Recall homework
There are 5 official recalls listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.
Vehicle report
2018 Toyota Highlander
Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.
5 Total recalls
Nov 4, 2020 Latest recall date
250 Complaint reports
$2,498 Estimated fuel cost
Buyer interpretation
What this record means before you buy
The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.
Owner complaint pattern
Owner complaints most often mention power train, service brakes, unknown or other. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.
Service bulletin signal
268 manufacturer communications are listed. These are not recalls, but they can reveal repair instructions, warranty extensions, software notices, or known service patterns.
Ownership-cost check
The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.
Questions to ask the seller
- Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2018 Toyota Highlander?
- Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
- Have you noticed any issues related to power train, service brakes, unknown or other?
- Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist
Thinking of buying this vehicle?
Use our buyer checklist to know what to inspect, ask, and verify before the test drive.
2018 Toyota Highlander Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings
Official safety ratings were found for 2 tested variants of the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain,
or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless
the official record says so.
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD Default | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| 2018 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have?
Verify with official VIN lookup5 official recalls on record for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. 34 matched quarterly completion reports are available.
Latest recall: November 4, 2020
Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN
recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the
manufacturer, or an authorized dealer.
Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Consequence | Remedy | Date | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20V682000 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. | If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. | Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01. | Nov 2020 | 2022-4 |
| 20V012000 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. | If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. | Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles. | Jan 2020 | 2022-1 |
| 18E107000 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM). | The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. | Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760. | Nov 2018 | 2020-2 |
| 18V211000 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist. | A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash. | Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0K/JLD. | Apr 2018 | 2019-3 |
| 17V831000 | EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." | An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash. | Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles. | Dec 2017 | 2019-2 |
Are there federal defect investigations for the 2018 Toyota Highlander?
Official records show 1 federal defect investigation matched to the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
0 open 1
closed
Investigations are not recalls. They show official defect reviews
and may close without a recall, or may reference a related
campaign when one exists.
| Action | Status | Component | Subject | Opened | Related recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DP22005 | Closed | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM | Pedestrian alert sounds | Jan 2023 | 22V063000 |
Are there manufacturer notices for the 2018 Toyota Highlander?
Official records show 268 manufacturer communications on record for the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
2 warranty 1 service campaigns 0 software/OTA
Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include
service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions,
software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
| Date | Type | Component | Summary | ID / document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26. | 11029892 |
| Feb 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger. | 11029893 |
| Jan 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. | 11028712 |
| Aug 2025 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free. This is caused by the phone Hands Free volume being too low. | 11022964 |
| Jun 2025 | Service Campaign | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks. | 11020657 |
| Jan 2025 | Warranty Program/Extension | SERVICE BRAKES | Although the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies are covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies in some of the subject vehicles. | 11014218 |
| Jan 2025 | Warranty Program/Extension | SERVICE BRAKES | Although the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies are covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies in some of the subject vehicles. | 11014219 |
| Jan 2025 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | SERVICE BRAKES | Some 2017 – 2019 model year Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the brake, ABS, and/or TRAC warning lights are on and/or a Check VSC message displays. One or more of the following specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): C1391, C1252, C1256, and/or C1253 will be stored in the vehicle memory to be used as verification. This condition may be caused by a small internal brake fluid leak inside the brake actuator. | 11014208 |
| Dec 2024 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | STRUCTURE:BODY | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout. | 11012742 |
| Dec 2024 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | STRUCTURE:BODY | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. | 11012743 |
What are the most common 2018 Toyota Highlander complaints?
POWER TRAIN 47
SERVICE BRAKES 33
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 22
ENGINE 13
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 13
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 11
AIR BAGS 9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9
STRUCTURE 6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 5
250 total complaints on record
How much does the 2018 Toyota Highlander cost in fuel?
Estimated annual cost $2,498 $208/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 21.6 MPG
Energy used 555 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal
Assumptions: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)
407 g/mi CO2Fuel score 4/10Smog 3/10