Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 478 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Toyota Highlander, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 164 | 34% |
| Unknown or other | 50 | 10% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 48 | 10% |
| Electrical system | 19 | 4% |
| Fuel system | 16 | 3% |
| Engine | 14 | 3% |
| Air bags | 9 | 2% |
| Engine | 9 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 8 | 2% |
| Power train | 8 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
UA80 Transmission failure. Was driving on highway when the transmission failed and lost power to the vehicle. Car was taken to Sunshine Toyota (Batte Creek MI) in 2022 and the transmission was recommended to be replaced
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that after taking the foot off the brake pedal,
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The transmission (power train) in this vehicle shows symptoms of a known defect in Toyota's UA80 8-speed. Since approximately (Aug 2026/70k mileage), it has produced shining/grinding noised at increasing speed. these sym
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The UA80 8-speed automatic transmission failed at 87,896 miles. Symptoms began as slipping in 1st and 2nd gears and harsh jerking when accelerating from a stop, with the engine revving while the vehicle failed to move. T
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The component that malfunctioned is the vehicle’s automatic transmission. The transmission developed a progressively worsening humming/whining noise during acceleration. The transmission is no longer available for inspec
NHTSA complaint: Power train
My 2019 Toyota Highlander AWD vehicle started making a whining noise around 85,000 miles. This high pitched whining sound occurred while accelerating and became louder and louder with time. I researched the issue and f
NHTSA complaint: Power train
UA8OF transmission went. Vehicle was making whining noise when purchased and was told was normal. Driving the car as normal when traveling through intersection when car would not drive.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The back passenger door (passenger side) will not unlock when using the remote or the button on the front door panels. The only way to open the door is to push the button manually on the car door. The child lock is NOT O
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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, 20
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting Janu
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,
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer servic
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply
Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800
| Reliability | 79 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 83 | excellent |
| Maintenance | 82 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 77 | good |
| Performance | 67 | good |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 478 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 164 of them (34%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 79/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 83/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2019 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 77/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.