2016 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 109 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2016 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2016 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2016 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Toyota Highlander SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
18.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
18.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Toyota Highlander has 109 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 109
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Brake System, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Toyota Highlander?
The 2016 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Investigate uncategorized issues by requesting detailed service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and electrical systems before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Investigate uncategorized issues by requesting detailed service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and electrical systems before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2016 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in uncategorized issues, brake system, and electrical faults. A recurring theme appears to be brake-related problems, with 19 complaints. Airbag malfunctions and engine problems each account for 10 complaints. Crash-related complaints total 14 out of 109.
- Brake system complaints are the most reported specific component with 19 complaints.
- Uncategorized issues account for 21 complaints, the highest count overall.
- Electrical faults are the third most reported component with 14 complaints.
- Uncategorized Issues with 21 complaints
- Brake System with 19 complaints
- Electrical Faults with 14 complaints
All 2016 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 19 | 7 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 10 | 6 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Steering column can become worn prematurely causing loose steering and possibly loose control
I was on Hwy 27 headed south bound at Bellecita Rd in Davenpoerrt, Fl. This is a busy four way intersection. I moved into the left hand turn lane. When the left turn green light came on I began my U-Turn to head north bound. The steering wheel would not respond to my input and th…
I was driving on a 2-lane road early in the morning with light snowfall. There was about 1" of snow on the road, with the roads not yet plowed or treated as it was the beginning of the snowfall. About 15 minutes into my trip, I was on a relatively flat and straight stretch of t…
**Nature of Safety Defect Within 13,000 miles of normal mixed highway and light off-road use on a Toyota Highland, one tire developed a sidewall bubble and all four tires exhibited extreme and uneven tread wear—far below the advertised 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. The remainin…
I was traveling on an interstate going home from work. My speed was approximately 65mph. I noticed traffic slowing up ahead. I began to drop my speed (cost down), as I was approaching the traffic the car in front of me was applying their brakes; I had already began to apply mine.…
P245/55R19 103T Nitto Crosstek2 BW. Vehicle pulls to different directions when the tires are cross swapped. I have taken the vehicle to 4 to 5 wheel alignments within 3 months and 3 different shops after the purchase of the tire. Recently I took the vehicle Big O Tires and they …
On multiple (3-5), but not all, occasions at the same location my pre collision warning and automatic breaking appear to have been triggered as I approached an expansion plate at the edge of a bridge. The pre collision warning sounded, then the brakes were automatically applied.…
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Evolution H/T, Tire Size: 245/55/R19, DOT Number: UPPIILE. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 55-65 MPH, the rear driver's side tire unexpectedly had a blowout. The cont…
The water pump on my 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE disintegrated while I was driving in heavy traffic. The pulley came loose from the water pump shaft. I have the water pump. Our safety was at risk because this happen in heavy traffic and it could have effected my control of the ve…
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 vehicl…
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk power switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the trunk power switch was enabled to unlock, however the trunk door did not unlock. The contact stated …
The driver side rear passenger door can not be opened,either by remote or manually. This poses a threat to the safety of passengers in the rear seat area in the event of a crash. First responders would need to take other measures to tend to any injured passengers.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the front right passenger's side view mirror suddenly fractured. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was no…
2016 toyota highlander le model v-6 cylinder. The FUEL PUMP runs after engine has been turned off for several hours, even up to as many as 8 hours. This situation can be heard in a closed in garage, in the completely quiet of night time, and at multiple times during the sa…
The side view mirrors are positioned in a way that completely blocks visibility on the sides of the car, especially when making a left-hand turn. After owing the vehicle for several weeks, I collided with another car when making a left-hand turn. I couldn't see the car when turni…
Had cv boot and control arm work at 30k miles caught it in time in 2021 and dealer fixed it. 2 years later same issue if i had bot taken it to dealer and just did oil changes myself cv boot and control arm would break during operation. Seems like they have serious issues with c…
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…
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.
Description of Problem (electrical issue affecting multiple systems): Engine shuts off while driving. All instrument/electronic displays shut off or flicker while driving. Steering wheel locks and vibrates. Liftgate does not open. Vehicle cannot be unlocked with fob. Vehicle doe…
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND SUNROOF EXPLODED. SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Toyota Highlander.
2016 Toyota Highlander Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Toyota Highlander. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 109 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (21 complaints). #2: Brake System (19 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Toyota Highlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 109 total complaints. 10 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2016 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.