WhichCarParts

XU50 (3rd generation) · 2014–2019 · Mid-size 3-row crossover SUV

2018 Toyota Highlander parts and specs

Everything you need to own and maintain this exact model year. Verified specifications, part numbers, and the problems that recur, in one place.

Last verified

Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0. Illustrative, not necessarily your model year or trim.

Quick facts

Engine oil
0W-20, 4.6 qt (base engine)
Battery
Group 24F, 582 CCA
Tire size
245/60R18 (base trim)
Wiper blades
26" / 20" / 12" rear
Max towing
5,000 lbs
Cabin filter
Toyota 87139-0E040

Specifications for the 2014–2019 Highlander

Oil & filter

Viscosity, capacity, filter part numbers, change interval

Battery

BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded

Tires & wheels

Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque

Wiper blades

Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths

Air & cabin filters

Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals

Bulbs

Headlight, fog and marker bulb types

Brakes

Rotor diameters, pad references, service notes

Fluids

Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities

Service schedule

What's actually due at every mileage interval

Problems & reliability

Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid

Oil light reset

Step-by-step maintenance light reset, no tools

Key fob battery

Which coin cell the remote takes

Specs

Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy

These specifications are shared across every Highlander of the XU50 (3rd generation) generation. See the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander overview for the full picture, or the Toyota Highlander guide to compare every generation.

What changed for the 2018 Toyota Highlander

  • 2018–2019Carryover; these years are in the Denso fuel pump recall population

Known problems with the 2018 Toyota Highlander

4 of the 5 issues we track for the 2014–2019 generation are documented against the 2018 model year, and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin.

  • Denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall)

    majorNHTSA 20V-012, expanded under 20V-682 (Toyota 20TA02/20TB02)

    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.

    Typical cost: Free under recall; ~$500–$900 if a failed pump is replaced outside recall scope

  • 8-speed transmission shudder, whine, and harsh shifts

    moderateTSB T-SB-0160-18 (UA80E/UA80F)

    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.

    Typical cost: Free under powertrain warranty (5 yr/60k); $1,500–$4,500 for torque converter or rebuild out of warranty

  • Brake booster vacuum pump machining defect (recall)

    majorNHTSA 18V-211

    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.

    Typical cost: Free under recall

  • 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.

    Typical cost: $60–$150 (struts) to $400–$900 (motor/latch)

1 more issue reported in other 2014–2019 years
  • 2GR-FE water pump coolant leak (2014–2016) — 2014–2016

Full detail, costs and sources on the Toyota Highlander problems and years to avoid guide.

Which engines were offered in the 2018 Highlander?

EngineTrimsOilOil capacity
2.7L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE)LE (FWD only), all years0W-204.6 qt
3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS D-4S), 2017–2019LE, XLE, SE, Limited, Limited Platinum (2017–2019); 8-speed automatic with stop-start0W-205.8 qt
3.5L Hybrid (2GR-FXS D-4S), 2017–2019Hybrid LE, XLE, Limited, Limited Platinum (AWD only; hybrid lineup expanded for 2017)0W-205.8 qt

About the Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is Toyota's three-row family crossover, and the 2012–2025 span covers three generations with very different powertrains but the same low-drama ownership reputation. 5L 2GR-FE V6 (plus an AWD-only hybrid) with simple port injection, 0W-20 oil, and a Group 24F battery. Its documented weak spots are 2GR-FE water pump leaks and failing power-liftgate struts.

7 and the 2GR-FE, then switched in 2017 to the direct+port-injected 2GR-FKS with an 8-speed automatic and stop-start; that 8-speed drew shudder/whine complaints (TSB T-SB-0160-18), and 2017–2019 models sit inside Toyota's huge Denso fuel-pump recall. 5L hybrid (0W-16 oil) became the volume seller. 3, lug torque is 76 ft-lbs, the key fob takes a CR2032, and gas V6/turbo models tow up to 5,000 lbs with the factory tow package (hybrids 3,500 lbs).

Maintenance is interval-driven Toyota fare: 10,000-mile synthetic oil changes, 30,000-mile air and cabin filters, coolant at 100k then every 50k, and iridium plugs at 120k.

For how the specifications changed across every generation, see the full Toyota Highlander guide.

Other Toyota Highlander years

2025202420232022202120202019201720162015201420132012
Data confidence for this generationVerified

Sources