2019 Toyota Highlander problems
The 2019 Toyota Highlander has 467 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2019 Toyota Highlander has 467 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 181 complaints, typically surfacing around 64,858 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Highlander | 109 | 2 |
| 2017 Highlander | 261 | 1 |
| 2018 Highlander | 256 | 3 |
| 2019 Highlander (this page) | 467 | 0 |
| 2020 Highlander | 300 | 2 |
| 2021 Highlander | 478 | 0 |
| 2022 Highlander | 227 | 1 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
- Electrical system: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 4,200–52,000 mi
- Engine: 26 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 16,500–59,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2019 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2019 Toyota Highlander? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- powertrain — 181 owner reports · tends to show around 64,858 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- electrical — 50 owner reports · tends to show around 25,297 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 26 owner reports · tends to show around 38,775 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- fuel system — 21 owner reports · tends to show around 24,850 mi · ~$1,200 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 25,297 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2019 Toyota Highlander
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2019 Toyota Highlander
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~10,000 mielectrical~$850
- ~26,000 miengine~$3,100
- ~64,000 mipowertrain~$2,500
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Transmission whine stated on or around 52000 miles. Whine progressively increased in volume over the next 2000 miles. Toyota dealer analyzed the noise and recommended the transmission be replaced. Transmission out of warranty. Independent transmission shop confirmed…
Per my mechanic (fyi: 56k miles on vehicle): I test drove the vehicle and can hear a noticeable whine type noise when accelerating the noise goes away when getting off throttle. I put it on lift and the noise is coming from the transmission pump and sounds like cavitation. I…
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Toyota highlander. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle shook uncontrollably without warning. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator also illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to hamer Toyota (11041 sepulveda blvd, mission hills, ca…
automatic transmission makeing a whinning noise.Many other customers complaining about same problem. Car has 72,000 miles on it which puts it out of 5 year/60,000mile warranty.Customers feel that toyota should cover replacement or repairs cost knowing they have had same problem…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 467 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Toyota Highlander is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2019 Toyota Highlander?
The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 4,200–52,000 mi; Engine: 26 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 16,500–59,000 mi; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 Toyota Highlander?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 181 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,858 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 467 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 64,858 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 181 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,858 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 64,858 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Toyota Highlander has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2019 Toyota Highlander?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 467 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.