We have a '17 XLE AWD since brand new. Still have original battery, but I have heard of people who are on their THIRD battery. Just depends on your circumstances. The pump running in the night is normal, after being shut off for six hours there is an emissions 'Draw Down' system that evacuates some canister under the right rear of the car. No big deal. What concerns me is how much ours has 'Loosened' up. Body creaks and groans, buzzes and rattles in the interior, things that Toyota's in our past (5) never did before. Original tires were gone at 20K, the cell phone pairing is a joke. We haven't run any of the entertainment since I loaded a USB flash drive with MP3's. (Over four years ago) The third row seat is a joke, I'd have preferred the option to just have two rows and more flat cargo area. Overall, we'd give ours a 7.8 out of 10. Which considering what else is out there, that's not bad. Be wary of high mileage units, be wary of 'Run hard and put away wet' that have seen lots of terrible city streets.

 

Thanks for the detailed analysis. I appreciate it. Would you mind if I ask how many miles you have on your '17, and when did the creaks start? Also, if you were to buy another vehicle now, what would you buy?

 

I bought my 2017 Platinum new spring of 2017. Now with 40K miles, we just replaced the tires. Next to no problems. The largest problem I've had is the battery. On my second, but with AZ heat 3 years is typical anyway. The problem is the start/stop plus the related need for the special battery that is very costly. My first battery was replaced under warranty, so I did not pay attention to its price. As both batteries aged I had frequent episodes of a dead battery if I didn't drive the vehicle regularly. So more recently I typically have the battery hooked up with a trickle tender if I'm not driving it much.

We have zero body creaking. I have heard the mentioned pump noise on rare occasions. No cell phone or entertainment problems. 3rd row seat is as I expected. I give the vehicle an easy 9+ score. The best highway SUV I've owned in 40 years. The latest Highlander version would be my most likely replacement. But I'm afraid to give up my current great straight line performance.

 

Battery Tender trickle charge every other month keeps the battery in my '18 Highlander Platinum fully charged.

 

The rear trailing arms are known to develop a creaking noise. This is something that was replaced under the factory 3/36 warranty (I think there's a TSB on it). Mine will creak slightly when I go over a major road feature like a speed hump or intersection that is excessively raised in the center.
There was a recall on the fuel pumps for 2017+ Highlanders.
The enhanced flooded battery really seems to be a problem for people who let their Highlander sit for days at a time.

I'm very happy with my 2015. Nothing has gone wrong as I approach 100k miles. There are some things that could be better like the infotainment, but there are zero major mechanical concerns.

Side note: Prices are insane right now. I can't imagine paying the current asking price for a used Highlander but I guess it's like that for every brand right now.

 

Just for clarification. ALL modern vehicles do emissions system leak test every day. This is not exclusive to Highlander or Toyota.

 

2014 here with 107k. No major issues, only a rear lift gate motor, warranty replaced along with rear bushings. Great cars, I prefer the bullet-proof 6sp trans 2014-2016

 

Mine is a 2018 SE with 47k miles. Bought brand new. Replaced the head unit once and the battery once. I’m in AZ as well. Replaced the battery with a Costco one. Didn’t feel I needed the “special” battery after reading other forums about it on here. Haven’t had an issue with the battery since I replaced it a year ago. Drives awesome and I don’t have any weird sounds. I did have my fuel pump replaced during the recall period, but it never gave me issues luckily.

 

I've bought mine 2017 HL Limited brand new and the only issue I have were all 4 tires worn out at 35K like everyone else. The original tires were Bridgestone Eco Roll that suppose to give extra mileage with 50K warranty rating (seriously, MPG are the same with new set of tires with NONE Eco BS). So it the tire itself not the car. Beside that it my daily ride and had zero issues and is now 50K+. Battery issues may contribute to the Start/Stop on short trip and if they lived in Northern cold climate weather could even shorting battery life faster. My original Panasonic battery still going strong and I do lived in North-East part of the map, but I do turn the darn thing off everytime I get in the car. You can install a bypass module on Ebay for $60 that will automatically turn it off when car start. People complaint about transmission, well, I did see sometimes jerking motion like transmission slipping or stuck on certain gear after 35K miles, but it doesn't happen all the time and it happen more often close to 50K. According to schedule maintenance fluid does not required to be change. I decided to change the transmission fluid yesterday and already I see a huge improvement while accelerating, it's now lot smoother and no more jerking at low speed. Now a days manufactures trying to compete with others to cut scheudule maintenance cost to attract drivers especially woman and on top of it you have government regulation where the stupid Start/Stop in most 6 cyl that create more problems and it save but hey, Fed don't care about your pocket. Bottom line change your oil every 5K with synthetic and your transmission, diff and transfer case every 35K should be good to go. Oh don't forget to change your coolant at every 50K interval too.

