A good pick if the brake recall is done
The 2018 Highlander's complaint rate is below the model average. The one thing to confirm is the brake vacuum pump recall, which affects V6 models and can leave a hard brake pedal.
Updated November 2026 · based on 280 owner complaints and 5 recalls
115 18% below the Highlander average
5 free to fix at a dealer
Every Highlander year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2018 Highlander
Top problems and what they cost
Low braking power warning
The brake vacuum pump can fail, covered by recall 18V211.
Fix: Free under recall.
Brakes
Transmission whine
Some owners report a whine or a transmission malfunction message at highway speed.
Fix: Ask about Toyota's support program; a transmission is $4,000 to $6,000.
Transmission
Fuel pump
Recalls 20V012 and 20V682 cover a fuel pump that can stall the engine.
Fix: Free under recall.
Fuel system
Recalls
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Toyota Highlander
- Confirm the brake vacuum pump (18V211) and both fuel pump recalls show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 Highlander has 5 recalls on record, listed below.
- Listen for transmission whine on the highway.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 19 complaints about transmission hesitation and rough shifting on the 2018 Highlander.
- Check that no brake warnings appear.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.24 of the 280 owner complaints about the 2018 Highlander involve the electrical system (9%).
Questions
Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander reliable?
A good pick if the brake recall is done. The 2018 Highlander's complaint rate is below the model average. The one thing to confirm is the brake vacuum pump recall, which affects V6 models and can leave a hard brake pedal.
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have?
5 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Toyota Highlander problems?
Low braking power warning; Transmission whine; Fuel pump.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.