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2016 Toyota Highlander Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Toyota Highlander, most often about the other or unspecified (19% of complaints, typically around 21,500 miles). It is 23rd of 26 Highlander model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2016 Toyota Highlander problems
Other or unspecified
21 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 21,500 miles.
While merging onto the interstate highway the sunroof shattered, it was not struck by anything but shattered with no outside influence causing glass debris .
Vehicle rear windshield exploded for not reason. Vehicle was parked for two days same spot in home fence area and I started it and shut the driver door and immediately heard a sound and looked the rear mirror and it was gone meaning complete shattered in pieces. I have picture to clarify the damage and Toyota courtesy…
Brakes
19 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 26,500 miles.
My wife was driving with our two daughters (ages 12 and 14). It had just started to snow and my wife said the road was slippery she put the car into low gear and traveled slowly. She was right around the corner from our house when she could no longer control the vehicle. She hit a tree, a fence, and then two more…
Driving downhill or at speeds over 70 MPH, the brakes were not effective to stop the vehicle safely. The vehicle vibrates and was difficult to maneuver with confidence. The vehicle had done only 25,000 miles and under manufacturer's warranty. The dealer simply machined the rotors and put them back. Hoping it will fix…
Electrical
14 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 25,000 miles.
Vehicle pre-collision system activating randomly with no other vehicles nearby. Dash display lights up with warning accompanied with rapid beeping while driving. Multiple times noted on video from dash-cam. Has come on while changing lanes and can cause an accident by the distraction. Has happened on freeway as well…
Two separate issues: 1. Rain sensing wipers activate randomly on clear days, sun shining. Wipers will wipe on time while driving randomly. A severe distraction. 2. Cruise control display activating randomly while driving with no vehicles nearby in front (active cruise control vehicle). Display will be normal and then…
Air bags
10 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 10,000 miles.
I own a 2016 Highlander limited platinum and after a major accident I have a serious concern about the safety claims. Yesterday my wife was in a rollover (2 full rotations) accident in her 2016 Highlander platinum. Car was destroyed, her head hit both the steering wheel and the b-pillar, both have airbags. Not a…
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the brakes malfunctioned and the contact's vehicle rear ended another vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact's vehicle sustained significant front end damage, but the air…
Engine
10 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles.
Whistling/squeaking noise from engine when turned off after driving. Took a video and showed dealer who thought it was unusual but no diagnosis on multiple visits.
Engine is making a audible knocking sound that increases with engine RPM. The sound is emitting from the bottom right hand side of the engine (underneath/to the right of the oil pan on the side nearest to the pulleys and serpentine belt). I have reported this issue to reliable Toyota in springfield missouri. Dealer…
Visibility and wipers
9 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 18,500 miles. Parts named most often: sun/moon roof assembly.
Since april we have been trying to get our windshield replaced. The local auto glass dealer brought out 3 separate windshields that didn't fit before the finally disclosed that the windshield we needed has been on back order for some time. Apparently there are several hundred on back order in our region and the number…
Driving south on 12/20/2017, on US-287 near the oklahoma/texas border with no other vehicles visible in front of US or oncoming traffic, the front section of our sunroof suddenly exploded. Luckily the shade was drawn or small pieces of glass would have fallen down on my family. The weather was clear and nearly…
Lights
9 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 35,000 miles. Parts named most often: tail lights.
Brakes have a slight vibration when traveling at high speeds in the city and someone is stopped on the freeway. My lights have dimmed dramatically since I first purchased new. The passenger side daytime running light is full of moisture. Most importantly, the temperature sensor and/or AC fan/motor is halfway…
When driving at night on dark, hilly roads, the headlights do not illuminate the road properly. It is as if the lights are masked horizontally with the top half dark. It is extremely scary to be driving on dark country roads that are hilly. When you are traveling down hill, you cannot see any distance in front of the…
Wheels and tires
9 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 27,000 miles.
2016 Toyota Highlander with OEM toyo 245/55r19 open country m&s 103t tires at about 70 MPH on i95 south board near brunswick ga (exit 38?) , a loud bang was heard and then the bumping made it obvious a tire had failed so the vehicle was stopped well of the road near an exit. The local state highway assistance truck…
On november 27 2017 the right rear tire suffered a major blowout causing the vehicle to go out of control. I was able to stabilize the vehicle. Aaa placed the spare on the vehicle and we drove it to lakeland Toyota in lakeland florida. They gave US a rental vehicle and said they would replace the tire in a couple of…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2016 Toyota Highlander recalls
Electrical: wiring
Risk: If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, connect the wire harness to the sensor, free of charge. The recall began november 14, 2016. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this g03.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 highlander vehicles manufactured may 26, 2016, to september 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 135, "light vehicle brake systems."
Equipment: labels
Risk: An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Set will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on july 14, 2016. Owners may contact set customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain model year 2016 toyota camry and highlander, 2015-2016 toyota tundra, scion fr-s, and tc vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 110, "tire selection and rims for passenger cars."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2016 Toyota Highlander
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Highlander?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: other or unspecified (21 complaints, typically around 21,500 miles); brakes (19 complaints, typically around 26,500 miles); electrical (14 complaints, typically around 25,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 24, 2016 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2016 a bad year for the Toyota Highlander?
- It is 23rd of 26 Highlander model years by number of complaints, with 111 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.