2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. This model year has 246 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Brake System.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2018 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Brake System
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Considering a 2018 Toyota Highlander?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 58 | 9 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 53 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 39 | 4 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 31 | β | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 24 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 20 | 1 | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 19 | 15 | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 14 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 14 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 3 | 1 | β | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 1 | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | 2 | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1 | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 246 most recent complaints
The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, occupied with her children in the rear passenger seats, the contact was attempting to merge onto the intersection, and a state trooper failed to yield at 55-60 MPH vehicle crashed into thβ¦
Currently at 113k miles. VIN # is not on the recall or extended warranty list for transmission issues, shift lag has been noticed way before 100k miles. vehicle is making squealing noise on drive, and when gas petal is press. Since no recall, but per research, I may have a faultyβ¦
The UA80 8-speed automatic transmission failed catastrophically without any prior warning symptoms while driving on the highway. During normal acceleration to pass another vehicle, the engine revved to 5,000 RPM as the transmission slipped, then dropped to 3,000 RPM coasting. Aftβ¦
I am reporting a documented safety defect in my 2018 Toyota Highlander (VIN: [XXX] ). On March 31, 2026, a certified technician at Groove Toyota (Work Order #XXX) performed a diagnostic inspection to investigate a severe 'airplane whine' noise. The technician verified the noise aβ¦
Vehicle makes a whining noise like a siren when accelerating at 40mph or more when you let go of the accelerator the noise stops. I've been told by a mechanic its the transfer case or related transmission component. Toyota should declare a recall since it can cause an accident ifβ¦
2018 toyota highlander awd. Whining noise when gas is pressed. Whining stops when gas pedal not engaged. Started at 116000 mileage. Regular service done at dealer. Slippage/ delay in gear shifting (automatic). No light on dash to show there may be an issue. Bought a toyota, becauβ¦
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made grinding sounds while accelerating. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the tβ¦
I purchase a 2018 Toyota Highlander in 2021. The vehicle had just over 8000 miles when purchased. The vehicle had manufacturers warranty but I purchased additional extended warranty in addition. I can review and find the dates but I donβt have it at the time Iβm filling out this β¦
2018 Toyota Highlander Platinum started with a whine noise, vibration, and went into limp mode. The transmission has been noted to needing to be replaced. I am currently at 75,453 miles and started to hear the whine at around 65,000 miles. This car is not safe to drive.
Transmission whining, hard shifting on 1 and 2 and 3 JP Pauley toyota claim my 2018 Highlander is not part or TBD and neew transmission is required to fix issue quote $7300. to repair current mileage 156K
My 2018 Toyota Highlander with 143k miles has poor acceleration shift lag and a whining noise from transmission. Dealer diagnosed and found transmission is failing and in need of replacement. They quoted $9624.00 to replace and the part is on backorder and could take months to geβ¦
Transmission was slipping and hesitating from 50,000 miles up until it went completely out at 96,956. The day it went out, I pulled out onto the highway and there was no acceleration, it wouldn't move. It was flashing "traction control turned off" "check engine visit dealer" "cheβ¦
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 58 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the sunroof, and it was discovered that the sunroof glass had shattered. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehβ¦
Failed UA80/F Transmission needs replacement for poor manufacturing
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was idling roughly with an abnormal sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the deβ¦
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to turn left or right, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power. The contact waited for several minutes before being ableβ¦
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. While operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound was also heard through the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and neβ¦
Transmission starting making a wining noise, and was told it will fail. Toyota is well aware of this issue.
TANSMISSION DIED AT 102,000 MILES, 2,000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY. Toyota said it will pay $6,000 for parts. I HAVE TO PAY TAX AND LABOR. I have been waiting over a MONTH for the parts, while my HIGHLANDER SITS ON THE Toyota DEALER'S LOT IN RIVERHEAD, NY. My wife took the car therβ¦
The transmission has started making a whining sound just like the cars/transmissions effected buy the TSB from Toyota related to 8-speed auto transmission failures. My dealer said they have seen a lot of them and mine sounds like it, but they claim I'm not part of the TSB allowiβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
Recalls for 2018 Toyota Highlander
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2018 Toyota Highlander β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. The 2018 Toyota Highlander has 246 NHTSA owner complaints, 21 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Brake System (58 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
#1: Brake System (58 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (53 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (39 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has 21 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 246 total NHTSA complaints. 24 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Toyota Highlander. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has severe issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Brake System issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2018 Toyota Highlander
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.