2018 Toyota Highlander

The 2018 Toyota Highlander is a popular mid-size SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. It was offered with two engine options: a 2.7L inline-4 producing 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 3.5L V6 generating 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the inline-4 was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Highlander’s practicality, safety features, and reputation for longevity. Common dislikes include the somewhat uninspired styling and the less-than-thrilling driving experience compared to some competitors.

Engine

2.7L Inline-4

No Issues Found

3.5L V6

• Water Pump Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak near the front of the engine, often accompanied by a visible coolant puddle. Can lead to overheating if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the water pump and coolant.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (2.7L Inline-4)

No Issues Found

8-Speed Automatic (3.5L V6)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of harsh or erratic shifting, particularly when downshifting or at lower speeds. Can manifest as a noticeable “clunk” or hesitation.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission software update from Toyota can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or, in rare instances, a complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $4,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sag
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners, particularly those who frequently carry passengers or cargo in the rear, have reported the rear suspension sagging prematurely. This can lead to a bumpy ride and reduced ground clearance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shocks or springs. In some cases, air suspension upgrades are installed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Entune System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Entune infotainment system can occasionally freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and other connected features.
  • Solution: Performing a system reset, updating the software, or, in some cases, replacing the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset) - $1,500+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle or a completely dead battery, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the parasitic draw, which may involve testing various components and circuits. Once the source is identified, the faulty component needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Liftgate Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic liftgate may fail to open or close properly, get stuck, or emit a warning beep. This can be caused by issues with the liftgate motor, sensors, or struts.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty component, followed by replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Toyota Highlander generally exhibits strong reliability, but certain issues are worth noting. The most common complaints revolve around the 8-speed transmission paired with the V6 engine, which can experience harsh shifting. Electrical issues with the Entune system and automatic liftgate malfunctions are also reported. Water pump leaks can occur on the V6, while rear suspension sag may be noticed by owners who frequently load the vehicle. These issues range in severity and cost, from relatively minor software updates to more expensive component replacements like the transmission or dashboard. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and consider a thorough inspection before purchasing a used 2018 Highlander.