Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
The 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE offers excellent reliability and a commitment to comfort and practicality. Ideal for families and those needing a dependable SUV, it's a solid choice if you're not prioritizing cutting-edge tech.
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Pros
- Spacious interior with three rows
- Strong reliability history
- High resale value
Cons
- Lower fuel economy compared to some competitors
- Limited towing capacity for the class
- Some outdated tech features
Ownership at a glance
Common problems to watch for
- Wind noise at high speeds
- Minor transmission hesitation
- Occasional touchscreen glitches
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (3)
The 2016 Toyota Highlander has 3 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Equipment — Other — Labels (campaign 16V420000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- 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 …
- Electrical System — Wiring — Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire …
- Equipment — Other — Labels — Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not refl…
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.