2018 Toyota Highlander electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jan 23, 2026200,000 miNJElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to turn left or right, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power. The contact waited for several minutes before being able to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The failure had occurred several times and had become more persistent. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who…

   NHTSA complaint #11712896 · source
2. Filed Sep 10, 2025NYElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   There is a voice listening device or microphone on the headliner right above the driver's side seat which leaks water. I see there is a recall for a windshield but it could be coming from the sunroof.

   NHTSA complaint #11686214 · source
3. Filed Oct 6, 2024PAElectrical SystemEngine

   While driving the car at approximately 40 mphs the car suddenly jolted and stopped moving. Luckily no one was behind and I pulled over also noticing check engine light came on. I immediately called Toyota and was able to drive it to them. I spent $140 diagnosis fees for them to say it was ignition coil B. After replacing the coil the light and same problems continued. We took the car to another mechanic, spent $600 diagnosis fees to find out it is the ECM. We then contacted…

   NHTSA complaint #11618359 · source
4. Filed Oct 15, 2023SCElectrical System

   I bought my car used. Only had it for 3years and already had to replace the battery twice. Once I was stopped at light turning left, yield to oncoming traffic, since my foot was on brakes battery just dyed in middle of light, police had to come made sure I didn't get hit. 2nd time car cut off at McDonald's drive thru and battery went dead again. Something is wrong with batteries that make them go bad, n it's unsafe bc I've got stranded twice in not.so good places..

   NHTSA complaint #11550045 · source
5. Filed Sep 4, 2023MIElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   Driving on I75 at 75mph, while trying to adjust the steering wheel, as soon I unlocked steering wheel lock and put the steering all the way to lowest position it just stalled on highway. Lucky enough I was alone and was able to pull over safely. There is seriously something wrong with steering wheel electrical or ignition system or something with else.

   NHTSA complaint #11542479 · source
6. Filed Aug 10, 2023NJAirbagsElectrical System

   S.R.S malfunction error message due to open circuit in the left front door harness. Active DTC (S) B1697 code which is related to lost communication with side airbag sensor LH is present in the vehicle. Toyota is refusing to address the issue because it is not part of a covered warranty and there are no open recall on this issue. This is a safety issue in that in the event of an accident, the airbag will not deploy which could be catastrophic.

   NHTSA complaint #11537687 · source
7. Filed Aug 22, 2022440,000 miAZElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have a power steering warning light. Steering is harder than normal. I believe this vehicle is having the same power steering problem that Toyota Tundra and sequoias are having. I want it to be recalled and paid for by the manafacturer. This is ridiculous a well maintained vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11480554 · source
8. Filed Aug 9, 202250,000 miSCElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power after coming to a full stop at a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer; however, the mechanic and the dealer were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact related the failure to a faulty Auto Start/Stop feature. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11478409 · source
9. Filed Apr 24, 2022TXBrakesElectrical System

   Car wouldnt start in garage, it shows error in the dash "Braking Power Low, STOP in a safe place". It looks like several people are having same issue around same time outside of warranty, and on cars not in the original recall.

   NHTSA complaint #11461967 · source
10. Filed Feb 15, 202248,000 miOHElectrical SystemEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated informing the driver that the AWD system and stability were disabled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they diagnosed the failure of the sub-assembly and the water temperature sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he was informed that the onboard computer disabled the system due to the weather. The dealer informed the contact…

    NHTSA complaint #11452146 · source
11. Filed Dec 27, 2021IDElectrical System

    1.) Bluetooth connects without issue to iPhone (for both media and phone) however during a phone call (incoming/outgoing) the car system will drop the call after about 2 mins of talk time. The phone then disconnects from the car & will only re-pair once the system restarts. 2. ) The safety hazard is due to distracted, hands required operation of the phone due to Bluetooth system not working properly 3.) The issue has been under 'warranty' for nearly 2 years at my dealer.…

    NHTSA complaint #11445074 · source
12. Filed Sep 26, 2021TXElectrical SystemEngine

    Unable to start vehicle twice. In both instances, foot was placed on the brake before pressing Start button and brake was extremely stiff. When Start button is pushed, electronics engage (control panel lights, A/C, etc.) but engine will not engage. In the first incident, car had been stopped to refuel and would not restart. Car had been started without incident and been running for approximately 20 minutes prior to stopping for refueling. Tried to restart the engine for…

    NHTSA complaint #11434415 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology