hybrids, and brakes not engaging until the pedal is nearly floored. This can increase stopping distances and risk of collision.
Engine complaints include a strong odor entering the cabin and an idle surge when the AC is on, which can cause unintended forward movement. These issues can be distracting and potentially lead to loss of control in traffic.
“Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consisten…”
“The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80…”
FORD Explorer
- 01STRUCTURE1,169
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER956
- 03POWER TRAIN868
- 04ENGINE552
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM465
Structural problems are the most frequent, with owners reporting cracked stabilizer arms causing rattling and knocking, and A-pillar moldings blowing off and cracking windshields. These affect vehicle integrity and can create road hazards.
Powertrain issues include transmission behavior problems, such as the vehicle stopping and engaging the parking brake automatically, and a wrench light illuminating. Some owners report the need for complete engine and transmission replacements.
Engine complaints involve misfiring and hesitation during acceleration, which persist even after spark plug replacement. This can lead to reduced performance and potential stalling.
“Around 20,000 miles, I took my vehicle to the dealer due to rattling and knocking in the front right wheel well and it was discovered the stabilizer arm was cracked. Received the vehicle back, and approximately 1000 miles later, there is rattling at the front…”
“The A piller molding on BOTH sides of the windshield has been blown off. When blown off it cracked the windshield. This resulting in a hazard to drivers around but also the fuel economy of the car.”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Toyota Highlander — 44 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
The risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the r…
The risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. G…
FORD Explorer — 165 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. O…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.
The risk: A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort. Additionally, the brake hose may contact the tire and become damaged, resulti…
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 08, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands a…
Buyer analysis
Toyota Highlander or FORD Explorer: which should you buy?
The Toyota Highlander has fewer complaints per year (222 vs 476) and fewer recalls (44 vs 165), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. In practice, this means a Highlander buyer may face fewer trips to the shop for major repairs, though both vehicles have significant problems to watch for.
Key differences
- The Highlander's most common issues are powertrain and brake-related, while the Explorer's are structural and powertrain.
- The Explorer has a much higher complaint rate (476/yr) and recall count (165) compared to the Highlander (222/yr, 44 recalls).
- Explorer owners report the vehicle rolling while parked, a serious safety concern not mentioned in Highlander complaints.
- Highlander transmission issues are specific to the UA80-series, while Explorer powertrain problems include complete engine/transmission replacements.
- Check for transmission hesitation or stalling, especially during cold starts, and have the UA80-series transmission inspected.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope to ensure pedal pressure is consistent and not sinking.
- Inspect the front suspension for cracked stabilizer arms and listen for rattling or knocking from the front wheel wells.
- Check the A-pillar moldings for secure attachment and look for any windshield cracks near them.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and brakes for the Highlander, and the suspension and engine for the Explorer.
- Test drive both vehicles, including cold starts and highway speeds, to feel for any hesitation or unusual noises.
- Ask for service records, especially for any transmission or engine work on the Explorer.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recall information for the specific model years you're considering.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Toyota Highlander | FORD Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 22 |
| 2025 | 9 | 89 |
| 2024 | 39 | 19 |
| 2023 | 170 | 102 |
| 2022 | 229 | 255 |
| 2021 | 485 | 407 |
| 2020 | 302 | 1184 |
| 2019 | 469 | 287 |
| 2018 | 258 | 715 |
| 2017 | 261 | 1678 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Toyota Highlander or FORD Explorer in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Highlander vs FORD Explorer
- Toyota Highlander total complaints
- 2,223
- FORD Explorer total complaints
- 4,758
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 44
- FORD Explorer total recalls
- 165
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 222.3
- FORD Explorer avg complaints/year
- 475.8
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD Explorer top complaint area
- STRUCTURE