2016 Toyota Highlander recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Highlander and 111 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (21), service brakes (19), electrical system (14). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 ranks #3 of 14 Highlander model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (231). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 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.
Electrical system · wiring
Problem: 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."
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.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: 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."
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.
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
The component involved was the vehicle's seat belt/restraint system. While my daughter was wearing the seat belt, it became stuck around her waist/abdomen and became extremely tight. The belt continued to tighten and would not loosen or release normally. The seat belt had to be cut in an emergency to free my daughter. My daughter was sitting in the second row to the right. Th…
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear taillight covers cracked due to the high outdoor temperatures, and there was condensation inside the taillight housing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the rear taillight covers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independe…
Steering column can become worn prematurely causing loose steering and possibly loose control
Safety ratings
2016 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD
2016 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 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 2016 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 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 2016 Toyota Highlander?
Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (21), service brakes (19), electrical system (14).
Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander safe?
The 2016 Toyota Highlander earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Toyota Highlander?
The 2016 ranks #3 of 14 Highlander model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (231). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota Highlander get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Toyota Highlander range from 20 to 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 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.