Model year

2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

SUV, hybrid, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 10, 2018 to Jun 1, 2020.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints6Below the median 2016 suv
Severity index16.72016 suvs average 6.0
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid peaked in 2018, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

012342018420192020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

50% of complaints about the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid name brakes

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Brakes
3
Fuel system
1
Steering
1
Structure
1
Speed control
1
Wheels
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

6 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jun 1, 2020Failure May 16, 202042,000 milesWashington, DCService brakes, Vehicle speed control

    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 STOPPED BY AUTO-LOCKING SEATBELTS. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 11326887
  2. Filed Jun 2, 2019Failure Jun 2, 201952,025 milesHuntington Beach, CAService brakes

    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'T EXIST AND NOT NOTIFYING DEALERS. CHECK PRIUS BOOSTER RECALL. SIMILAR TECHNOLOGY THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO CHANGE.

    NHTSA complaint 11217416
  3. Filed Oct 5, 2018Failure Sep 1, 2018163,000 milesBossier City, LAService brakes

    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 FOR 2006-07 MODELS, THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE.

    NHTSA complaint 11133443
  4. Filed Sep 6, 2018Failure Sep 5, 201875,170 milesNEW Bedford, MAFuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

    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. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES, ATTEMPTED TO START AGAIN THE VEHICLE TURNED ON AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. ALL WARNING LIGHTS AT THAT TIME WERE EXTINGUISHED. DEALERSHIP FOUND A GENERAL WARNING ON VEHICLE COMPUTER. DEALERSHIP COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.

    NHTSA complaint 11124768
  5. Filed Jul 31, 2018Failure Dec 4, 201615,000 milesHuntington Beach, CABody1 injured

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11115033
  6. Filed May 10, 2018Failure May 8, 201828,000 milesVashon, WASteering, Wheels

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11092839
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • DP22005 Defect petition, Electrical system
    Pedestrian alert sounds
    Opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

121 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • T-SB-0009-26 Feb 13, 2026 · 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 sh…
  • T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 Feb 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.
  • T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 Jan 7, 2026 · 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 t…
  • T-TT-0790-25 Aug 20, 2025 · 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.
  • T-SB-0058-23 Rev1 Jun 13, 2025 · 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.
  • T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 Dec 6, 2024 · 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, especi…
  • T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 Dec 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 Dec 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 Dec 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin …
  • T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 Dec 3, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • 24TE01 Nov 4, 2024 · Service Campaign
    This Customer Support Program provides coverage as it applies to Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies on Certain 2014-2016 Model Year Highlander HV and certain 2017 Model Year Prius V Vehicles. The specific condition covered by this program is re…
  • T-SB-0055-24 Rev1 Jul 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2024 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 t…
  • T-SB-0039-24 Rev1 Jul 12, 2024 · 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, especi…
  • T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 Jul 12, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 Jul 12, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • T-SB-0055-24 Rev1 Jul 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2024 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 t…
  • T-SB-0039-24 Rev1 Jul 12, 2024 · 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, especi…
  • T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 Jul 12, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 Jul 12, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • T-SB-0061-23 Rev1 May 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
  • T-SB-0062-23 Rev1 May 15, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • T-SB-0055-24 Jun 21, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2024 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 t…
  • T-SB-0103-20 Rev1 Jun 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
  • T-SB-0055-24 Jun 21, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2024 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 t…
  • T-SB-0103-20 Rev1 Jun 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
  • T-SB-0039-24 Apr 19, 2024 · 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, especi…
  • T-SB-0038-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • T-SB-0035-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • T-SB-0039-24 Apr 19, 2024 · 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, especi…
  • T-SB-0038-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • T-SB-0035-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • T-PANT-2024-004- Mar 4, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
  • 24LE01a Feb 22, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    RL: Toyota has received reports regarding the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies on certain 2014-2016 model year Highlander HV vehicles and certain 2015-2017 Prius C vehicles. In these reports, customers have noted various brake system related …
  • 24LE01 Feb 22, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DP: 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 cover…
  • TSB000924 Feb 21, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Some 2014 ? 2016 model year Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the brake, ABS, and/or TRAC warning lights are on and/or a Check VSC message displays. One or more of the following specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): C1391,…
  • T-SB-0043-14 Jan 22, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
  • TSB005823 Aug 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. Follow the procedures outlined in this service bulletin to aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant l…
  • Z3G_Dealer_Lette Dec 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufactur…
  • Z2G_Dealer_Lette Dec 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufactur…
  • ZKG_Dealer_Lette Dec 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufactur…
  • TSB001221Rev2 Jun 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint t…
  • TSB004522Rev1 Jun 3, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Some 2016 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with Entune? Audio (version 01013E), Entune? Audio Plus (version 010156 or 01015C), or Entune? Premium Audio (versions 010171, 010170, or 01017D) may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: …
  • TSB009421Rev1 May 26, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this serv…
  • Support Program May 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufactur…
  • TSB000320 May 2, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    OBSOLETE NOTICE May 02, 2022: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0045-22
  • T-SB-0119-15 Rev May 31, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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-51…
  • T-SB-0045-22 Apr 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2016 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with Entune? Audio (version 01013E), Entune? Audio Plus (version 010156 or 01015C), or Entune? Premium Audio (versions 010171, 010170, or 01017D) may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Head…
  • ZKG_Dealer_Daily Apr 28, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DD: Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint Toyota has added approximately 430,700 2008 ? 2018 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid …
  • ZKG_Dealer_Lette Apr 28, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturin…
  • ZKG_Paint_Repair Apr 28, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CSP: Customer Support Program ZKG - Paint Repair Process Operation Flow Chart
  • T-SB-0003-22 Jan 28, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB This Service Bulletin includes guidelines meant to help determine whether to repair or replace a wire harness assembly based on damage type. This Service Bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Electronic Wiring D…
  • Toyota PRO19-02 Jan 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests …
  • T-SB-0094-21 Nov 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this serv…
  • T-TT-0600-20 Rev Nov 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TT: 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. These settings may need to be reapplied any time the phone is paired to a new head unit, …
  • T-SB-0088-21 Oct 4, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: For proper calibration of the millimeter wave radar sensor, the vehicle and radar target must be on a level surface with a consistent plane. If a level surface with a consistent plane is not available, use the Floor Slope Compensation Procedure in this…
  • T-TT-0578-19 Rev Oct 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?Various Bluetooth® Audio functions are no longer f…
  • Toyota PRO21-UFR May 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    UPDATES TO THE 2014-2021 TOYOTA UNIVERSAL FLAT RATE MANUAL
  • T-PG007-01 May 4, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Replacement vin plates.
  • T-PG002-91 Jan 18, 1991 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Product general information.
  • Toyota Safety Re Mar 17, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.