Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Toyota Highlander
The 2018 Toyota Highlander is generally reliable, but issues with the fuel pump, brakes, and electrical system warrant careful inspection before purchase. Address any open recalls as soon as possible.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 274 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V682000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V012000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18E107000 Water May Enter Windshield Wire Harness NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V211000 Brake Assist Vacuum Pump may Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V831000 Incorrect Load Information on Label/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 73 complaints
- Service Brakes 53 complaints
- Unknown or Other 46 complaints
- Engine 36 complaints
- Electrical System 24 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 22 complaints
Of the 274 complaints on file, 23 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 274 complaints, owners report 25 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Fuel pump failure
How to check: Ensure recall repair for fuel pump is complete.
Brake assist loss
How to check: Test brake response under varied conditions.
Water damage to ECM
How to check: Check for aftermarket windshield and water leaks.
Hydraulic power assist issues
How to check: Listen for unusual noises when braking.
Wiring harness issues
How to check: Inspect for exposed wiring under hood.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for odd noises from engine.
Red flag: Rattling or knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Check engine light on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brakes; ensure smooth operation.
Red flag: Vibrations or delayed braking
- 04
Acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth gearbox transitions.
Red flag: Jerky shifts or hesitation
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Listen for wind noise around windshield.
Red flag: Excessive noise implies bad seals
- 06
Parking
What to check: Ensure rear brakes hold vehicle.
Red flag: Car rolls despite brake pedal
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have any recalls been addressed?
- Has the fuel pump been replaced?
- Any issues with the braking system?
- Has the windshield ever been replaced?
- Are there any electrical problems?
- Any recent engine repairs needed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty document if applicable
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Toyota Highlander at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Toyota Highlander? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.