--- title: "2014-2019 Toyota Highlander Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "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." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 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. **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. ## 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander recalls and service bulletins | Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | 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 shifts | moderate | | NHTSA 18V-211 | Brake 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. ## 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: 2017-2019. Typical cost: Free under recall; ~$500-$900 if a failed pump is replaced outside recall scope. Recall/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: 2017-2019. Typical cost: Free under powertrain warranty (5 yr/60k); $1,500-$4,500 for torque converter or rebuild out of warranty. Recall/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: 2014-2016. Typical 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: 2018. Typical cost: Free under recall. Recall/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. - [2014 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014) - [2015 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2015) - [2016 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2016) - [2017 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2017) - [2018 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2018) - [2019 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2019) ## What changed during the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2014 | Generation launch. Towing: 5,000 lbs V6 with factory tow package, 1,500 lbs 2.7L, 3,500 lbs hybrid | | 2016 | Limited Platinum trim expands; last year of the 2GR-FE and 6-speed | | 2017 | Facelift: 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 | | 2018-2019 | Carryover; 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 - [Toyota technical data, Highlander XU50 fluids & capacities (toyota-club.net)](https://toyota-club.net/files/techdata/ttx/highlander_50u.htm) - [Toyota OEM parts, 17801-0P090 engine air filter fitment (2017-2019 incl. hybrid)](https://toyota.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/toyota-air-filter-178010p090) - [Toyota Genuine spark plug application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/09_SparkPlugs2022_hi.pdf) - [Toyota TrueStart battery application chart, 24F / 24F EFB stop-start](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/03_Batteries2022_hi.pdf) - [NHTSA recall 20V-682, Denso fuel pump (2017-2019 Highlander)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V682000) - [ToyotaNation, T-SB-0160-18 UA80F transmission TSB discussion](https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/did-toyota-really-fix-the-transmission-issue-for-2019.1722708/) - [O'Reilly How-To, reset maintenance light, 2014-2019 Highlander](https://www.oreillyauto.com/how-to-hub/how-to-reset-the-maintenance-light-in-a-2014-to-2019-toyota-highlander) - [Wheel-Size.com, 2016 Toyota Highlander OE fitments](https://www.wheel-size.com/size/toyota/highlander/2016/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2016 / 2018 Highlander EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2018_Toyota_Highlander.shtml) ## Other Toyota Highlander generations - [2020-2025 Toyota Highlander problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2020-2025/common-problems) - [2012-2013 Toyota Highlander problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/common-problems) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/common-problems). ## More for the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.