2016 Toyota Highlander Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Highlander
5
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (19 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 19 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (14 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 14 NHTSA complaints
Air Bags complaints Red flag
Check that no airbag warning lights are on, and ask the seller for proof that any airbag recalls were completed. (10 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 10 NHTSA complaints
Exterior Lighting complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (9 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 9 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Check
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (9 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 9 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
16 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
3
Electrical System Red flag
The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Check
If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
Equipment Check
An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Highlander–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Highlander. The most serious involve Electrical System (18E107000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Highlander?
The top complaint areas are Unknown or Other (21 complaints) and Service Brakes (19 complaints), out of 110 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Highlander?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Unknown or Other, which drew 21 complaints for this model-year.