Our blog has discussed plenty of Toyota models already, and today’s star is the Toyota Highlander! Keep reading to discover just how long a Toyota Highlander will last on the roads.
In This Article:
How Long Do Toyota Highlanders Last?
A Toyota Highlander can easily be your trusty companion for 200,000 to 300,000 miles — sometimes even more if you take good care of it. These SUVs are built to be durable, after all!
Nevertheless, how long yours lasts also depends on a few important factors:
Maintenance Schedule
The key to getting the most miles out of your Highlander starts with routine maintenance — particularly oil changes, brake pad replacements, tire rotations, and brake fluid checks. Paying attention to them on a frequent basis easily helps avoid big repair bills down the road and keeps your Highlander running smoothly.
Driving Conditions
Needless to say, where and how you drive your car also makes a big difference in Toyota Highlander longevity!
If you’re mostly cruising on the highway, for example, then you’re in luck. Highway miles tend to be easier on the car because you’re not stopping and starting constantly. On the other hand, city driving —with all the stop-and-go traffic — puts a lot more stress on the engine and transmission, which can lead to more wear and tear over time.
Then there’s also the climate factor. Extreme heat causes your engine to overheat or fluids to degrade faster, while cold weather thickens the oil and makes it twice as hard for your battery to do its job. And don’t even get started on areas with snow; road salt is the common culprit behind rust, especially on the undercarriage.
Quality of Parts and Repairs
Last but not least, the automotive parts you use when it comes time for repairs also play a big role in the Toyota Highlander’s life expectancy.
Sticking with genuine Toyota parts is obviously always a good idea since they are specifically designed to fit your Highlander. Sure, you might expect a bit more cost upfront, but they tend to be more durable and reliable in the long run.
Meanwhile, lower-quality aftermarket parts result in problems much sooner than you’d expect. They are cheaper, of course, but they also wear out quicker, which means more frequent repairs and – in the end – more money spent.
What Is a Good Mileage for A Used Toyota Highlander?
In our opinion, mileage between 60,000 and 100,000 miles is often seen as the perfect middle ground. You’re not paying top dollar for a low-mileage vehicle, but you’re also not dealing with something that’s on its last legs, either!
Nevertheless, just looking at the mileage number doesn’t tell the whole story. A “good” mileage really depends on a few other factors that can impact the vehicle’s value, reliability, and how long it will serve you well.
60,000 Miles
Are you considering a Highlander with 60,000 miles? In that case, you’re looking at a vehicle that’s likely passed its early years of use but still has a lot left to give.
At this stage, most of the routine, early maintenance has already been done, and the engine and transmission should still be in great shape. Simply put, the vehicle has settled into regular driving, with plenty of miles ahead of it.
80,000 Miles
Now, let’s say you’re looking at a Highlander with 80,000 to 100,000 miles.
Here is where many buyers pause, though you don’t really need to. Since Toyota is known for building long-lasting vehicles (and the Highlander is no exception), what’s more important is the care it’s received. If the previous owner kept up with regular service — oil changes, transmission fluid checks, and even suspension tune-ups — it’s still a solid vehicle at the end of the day!
Of course, at this mileage range, you do have to think about what might be coming up.
Around 100,000 miles, some of the larger maintenance items could be on the horizon. Services like serpentine belts, brake system overhauls, or suspension work might be necessary, and those are normal costs you should factor into your decision. But don’t let that scare you off; these are expected in a vehicle’s lifespan and show that the car has been used properly, not neglected.
100,000 miles
One of the biggest advantages of Highlanders with higher mileage is the value. Cars tend to depreciate faster once they reach the 100,000-mile mark, so you can often find a good deal on one without sacrificing too much in terms of reliability.
In fact, many experienced buyers find that Highlanders in this range give them the best bang for their buck. You get the same Toyota reliability at a lower price range, knowing that it still has many remaining years under the hood!
Common Toyota Highlander Issues To Be Aware of
2001 to 2007: Electrical Problems and Suspension Wear
The first-generation Toyota Highlanders, produced from 2001 to 2007, are solid vehicles overall, but they do have some recurring issues — particularly with electrical systems and suspension components.
