2016 Toyota Highlander Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the visibility of the 2016 Toyota Highlander, 8% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,250 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“We relied on consumer reports glowing reports of Toyota highlanders when purchasing our new, 2016 model le Highlander. However, we are very unhappy with this vehicle because driver front visibility to the sides is obscured by the overlarge side view mirrors and the window frames; and backup visibility is extremely poor because the rear window design with turned up bottom corners, low placement of rear wiper, and small window size severely reduces what the driver can see when backing up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10881624, filed 2016-06, 5,000 miles“Driving south on 12/20/2017, on us-287 near the oklahoma/texas border with no other vehicles visible in front of us or oncoming traffic, the front section of our sunroof suddenly exploded. Luckily the shade was drawn or small pieces of glass would have fallen down on my family. The weather was clear and nearly cloudless blue sky day. Dealer refused to replace under warranty they said it had to have been a rock. They offered no proof that it was a rock and I find it next to impossible that it could have been caused by anything else. …”
NHTSA complaint #11058116, filed 2018-01, 19,500 miles“Since april we have been trying to get our windshield replaced. The local auto glass dealer brought out 3 separate windshields that didn't fit before the finally disclosed that the windshield we needed has been on back order for some time. Apparently there are several hundred on back order in our region and the number seems to grow at a rate of about 15 a week. We have contacted Toyota and the dealer with neither are offering a solution. Due to the slope of the hood, the slope of the windshield, or faulty glass, these cars seem to be more prone to cracks. …”
NHTSA complaint #11010409, filed 2017-07, 17,000 miles“The windshield cracked by the defroster. From the center of the windshield. The break is on the inside going down to the defroster and then across the drivers side of the windshield. The vehicle was parked, the when it was started, the defroster was put on high fan. After a few minutes the crack appeared in the center going down towards the defroster and then across the lower portion of the windshield on the drivers side.”
NHTSA complaint #11187509, filed 2019-03, 42,350 miles“I was driving and I started to lower my sun visor and something broke and visor went all the way down and I could not see and had to pull over and remove the visor from the arm. I have been told Toyota had a problem before but they are not willing to fix the problem ( they should replace the whole sun visor.”
NHTSA complaint #11450031, filed 2022-02Related service bulletins
- 10244115Aug 21, 2023TSB: The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. Follow the procedures outlined in…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 10% |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 5 | 3% |
| 2022 | 17 | 6% |
| 2021 | 17 | 3% |
| 2020 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 | 13 | 7% |
| 2014 | 10 | 7% |
| 2013 | 8 | 4% |
| 2012 | 19 | 10% |
| 2011 | 35 | 19% |
| 2010 | 42 | 19% |
| 2009 | 7 | 5% |
| 2008 | 16 | 4% |
| 2007 | 15 | 12% |
| 2006 | 24 | 9% |
| 2005 | 28 | 13% |
| 2004 | 29 | 10% |
| 2003 | 34 | 13% |
| 2002 | 139 | 46% |
| 2001 | 26 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2016 Toyota Highlander
21 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsExterior lighting
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 28, 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