Toyota Highlander Used: Problems & What to Check

If you're about to look at a used Toyota Highlander, here's what actually matters: the common problems by generation, what to inspect, and how to avoid overpaying. Highlander-specific, honest, and to the point.

Quick verdict

The Highlander is one of the most reliable three-row SUVs you can buy, with strong resale and low running costs — a genuinely low-stress family choice. The caveats are specific and modest: an oil-cooler hose that can fail on the older V6, some transmission hesitation on 2014-2016 cars, and transmission complaints on the 2020-2022 V6 (harsh shifts/shudder, with some failures). The Hybrid is excellent. Pick a strong year and verify the history, and the Highlander is among the safest SUV buys around.

Who it's a fit for: families wanting a dependable, comfortable three-row with great resale. The Hybrid is the standout for fuel economy.

Generations and how to tell them apart

• XU40 (2008–2013) — 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE); durable, but watch the oil-cooler hose and some early leaks.
• XU50 (2014–2019) — V6 with a 6-speed automatic; 2014-2016 drew hesitation/clunky-shift complaints.
• XU70 (2020–2024) — V6 (2GR-FKS) with an 8-speed automatic (2020-2022), then a 2.4L turbo from 2023; plus the popular Hybrid. The 2020-2022 V6 transmission is the main caution here.

Known weak points and common problems

Oil-cooler hose (older 2GR-FE V6). On the older V6, a rubber oil-cooler hose can rupture, dumping oil and potentially destroying the engine — Toyota acknowledged this as a defect. On 2008-2013 cars, ask whether the hose was replaced and check for oil leaks; also watch timing/valve-cover seepage (2008-2010) and rear-bank ignition coils.

2014-2016 transmission hesitation. The 6-speed automatic could feel hesitant, clunky, or prone to gear hunting, especially in stop-and-go. Feel for it on the test drive.

2020-2022 V6 transmission complaints. The 8-speed paired with the V6 generated harsh-shift, hesitation, and torque-converter-shudder complaints, with some owners reporting a whine and, in worse cases, failure, sometimes costly. Toyota moved to a 2.4L turbo for 2023, which registers as an improvement. Test-drive a 2020-2022 V6 carefully and verify service.

Recalls and minor items. The XU70 had recalls (airbag spiral cable, occupant-classification sensor, lower-bumper-cover detachment) — verify they're closed and correctly performed by VIN. Some 2020 cars share Toyota's fuel-fill quirk and A/C condenser complaints; premature brake wear appears across generations.

That's the Highlander in general. Want to know what to check on THE specific SUV you're going to see — its year, mileage and engine? Generate your free report on LemonProof and walk in with your homework done.

Engines and transmissions: which to look for and which to avoid

• Hybrid — excellent economy and a strong reliability record; verify the system and battery health.
• 2.4L turbo (2023+) — the newer gas powertrain that addressed the V6 transmission complaints.
• 3.5L V6 (XU50, 2017-2019) — a strong, settled choice after the early-XU50 hesitation years.
• 3.5L V6 (XU70, 2020-2022) — capable, but test the 8-speed carefully and verify service.
• Older 2GR-FE V6 (XU40) — durable; just confirm the oil-cooler hose was addressed.

What to actually check on this car

Everything above is the Toyota Highlander in general. Which of these issues actually matter for the exact car you're looking at — and the paperwork worth pulling, like the vehicle history report, title status, and an open-recall check — depends on its year, mileage, engine, and how it was driven. Instead of a one-size-fits-all checklist, LemonProof turns all of that into a tailored inspection list for your specific Toyota Highlander: what to look at, what to ask the seller, and what to negotiate.

Is the price fair?

The Highlander's reliability and three-row practicality keep used prices high, and the Hybrid especially holds value. A fair price depends on generation, drivetrain, trim (LE/XLE/Limited/Platinum), mileage, condition and region, so don't treat an exact figure as fact.

Walk in knowing the realistic range for that specific SUV and what to knock off for pending items (oil-cooler hose, transmission feel, open recalls, brakes/tires). LemonProof's report cross-references the model, year, miles and asking price and tells you whether the number adds up. Check whether the asking price is fair →

FAQ

Is a used Toyota Highlander reliable? Yes — it's one of the most dependable three-row SUVs, with strong resale and low running costs. The main cautions are the older V6 oil-cooler hose, 2014-2016 transmission hesitation, and 2020-2022 V6 transmission complaints; the Hybrid is excellent.

Does the Toyota Highlander have transmission problems? Some 2014-2016 cars had hesitation/clunky shifts, and the 2020-2022 V6's 8-speed drew harsh-shift, shudder, and (in worse cases) failure complaints. Toyota switched to a 2.4L turbo for 2023. Test-drive 2020-2022 V6 cars carefully.

What is the Highlander oil cooler hose problem? On the older 2GR-FE V6, a rubber oil-cooler hose can rupture and dump oil, potentially destroying the engine — Toyota acknowledged the defect. On 2008-2013 cars, ask whether the hose was replaced and check for leaks.

Is the Highlander Hybrid a good used buy? Yes — it offers excellent fuel economy and a strong reliability record. Verify the hybrid system runs without warning lights and ask about battery health; expect to pay a premium for it.

Related models: Toyota RAV4 used · Ford Explorer used · Subaru Outback used.