2018 Toyota Highlander VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 242 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Severity signals include 21 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (44), Service Brakes (40), Unknown Or Other (29).
Highlander reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Toyota Highlander before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2018 Toyota Highlander issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Power Train44
- Service Brakes40
- Unknown Or Other29
- Electrical System18
- Air Bags17
- Engine17
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Toyota Highlander
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect transmission for whining noises and hard shifting
- Check brake system for 'Braking Power Low' warning and pedal responsiveness
- Look for oil leaks around engine cam tower and valve cover
- Test adaptive cruise control for unexpected disengagement
- Verify if fuel pump recall has been addressed
- Inspect sunroof for signs of stress or potential shattering
2018 Highlander recalls (5)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Highlander. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 20V682000Nov 4, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 20V012000Jan 13, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITYNHTSA 18E107000Nov 27, 2018
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).
Consequence: The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 18V211000Apr 3, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.
Consequence: A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0K/JLD.
- EQUIPMENTNHTSA 17V831000Dec 20, 2017
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
Used-market value
2018 Toyota Highlander resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 Toyota Highlander on the road
244,511 2018 Toyota Highlander units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Toyota Highlander stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 Toyota Highlander
With an 87/100 score versus a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 Toyota Highlander rates as above-average for reliability. That gap suggests a generally solid ownership profile relative to peers, with fewer reliability concerns implied by the index score.
Complaints are not confined to a single system. They cluster most around brakes and the powertrain, with additional reports spread across electrical, engine, and uncategorized areas, pointing to a moderately broad distribution rather than one dominant weak point. Recall activity is elevated rather than limited, adding some buyer-facing complexity despite the strong overall score. As year five of its generation, the data reflects a mature design period rather than an early-cycle launch.
Overall risk level is low to moderate for the segment.
What you get in a 2018 Toyota Highlander report
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2018 Toyota Highlander — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander reliable?
With an 87/100 score versus a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 Toyota Highlander rates as above-average for reliability. That gap suggests a generally solid ownership profile relative to peers, with fewer reliability concerns implied by the index score.
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have?
5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Toyota Highlander problems?
The most-reported 2018 Toyota Highlander problem areas are: Power Train (44), Service Brakes (40), Unknown Or Other (29).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Toyota Highlander?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Toyota Highlander, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.