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Toyota · Mid-Size SUV · 2014–2019 Custom Search

Toyota Highlander XU50

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota Highlander XU50 is available with 2 engine variants — from 178 to 295 hp.

2.5L 4-Zyl · Petrol· 185 PS
2014 2016

2.5L four-cylinder for Camry XV50 and Highlander. Oil consumption issue from low-tension piston rings — Toyota issued TSB and settled a class action. 2012 models: camshaft gear cold rattle documented via TSB. Water pump with plastic impeller wears out. Overall solid after warranty repairs.

  • !! TSB 0194-14: Toyota extended warranty. Low-tension piston rings glaze over and increase oil consumption. from 100,000 km

    TSB 0194-14: Toyota extended warranty. Low-tension piston rings, same root cause as predecessor 2AZ-FE.

    Symptoms: Oil level drop between changes, blue smoke possible
    2,000–4,500 $
    Ad piston rings Toyota 2AR-FEoil ring Camry 2.5
  • !! Flügelrad verschleißt, Dichtungen veröden. Standardmäßig ab ~130.000 km einplanen. from 130,000 km

    Impeller wears, seals degrade. Standard replacement from ~80k miles.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss, drip under engine
    400–900 $
    Ad water pump Toyota 2AR-FEcoolant pump Camry XV50
  • ! TSB T-SB-0041-13: brief knock on cold start. Camshaft gear must be replaced. 2012 model year only.

    TSB T-SB-0041-13: brief knocking on cold start. Camshaft gear unit needs replacement. 2012 model year only.

    Symptoms: Brief knocking/rattle on cold start, disappears after seconds
    300–600 $
    Ad camshaft gear Toyota 2AR-FEcam gear Camry 2012
3.5L V6 · Petrol· 295 PS
2014 2019

3.5L V6 — Toyota's universal six-cylinder for midsize through SUV. Cam tower oil leak like the Tundra V8, but less common. Budget for water pump around 80k miles. Overall one of the most reliable V6 engines on the market, 250k+ mile lifespans documented.

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Under-secured lock plate on the pinion. High-frequency whine, metal debris in oil pan, loss of drive. Customer Support Program ZJC: 10 years/unlimited mileage. Class action 2020 covering over 1 million Toyota vehicles.

Under-secured locking plate on pinion. High-pitched whine, metal shavings in pan, power loss. Customer Support Program ZJC: 10 years/unlimited mileage. Class action 2020 for >1M Toyota vehicles.

Symptoms: High-pitched whine proportional to speed, harsh shifts, MIL, power reduction
from 80,000 km
Ad transmission Toyota Highlander UA80transmission assembly Highlander XU50
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
1,347 complaints · 2014–2019
  1. 01 Powertrain
    292 ⚠ 4
  2. 02 Other
    253 ⚠ 14
  3. 03 Electrical
    220 ⚠ 5
  4. 04 Engine
    162 ⚠ 5
  5. 05 Brakes
    141 ⚠ 31

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (292 complaints)
⚠ Other (253 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (220 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Highlander XU50 (2014–2019) — 7 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Brakes, Electronics, HVAC. Considered reliable: 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl).

Highlander (2GR-FE, 2014–2019) — Be Careful: VVT-i oil line rupture (engine damage risk!), Cam tower RTV sealant ages — oil leak at front of engine, Water pump with plastic impeller wears out. Power: 295 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota Highlander? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Highlander XU50 have? +
The Toyota Highlander XU50 has 7 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Highlander XU50? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl). The most reliable engine is the 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 2GR-FE (3.5L V6).
Which Toyota Highlander XU50 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Toyota Highlander XU50. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Toyota Highlander XU50 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Highlander XU50 — rated: "Decent". {description} 295 hp V6 in the penultimate Highlander: strongest non-hybrid. Better choice for towing than the hybrid successor.
Is the Toyota Highlander XU50 worth buying used? +
The Toyota Highlander XU50 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Highlander XU50? +
The Toyota Highlander XU50 is available with engine variants from 178 to 295 hp. Petrol: 2GR-FE (3.5L V6), 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee