The 2014 Highlander is generally a solid mid-size SUV, but the 2.7L four-cylinder has critical engine durability issues, and the V6 models suffer from a specific transmission cooler problem that can destroy the transmission if ignored.
2.7L I4 Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Burning through 1+ quart oil every 1,000 miles, Check engine light P0301-P0304 misfire codes, Carbon buildup on spark plugs
Fix: Engine rebuild or replacement required — piston rings fail and score cylinder walls. 20-30 labor hours for full rebuild including new pistons, rings, honing, head gasket set. Some warranty extensions existed but coverage ended. Many shops recommend reman long-block swap instead of rebuild due to cylinder wall damage.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure (V6 models)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink milkshake in coolant reservoir (trans fluid mixing with coolant), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating transmission, Coolant loss with no external leaks
Fix: The transmission cooler inside the radiator fails and allows ATF and coolant to mix — destroys transmission if driven. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission fluid flush (often multiple exchanges), and if caught late, transmission rebuild. 3-4 hours if caught early, 15-25 hours if transmission damaged.
Symptoms: Gear oil drips or puddles under rear of vehicle, Visible oil on differential housing, Low differential fluid level on inspection
Fix: Pinion seal fails on AWD models. Requires removing driveshaft, pinion nut, flange, and replacing seal with proper crush sleeve procedure. If run low on fluid, can damage ring and pinion. 2.5-3.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Deterioration
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Wandering or loose steering feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edge, Failed alignment — won't hold settings
Fix: OEM bushings are soft and fail early, especially in hot climates. Must replace entire control arm assemblies as bushings aren't serviceable separately on this generation. Both sides typically done together. 2.5-3 hours labor per side, alignment required.
Estimated cost: $700-1,100 (both sides with alignment)
Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive engine movement visible when accelerating
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount deteriorates and loses damping. Simple R&R job but requires supporting engine/transmission properly. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-400
Evaporative Emissions System Charcoal Canister Saturation
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Check engine light P0441 or P0446 EVAP codes, Difficulty fueling — pump clicks off repeatedly, Fuel smell after filling tank
Fix: Charcoal canister saturates with liquid fuel from repeated topping-off during fueling. Requires canister replacement and sometimes purge valve. 1.5-2 hours labor. Preventable by not topping off tank.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Owner tips
If buying a 2.7L I4 model, perform a compression test and leak-down test — walk away if results are poor or oil consumption is documented
On V6 models, inspect coolant reservoir immediately for pink discoloration indicating trans cooler failure — check this EVERY oil change
AWD models: verify rear differential fluid is clean and full, and check pinion seal area for wetness during pre-purchase inspection
Replace transmission fluid every 60k miles on V6 models (not lifetime fluid despite what manual says) — helps prevent cooler line pressure failures
Avoid the 2.7L I4 entirely; the 3.5L V6 is a good buy if the transmission cooler has been addressed or replaced preventively, but budget for that repair if buying high-mileage.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Battery located in engine compartment on passenger side
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Every control module on the 2014-2017 Toyota Highlander — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Rear cargo area, driver side trim panel or behind rear bumper
🔧 Techstream or Autel/Launch for sensor calibration
⚠️ Sensor calibration may be required. Integrated with Intelligent Clearance Sonar on some trims.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).
Consequence: The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 14V576000
2014-09-19
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 14V272000
2014-05-22
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles may have improper software installed in the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) for the operation of the front passenger seat belt force limiter, and as a result, the force limiter may use the restraint setting designed for small occupants, such as those that weigh approximately 110 pounds, for all occupants regardless of their size. As such, some of these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: In the event of a crash, a larger front passenger seat occupant may not be properly restrained and be at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update in the air bag electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on June 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY · 14V274000
2014-05-22
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, through April 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a second row right-hand seat assembly that does not fully lock into the inboard seat track in the forward first, second and third adjusting positions. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: If the seat does not fully lock into the inboard seat track, the seat could move, increasing the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the second row right-hand seat, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER · 14V051000
2014-02-07
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured November 20, 2013, through January 18, 2014. The third row middle seat belt assembly might not have been properly secured to the vehicle floor anchorage during vehicle assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence: A seat belt that is not properly secured to its anchorage could increase the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row middle seat belt anchor, and, if necessary, properly secure it to the vehicle floor anchorage, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
25mpg
Combined
22mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
2014-2019 generation (XU50). Passenger blade reduced to 18 inches. Standard hook attachment.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2014 Toyota Highlander 2.7L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.