2016 Toyota Highlander Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2016 Toyota Highlander, 8% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brakes have a slight vibration when traveling at high speeds in the city and someone is stopped on the freeway. My lights have dimmed dramatically since I first purchased new. The passenger side daytime running light is full of moisture. Most importantly, the temperature sensor and/or AC fan/motor is halfway functioning at 38k! By this, I mean that the AC in the front of the car kicks on and off in the middle of cooling and it blows 50% of what it did when I bought the car. Convenient Toyota?”
NHTSA complaint #11151645, filed 2018-11, 35,000 miles“The 2016 Toyota Highlander does not display kph (kilometers per hour) for driving in canada. The numbers are on the speedometer however, not illuminated and impossible to see while driving. This should be basic information while driving in canada. As I understand it, vehicles sold in canada have the same issue---not being able to see the MPH when driven in the us. I would think that being able to be aware of one's speed would be a basic safety feature---however---not on a Toyota Highlander.”
NHTSA complaint #11006389, filed 2017-07, 14,000 miles“Interior lights on and off; warnings e.g .hood open when not; did not (light) alert cars along side or passing; module cracked by tapping to delete phone #s put into system by Toyota tech, navigation started on its own and it was incorrect!; maps incorrect to location; map showing north as south and east as west all when car in motion”
NHTSA complaint #11301574, filed 2020-01, 8,000 miles“When driving at night on dark, hilly roads, the headlights do not illuminate the road properly. It is as if the lights are masked horizontally with the top half dark. It is extremely scary to be driving on dark country roads that are hilly. When you are traveling down hill, you cannot see any distance in front of the car. Going uphill is almost as bad. It is almost enough to get rid of this car. Supposedly this is to keep from blinding oncoming cars. I don't buy it! …”
NHTSA complaint #11096585, filed 2018-05, 39,800 miles“The rear passenger tail lens continues to fog up. I checked to see if there is a recall and there is not. I would like the lens replaced while still under warrant. But I don't want any issues from the local dealership. How do I resolve the issue, do you issue a work order to the dealership?”
NHTSA complaint #11079828, filed 2018-03Related service bulletins
- 10116436Jul 27, 2017Southeast Toyota Accessory LED Fog & DRL 2 in 1 light inoperative. Provide Accessory lamp diagnostics and manufacturing date inspection information.
- 10182984Dec 9, 2016Southeast Toyota (SET) offers onboard vacuum and LED fog & DRL 2n1 Light
- 10116447Dec 9, 2016Southeast Toyota Accessory LED Fog/DRL lights and/or On Board Vacuum may cause water intrusion through hood release cable grommet. TSB provides revised routing and service kit…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 5% |
| 2021 | 8 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 | 10 | 5% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 12 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 9 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 5% |
| 2003 | 15 | 6% |
| 2002 | 12 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2016 Toyota Highlander
21 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsTires
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology