2016 Toyota Highlander Problems – Troubles and Solutions
Like every other vehicle, the 2016 Toyota Highlander SUV also has some issues. The vehicle owners have made several complaints to the NHTSA about this vehicle. However, the problems are fixable. So, you won’t have to worry anymore.
But what are the 2016 Toyota Highlander’s problems? The most common 2016 Toyota Highlander problems are –
- Defective wheels
- Bad service brakes
- Bad steering,
- Faulty airbag and
- Faulty seatbelt
To fix these problems, you have to replace some components and follow some tasks.
Further, I will discuss the 2016 Toyota Highlander problems, the causes of these problems, and the ways to fix the problems. Please read the full article to find out about it.
How To Fix 2016 Toyota Highlander Problems?
The 2016 Toyota Highlander has several problems. But here I have listed out the ones that customers have most complained about. Please check out the table below with the overview of the problems, causes, and fixes of this vehicle:
| Problems | Cause | Fix |
| Defective wheel | Bad wheel bearings | Replace the wheel bearings |
| Bad service brakes | Loss of brake fluid | Change the worn pads |
| Bad steering | Faulty steering pump | Replace the steering pump |
| Faulty airbag | Faulty sensors | Replace the sensors |
| Faulty seatbelt | Manufacturer defect | Replace the seatbelt |
What Are The Causes Of Toyota Highlander Problems?
There are multiple causes behind the Toyota Highlander problems. This section will discuss the causes and solutions of this vehicle. Please check it out through the below points –
Defective wheel
Your Toyota Highlander 2016 vehicle may have defective wheels due to bad wheel bearings. A bad wheel bearing can make the wheel wobble and vibrate. This can turn into a big accident if not fixed immediately.
However, a wheel bearing goes bad when the vehicle is driven in bad road conditions. Hitting through the potholes can damage the wheel bearing and make the wheel vibrate. Also, find out 2003 Toyota Highlander’s problems
Fix: Replace the wheel bearing
Step 1: Park your vehicle on a flat-level surface
Step 2: Place chocks behind the vehicle’s tire
Step 3: Untighten the wheel nut
Step 4: Elevate the vehicle with a jack stand
Step 5: Remove the lug nuts and take off the tire
Step 6: Take off the brake caliper, brackets, and cotter pin
Step 7: Remove the outer wheel bearing
Step 8: Take off the rotor and inner wheel bearing
Step 10: Mount new wheel bearings
Step 11: Replace back everything
Bad service brakes
A 2016 Toyota Highlander can have bad service brakes due to the loss of fluid. It happens when the brake pads are worn out. The brake pads are worn out over time due to the excessive friction. It leads the piston seal to break down and leak fluid.
Fix: Replace the worn-out pads
Step 1: Take off the brake fluid
Step 2: Elevate the vehicle with jack stands
Step 3: Inspect the brake assembly and look for damaged components
Step 4: Remove the brake caliper
Step 5: Install new brake pads into the system
Bad steering
A 2016 Toyota Highlander can have bad steering problems due to a faulty steering pump. When a steering pump goes bad, it cannot provide fluid to the steering wheel. Partially, due to the lack of steering fluid, the steering pump can go bad. It can make the vehicle’s steering wobbly and create noises.
Fix: Replace the bad steering pump
Step 1: Turn off the engine
Step 2: Let the engine cool down
Step 3: Take off the power steering belt from the pump
Step 4: Unload the power steering fluid. Make sure to place a pan underneath so fluid does not fall in the components
Step 5: Take off the bolts and brackets
Step 6: Remove the power steering pump
Step 7: Install the new power steering pump in the system
Faulty airbag
The owners of the 2016 Toyota Highlander have complained that their airbag deploys even when there is no crash. Usually, a sensor gets activated when there is a crash. But when the airbag’s sensors malfunction, the sensors can automatically get activated and deploy the airbag.
Fix: Replace the sensor
Step 1: Disconnect the negative battery terminal
Step 2: Find out the location of the sensor
Step 3: Disconnect the sensor and electrical connector
Step 4: Install the new sensor
Step 5: Connect the electrical connector
Step 6: Reconnect the negative battery terminal
Step 7: Replace back everything
Faulty seatbelt
A 2016 Toyota Highlander may have faulty seatbelt problems. Many owners have complained about this problem. Usually, a seatbelt gets jammed due to the manufacturer’s fault.
A manufacturer can create a bad seatbelt design which causes the seatbelt to crash with the components constantly. It will lead the seatbelt to have a failure.
Fix: Replace the seatbelt
Step 1: Find out the location of the seatbelt bolts
Step 2: Remove the seatbelt bolts
Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connectors
Step 4: Take off the seatbelt
Step 5: Reconnect the electrical connectors
Is Toyota Highlander 2016 Reliable?
The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a reliable SUV. If you are thinking to buy this vehicle, the problems can make you think twice before buying the vehicle. But these problems are quite common in most vehicles. Every vehicle has a problem. But the Toyota Highlander works better than most of the cars.
The J.D Power website has found no serious mechanical problems reported in the Toyota Highlander 2016. The U.S. News And World Report has a reliability score of 3 out of 5 on its website. This vehicle has no maintenance issues and gives a smooth ride.
But the problems may bother you from time to time due to the lack of maintenance. You have to take proper care of the vehicle so you don’t need to have components replaced frequently. Apart from this, you can also wait for the recall if there are any problems with the vehicle.
They will fix your vehicle’s problems without any cost. But if you want to not wait and fix problems immediately, you have to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic to fix these problems without any mistakes. Know About 2003 Toyota Highlander problems
FAQs
In this section, I have answered the frequently asked questions by the customers regarding the 2016 Toyota Highlander problems. Find out 2005 Toyota Highlander problems. In case you have similar queries, please have a look at it –
Q. How Long Do A 2016 Toyota Highlander Last?
A 2016 Toyota Highlander can last up to 300,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of this vehicle is around 20 years which is commendable.
Q. Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Durable?
Although a 2016 Toyota Highlander has several problems, it is highly durable and reliable. Please know that every car has problems, and the 2016 Toyota Highlander is no different. Compared to the other vehicles, this vehicle had a 5/5 rating in the consumer’s report of motorbiscuit.com website.
Q. What Is The Maintenance Cost Of the 2016 Toyota Highlanders?
The 2016 Toyota Highlander costs around $250-$300. The maintenance is not too costly. Any other vehicle would nearly take this much money to maintain the vehicle.
Final Words
Whether you are making a purchase or you own this vehicle already, knowing the problems is needed. It will help you to make choices considering the plus and minus. However, the 2016 Toyota Highlander’s problems are defective, bad service brakes, bad steering, faulty airbag, and faulty seatbelt.
These problems can be fixed easily if you do not make any delay. I have guided the solutions above, so it would be easier for you to fix these problems. I have also discussed the reliability of this vehicle. I hope this article helps you to solve your problems and make a good decision.
