Buyer's checklist: 3rd gen Toyota Highlander (2014–2019)

Look for 2

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Uncomfortable front seats2015Drive it for an hour before buying, with the people who will ride in it.^1,2
Transmission failure2017Listen for a whine, and feel for shudder or a car that drags as if the parking brake were on.^3,4

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 14V0510002014The third-row middle seat belt may not be fixed to its floor anchor. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁵
Recall 14V2740002014The right second-row seat may not lock into its track. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁵
Recall 14V2720002014Airbag software may use the small-occupant belt setting for every front passenger. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^5,6
Recall 14V5760002014A fuel delivery pipe in the engine bay may leak, a fire risk. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁵
Recall 15V1440002015A manufacturing defect in the electric power steering control unit can make the power assist fail. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁷
Recall 16V7750002016The brake fluid level sensor may not be plugged in, so low fluid would go unwarned. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁸
Recall 17V8310002018The load capacity label may be wrong. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁹
Recall 18V2110002018A faulty rotor in the brake booster's vacuum pump can cause a sudden loss of brake assist. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁹
Recall 20V0120002018–2019The low-pressure fuel pump in the tank may fail and stall the engine. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^9,10
Recall 20V6820002017–2019The low-pressure fuel pump in the tank may fail and stall the engine. An expansion of 20V012000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,9,10

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

20172017SlashGear lists the 2017 among the years to avoid, for complaints and recalls about the electrics, fuel system and brakes.¹²