Toyota Highlander: common problems, service schedule and fuel economy
What typically goes wrong on the Toyota Highlander, at what mileage, and what keeping it right involves — from Brimly's Vehicle Knowledge Base, where every fault is checked by a human before publication.
- Years
- 2020–2024
- Generations
- 1
- Engines
- 3
- Verified faults
- 2
XU70 · 2020–2024
2.4 Turbo · 265 hp · 2.5 Hybrid · 243 hp · 3.5 V6 · 295 hp
Known problems
- Critical
Denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall)
Symptoms: rough running, warning lights, and possible engine stall while driving
What to do: 2020 Highlander was included in Toyota's large Denso fuel-pump recall. Check the VIN for open recalls and have the redesigned pump fitted free of charge if outstanding.
- Worth watching
V6 8-speed torque-converter shudder and hesitation
Symptoms: a shudder or vibration under light throttle at highway speed, hesitation or hunting during light acceleration
What to do: Most reported on 2020-2022 V6 Highlanders and generally traced to torque-converter clutch behaviour. Ask about the latest transmission software and a fluid service; persistent shudder or whining warrants a warranty/torque-converter inspection.
Service schedule
| Item | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin filter | every 9,000 mi (15,000 km) | — |
| Engine oil & filter change | every 9,000 mi (15,000 km) or 12 months | halve under severe, towing or short-trip use; turbo prefers the shorter interval |
| Air filter | every 25,000 mi (40,000 km) | — |
| Transmission / hybrid transaxle fluid important | every 62,000 mi (100,000 km) | 8-speed auto (petrol) or eCVT hybrid transaxle; replace under severe/tow use |
| Spark plugs (iridium) | every 75,000 mi (120,000 km) | shorten to ~60,000 km on the 2.4 turbo |
| Brake fluid important | every 36 months | — |
| Timing chain | — | all engines chain-driven — no scheduled belt replacement |
Manufacturer-declared fuel economy
| Engine | City | Highway | Combined | Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 Turbo XU70 · 2020–2024 | 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) | 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) | 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) | EPA |
| 2.5 Hybrid XU70 · 2020–2024 | 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) | 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) | 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) | EPA |
| 3.5 V6 XU70 · 2020–2024 | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) | 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) | EPA |
Lab-cycle figures, each shown with the cycle it was measured under — the same car under WLTP, NEDC, EPA or JC08 can differ by up to 20%. Real-world consumption typically runs 15–30% above the declared number, and that gap is normal, not a fault.
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Frequently asked
What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?
The faults reported most often are: Denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall); V6 8-speed torque-converter shudder and hesitation. Symptoms, the mileage each appears at and what to do about it are all above.
How often does the Toyota Highlander need servicing?
Engine oil & filter change — every 9,000 mi (15,000 km) or 12 months. The full published schedule is above; your car's own service book always takes precedence.
What is the real fuel consumption of the Toyota Highlander?
The manufacturer declares 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) combined for the 2.4 Turbo under the EPA cycle. In real use expect 15–30% more — that gap is normal.
Where does this data come from?
Brimly's Vehicle Knowledge Base — the same verified facts the app's AI assistant answers from. Every fault is written up from public sources and then checked by a human before it is published; nothing here is generated on the fly.