Vehicle 1

Toyota Highlander

2,122 complaints · 44 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Hyundai Palisade

2,226 complaints · 32 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade: The Highlander averages 212.2 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Palisade averages 318.0 per year over 7 years. The Highlander has 44 recalls and 115 crash complaints; the Palisade has 32 recalls and 51 crash complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

2
Toyota Highlander
wins 2 of 4 categories
2
Hyundai Palisade
wins 2 of 4 categories
CategoryToyota HighlanderHyundai Palisade
Total Complaints
All years combined
2,122
✓ lower
2,226
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
44
32
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
115
51
✓ lower
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
212.2
✓ lower
318.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Toyota Highlander

1. POWER TRAIN649
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER340
3. SERVICE BRAKES263
4. ENGINE241
5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM207

Hyundai Palisade

1. SERVICE BRAKES421
2. SEAT BELTS376
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER348
4. ENGINE263
5. VISIBILITY/WIPER262
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Hyundai Palisade has a higher complaint rate per year (318.0) than the Toyota Highlander (212.2), suggesting the Highlander may have fewer reported issues on average. However, the Palisade has fewer recalls (32 vs 44) and fewer crash complaints (51 vs 115).

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint frequency and fewer crash reports, the Toyota Highlander may be a better choice. If you want fewer recalls and are concerned about brake and seat belt issues, consider the Hyundai Palisade, but be aware of its higher annual complaint rate.

Key Differences
  • Highlander: 212.2 complaints/year vs Palisade: 318.0 complaints/year
  • Highlander: 44 recalls vs Palisade: 32 recalls
  • Highlander: 115 crash complaints vs Palisade: 51 crash complaints
  • Highlander top issue: Power train (649) vs Palisade top issue: Service brakes (421)
⚠ Watch on Toyota Highlander
  • Watch for power train issues (649 complaints) and engine problems (241 complaints).
⚠ Watch on Hyundai Palisade
  • Watch for service brake issues (421 complaints) and seat belt problems (376 complaints).
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific VIN.
  • Test drive and listen for power train or brake noises.
  • Inspect seat belts and wiper visibility on the Palisade.
  • Review service history for engine or fuel system repairs.
  • Compare insurance costs based on crash complaint rates.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Toyota HighlanderHyundai Palisade
2026
1
87
2025
7
213
2024
38
360
2023
157
375
2022
210
284
2021
451
403
2020
289
504
Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade — comparison facts
Comparison
Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade
Toyota Highlander total complaints
2,122
Hyundai Palisade total complaints
2,226
Toyota Highlander total recalls
44
Hyundai Palisade total recalls
32
Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
212.2
Hyundai Palisade avg complaints/year
318.0
More reliable overall
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Hyundai Palisade top complaint area
SERVICE BRAKES
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Toyota Highlander Reliability & Problems

2,122 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Hyundai Palisade Reliability & Problems

2,226 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Palisade?

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