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Toyota · Mid-Size SUV · 2014–2019

Toyota Highlander XU50

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

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

2.5L 4-Zyl · Benziner· 185 PS
2014 2016
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.5L V6 · Benziner· 295 PS
2014 2019
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Toyota 2.5L 4-Zyl (Benziner, 185 PS) has the 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Toyota 3.5L V6 (Benziner, 295 PS) has the 2GR-FE (3.5L V6) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Untergesichertes Sicherungsblech am Ritzel. Hochfrequentes Pfeifen, Metallspäne in Ölwanne, Fahrverlust. Customer Support Program ZJC: 10 Jahre/unbegrenzte Laufleistung. Sammelklage 2020 für >1 Mio. Toyota-Fahrzeuge.

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
1,344 complaints · 2014–2019
Powertrain
289 ⚠ 4
Other
253 ⚠ 14
Electrical
220 ⚠ 5
Engine
162 ⚠ 5
Brakes
141 ⚠ 31

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (289 complaints)
⚠ Other (253 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (220 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 9 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Highlander XU50 (2014–2019) — 6 engine-related and 3 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Brakes, Electronics. Considered reliable: 2GR-FE (3.5L V6), 2AR-FE (2.5L 4-Zyl).

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 6 known engine weaknesses and 3 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Highlander XU50? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 2GR-FE (3.5L V6), 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 — 2 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