Does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Highlander, the most recent reported on October 24, 2016 (Electrical system: wiring, Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Highlander?

Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (21 complaints), followed by service brakes (19).

How many 2016 Toyota Highlander complaints mention a crash or fire?

14 of 111 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 Toyota Highlander recalls and problems

2 recalls and 111 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota Highlander.

recalls

111

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Toyota Highlander recalls

Electrical system: wiring · Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid

NHTSA campaign 16V775000 · reported October 24, 2016 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · 7,056 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
The risk: If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, connect the wire harness to the sensor, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this G03.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 16V420000 · reported June 9, 2016 · Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC · 4,253 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
The risk: An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Unknown or other21
Service brakes19
Electrical system14
Air bags10
Engine9
Exterior lighting9
Tires7
Visibility/wiper7
Steering6
Electronic stability control (ESC)4

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 1, 2026 · Seat belts
The component involved was the vehicle's seat belt/restraint system. While my daughter was wearing the seat belt, it became stuck around her waist/abdomen and became extremely tight. The belt continued to tighten and would not loosen or release normally. The seat belt had to be cut in an emergency to free my daughter…

Sep 10, 2026 · Exterior lighting · 70,200 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear taillight covers cracked due to the high outdoor temperatures, and there was condensation inside the taillight housing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the rear taillight covers…

Feb 22, 2026 · Steering
Steering column can become worn prematurely causing loose steering and possibly loose control

Feb 5, 2026 · Steering
I was on Hwy 27 headed south bound at Bellecita Rd in Davenpoerrt, Fl. This is a busy four way intersection. I moved into the left hand turn lane. When the left turn green light came on I began my U-Turn to head north bound. The steering wheel would not respond to my input and the vehicle kept going straight into…

Jan 20, 2026 · Power train · crash reported
I was driving on a 2-lane road early in the morning with light snowfall. There was about 1" of snow on the road, with the roads not yet plowed or treated as it was the beginning of the snowfall. About 15 minutes into my trip, I was on a relatively flat and straight stretch of the road and let up on the gas paddle to…

Highlander model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2013	3	207	26	0
2014	4	136	5	1
2015	1	192	17	6
2016	2	111	14	1
2017	3	271	18	2
2018	4	270	23	1
2019	3	505	22	1

Across all years, the 2021 Highlander has the most complaints (533). All Toyota Highlander years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Highlander, the most recent reported on October 24, 2016 (Electrical system: wiring, Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Highlander?: Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (21 complaints), followed by service brakes (19).
How many 2016 Toyota Highlander complaints mention a crash or fire?: 14 of 111 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 1, 2026.