For starters, common complaints regarding electrical problems involve power windows, door locks, and dashboard lights failing intermittently (or worse, completely). Though these issues don’t usually affect the drivability of the vehicle, they can still add up repair costs if left unattended.
Meanwhile, suspension wear tends to show up in higher-mileage vehicles. You might notice the ride feels rougher than expected, with more bouncing over bumps or a sense of instability, especially at highway speeds. The reason is likely due to worn-out shocks, struts, or bushings, which degrade over time.
2008 to 2013: Oil Leaks and Water Pump Failures
How about the second-generation Highlanders, produced from 2008 to 2013? There are a few specific issues worth noting, such as the frequent oil leaks around the valve cover gaskets. When these gaskets fail, you’ll often notice oil accumulating around the engine block; this eventually reduces the engine’s lubrication and causes serious overheating on internal parts!
Another major issue is water pump failure. To be more specific, the water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine block; once it fails, there will be a coolant leak or an unusual noise from the engine bay.
2014 to 2019: Transmission Issues and Electronic System Failures
Third-generation Highlanders, from 2014 to 2019, are widely recognized for their excellent performance, though you must still keep an eye out for a couple of issues.
Indeed, drivers have reported problems with the transmission, particularly with harsh shifting, slipping gears, or delayed engagement when accelerating. In some cases, these issues are due to mechanical wear inside the transmission, while in others, it might be a software problem in the transmission control unit (TCU).
If caught early, a transmission fluid flush or software update might solve the problem in a heartbeat. However, more severe cases could require costly repairs or even a full transmission replacement!
We have also received complaints regarding the collapse of the electronic system.
Many owners have experienced issues with the infotainment system (e.g., malfunctioning touchscreens, navigation problems, and Bluetooth connectivity issues). Even more concerning are the failures reported with the dashboard electronics, which causes many to miss critical issues like low oil pressure or faulty ABS systems during daily driving.
2000 to Present: Few Widespread Issues Reported
For the newest generation of Highlanders, from 2020 onward, there haven’t been many widespread problems reported yet (though largely because these vehicles are still relatively new).
Most of the issues reported have been minor, such as occasional software glitches or cosmetic concerns. Nothing has surfaced as a consistent or widespread mechanical problem, which is certainly some great news!
Extra Tips to Extend Toyota Highlander Lifespan
To make sure your Toyota Highlander stays with you for the long haul, you should always keep an eye on the issues we’ve covered and stick to a regular maintenance routine! Plus, there are a few more tips you’ll want to keep in mind:
Avoid Excessive Idling
When your Highlander is idling, the engine is running but not getting the airflow it needs to cool effectively. Buildups of carbon deposits over time will be inevitable — and trust us; they might cause a lot of serious engine performance issues later on!
So, whenever you find yourself waiting in your car, it’s better to turn the engine off if you’ll be idling for more than a couple of minutes. And forget about long warm-ups; modern engines like the one in your Highlander don’t need it. Just start the car and drive gently for the first few minutes, and you’re good to go.
Lighten Your Load
It might not seem like a big deal, but carrying extra weight around in your Highlander can take a toll on its suspension and rear brakes.
Take a moment every now and then to clear out the unnecessary items from your vehicle. The lighter your load, the less strain you’re putting on your car’s systems. And as a bonus, you’ll get slightly better gas mileage, which is always a nice perk!
Use High-Quality Fuel
We all know the Highlander is perfectly fine with regular gasoline. Still, occasionally filling up with high-quality fuel from reputable gas stations can actually help your fuel efficiency in the long run. Better yet, some fuels come with additives that prevent carbon buildup on your fuel injectors and valves, keeping them much cleaner.
On the other hand, cheaper, lower-quality fuel will lead to buildup over time and cause idling. Therefore, if you notice your Highlander running a little rough, giving it a few tanks of higher-grade fuel might help clear things up and keep your engine running more smoothly.
See More Vehicle Lifespan By Brand & Model:
Conclusion
This article thoroughly explains how many miles a Toyota Highlander can last and details its most common problems. Still curious? Don’t hesitate to reach out; we’re happy to discuss the question with you!
