WhichCarParts

2014–2019 XU50 (3rd generation)

2014–2019 Toyota Highlander Common Problems and Years to Avoid

5 documented problems with the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 2 of them are serious. 3 carry a recall or TSB number.

Last verified

Quick answer

We have 5 documented problems on record for the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander, of which 2 are serious and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin. Every one below lists symptoms, the years most affected, and what the repair typically costs.

2014–2019 Toyota Highlander recalls and service bulletins

Recall / TSBIssueSeverity
NHTSA 20V-012, expanded under 20V-682 (Toyota 20TA02/20TB02)Denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall)major
TSB T-SB-0160-18 (UA80E/UA80F)8-speed transmission shudder, whine, and harsh shiftsmoderate
NHTSA 18V-211Brake booster vacuum pump machining defect (recall)major

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.

Denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall)

major

A defective Denso in-tank fuel pump impeller can swell and seize, causing rough running, no-starts, or engine stall while driving. 2017–2019 Highlanders (gas and hybrid) are part of Toyota's massive multi-model fuel pump recall; dealers replace the pump assembly free. Check your VIN, the campaign was amended repeatedly through 2025.

Most affected: 2017–2019Typical cost: Free under recall; ~$500–$900 if a failed pump is replaced outside recall scopeRecall/TSB: NHTSA 20V-012, expanded under 20V-682 (Toyota 20TA02/20TB02)

8-speed transmission shudder, whine, and harsh shifts

moderate

Early UA80E/UA80F 8-speeds (new for 2017) draw widespread complaints: shudder at low speed, whine under acceleration, hesitation and clunky downshifts. Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0160-18 (torque converter / valve body / recalibration depending on symptom). Most cars are fixed under powertrain warranty; a minority needed torque converters or transmission assemblies.

Most affected: 2017–2019Typical cost: Free under powertrain warranty (5 yr/60k); $1,500–$4,500 for torque converter or rebuild out of warrantyRecall/TSB: TSB T-SB-0160-18 (UA80E/UA80F)

2GR-FE water pump coolant leak (2014–2016)

moderate

Same known weakness as earlier 2GR-FE Toyotas: the water pump seal weeps coolant, leaving pink residue and eventually dripping. Watch the reservoir level and the weep hole below the pump. Straightforward but labor-heavy replacement on the Highlander's tight engine bay.

Most affected: 2014–2016Typical cost: $500–$1,200 parts and labor

Brake booster vacuum pump machining defect (recall)

major

The oil galley in the brake booster vacuum pump rotor may have been improperly machined, which can cause a loss of brake assist, the pedal goes hard and stopping distances grow. Dealers inspect and replace the pump free of charge.

Most affected: 2018Typical cost: Free under recallRecall/TSB: NHTSA 18V-211

Power liftgate won't open/close or falls

minor

Power liftgate struts and motors wear on XU50s just as they did on the XU40: the gate reverses, beeps and stops, or drifts down. Strut replacement is cheap; a failed power liftgate motor/latch is pricier. Annoying but not a safety issue.

Most affected: 2014–2019 (higher mileage)Typical cost: $60–$150 (struts) to $400–$900 (motor/latch)

Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.

Which Toyota Highlander model years does this cover?

These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Toyota Highlander built from 2014 through 2019 — the XU50 (3rd generation), mid-size 3-row crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

2014 Highlander2015 Highlander2016 Highlander2017 Highlander2018 Highlander2019 Highlander

What changed during the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander

  • 2014Generation launch. Towing: 5,000 lbs V6 with factory tow package, 1,500 lbs 2.7L, 3,500 lbs hybrid
  • 2016Limited Platinum trim expands; last year of the 2GR-FE and 6-speed
  • 2017Facelift: 2GR-FKS (295 hp) + 8-speed automatic + stop-start, new SE trim, hybrid switches to 2GR-FXS (306 hp net) and expands to LE/XLE trims, Toyota Safety Sense P standard
  • 2018–2019Carryover; these years are in the Denso fuel pump recall population

2014–2019 Toyota Highlander problems and recalls: common questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander?

The recurring ones are: denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall); 8-speed transmission shudder, whine, and harsh shifts; 2gr-fe water pump coolant leak (2014–2016); brake booster vacuum pump machining defect (recall); power liftgate won't open/close or falls. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.

Which 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?

The years to be most careful with are those affected by denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall) (2017–2019) and brake booster vacuum pump machining defect (recall) (2018). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.

Are there recalls on the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander?

3 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 20V-012, expanded under 20V-682 (Toyota 20TA02/20TB02) (denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall)), TSB T-SB-0160-18 (UA80E/UA80F) (8-speed transmission shudder, whine, and harsh shifts), NHTSA 18V-211 (brake booster vacuum pump machining defect (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.

How much do 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander repairs typically cost?

Typical figures for the issues above: denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall), Free under recall; ~$500–$900 if a failed pump is replaced outside recall scope; 8-speed transmission shudder, whine, and harsh shifts, Free under powertrain warranty (5 yr/60k); $1,500–$4,500 for torque converter or rebuild out of warranty; 2gr-fe water pump coolant leak (2014–2016), $500–$1,200 parts and labor; brake booster vacuum pump machining defect (recall), Free under recall.

Sources

Other Toyota Highlander generations

2020–2025 problems and recalls2012–2013 problems and recallsCompare all generations

More for the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander

Oil & filterBatteryTires & wheelsWiper bladesAir & cabin filtersBulbsBrakesFluidsService scheduleOil light resetKey fob batterySpecs