Own a Toyota Highlander in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Toyota Highlander for model years 2005 to 2026. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Highlander owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 5,615 owner complaints on file for the Highlander and 53 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (989), service brakes (798), electrical system (732).
Most-Reported Toyota Highlander Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Highlander (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 989 | 17% | |
| Service Brakes | 798 | 14% | |
| Electrical System | 732 | 13% | |
| Engine | 529 | 9% | |
| Structure | 407 | 7% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 406 | 7% | |
| Steering | 363 | 6% | |
| Air Bags | 346 | 6% |
Power Train
989 of the 5,615 complaints (17%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Service Brakes
798 of the 5,615 complaints (14%) mention brakes. Brake complaints turn up on nearly every vehicle, and Phoenix stop-and-go traffic wears brake parts quickly. We measure pads and rotors, check calipers and fluid, and replace only what is worn. See our brake repair page.
Electrical System
732 of the 5,615 complaints (13%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Toyota Highlander Complaints by Model Year
The Highlander model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2006, 2008, 2021. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 225 | |
| 2006 | 649 | |
| 2007 | 234 | |
| 2008 | 602 | |
| 2009 | 174 | |
| 2010 | 238 | |
| 2011 | 186 | |
| 2012 | 191 | |
| 2013 | 212 | |
| 2014 | 136 | |
| 2015 | 196 | |
| 2016 | 117 | |
| 2017 | 274 | |
| 2018 | 274 | |
| 2019 | 508 | |
| 2020 | 330 | |
| 2021 | 548 | |
| 2022 | 270 | |
| 2023 | 198 | |
| 2024 | 43 | |
| 2025 | 10 |
Most Common Toyota Highlander Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Highlander. The most-cited is C1391 (manufacturer-specific chassis code), mentioned in 49 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| C1391 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 49 |
| C1256 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 13 |
| C1241 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 9 |
| C1252 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 8 |
| C1253 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 8 |
| P2757 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 5 |
| P2714 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 4 |
| P0741 | Torque converter clutch circuit performance Torque converter clutch or solenoid problem; shuddering or poor mileage. | 4 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Toyota Highlander Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 53 recall campaigns for the Highlander in these model years, most often involving equipment, seats, air bags. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Seats (campaign 26V128000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
- 2025 recall, Steering (campaign 25V040000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been...
- 2025 recall, Electrical System (campaign 25V595000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota...
- 2025 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 25V744000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
- 2025 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 25V872000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
- 2024 recall, Tires (campaign 24V452000): Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Highlander, 426 involved a crash, 64 involved a fire, 350 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Toyota Highlander Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Toyota will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Highlander that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Highlander owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Toyota Highlander, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Toyota Highlander Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Toyota Highlander repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Brake Repair
Pads, rotors, calipers, fluid and brake lines.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Toyota Highlander FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Toyota Highlander?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Toyota Highlander are power train (989), service brakes (798), electrical system (732). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Highlander model years have the most complaints?
The Highlander model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2006, 2008, 2021. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Toyota Highlander?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Toyota Highlander, the codes cited most often are C1391 (manufacturer-specific chassis code), C1256 (manufacturer-specific chassis code), C1241 (manufacturer-specific chassis code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Toyota Highlander have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 53 recall campaigns for the Toyota Highlander across model years 2005 to 2026. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Toyota Highlander in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Toyota vehicles including the Highlander, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Toyota Highlander?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Toyota Highlander in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Toyota Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.