Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?
63% of the 43 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 67/100 — it scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect.
43
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections67/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10063%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 43 used Toyota Highlanders we inspected, this model scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect — average condition 67/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
53%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
47%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
40%
Leaking or worn shock absorbers · Suspension
33%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
26%
Share of inspected Toyota Highlanders where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 37%
Good 26%
Mediocre 26%
Poor 12%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
74%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 74%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
26%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
How long does a Highlander stay good?
Good cars by mileage
Share of Toyota Highlanders in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; a band under 20 cars follows the nearby bands, so a run above the all-cars line stays above it, and a band of 20 or more uses the rate we measured; where a band has too few cars, the line follows the trend between the bands on either side; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
More on Toyota
RAV4
56 cars · 80% good
Prius
66 cars · 68% good
Tacoma
55 cars · 65% good
Corolla
121 cars · 62% good
Sienna
50 cars · 56% good
Tundra
59 cars · 55% good
Camry
123 cars · 54% good
Avalon
30 cars · 50% good
4Runner
70 cars · 47% good
Other Toyota models we've inspected — or see the full Toyota profile.
Straight from recent Toyota Highlander reports
2007 Toyota Highlander · 128k mi — flagged: smoothness, low coolant / cooling system issues, oil leaks. Inspected Oct 24.
2013 Toyota Highlander · 152k mi — flagged: oil leaks, worn brake rotors, excessive pads wear. Inspected Sep 15.
The bottom line
This Highlander is not a structural gamble — none of these cars showed a structural repair — but it is a wear-item buy. Oil leaks turn up on more than half, with cracked bushings, tired shocks, and worn tires close behind, so a tidy exterior and a repaint rate that merely matches the wider fleet should not relax you. Get under the engine and on the suspension first, then scan for active codes before you talk money. A light seep and average tires are a negotiation, not a reason to leave; heavy leaks stacked with torn bushings, leaking shocks, and live codes are a walk unless the price drops hard.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Toyota Highlander?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (53%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (47%), tires condition & wear (40%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 26% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Toyota Highlander? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 43 inspections · updated Nov 12, 2026
