Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander reliable?

Yes, it’s widely considered a reliable midsize SUV, especially as a late-model year in a long-running generation, but it still benefits from consistent maintenance and a careful pre-purchase inspection.

What are the most common 2019 Toyota Highlander problems?

Reported common issues include 8-speed transmission shift hesitation or harshness on V6 models, A/C performance inconsistencies, brake vibration or faster-than-expected wear, and occasional infotainment or sensor glitches.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2019 Highlander?

Maintenance costs are typically moderate for the class; routine items like oil changes, brakes, tires, and fluid services are straightforward, and parts availability is generally good.

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

Many shoppers prefer later years in a generation because fixes and updates accumulate over time; 2017–2019 models are often sought after, while the best choice depends on price, mileage, service history, and features.

What should I check before buying a used 2019 Toyota Highlander?

Verify maintenance records, test the transmission for smooth shifting at low speeds and on the highway, check A/C cooling performance, inspect brake condition and for vibration during braking, and scan for any stored diagnostic trouble codes. For a deeper look at trims, full specs, towing equipment, fluid capacities, and the complete maintenance schedule, get a complete owner’s guide tailored to the 2019 Toyota Highlander.

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

2019 Toyota Highlander Reliability ReportA- grade · low risk · system-by-system breakdown

92/ 100

KeepScore

LOW RISK

Grade: A-

A bulletproof family hauler that delivers peace of mind and keeps going strong for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2019 Toyota Highlander

The system most likely to surface first: infotainment system (minor severity).
Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump.
Outscores the 2020 Toyota Highlander by 3 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.

Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander Worth Buying?

The 2019 Toyota Highlander is an exceptionally safe bet in the used three-row SUV market, offering a blend of proven powertrain durability and family-friendly practicality that's hard to beat. While minor electrical glitches or interior wear can surface, major mechanical failures are exceedingly rare, making it a stellar choice for long-term ownership with predictable maintenance.

Biggest Strengths

Robust 3.5L V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission
Exceptional long-term durability and resale value
Comprehensive standard safety features (Toyota Safety Sense P)

What Tends to Fail First on the 2019 Toyota Highlander

The systems that break first on the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Infotainment Systemminor

Minor Suspension Componentsmoderate

Power Liftgate Strutsminor

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

2019 Toyota Highlander Recall History

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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

What breaks on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

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

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Other Toyota Highlander Years to Consider

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 →

2019 Toyota Highlander Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

2020 JeepGrand Cherokee

78/100

2018 NissanRogue

72/100

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