Is the 2014 Toyota Highlander a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B+8.5/10
The 2014 Toyota Highlander XLE is a solid choice for families needing a reliable and spacious SUV. Despite some minor issues, it maintains a strong resale value and robust reliability.
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Pros
- Strong reliability record
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Good resale value
- All-wheel drive available
Cons
- Mediocre fuel economy
- Limited third-row space
- Occasional minor electrical issues
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
19 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,500/yr
Expected lifespan
250,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Transmission hesitation
- Squeaky brakes
- Faulty heater blower
- Minor infotainment glitches
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (5)
The 2014 Toyota Highlander has 5 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Seat Belts — Rear/Other (campaign 14V051000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- 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 contr…
- 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 delive…
- 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…
- 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…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.