Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Highlander vs Toyota Tacoma
How the Toyota Highlander and Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma: The Highlander has 227.8 complaints per year, nearly double the Tacoma's 117.4, with transmission issues prominent. The Tacoma shows brake judder and axle recalls. Both have safety concerns, so inspect carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Highlander or Toyota Tacoma more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, as a family SUV, shows a reliability picture dominated by powertrain complaints, particularly involving the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series). Owners report cold-start shuddering, stalling, and internal failures that can leave the vehicle undrivable. Brake issues, including delayed engagement and a low pedal, are also notable, along with fuel vapor smells entering the cabin. While these are not universal, they represent significant repair concerns for a used buyer.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma, a midsize pickup, has a lower complaint rate but still shows meaningful issues. Powertrain complaints include loud clicking from the rear end and a recall for welding debris on the rear axle that could loosen bolts. Brake judder (vibration during braking) is a frequent gripe, and some owners report sudden loss of braking power. Fuel system problems have caused error codes and stalling, and there are reports of rear windows shattering spontaneously.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Highlander | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,278 | 1,174 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 25 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 128 | 69 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 227.8 | 117.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 138 | 91 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 2 |
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) shuddering during cold starts, stalling on the highway, and failing internally, sometimes leaving the vehicle unable to move. This is a major repair area that could strand you.
Brakes may not engage until the pedal is nearly to the floor, and there are reports of the brake warning light flashing. This delayed braking has nearly caused accidents, so it's a critical safety check.
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 issue that needs inspection.
“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 Tacoma
- 01POWER TRAIN255
- 02SERVICE BRAKES209
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM158
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER151
- 05ENGINE139
Owners report a loud clicking sound from the rear end when starting, and a recall for welding debris on the rear axle that could cause bolts to loosen and parts to fall off. This is a structural concern that should be addressed.
Brake judder (vibration when braking) is common, with some owners visiting the shop over 10 times. More seriously, there are reports of sudden loss of braking power with a warning light, which is a critical safety issue.
The vehicle may throw multiple error codes, shut down while driving, and fail to restart. Dealership repairs have not always been permanent, as the problem recurred after 11 days in one case.
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle in the morning, he heard an abnormally loud clicking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the…”
“I received a recall notice saying that welding debris on the rear axle could cause bolts to loosen resulting in parts falling off the truck and crashing. I have called servco Toyota Honolulu service department 3 separate times. Talked to a number of managers…”
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 Tacoma — 25 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225…
The risk: An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toy…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the…
The risk: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this re…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.
The risk: Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle retaining nuts as necessary, and repair or replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota custo…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480…
The risk: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall…
Buyer analysis
Toyota Highlander or Toyota Tacoma: which should you buy?
The Toyota Highlander has nearly double the complaints per year (227.8 vs 117.4) compared to the Tacoma, but both have serious issues. The Highlander's transmission problems are more widespread, while the Tacoma's brake and axle issues are also concerning. In practice, the Tacoma may offer fewer headaches, but neither is without risk.
Key differences
- Highlander has more than double the annual complaints (227.8 vs 117.4) and more recalls (44 vs 25).
- Highlander's most common issue is transmission failure (UA80), while Tacoma's is brake judder and axle debris.
- Highlander reports fuel vapor smells in the cabin; Tacoma has reports of rear windows shattering.
- Both have brake safety concerns, but Highlander's is delayed engagement, Tacoma's is judder and sudden loss.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially during a cold start, for shuddering or hesitation.
- Check brake pedal feel for any softness or delayed engagement, and look for fuel smells around the rear fuel area.
- Listen for clicking from the rear axle on startup and verify the axle recall has been performed.
- Test brakes at various speeds for judder or any loss of pressure, and inspect rear windows for stress cracks.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic familiar with these models.
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
- Test drive both on a cold morning if possible to feel for transmission or brake issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- Consider a warranty or extended service plan to cover potential major 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 Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 6 |
| 2025 | 9 | 90 |
| 2024 | 42 | 145 |
| 2023 | 176 | 53 |
| 2022 | 236 | 57 |
| 2021 | 501 | 79 |
| 2020 | 309 | 87 |
| 2019 | 475 | 216 |
| 2018 | 264 | 202 |
| 2017 | 264 | 239 |
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 Tacoma in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Highlander vs Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Highlander total complaints
- 2,278
- Toyota Tacoma total complaints
- 1,174
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Tacoma total recalls
- 25
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 227.8
- Toyota Tacoma avg complaints/year
- 117.4
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Tacoma top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN