2016 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2016 Toyota Highlander has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA, including 14 crashes, 1 fire, 11 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Unknown Or Other (21 reports).

2Recalls
111Owner complaints
14Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Highlander?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2016 Toyota Highlander recalls

Brake fluid sensor may not detect low fluid, reducing braking

Recall 16V775Oct 24, 20167,056 vehicles affected

On certain vehicles built between May and September 2016, the brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wiring harness.

Incorrect load label may lead to vehicle overloading and crash risk

Recall 16V420Jun 9, 20164,253 vehicles affected

The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label on certain vehicles may not reflect the correct added weight of installed accessories.

Most common 2016 Toyota Highlander problems

Problem areas named in the 111 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Unknown Or Other21
Service Brakes19
Electrical System14
Air Bags10
Engine9
Exterior Lighting9
Visibility/Wiper7
Tires7
Steering6
Seats4

What owners report

2026-10-01, Seat Belts
The component involved was the vehicle's seat belt/restraint system. While my daughter was wearing the seat belt, it became stuck around her waist/abdomen and became extremely tight. The belt continued to tighten and would not loosen or release normally. The seat belt had to be cut in an emergency to free my daughter. My daughter was sitting in the second row to the right. The seat belt became stuck and extremely tight around her waist/abdomen. After she moved the shoulder portion of the seat belt behind her shoulder and then unbuckled the seat belt. Even after she unbuckled it, the belt did not loosen or release. Instead, belt continued retracting/tightening and pulled her body upward tow
2026-09-10, Exterior Lighting
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear taillight covers cracked due to the high outdoor temperatures, and there was condensation inside the taillight housing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the rear taillight covers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rear taillight covers needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 70,200.
2026-02-22, Steering
Steering column can become worn prematurely causing loose steering and possibly loose control
2026-02-05, Steering
I was on Hwy 27 headed south bound at Bellecita Rd in Davenpoerrt, Fl. This is a busy four way intersection. I moved into the left hand turn lane. When the left turn green light came on I began my U-Turn to head north bound. The steering wheel would not respond to my input and the vehicle kept going straight into oncoming traffic. It took a great deal of bodily force to get the vehicle to respond. When it did respond there was loud popping noise. I had noticed in the past, that when Iwas turning or changing lanes on the hwy, the steering had a small glitch before it centered. I thought this was strange but figured this was normal for this vehicle. This incident left me badly shaken. I though
2026-01-20, Power Train
I was driving on a 2-lane road early in the morning with light snowfall. There was about 1" of snow on the road, with the roads not yet plowed or treated as it was the beginning of the snowfall. About 15 minutes into my trip, I was on a relatively flat and straight stretch of the road and let up on the gas paddle to avoid going too fast -- was probably traveling ~35 mph. Although the road was straight and flat at that point, my car suddenly started fishtailing, slowly turned 180 degrees and sliding to the other side of the road, ending up on the opposite edge of the road. When it hit the edge of the road, it tipped over on its right side, as apparently the dirt at the edge of the road wa

2016 Toyota Highlander questions

Does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2016 Toyota Highlander: Brake fluid sensor may not detect low fluid, reducing braking; Incorrect load label may lead to vehicle overloading and crash risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Highlander?

Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (21), Service Brakes (19), Electrical System (14).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 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.

Other Toyota Highlander years

Other 2016 Toyota models