2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Wheels (1) · Structure:body (1) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (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 (106)
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.
Service Brakes 2025-01-30 · 24TE05 · Warranty Program/Extension
although the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies are covered by toyota’s new vehicle limited warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to certain internal mal
Showing the 6 most recent of 106 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2022-11-10 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 36,000 mi“the contact owns a 2018 toyota highlander hybrid. the contact stated while coming to a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, he heard abnormal squeaking and rubbing sounds. there was no warning light illuminated. the contact stated that the failure persisted while at a complete stop. the contact stated that upon inspecting under the hood of…”
2018-11-15 · Structure:body · 36 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2018 toyota highlander hybrid. while the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the chrome trim on the dashboard significantly reduced the driver's visibility on several occasions. the contact stated that the view of the front side mirrors were obstructed by a shiny glare that created a blinding effect. the …”
2018-09-30 · Unknown Or Other · 850 mi · 💥 crash“the brakes failed when backing up at about 4 mph. car didn't stop until it hit a tree. braking assist didn't work. two feet on brakes could not stop the car.…”
2018-07-09 · Engine · 6,000 mi · 🔥 fire“tl* the contact owns a 2018 toyota highlander hybrid. while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, the contact was notified by the fairfax fire marshall that the vehicle spontaneously caught fire. the contact was informed that the fire started on the passenger side of the engine compartment. there were no injuries and a fire report was filed. the…”
2018-07-02 · Wheels · 10 mi“vehicle is due for an inspection after 5000 miles. a certified inspection is to be performed by new owner (xxxx) at an approved ca inspection site. parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.