2016 Toyota Highlander
Introduction
The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that comes with two engine choices. The base engine is a 3.5L V6 with 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The optional engine is a 3.5L V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Highlander is praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and excellent safety ratings. However, it is criticized for its uninspired handling, lack of standard features, and poor fuel economy.
Engine
3.5L V6 with 8-speed Automatic Transmission
- Intake manifold cracking Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold can crack, causing a loss of engine power, rough idling, and engine noise. Solution: Replace the intake manifold. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+ Recalls: N/A
3.5L V6 with 6-speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission fluid leak (6-speed only) Description/Symptoms: The transmission fluid can leak from the transmission pan gasket or a cooler line. This can lead to a loss of transmission fluid, which can cause transmission damage. Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or cooler line. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: N/A
Transmission
- No Issues Found
Suspension
- Strut bearing failure Description/Symptoms: The strut bearing can fail, causing a clunking noise when turning or driving over bumps. Solution: Replace the strut bearing. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: N/A
Electrical
- Alternator failure Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge and the vehicle to lose power. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: N/A
Exterior
- Rear liftgate rust (2017+ models only) Description/Symptoms: The rear liftgate can rust around the license plate area. Solution: Replace the rear liftgate. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V771
Interior
Dashboard glare (higher trim levels only) Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can reflect glare onto the windshield, making it difficult to see the road. Solution: Install a dashboard cover or aftermarket glare shield. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ Recalls: N/A
Climate control malfunction Description/Symptoms: The climate control system can malfunction, causing the air conditioning or heating system to not work properly. Solution: Diagnose and repair the climate control system. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: N/A
Summary
The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a reliable vehicle, but it does have some potential issues. The most common problems are intake manifold cracking, transmission fluid leaks, and suspension problems. These issues can be expensive to fix, so it is important to be aware of them before purchasing a used Highlander.