# Toyota Highlander check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 150 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (49) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 150 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Toyota Highlander (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (49). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Toyota Highlander check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 6 | 197 | 3% | | 2016 | 3 | 117 | 3% | | 2017 | 30 | 275 | 11% | | 2018 | 23 | 279 | 8% | | 2019 | 49 | 514 | 10% | | 2020 | 12 | 332 | 4% | | 2021 | 16 | 550 | 3% | | 2022 | 7 | 272 | 3% | | 2023 | 3 | 198 | 2% | | 2024 | 1 | 43 | 2% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota Highlander recalls related to the check engine light **[20V682000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V682000)** (2017-2019 models, reported 2020-11-04): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be... **[20V162000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V162000)** (2020 models, reported 2020-03-19): Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. **[20V012000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V012000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2020-01-13): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota Highlander owners report - "On or about Oct, 3rd, 2025 , my vehicle experienced the 'Check Engine' light and all the warning lights lit up, the hybrid system failed to engage, the vehicle would say "park somewhere safe /take to dealer" . I immediately took the vehicle to the authorized Toyota dealership, Wonderies Toyota Alhambra , for..." -- owner of a 2024 Toyota Highlander, complaint filed 2025 - "No check engine or other warning lamps present when this occurs, which is most of the time though more pronounced when ambient temperatures are above 75F degrees." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Highlander, complaint filed 2023 - "There were no other warning signs, no check engine light came on, no issues prior to me hearing this grinding noise and stalling." -- owner of a 2022 Toyota Highlander, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Highlander check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (20V682000, 20V162000, 20V012000) covering 2017-2020 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota Highlander years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Highlander model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 49 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Highlander with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Toyota Highlander has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota Highlander warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-highlander): 15 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-highlander): 24 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-highlander): 72 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-highlander): 13 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-highlander): 35 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-highlander): 32 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Toyota Highlander - [Toyota Highlander specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-highlander) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-highlander Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.