Toyota Highlander XU50
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The third Highlander uses the proven 2GR-FKS V6 (3.5L D-4ST, 221 kW) with combined port/direct injection and the hybrid with A25A-FXS (2.5L, 180 kW system). More mature than predecessors, fewer engine problems.
The 2GR-FKS is technically more complex but without the piston ring drama. Carbon buildup on intake valves is the new concern. The A25A-FXS hybrid is one of the most efficient SUV powertrains globally.
Test-drive checklist: 2GR-FKS: carbon buildup (rough idle, hesitation). Hybrid: battery health, real fuel economy.
2026 market: Between $19,800 and $35,200. Hybrid Limited AWD is the sweet spot.
Insider pick: Highlander Hybrid AWD — the three-row family SUV that sips fuel.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Toyota Highlander XU50 is available with 2 engine variants — from 178 to 295 hp.
2.5-litre four-cylinder fitted in the mid-size class and in compact SUVs, valued for its smoothness and economy. The known weakness is elevated oil consumption from low-tension piston rings, for which the maker issued a technical service bulletin and settled a class action. Early years show a documented camshaft-gear rattle on cold start. The water pump with its plastic impeller wears out and should be checked for leaks when buying, as should the oil level. Overall, once warranty repairs have been done, it is a solid, durable engine.
- !! 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 - !! 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 - ! 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
3.5-litre V6 — Toyota's universal six-cylinder from midsize cars up to SUVs, balanced between smoothness and durability. Timing chain, maintenance-free. The cam tower oil leak occurs as on the big V8 but less often; on early build years also watch for leaking intake-manifold hoses. Budget for a water pump from around 130,000 km — it often signals itself with a light coolant weep. Oil changes every 10,000 to 15,000 km. Overall one of the most reliable V6s on the market, with documented lifespans past 400,000 km.
- !! VVT-i oil line rupture (engine damage risk!) from 60,000 km
Rubber VVT-i oil supply hose on pre-April 2008 engines can suddenly rupture and dump all engine oil in 30 seconds. Toyota LSC 90K: replacement with metal line.
Symptoms: Sudden large oil puddle under engine, oil pressure warning, engine noise - !! Kolbenring-Defekt — exzessiver Ölverbrauch (2007–2011) from 60,000 km
Defekte Kolbenringe verursachen bis 1 Liter Ölverlust pro 1.000 km. Toyota gab nur TSB statt Rückruf aus. 285+ Beschwerden beim Camry V6 allein.
Symptoms: Blauer Rauch beim Beschleunigen, Motor braucht 1L Öl/1.500–3.000 km - !! Cam tower RTV sealant ages — oil leak at front of engine from 150,000 km
RTV sealant at cam tower ages. Same issue as Toyota V8 engines, less common on V6.
Symptoms: Oil smell, oil trail at front of engine
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Highlander XU50 (2014–2019) — 8 engine-related and 8 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!), Kolbenring-Defekt — exzessiver Ölverbrauch (2007–2011), Cam tower RTV sealant ages — oil leak at front of engine. 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? +
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Highlander XU50? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Toyota Highlander XU50 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Toyota Highlander XU50 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Toyota Highlander XU50 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Highlander XU50? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee