2014 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2014 Toyota Highlander recalls

Most common 2014 Toyota Highlander problems

Problem areas named in the 136 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	36
Structure	34
Unknown Or Other	33
Power Train	9
Visibility/Wiper	6
Seat Belts	5
Vehicle Speed Control	5
Steering	4
Suspension	4
Tires	4

What owners report

2026-09-28, Power Train
Transmission failing beginning at 60,000 miles. Safety issue because car shudders and refuses to accelerate at seemingly random times. My mechanic said this is a known issue and recommended transmission flushing. We've been doing this for six years at lesser and lesser intervals before the problem reappears. Our local Toyota dealership said they've never heard of the problem but it is reported on numerous automotive forums.

2026-08-30, Latches/Locks/Linkages
Component: Latches/Locks — Power Door Lock Actuator I am the original owner of a 2014 Toyota Highlander AWD, currently with 88,000 miles on it. I have experienced six power door lock actuator failures on this vehicle. All replacements were OEM Toyota parts, and all repairs were paid out of pocket. Failure history: - 01/12/2019 — driver rear (original part) - 02/27/2019 — driver front (original part) - 12/07/2019 — passenger rear (original part) - 06/09/2023 — passenger front (original part) - 08/08/2025 — driver rear (OEM replacement, 6 yr 7 mo service life) - 08/30/2026 — driver front currently failing (OEM replacement, 7 yr 6 mo service life) All four original actuators fa

2026-07-15, Electrical System
The radio keeps freezing up all the time along with the back tail light area going in and out. I keep smelling like burnt wire smell. Engine sound really rough.

2026-05-05, Structure
The driver’s-side rear spoiler on my 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD has melted, bubbled, and warped. The vehicle has been stored 100% of the time in a fully enclosed garage with no windows since new. It has only 65,000 miles and has received all service exclusively at authorized Toyota dealerships. There has been no direct sun exposure, accident, or misuse. Toyota dealer and Corporate attributed this to “solar convergence” and denied any repair assistance or goodwill coverage. This explanation does not match the facts given the garage setup and minimal outdoor time. This appears to be a materials/design defect in the black plastic spoiler. Similar melting/warping issues are repor

2026-05-04, Electrical System
I noticed the smell of wires burning, a billow of smoke started emitting from the two levers used to heat the seats near the gear shift area. I was on the freeway and immediately pulled to the side of the road, turned off the car and called 911 before any flames were seen. There were no warning signs, lamps or other symptoms until the smell of burning wires and the smoke.

2014 Toyota Highlander questions

Does the 2014 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2014 Toyota Highlander: Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings; Electrical System:Software; Seat Belts; Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly; Seat Belts:Rear/Other. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Toyota Highlander?

Based on 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (36), Structure (34), Unknown Or Other (33).

How do I check if a recall on my 2014 Toyota Highlander has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.