Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?
63% of the 38 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 68/100 — it scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect.
38
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections68/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10063%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 55%Across 38 used Toyota Highlanders we inspected, this model scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect — average condition 68/100 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
50%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
45%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
34%
Leaking or worn shock absorbers · Suspension
32%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
29%
Share of inspected Toyota Highlanders where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 39%
Good 24%
Mediocre 26%
Poor 11%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
79%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
26%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
More on Toyota
RAV4
52 cars · 79% good
Prius
61 cars · 67% good
Tacoma
45 cars · 63% good
Corolla
108 cars · 60% good
Sienna
48 cars · 56% good
Tundra
48 cars · 56% good
Camry
98 cars · 53% good
Avalon
26 cars · 50% good
4Runner
66 cars · 45% good
Other Toyota models we've inspected — or see the full Toyota profile.
Straight from recent Toyota Highlander reports
2019 Toyota Highlander · 75k mi — flagged: cracked or torn suspension bushings. Inspected Jun 11.
2019 Toyota Highlander · 88k mi — flagged: worn brake rotors, excessive pads wear, cracked or torn suspension bushings. Inspected Jun 10.
The bottom line
Oil leaks show up on every other Highlander and cracked bushings aren't far behind, so crawl underneath first and look for wet engine seals plus torn suspension rubber before you even open the door. The 79 percent repaint rate means you should meter every panel for prior work even though structural repairs are essentially absent. Budget for new shocks, tires, and a code scan right away or use those needs to knock the price down; walk if the leaks are heavy or the seller hides the scan results.
FAQ
?
?
What are the most common problems on a used Toyota Highlander?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (50%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (45%), tires condition & wear (34%). 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.
Book an inspection
Based on 38 inspections · updated Aug 12, 2026
