2014 Toyota Highlander recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2014 Toyota Highlander and 136 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (35), unknown or other (33), structure (32). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2014 ranks #4 of 14 Highlander model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (231). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.
Recalls 5
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2014 Toyota Highlander. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system
Problem: Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).
Risk: The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical system · software
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles may have improper software installed in the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) for the operation of the front passenger seat belt force limiter, and as a result, the force limiter may use the restraint setting designed for small occupants, such as those that weigh approximately 110 pounds, for all occupants regardless of their size. As such, some of these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: In the event of a crash, a larger front passenger seat occupant may not be properly restrained and be at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update in the air bag electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on June 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Seats · mid/rear assembly
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, through April 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a second row right-hand seat assembly that does not fully lock into the inboard seat track in the forward first, second and third adjusting positions. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk: If the seat does not fully lock into the inboard seat track, the seat could move, increasing the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the second row right-hand seat, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Seat belts · rear/other
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured November 20, 2013, through January 18, 2014. The third row middle seat belt assembly might not have been properly secured to the vehicle floor anchorage during vehicle assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk: A seat belt that is not properly secured to its anchorage could increase the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row middle seat belt anchor, and, if necessary, properly secure it to the vehicle floor anchorage, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Transmission failing beginning at 60,000 miles. Safety issue because car shudders and refuses to accelerate at seemingly random times. My mechanic said this is a known issue and recommended transmission flushing. We've been doing this for six years at lesser and lesser intervals before the problem reappears. Our local Toyota dealership said they've never heard of the proble…
Component: Latches/Locks — Power Door Lock Actuator I am the original owner of a 2014 Toyota Highlander AWD, currently with 88,000 miles on it. I have experienced six power door lock actuator failures on this vehicle. All replacements were OEM Toyota parts, and all repairs were paid out of pocket. Failure history: - 01/12/2019 — driver rear (original part) - 02/27/2019 — driv…
The radio keeps freezing up all the time along with the back tail light area going in and out. I keep smelling like burnt wire smell. Engine sound really rough.
Safety ratings
2014 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD
2014 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2014 Toyota Highlander.
Highlander 2WD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.7 L
Regular
Highlander 2WD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Highlander AWD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2014 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2014 Toyota Highlander, most recently for electrical system (11/27/2018). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Toyota Highlander?
Based on 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (35), unknown or other (33), structure (32).
Is the 2014 Toyota Highlander safe?
The 2014 Toyota Highlander earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2014 a good year for the Toyota Highlander?
The 2014 ranks #4 of 14 Highlander model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (231). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Toyota Highlander get?
EPA ratings for the 2014 Toyota Highlander range from 20 to 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2014 Toyota Highlander in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: HIGHLANDER, Highlander.