This page covers 4 recalls, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
22–28 mpg combined
8.4–10.7 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 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fuel pump that can fail without warning and stall the engine while driving, and a brake booster vacuum pump that can suddenly lose power assist, leaving the driver with significantly harder and less effective braking.
The fuel pump issue and the brake booster concern are the most consequential. The fuel pump can stop delivering fuel to the engine mid-drive, cutting power completely and leaving the vehicle coasting without acceleration. The brake booster vacuum pump has a rotor that may not have been correctly machined, which can cause brake assist to drop off suddenly, meaning the driver must press the pedal with much more force to slow the vehicle, especially at highway speeds where stopping distances increase sharply. There is also a label concern: certain Highlanders may carry an incorrect load-carrying capacity label in the cabin, which means a driver following that label could unknowingly overload the vehicle, affecting handling and braking performance.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved version at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially affecting fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The oil passage in the brake booster vacuum pump rotor may have been improperly machined during manufacturing, which could cause sudden loss of brake assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The load carrying capacity labels on these vehicles are incorrect, causing them to not meet federal tire and rim safety standards.
What the fix does
Toyota will provide owners with corrected labels at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
