2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (2) · Wheels (1) · Vehicle Speed Control (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (121)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-02-13 · T-SB-0009-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on ni-mh high voltage (hv) batteries. this bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year repair manual while performing a rescue charge. the grx-5100 should be used wherever the repair manual ref
Engine 2026-02-13 · T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
obsolete notice february 13, 2026: this bulletin is now obsolete. please see t-sb-0009-26.
Unknown Or Other 2026-01-07 · T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2005 – 2026 toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. the purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures
Electrical System 2025-08-20 · T-TT-0790-25 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using bluetooth hands free. this is caused by the phone hands free volume being too low.
Electrical System 2025-06-13 · T-SB-0058-23 Rev1 · Service Campaign
the air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. the procedures outlined in this service bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. if these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,
Showing the 6 most recent of 121 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2020-06-01 · Vehicle Speed Control · 42,000 mi“we were driving on the highway on 5/16/20. we were driving around 65 mph straight. we were driving on black asphalt and then when we drove over a bridge with white/grayish concrete, the car's emergency braking system activated and applied sudden braking even though we were normally driving. the car jolted and slowed down and all passengers were sto…”
2019-06-02 · Service Brakes · 52,025 mi“brake booster is bad. brake is spongy. repeated attempts to take to dealer lead to no action after complaining loudly and the dealer said my wife just has high blood pressure. but that is not the case, my highlander has low brake pressure not "high blood pressure. toyota does not share information about this defect by pretending defect doesn'…”
2018-10-05 · Service Brakes · 163,000 mi“i was stopped and in park with the vehicle running when the "check vsc system," "check abs, brake malfunction" warning lights came on. they have since gone away and returned intermittently. fortunately, there was no failure while in motion, but dealer estimated $4600 for repair. if this is the same problem for which warranty coverage was extended f…”
2018-09-06 · Unknown Or Other · 75,170 mi“stopped in intersection waiting to make a left turn. when attempting to accelerate engine did not start hybrid warning stated hybrid system failure stop immediately. glided to a parking space. attempted to restart engine continue to get same warning. after three attempts called aaa and toyota dealership. i was urged to tow the vehicle. aft…”
2018-07-31 · Structure:body · 15,000 mi“the door on the drivers side top corner struck me in the temple and caused bleeding and a headache. the door has a sharp angle. it was stationary i closed the door and was exiting the vehicle to go in a crowded restaurant. in a private parking lot.…”
2018-05-10 · Wheels · 28,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2016 toyota highlander hybrid. while driving 40 mph using the factory compact spare tire, the contact lost control of the steering when driving over grooved roads. the contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer, but there was no resolution. the dealer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 28,000. *tt…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.