 

Transmission at 35k miles seriously?
If it needs that it is junk and I am glad to be rid of it,but mine was shifting fine at 50K miles better than new.

 

best Toyota resource out there. This should answer your questions:

 

Love Ahmed's videos (Car Care Nut). So if you're buying a 2017-2018 be sure to check if the transmission was in for warranty repair at some point.

Funny how in the past having more gears meant a better ride. But there was a point where manufacturers started adding gears to improve emissions & fuel efficiency, often at the expense of comfort & performance.

 

No problems with my 17.

 

I just came back from a road trip where I drove over 3700 km in 2 weeks in a base model 2021 Hyundai Sonata. Suffice to say, the Sonata proved to be a very nice car for me and my family. I think it had a 2.5L 4-cylinder. But it was so smooth, the 8-speed transmission so non-intrusive, always seemed to be in the right gear. To me it handled like a sports car! It's very low to the ground, excellent aerodynamics. It got 5.2L/100 km (45 MPG) highway. The Sonata interior was great, had Android Auto, very comfortable seats, plenty rear seat room, deep trunk for 3 carry-on sized suit cases plus more bags.

After I got home, driving my 2017 Highlander SE felt like driving a wagon, or a bus, haha. It feels clunky, and to me the interior feels dated. The Highlander definitely has less tire road noise than the Sonata though. But it otherwise feels like a bucket of bolts.

I realize this is comparing apples & oranges. It is not a fair comparison at all. They are different types of vehicles and the Sonata is newer. Plus I've heard Hyundai's are not as reliable as Toyotas. But it really got me thinking why I'm driving a clunky SUV, when a sleek, stealth sedan is so much more fun. Well for me I know why: I tow a small camper and I need the cargo space for many reasons. Often I max out my Highlander carrying loads. I really use it to it's potential. It's a practical tool. It's better on gravel roads than the Sonata, and would be better on slippery roads (I'm in Canada).

So just think about why you really need an SUV? If you legit need it for the space like me, then go for it. The Highlander really is a utility vehicle, but no sport in there. Toyota is reliable if you take care of it. But you really give up a smooth drive with a Highlander. I suppose the newer Highlanders are better.

 

I bought a 2017 XLE in Nov '17. Put 45K miles on it and loved it. Had the fuel pump recall done (never had an issue with it), and had the thermostat housing replaced under warranty. Other than that no problems. Planned to keep it forever but they offered me so much for it on a trade that I traded it in for a 2022 Platinum. There are a few minuses to the '22 but mostly all improvements including the ride and comfort. But if I still had my '17, I'm sure I'd still be very happy with it.

 

I love my 2016 Platinum. Due to COVID and telework, it only has 40k miles on it. But I’ve never had a single problem, and honestly that’s what I expect from Toyota. My son has my old 2006 4Runner with 160k miles, and it’s still going strong too. My only regret is not changing my Highlander’s head unit sooner. The JBL amp and speakers are fine, but adding wireless CarPlay took it to another level (sounds better too).

 

I would not buy anything these days without a direct manufacture warranty. Do not get 3rd party in my opinion, others can debate that but i would not rely on anything you have to get reimbursed for.

I purchased a 2018 limited platinum with 40k miles in July. I drove 6 hours to get it because of the car market. It is a certified pre-owned. I high recommend the CPO route. The fuel pump was replaced for a recall during the CPO certification.

This is why i say dont buy anything without a warranty. Last week the panoramic sunroof shade malfunctioned. It came off track and stop rolling the shade up. I was frustrated, took it into my local Toyota shop the next day. Everything is covered without any questions. Parts came in the next day, provided me with trasnportation while the replacement unit was installed.

So far i love this highlander. They are 1 of the most reliable vehicles on the road and hold their value.

 

I would not buy anything these days without a direct manufacture warranty. Do not get 3rd party in my opinion, others can debate that but i would not rely on anything you have to get reimbursed for.

