2018 Toyota Highlander engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 16, 2026TXEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving my 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited, the check engine light began flashing off and on. I was near an exit and drove off the freeway. I could feel the car (near the gas pedal) start shaking, then the power went down quickly... as I was trying to find a safe place to go. The farther I drove, there was less power until the car was going about 2 miles an hour. The check light continued flashing as I pulled into a parking lot. This was very scary as I'm sure the car…

   NHTSA complaint #11750828 · source
2. Filed Jul 10, 2026NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   I just got my vehicle inspected and successfully passed with no codes on 07/07/2026. Today 07/10/2026 as I was driving to work my vehicle began to jerk/ jitter and when into limp mode. I took it to a shop to have the codes checked on it and they said it was something to do with the transmission and they don’t specialize in that type of work. My vehicle has less than 45400 miles on it and been maintained regularly. I was told this was a common issue with these vehicles. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11749652 · source
3. Filed Mar 1, 2025ILEngine

   Engine cam tower oil leak due to the manufacturer's inadequate assembly of the engine parts. The mating surfaces were not adequately prepared and/or application of a contaminated sealant did not adhere to the surfaces creating a small oil leak that eventually became larger and finally noticed. The Car Care Nut automotive shop performed this repair and documented in the video: [XXX] The 2018 engine (3.5L DOHC V6 D-4S Engine with Dual VVT-i Direct Shift) with 52,500 miles has…

   NHTSA complaint #11645760 · source
4. Filed Dec 11, 2024AZEngine

   Wife was driving and out of nowhere axle to the transfer case broke leaving her stranded in the middle of the road. Seems like transmission had been a common issue in these vehicles around the same year

   NHTSA complaint #11630019 · source
5. Filed Nov 24, 2024MSBrakesEngine

   My husband took my car from the carport and parked it in the driveway near the water hose to wash the car. When he finished, it would not start. The message “Braking Power Low” , “STOP in a Safe Place”, “ See Owner’s Manual”showed up. Of course, we could not find anything in the large owner’s manual concerning that! I checked with my VIN to see if mine was included in the recall regarding this same matter, but it was NOT, just as all other Toyota Highlander 2018 owners who…

   NHTSA complaint #11627121 · source
6. 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
7. Filed Oct 1, 2024OHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The 2018 Toyota Highlander has less than 100K miles on it and has been diagnosed with an $11K repair for essentially a new engine! The dealership (Coughlin Toyota, Heath OH) has said it needs cylinder head assembly for $10,684.20. The error message we are getting is a "Check Engine" light "Take Vehicle to Dealership" and the AWD/ Traction Control shuts off. When searching online forums, there are MANY people experiencing the same problem, apparently a well know issue with…

   NHTSA complaint #11617475 · source
8. Filed Aug 28, 2024ILEngine

   The 2018 engine (3.5L DOHC V6 D-4S Engine with Dual VVT-i Direct Shift) with 52,500 miles has by now (2024) developed a large oil leak coming from the valve cover to cam tower seal, and requires replacement of valve cover assembly and gasket priced at $2173.51 by a local Toyota dealer. I'm the original owner with the car always being garaged and maintained by the book at the dealer. Toyota of America is refusing any assistance with the defective engine component even though…

   NHTSA complaint #11611353 · source
9. Filed Aug 16, 202461,000 miVAEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that there was low compression in cylinder #1. The contact was informed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA…

   NHTSA complaint #11609063 · source
10. Filed Jul 31, 2024CABrakesEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    As I was returning to my house and about to pull into our garage I was driving very slowly, riding the brake in fact. I was going less than 1 mph but as I first entered the garage my car engine suddenly roared very loudly and sped inside. I pressed as hard as I could on the brakes and the car skidded towards the left and slammed into the garage wall. I firmly believe that the only thing that kept my car from traveling farther was the garage door frame. Between my braking and…

    NHTSA complaint #11605653 · source
11. Filed May 10, 2024UTEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Transmission is bad. Toyota dealership says it needs to be replaced. Really? In a 2018 Toyota. I thought these were good cars. Supposed to last a long time. That’s why I paid over $30,000 for it. And this is what I get. There is something wrong with this scenario. I could have bought a much cheaper car and it would still be functioning fine.

    NHTSA complaint #11588046 · source
12. 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

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