VinCanary

Reliability report · 2016 Toyota Highlander · Updated July 2026

A sweet-spot year — the bulletproof six-speed, if you check the engine for oil leaks first.

This is the last year before Toyota's troubled eight-speed automatic arrived. The 2016 keeps the six-speed automatic that the mechanic community calls bulletproof — 'they sincerely never go bad' — so the transmission anxiety that shadows 2017–2019 does not apply here.

The catch is the engine, not the gearbox: the third-gen 3.5-liter V6 is notorious for a front timing-cover oil leak whose repair requires dropping the engine — a $2,000–$4,000 job out of warranty (mechanic-quoted). It is simple to inspect for, so this is a check-before-you-buy year, not an avoid year.

Evidence: 109 NHTSA complaints · 3 recall campaigns · 6 mechanic & forum sources

Canary status

Chirping

What that means: 109 federal complaints, the lowest of the third generation, and three recalls that are all label or wiring inspections. The one real owner-pays risk is the third-gen 3.5-liter V6's front timing-cover oil leak — common, expensive out of warranty, and easy to inspect for before you buy.

CalmChirpingSquawkingFainted

This status assumes the riskiest common powertrain — see the Highlander engine guide.

109

Federal complaints

3

Recalls

$2,000–$4,000

Timing-cover reseal, out of warranty (mechanic estimate)

Known issues

Ranked by the cost of ignoring them. Every claim carries its source.

Front timing-cover oil leak (3.5L V6) — the one to inspect for

major

The third-generation V6 is, in the words of an independent Toyota mechanic, 'notorious for oil leaks,' and the common one is at the front timing cover. It rarely leaks fast enough to run the engine low, but it coats the engine in oil and, in bad cases, smokes on the exhaust — and the fix means dropping the engine, which is why it runs $2,000–$4,000 out of pocket (mechanic estimate). It is easy to check: the timing-cover area should be dry. If it is wet with oil, walk away or negotiate, and if the car still has warranty, get it done before you buy. This is the single most important pre-purchase check on a 2016.

What to check

Pink and cleanServiced. Proceed.

Dark brownDamage underway.

Timing-cover reseal, out of warranty (mechanic estimate)

$2,000–$4,000

Sources: Independent mechanic channel transcripts (Car Care Nut 2014–2019 buying guide)

Water pump — coolant leak or bearing rattlemoderate

The 2014–2016 V6 water pump can leak coolant or develop a failing internal bearing that makes a loud rattle rising and falling with engine RPM. Left unchecked with the coolant low, it can overheat the engine. On a test drive, listen for an RPM-linked rattle and check the coolant level and for weeping around the pump. Replacement is more involved than an average water pump but far from catastrophic.

Sources: Independent mechanic channel transcripts (Car Care Nut 2014–2019 buying guide)

Six-speed automatic — the reassuring partminor

The 2016 uses the carried-over six-speed automatic, which mechanics describe as bulletproof for as long as the fluid is maintained — 'I've never seen one' fail. This is the practical reason 2016 sits before the eight-speed's rough 2017 debut. Keep the transmission fluid serviced and it is a non-issue.

Sources: Independent mechanic channel transcripts (Car Care Nut 2014–2019 buying guide)

Known nuisances: brake-light bulbs, warped rotors, radio, paintminor

Across the third generation, owners replace brake-light and fog-light bulbs often; the front rotors warp easily under city braking (a recurring 'Achilles heel' regardless of pad quality); the infotainment can reboot or drop Bluetooth; and the chrome front-grille trim and — on Blizzard Pearl / Super White cars — the factory paint can peel. Toyota ran a warranty program for the Blizzard Pearl / Super White paint peeling on 2008–2018 Highlanders; check the paint on white/pearl examples and ask about that coverage.

Sources: NHTSA manufacturer communications (paint program, recall documents) · Independent mechanic channel transcripts (Car Care Nut 2014–2019 buying guide)

The 2014 to 2016 Highlanders have a bulletproof transmission for as long as you keep up with the maintenance.
6 mechanic & owner sources

Shopping this year?

Get the printable pre-purchase checklist and an alert if this year’s recall sheet changes.

Form not loading? Open it directly →

Open recalls

Free fixes at any Toyota dealer. Run the VIN — “completed” isn’t always completed.

  1. 16V-775Brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness (2016 built May 26–Sep 16, 2016), so a low brake-fluid level might not be detected. Dealers inspect and connect the harness free.open
  2. 16V-420Southeast Toyota Distributors load-carrying-capacity label may show the wrong added weight. Corrected label provided free.open
  3. 18E-107Aftermarket Fujian Wanda replacement windshields for 2014–2018 Highlanders have a wire harness water can leak into, risking engine-control-module (ECM) damage and stalling. Applies only if such a windshield was fitted; free replacement/inspection.open

Have a specific one in your sights?

The VIN is on the listing. We’ll check this exact car — build, open recalls, and whether the “completed” repairs stayed fixed.

Form not loading? Open it directly →