I purchased a 2018 limited platinum with 40k miles in July. I drove 6 hours to get it because of the car market. It is a certified pre-owned. I high recommend the CPO route. The fuel pump was replaced for a recall during the CPO certification.

This is why i say dont buy anything without a warranty. Last week the panoramic sunroof shade malfunctioned. It came off track and stop rolling the shade up. I was frustrated, took it into my local Toyota shop the next day. Everything is covered without any questions. Parts came in the next day, provided me with trasnportation while the replacement unit was installed.

So far i love this highlander. They are 1 of the most reliable vehicles on the road and hold their value.

That doesn't sound reliable?
Sure they are good vehicles, but reliability is questionable.
There are too many reporting defects in the first 5 years ownership.
I don't think USA made toyota are as good as Canadian built and definitely not as good as Japan built.
And overall toyota quality has declined

 

Had a 2019 XLE
Good points
I never found it boring to drive
Smooth engine
Good ride quality
Ground clearance
Good basic engineering
Rear cross traffic alert
Rear lift up window.
It can get good mpg on highway
It handles loads very well
The 3rd row is useful on occasion
All the little things that are in the cabin that are practical such as the shelf
Hard wearing interior surfaces ,especially the seats.
Good even tire wear ,with good tires and regular rotation.
Bad points
Stop/start(just no)
Lacks low down torque ,yet is geared to run at 1200 rpm all day.
Typical toyota brakes ,just minimum quality and size for vehicle.
Odd creak from rear suspension at certain temperatures
No heated steering wheel( in Canada more useful than heated seats, toyota doesn't get it)
Rear power hatch,slow and prone to squeaking(dust on rams I found is the cause)probably another expensive fix when they fail.
Lift up Rear window arms started to rust out near seals after 3 years, where road salt is used.
Thermostat failed after 3 years,just out of warranty,it is an expensive fix.
Transmission works well enough but is not matched well to the engine characteristics.
Is quite thirsty in city driving, a big difference between city and highway mpg.
No updates for infotainment and navigation,like toyota forgot that people purchased the vehicle.
Some early signs of rust on hidden body parts that although superficial gave reason for pause.
As it ages a feeling that it could become a financial drain due to potentially expensive routine maintenance.
If in Canada, a target for thieves
Summary
Great vehicle but not without some reservations

 

@Nzott, I disagree with your assessment of Toyota quality. Do you have some facts or stats to back up what you’re saying?

 

@Nzott, tht’s just like, your opinion, man. If you sold your HL and it was junk, what’s the point of hanging out in this subforum?

Opinions and experiences is what makes these forums strong and productive. I had all sorts of problems with my early C6 Corvette, and still participated after I moved on to a C7.

 

We love our 2017 Limited Platinum HiHy. Other than the tires, a finicky lighting control stalk on the steering column and one ignition coil replaced under warranty it's all original nearing 100K miles, mostly driving in suburban traffic going to school and back, but we've also taken some 2-3K road trips, a couple hauling a popup camper that the HiHy pulled like it wasn't even there. Of course we've maintained it religiously with all scheduled maintenance and a dealer multipoint inspection every 5K miles. Call me anal but I have always prescribed to looking into every out-of-the-ordinary squeak, vibration or rattle that comes up in order to catch and remedy something minor before it becomes a major problem. Oh, and I always use Tier 1 brand gas, adding a bottle of "high mileage" Techron to any other brand, and since we hit 80K miles I also switched to "high mileage" Mobil 1 oil.

 

people have had issues with the Fuel Pump randomly turning on at night while the car is off

Enough has been said about this car, but I am going to make a comment about this specific quote from the OP.
This is not fuel pump turning on. This is an air pump to check the fuel system for leaks. It's normal car operation. Every car sold in the US over the past 25-30 years does it. It's part of mandatory emission controls system. It's clearly described in every cars' manual.
Why on Earth people are too lazy to read the Owner's Manual? Or are they just too stupid to understand it? Didn't learn to read in school? As an engineer who has to deal with this kind of idiocy every day, it's extremely frustrating that people will spend hours following the most idiotic and outrageous conspiracies on the Internet, but won't spend a few hours to learn essential information about expensive products they buy. Be it cars, TVs, or home appliances.
Page 8 from 2018 Toyota Highlander Owner's Manual. Every car manual from every car manufacturer has this note on the first few pages.