Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Highlander vs Toyota Sienna
How the Toyota Highlander and Toyota Sienna 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 Toyota Sienna: The Highlander has 2278 complaints over 10 years (avg 228/yr) with major transmission failures, while the Sienna has 769 (avg 77/yr) with seat issues. The Sienna shows fewer reported problems, but both have recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Highlander or Toyota Sienna more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, a midsize SUV, shows a high complaint volume over the past decade, averaging over 200 per year. The dominant issue is the powertrain, particularly the 8-speed automatic transmission, which owners report failing internally, causing stalling and loss of drive. Other notable problems include brake engagement issues and fuel vapor odors, which can be concerning for a family vehicle.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna minivan has a lower complaint rate, averaging about 77 per year. Its most frequent complaints involve the seats, with reports of second-row captain's chairs not staying latched and seat height adjustment problems. There are also reports of engine shutdowns and brake skidding, but these are less frequent than the Highlander's transmission issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Highlander | Toyota Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,278 | 769 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 44 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 128 | 36 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 227.8 | 76.9 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 138 | 45 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
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 TRAIN729
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER364
- 03SERVICE BRAKES273
- 04ENGINE251
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM219
Owners report the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) failing internally, causing stalling on the highway and inability to shift into drive or reverse. This is a critical safety issue that can leave you stranded.
Brakes sometimes do not engage until the pedal is nearly to the floor, leading to near-accidents. This suggests a potential loss of brake pressure or assist, which is a serious safety concern.
A strong fuel vapor smell enters the cabin, especially on hot days or after long drives, coming from the rear fuel area. This could indicate a fuel leak or vapor leak, posing a fire risk.
“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…”
Toyota Sienna
- 01SEATS236
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER119
- 03POWER TRAIN77
- 04SERVICE BRAKES73
- 05STRUCTURE61
Second-row captain's chairs can unlatch and tip forward during braking, and seat height adjustment is limited, causing head impacts for tall passengers. This is a safety hazard for occupants.
The engine can suddenly shut off without warning, causing loss of power while driving, which is dangerous especially when carrying children. This may be related to fuel pump issues.
Brakes can skid and the ABS light illuminates during turns at low speeds, indicating potential issues with the ABS or brake system that could affect stopping control.
“While driving my new 2026 Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition home from the dealership on the day of purchase (XXX), I applied routine braking to stop at a yellow light. Both second-row captain's chairs, which had been slid fully rearward and left in the upright p…”
“Seat height not adjusting is ludicrous and a hazard! My husband is 6'4", my sons, 6'1", they seat height is not safe and braking/turns cause them to hit their heads. This could be life threatening in a real accident. There should be a lower profile seat that…”
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…
Toyota Sienna — 44 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models wil…
The defect: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain modified 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna vehicles. The steering shaft extensions may have been improperly manufactured, possibly causing the extensions to fracture.
The risk: If the steering shaft extension completely fractures, it can cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Braun has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft extensions, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2019. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models wil…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300,…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for…
Buyer analysis
Toyota Highlander or Toyota Sienna: which should you buy?
The Toyota Sienna has significantly fewer complaints per year (77 vs 228), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. While both have recalls, the Highlander's transmission failures are more severe and frequent, making the Sienna a more reliable choice in terms of owner-reported problems.
Key differences
- Highlander has 3x more complaints per year than Sienna, with powertrain issues dominating.
- Sienna's most common complaints are seat-related, which are less mechanically severe than transmission failures.
- Highlander owners report dangerous brake failures and fuel odors, while Sienna owners report engine shutdowns and brake skidding but less frequently.
- Both have similar recall counts, but Sienna's recalls focus on fuel pump and airbags, while Highlander's include electrical and tire issues.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially cold starts and highway driving, for any shuddering or hesitation.
- Check for fuel smells around the rear fuel filler area and inspect the brakes for pedal feel and warning lights.
- Inspect the second-row seats for proper latching and secure them in various positions.
- Listen for any unusual engine behavior or stalling, and check for ABS activation during normal braking.
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 transmission and brakes for Highlander, and seats and engine for Sienna.
- Test drive both vehicles, simulating cold starts and highway speeds to feel for transmission issues.
- Check the seat operation on the Sienna, including sliding and reclining, and ensure they lock firmly.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and any prior repairs.
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 | Toyota Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 13 |
| 2025 | 9 | 265 |
| 2024 | 42 | 65 |
| 2023 | 176 | 66 |
| 2022 | 236 | 15 |
| 2021 | 501 | 40 |
| 2020 | 309 | 38 |
| 2019 | 475 | 45 |
| 2018 | 264 | 69 |
| 2017 | 264 | 153 |
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 Toyota Sienna in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Highlander vs Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Highlander total complaints
- 2,278
- Toyota Sienna total complaints
- 769
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Sienna total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 227.8
- Toyota Sienna avg complaints/year
- 76.9
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Sienna top complaint area
- SEATS