NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control software may incorrectly set the front passenger seat belt force limiter to the small-occupant setting for all passengers, regardless of size.
What the fix does
This page covers 4 recalls, 135 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Toyota Highlander.
20–28 mpg combined
8.4–11.8 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical system complaints lead the 2014 Highlander's complaint profile, with owners frequently describing smoking and burning smells originating near the center console, particularly around the heated seat controls. Several owners report the issue occurring without warning, no dashboard alerts beforehand, just sudden smoke. The structural category draws nearly as many complaints, and two distinct patterns emerge there: owners report sunroof glass detaching or separating while driving at highway speed, and a recurring issue with the rear spoiler bubbling, warping, or melting even on vehicles kept out of direct sunlight. A smaller but consistent thread involves rear tail light lens covers losing adhesion and separating from the housing, in some cases falling off the vehicle while in motion.
135
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Toyota Highlander has 4 recalls, the most serious involving a software defect in the front passenger seat's occupant classification system that can fail to properly restrain a larger adult passenger in a crash, raising the risk of injury.
The remaining recalls all affect occupant restraints in the second and third rows. In the third row, certain vehicles built between late November 2013 and mid-January 2014 may have a middle seat belt assembly that was not properly fastened to its floor anchorage during assembly, meaning the belt could pull free in a crash rather than hold the occupant in place. In the second row, vehicles built during a narrow window in late April 2014 may have a right-hand seat that does not fully lock into its inboard track at several of the forward adjustment positions, leaving the seat able to shift forward or rearward during a collision. Both the occupant classification system issue and the front passenger restraint loading concern reflect the same underlying defect and apply to Highlander Hybrid models as well as standard Highlander trims.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control software may incorrectly set the front passenger seat belt force limiter to the small-occupant setting for all passengers, regardless of size.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will update the air bag control unit software at no charge to correct the force limiter setting.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The second row right-hand seat may not fully lock into the inboard seat track when positioned in the forward first, second, or third adjusting positions.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the second row right-hand seat and replace it if necessary, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A programming error in the occupant detection system may prevent the front passenger seat belt from loading properly during a crash, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the occupant classification module to correct the system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The third row middle seat belt anchor may not be properly secured to the vehicle floor during manufacturing, reducing its effectiveness in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and, if needed, properly secure the third row middle seat belt anchor to the floor at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
