What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

**Service Brakes** are the leading complaint, with owners reporting loss of braking power and issues with brake assist systems. This is a critical safety concern that requires thorough inspection.

How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have?

The 2018 Toyota Highlander currently has 9 recalls on file. Review the full recall report to see affected components and available remedies.

Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander a good buy used?

Verdict: Proceed with caution. **Service Brakes** are the leading complaint, with owners reporting loss of braking power and issues with brake assist systems. This is a critical safety concern that requires thorough inspection. **Powertrain and Engine** issues are also prevalent, including hesitation during acceleration, rough idling, and transmission problems like hard shifting or whining noises. Multiple recalls, especially for the **fuel pump** and **brake booster**, highlight potential systemic weaknesses that buyers must verify have been addressed. While safety ratings are high (Overall 5/5), the frequency of brake and powertrain complaints suggests a need for vigilance regarding drivability and safety-critical systems. Given the reliability concerns, a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the braking system, engine, and transmission is non-negotiable. Always verify service history, open recalls, and maintenance records before purchasing.

What maintenance costs should I expect for the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

Refer to the maintenance cost guide for interval schedules, DIY difficulty ratings, and typical repair cost ranges for the 2018 Toyota Highlander.

2018 Toyota Highlander Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026Ethan Miller6 Critical Recalls

Overall Score

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

Service Brakes are the leading complaint, with owners reporting loss of braking power and issues with brake assist systems. This is a critical safety concern that requires thorough inspection.
Powertrain and Engine issues are also prevalent, including hesitation during acceleration, rough idling, and transmission problems like hard shifting or whining noises.
Multiple recalls, especially for the fuel pump and brake booster, highlight potential systemic weaknesses that buyers must verify have been addressed.
While safety ratings are high (Overall 5/5), the frequency of brake and powertrain complaints suggests a need for vigilance regarding drivability and safety-critical systems.

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Overview

2018 Toyota Highlander

The 2018 Toyota Highlander, while offering a comfortable ride and strong safety scores, carries a below-average reliability rating. This assessment stems from a notable number of recalls and owner complaints, particularly concerning the service brakes and powertrain. With 9 recalls and 305 complaints logged with NHTSA, potential buyers should be aware of recurring issues. The fuel system, specifically the fuel pump, is implicated in multiple recalls, and brake system complaints are the most frequent. Despite Toyota's reputation, this model year warrants careful inspection due to these documented concerns, which could lead to potential repair costs.

Critical Failure Risk

Loss of braking power, soft brake pedal, or unexpected activation of ABS/brake assist. This is the most frequently reported issue.

Early detection can help you avoid a $2,500-$4,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls9

Service Bulletins0

Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

305

Service Brakes53

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency

Combined

MPG

City

MPG

Highway

MPG

Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

Practicality

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing safety ratings and a comfortable ride.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Risk-averse buyers or those seeking a trouble-free ownership experience.

+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2018 Toyota Highlander Reliability Analysis

Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type: Regular
Seating Capacity: 8
Transmission: Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT)
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
EPA Combined MPG: 22

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Most Common Issues

1. Braking System

Most reported

Usage: 53 reports

2. Powertrain

Usage: 35 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, Oil Filter)

Est. shop cost: $75 - $125

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist

Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)

Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context

Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it

Full specs and trim-level context

9 recall campaign details & remedy notes

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FAQ

Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander reliable?

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2018 Toyota Highlander is 6.8/10. Reliability score is 6.8/10. NHTSA recalls: 9. Owner complaints: 305.

How practical is the 2018 Toyota Highlander for daily use?

Practicality score is 5.8/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 22 MPG. Seating capacity is 8. 5 passenger doors are listed.

What is the overall score for the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2018 Toyota Highlander is 7.1/10. Overall score is 7.1/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.0/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.8/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2018 Toyota Highlander?

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, Oil Filter) at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $600 - $1,000. Repair prediction highlight: Brake System (typical at 50,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $400 • Max: $800).

What is the MSRP range for the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

Base MSRP is $39,120.

What engine is in the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

Engine specs list 4 • 2.7.

What transmission does the 2018 Toyota Highlander use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Toyota Highlander, transmission is Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT). The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

EPA combined estimate is 22 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

13 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2018 Toyota Highlander?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Toyota Highlander, seating capacity is 8.

What drivetrain does the 2018 Toyota Highlander use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Toyota Highlander, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander good for tuning?

Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2018 Toyota Highlander is a practical SUV with very limited performance tuning potential.

What are the most common service brakes problems on the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

Top complaint category: service brakes (53 reports, 17.4% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

This model year has 9 official safety campaigns listed.