Years to avoid
Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid
The 2024, 2019, 2021, 2020 model years stand out as the weakest in this Toyota Highlander dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2024
- Model average
- 73/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 198
- Recalls, weakest year
- 16
67/100 reliability
17-point range
5 crash · 1 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2024 Toyota Highlander ranks last
The 2024 scores 67/100, rated good, versus a model average of 73/100. NHTSA data contains 198 owner complaints and 16 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (43), Power Train (27), Air Bags (27), Electrical System (18). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2024 Toyota Highlander record →Evidence by year
The weakest Toyota Highlander model years compared
2024 Toyota Highlander
- Complaints
- 198
- Recalls
- 16
- Crash reports
- 5
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Unknown Or Other (43), Power Train (27), Air Bags (27)
View 2024 details →2019 Toyota Highlander
- Complaints
- 414
- Recalls
- 3
- Crash reports
- 22
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Power Train (145), Unknown Or Other (53), Electrical System (45)
View 2019 details →2021 Toyota Highlander
- Complaints
- 403
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 16
- Fire reports
- 2
Top issues: Power Train (127), Service Brakes (45), Air Bags (43)
View 2021 details →2020 Toyota Highlander
- Complaints
- 269
- Recalls
- 8
- Crash reports
- 10
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Power Train (90), Air Bags (35), Unknown Or Other (28)
View 2020 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Toyota Highlander years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Toyota Highlander data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Toyota Highlander research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Toyota Highlander research FAQ
Which Toyota Highlander years should I avoid?
2024, 2019, 2021, 2020 score materially below the strongest Toyota Highlander years in this dataset. The 2024 is the weakest at 67/100, with 198 owner complaints and 16 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Toyota Highlander year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Toyota Highlander year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (84/100), 2025 (76/100), 2022 (74/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Toyota Highlander you are considering.