TOYOTA HIGHLANDER · model year

2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

156 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014TOYOTAHIGHLANDER carries 156 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, and 1 fatality. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 HIGHLANDER is electrical system with 33 filings, followed by unknown or other (33) and structure:body (22). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2014 HIGHLANDER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

156
Complaints
8
Crashes
0
Fires
9
Injuries
1
Deaths
2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

156 filings

Crashes Reported

8 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 - Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
UNKNOWN OR OTHER33
STRUCTURE:BODY22
POWER TRAIN8
SEAT BELTS5
VISIBILITY/WIPER5
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
STEERING4
SUSPENSION4
TIRES4
ENGINE3
SERVICE BRAKES3
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY3
SEATS2

Recalls (5)

18E10700027/11/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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).

14V27200022/05/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles may have improper software installed in the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) for the operation of the front passenger seat belt force limiter,

14V27400022/05/2014

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, through April 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a second row right-hand seat assembly that does not fully lock into the inboard seat track in the forward fi

14V57600019/09/2014

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.

14V05100007/02/2014

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured November 20, 2013, through January 18, 2014. The third row middle seat belt assembly might not have been properly secured to the vehicle floor anchorage during vehicle assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to

Recent Complaints

20260202ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that a hybrid system warning alert was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the windshield wiring system had failed and that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that the windshield failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18E107000 (Electrical System, Visibility). The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The windshield manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

20260202VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that a hybrid system warning alert was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the windshield wiring system had failed and that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that the windshield failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18E107000 (Electrical System, Visibility). The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The windshield manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

20260121STRUCTURE:BODY

Was driving 70 mph on nj 287 when all sudden I hear something that sounded like implosion and air was coming from sunroof. Ended up being sun roof glass flew out of car sunroof frame. Toyota knew it was a defect as they did inspection but did not want to cover it because they said it’s out of warranty. Thankfully no one was driving behind me at that time

20250603EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Rear lights located both on the tailgate and body of the vehicle. The lights covers failed to remain adhered to the lights themselves and fell off and are partially adhered as a result of what appears to be a failure of the adhesion material . Two light covers may have been lost while driving. Unknown if their loss resulted in damage(s) to others. Without the outer cover results in the exposure of the lights to weather and potential failure. Review with Toyota of Orange service manager confirm the failure of adhesive/ manufacturing process of the lights

20250129TIRES

Installed (4) Firestone Destination Le3 tires in March 2022. All four tires became dry rot in just over 2 years, failed inspection at 2 1/2 years. 70,000 mile tires with roughly 28,000 miles left of the warranty.

20250111STRUCTURE:BODY

Water leaks inside the car every time it rains. We checked the sunroof drain tubes. They are clear. It is getting in through the roof rail bolts. It runs down the pillars to the floor and underneath the floor carpet. The carpet is wet for long periods of time in rainy seasons. I am concerned there is going to be mold issues.

20250108STRUCTURE:BODY

The vehicle is painted in Blizzard Pearl, which has a known peeling issue. Toyota never sent us any notification of an issue with the paint. A patch of the paint has peeled off of the top of the vehicle and has continued to grow larger. When we contacted Toyota, we were informed the period to fix this issue has closed and we would have to repair out of pocket. Our vehicle was mostly garage kept and didn't suffer the immediate failure of the paint. Blizzard Pearl is a color with an additional cost and has the most complaints for failure. Toyota has acknowledged the problem but did very little to ensure customers were notified, did not take into account Blizzard Pearl painted vehicles would fail at different times due to climate/storage of vehicles, and only provided a narrow window to their customers for this issue. The peeled paint has exposed the body of the vehicle to the elements, which will cause it to rust.

20241216VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the moon roof detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light and there was no impact to have caused the failure. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer had previously replaced a piece on the moon roof. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the moon roof glass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

Mileage: 99,000

20231212UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The lift gate will not open and close properly. It only works about 5% of the time.

20230414LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to open and close properly or as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Mileage: 87,000

20230412STRUCTURE:BODY

Some doors do not lock when the electric lock switch is pressed on the FOB or using the button on the door. Sometimes the doors that did lock don’t the next time. This is a security issue while driving the vehicle and another security issue when parking. It’s also a safety issue for the same reasons. The door’s electrical locking system fails and needs to be fixed.

20230411UNKNOWN OR OTHER

As other 2014 Toyota highlander: issues with the power liftgate/rear door. Have problems open and closing the rear door to the point that it's not working properly anymore. Toyota is not responding unless you pay around $4,000 to get it fix.There are plenty of cases like mine and for the 2010-2023 they had a class action suite for the same problem, resulting in a mass recall to correct the problem. Why is not a recall for this year as well.

20230325VISIBILITY/WIPER

The glass from the panoramic sunroof detached from the vehicle while traveling approximately 60 MPH.

20230202ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving car started singing and message came on dashboard about idling will cause the engine to turn off then the car turned off while I was driving it has happened multiple other times even after taking it to the dealership twice and then doing an update on it

20230202ENGINE

While driving car started singing and message came on dashboard about idling will cause the engine to turn off then the car turned off while I was driving it has happened multiple other times even after taking it to the dealership twice and then doing an update on it

20230111VISIBILITY/WIPER

On or about 12-01-2022 the windshield wipers stopped functioning. The result was an inability to drive the car in the rain and especially at night. It was impossible to see so we pulled over and waited for the rain to stop. After analyzing the issue the motor had failed. We contacted Toyota for a replacement motor. What we found: No wiper motors are available from Toyota, no aftermarket parts are available. We ordered a motor from Gladstone Toyota but after a couple of weeks began calling. What I was told: no wiper motors are available and there is no release date for when they will be. I began calling around and found that some dealers (TRD Shop) have over 200 on back order and only 80 were released last time they made them. where we are today: We have a vehicle made by Toyota that is unsafe to operate due to the fact the wipers don't work We replaced the wiper switch $232.00 but that only allowed the rear wipers to function further inspection verified the front wiper motor failed in

20230110UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Hi, the stereo sound on My Toyota highlander keep going in and out, I can start the car in the morning and the radio will work no problem but if I turn off the car or the radio sound or music will go away. after the car is off for about 3 to 4 hours period of time the sound will come back on when the vehicle is turned back on. This is the original Stereo system. Thank You

20221116STEERING

Steering column locked on several occasions while driving. Electrical systems blink on and off. Exactly as described in NHTSA recall #15V144000 and as far I can tell the exact same part number.

20221116ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Steering column locked on several occasions while driving. Electrical systems blink on and off. Exactly as described in NHTSA recall #15V144000 and as far I can tell the exact same part number.

20221107STRUCTURE:BODY

rear tailgate door non-functioning. auto door button does not work and door cannot be opened manually. serious safety issue if car in accident and side doors won't open. checked by dealer in dec. 2020, and they knew about problem and not covered under warrranty. toyota knew about problem in march 2016 and issued service bulletin T-SB-0023-16 which clearly states problem and how to fix in 8 pages.; and only covers 2014/2015 highlanders under warranty. no warning lights; tailgate failed in dec. 2020. vehicle only inspected by toyota dealer in roseville, CA. if Toyota is willing to fix some highlanders, why would they exclude others out of warranty? This makes the vehicle unuseable for a family that hikes, camps, plays sports, etc. and I feel is a clear safety issue if one exit out of vehicle does not operate!

Compare 2014TOYOTAHIGHLANDER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER have?
The 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER has 156 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
The 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
Yes, the 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
The most-complained component for the 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 33 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.