2019 Toyota Highlander
2019 model shown · Photo: Cutlass, CC0

Midsize SUVs · XU50 generation

2018 Toyota Highlander: reliability, problems and cost to own

Smart buy Well above average

It scores 83 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $14,810 to own, including $2,442 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Toyota Highlander.

Reliability

83/100

Well above average

Repairs, 5 years

$2,442

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$8,870

23 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$21,237

$18,688 – $23,785, estimate

Recalls

5

on record

Owner complaints

273

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Transmission & drivetrain$940
Engine & cooling$918
Electrical system$121
Driver-assist & stability$100
Brakes$96
Body, glass & interior$83

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Toyota Highlander

Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (97/100) and the 2021 worst (38/100).

YearReliability
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202487/100
202368/100
202271/100
202138/100
202073/100
201958/100
201883/100
201784/100
201697/100
201592/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander a year to avoid?

No. It scores 83 out of 100, one of the more reliable midsize SUVs of 2015–2024.

Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander reliable?

It scores 83 out of 100 against other midsize SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is well above average. Based on 273 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,442 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2018 Toyota Highlander cost to own?

About $14,810 over 5 years: $3,498 in lost value, $2,442 in repairs and $8,870 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $21,237 today.

What are the best years of the Toyota Highlander?

Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (97/100) and the 2021 worst (38/100).

How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have?

5 recalls on record with NHTSA.