2018 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

32Engine complaints

12.5%Of all 255 complaints

#4Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

POWER TRAIN58 · 22.7%

SERVICE BRAKES53 · 20.8%

Unspecified / other41 · 16.1%

ENGINE32 · 12.5%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM24 · 9.4%

Share of the 255 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2018 Toyota Highlander overview page.

What owners report

“Unable to start vehicle twice. In both instances, foot was placed on the brake before pressing Start button and brake was extremely stiff. When Start…”NHTSA complaint 11434415 — filed 09/26/2021

“LIGHTS CAME ON FOR ENGINE WARNING -- LOW FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED”NHTSA complaint 11390878 — filed 01/31/2021

“VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ON STREET AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO SERVICE PROVIDER AND IS RELATED TO RECALL. NO REMEDY FOR RECALL…”NHTSA complaint 11384411 — filed 12/21/2020

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have engine problems?

Engine is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2018 Toyota Highlander: 32 of 255 complaints on file (12.5%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have in total?

255 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 21 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 24 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.