2018 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 246 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2018 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2018 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. 6 trims analysed.
2018 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2018 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 2018 Toyota Highlander has 246 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 246
- Crash-related complaints
- 21
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- 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 2018 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Toyota Highlander?
The 2018 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 2018 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and ABS.
- Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues or hesitation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and transmission repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and ABS.
- Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues or hesitation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 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 2018 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in the brake system and transmission/drivetrain, with a notable number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the complaints mean these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Brake system complaints are the most numerous, with 58 reports.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 53, the second highest.
- There are 21 crash-related complaints among the 246 total.
- Brake System: 58 complaints, the highest count.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 53 complaints, second highest.
- Engine Problems: 31 complaints, a notable concern.
All 2018 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
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.
2018 Toyota Highlander Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. 5 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.
2018 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 246 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 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 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
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 21 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 246 total complaints. 24 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 5 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 2018 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
The 2018 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 Brake System 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 2018 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.