2016 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 117 owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota Highlander. The EPA rates it 20 to 28 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 3
- Owner complaints
- 117
- Crashes / fires reported
- 14 / 1
- EPA combined
- 20–28 MPG
2016 Toyota Highlander recalls
Electrical SystemNov 27, 2018 · NHTSA 18E107000+
Risk: The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.
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 SystemOct 24, 2016 · NHTSA 16V775000+
Risk: If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, connect the wire harness to the sensor, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this G03.
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."
EquipmentJun 9, 2016 · NHTSA 16V420000+
Risk: An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2016 Toyota Highlander problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Unknown or Other22
- Service Brakes22
- Electrical System14
- Air Bags10
- Exterior Lighting9
- Engine9
- Steering7
- Tires7
2016 Toyota Highlander gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid AWD | 3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (AV-S6) | 27 | 28 | 28 | $2,300 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus | 3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (AV-S6) | 28 | 28 | 28 | $2,300 |
| Highlander 2WD | 2.7 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 |
| Highlander 2WD | 3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Highlander, most recently for the electrical system (Nov 27, 2018). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Toyota Highlander problems?
Owners filed 117 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are unknown or other (22), service brakes (22), electrical system (14).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota Highlander get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Toyota Highlander at 20 to 28 MPG combined (best version: 27 city / 28 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.