Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander reliable?

Yes, it’s generally considered a reliable midsize SUV, especially when maintained properly. Most issues reported are manageable, and many examples reach high mileage with routine service.

What are the most common 2016 Toyota Highlander problems?

Common complaints include V6 water pump coolant leaks, occasional transmission/torque converter shudder or shift quality concerns, A/C cooling issues, and minor interior wear or infotainment glitches.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2016 Highlander?

Maintenance costs are typically moderate for the class. Routine items like oil changes, brakes, tires, and fluids are straightforward, but costs can rise if transmission concerns, A/C repairs, or coolant leak repairs come up.

What are the best years to buy for a used Toyota Highlander?

Many shoppers favor later third-generation years with updated features and refinements, and they often compare 2016–2019 models closely. The best choice depends on budget, trim, drivetrain (V6 vs. hybrid), and service history.

What should I check before buying a used 2016 Toyota Highlander?

Review service records, test-drive for transmission hesitation or shudder, inspect for coolant seepage near the water pump area, confirm strong A/C performance, and check tire wear/alignment and brake condition. For a deeper dive, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim differences, capacities, and the recommended maintenance schedules for the 2016 Toyota Highlander.

HomeVehicles

Vehicles Compare Blog Get Report

Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2016 Toyota Highlander Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

88/ 100

KeepScore

LOW RISK

Grade: A-

A supremely reliable family hauler, offering peace of mind with minimal major headaches.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2016 Toyota Highlander

Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system.
Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2014 Toyota Highlander earns a 92.
The system most likely to surface first: suspension & steering (moderate severity).

Should You Buy the 2016 Toyota Highlander?

The 2016 Toyota Highlander stands as a pillar of reliability in the mid-size SUV segment, offering exceptional long-term value and predictable ownership costs. While a few minor electrical and suspension quirks exist, this vehicle is one of the safest used SUV investments you can make, ready to serve families for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care.

Biggest Strengths

Robust V6 engine and transmission
Excellent resale value and strong demand
Low incidence of major catastrophic failures

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2016 Toyota Highlander. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Suspension & Steeringmoderate

Infotainment/Electricalminor

Brake Systemmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

What breaks on the 2016 Toyota Highlander?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time

Just bought a 2016 Toyota Highlander? Keep it that way.

Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.

Toyota Highlander by Year

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Toyota Highlander. Click any year for its full report.

All Toyota Highlander years ranked →Toyota Highlander years to avoid →Toyota Highlander common problems →

If You're Considering This, Also Look At

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

2015 JeepGrand Cherokee

Relevant Products for Your 2016 Toyota Highlander

Parts and accessories matched to your 2016 Toyota Highlander

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report