2018 Toyota Highlander: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Refreshed gen3 V6 with the UA80 8-speed: widespread transmission whine/failure (CSP ZJC covers only some VINs) and fuel-pump stalling weigh on an otherwise reliable SUV. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Toyota Highlander ranged from $31,230 to $45,400 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Refreshed gen3 V6 with the UA80 8-speed: widespread transmission whine/failure (CSP ZJC covers only some VINs) and fuel-pump stalling weigh on an otherwise reliable SUV.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/highlander
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/toyota-highlander-buying-guide
Known issues
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UA80 8-speed automatic (with the D-4S V6) suffers whining, harsh/delayed shifting and outright failure, frequently before 130,000 miles; Toyota program ZJC covers only a limited set of VINs.
widespread · typically 50k–130k miles · transmission
-
Low-pressure fuel-pump failure can cause stalling and loss of power while driving (fuel-rail-pressure faults).
occasional · fuel
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A "Braking Power Low" warning and brake-booster/vacuum-pump complaints appear without prior notice.
occasional · brake
-
Timing-cover and water-pump oil leaks reported on the D-4S V6.
occasional · engine
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (7)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- carcomplaints.comhttps://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2020/toyota-8-speed-transmission-problems-…
- lemonlawexperts.comhttps://lemonlawexperts.com/toyota-highlander-transmission-problems/
- change.orghttps://www.change.org/p/toyota-the-ua80f-e-transmission-defect
- gearsmagazine.comhttps://gearsmagazine.com/magazine/the-ua80e-a-closer-look-at-the-8-speed-fro…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Strong V6 power, comfortable ride and a long reliability reputation underneath the powertrain issue.
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense P and top crash-test scores.
- Strong resale value and regular-fuel running costs.
Cons
- Tight third row and limited cargo behind it.
- UA80 8-speed transmission whine, harsh shifting and failures are the defining defect of these years.
- Low-pressure fuel-pump stalling affects 2018-2019 cars.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE | $31,230 | discontinued | — | — |
| LE Plus | $35,660 | discontinued | — | — |
| XLE | $39,120 | $45,870 | — | — |
| SE | $40,290 | discontinued | — | — |
| Limited | $42,280 | $50,325 | — | — |
| Limited Platinum | $45,400 | $53,525 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-toyota-highlander-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-highlander-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($31,230). Higher trims started higher (up to $45,400), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-highlander/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,100–2,200/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/highlander
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/toyota-highlander-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have?
Documented issue patterns include: UA80 8-speed automatic (with the D-4S V6) suffers whining, harsh/delayed shifting and outright failure, frequently before 130,000 miles; Toyota program ZJC covers only a limited set of VINs; Low-pressure fuel-pump failure can cause stalling and loss of power while driving (fuel-rail-pressure faults); A "Braking Power Low" warning and brake-booster/vacuum-pump complaints appear without prior notice; Timing-cover and water-pump oil leaks reported on the D-4S V6. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Refreshed gen3 V6 with the UA80 8-speed: widespread transmission whine/failure (CSP ZJC covers only some VINs) and fuel-pump stalling weigh on an otherwise reliable SUV.
How much did the 2018 Toyota Highlander cost new?
Between $31,230 and $45,400 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Toyota Highlander expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.