ToyotaHighlander2018Overview/toyota/highlander/2018/base/

2018 Toyota Highlander

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Highlander.

Body SUV

The 2018 Toyota Highlander is an SUV whose engine calls for 4.6 quarts of 0W-20 oil. Reliability data for the model year shows 255 total owner complaints, with the Power Train area generating the most reports and 5 recalls on record. Set against the Highlander’s 1997–2026 complaint history—which spans a low of 1 complaint in 1997 to a high of 475 in 2021—the 2018 model sits below that peak and above the floor, pointing to a comparatively moderate issue load within the model line.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.6 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque76 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F; Hybrid: S55D23L · 585; Hybrid: 360 CCA battery, OE oil filter 9672335028. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 24F; Hybrid: S55D23L · 585; Hybrid: 360 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnTAILOEM · verified
Tire sizeP245/55R19OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter9672335028 alt 9030179006
Engine air filter178010P051 alt 178010P090
Fuel filter770240E100 alt 2330031241
Spark plug9091901263 alt 9091901233
Battery2880031550 alt 2880031293
Front wiper blades852120E050 alt 852220E050
Serpentine belt9091602729 alt 90916A2026
Thermostat90916A3003 alt 1632631050
Cabin air filter8713950100 alt 8713907020

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length192.5 in
Overall width76 in
Overall height68.1 in
Wheelbase109.8 in
Curb weight4475 lb
Track (front / rear)64.2 / 64.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Highlander of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.0–7.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.00 sec — 2017 Hybrid Limited
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2017Hybrid Limited 3.5L V6 + Elec7.00 sec15.40 sec306 hpAWD
2017XLE 3.5L V67.00 sec15.60 sec295 hpAWD
2017SE 3.5L V67.20 sec15.50 sec295 hpAWD
2017SE 3.5L V67.70 sec16.00 sec295 hpAWD
2019Limited Platinum 3.5L V67.20 sec15.50 sec295 hpAWD
2014LE Plus 3.5L V67.10 sec15.40 sec270 hpFWD
2014XLE 3.5L V67.10 sec15.40 sec270 hpAWD
2014Limited 3.5L V67.30 sec15.60 sec270 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.6 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, 75W-85 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 76 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.9
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.0
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil75W-85 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.0 qt
Engine CoolantTOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts192.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts192.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts192.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts61 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts15 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts26 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts15 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts15 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts76 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts76 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts76 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub217.0 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub217.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)1300 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.70-1.92 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity4.06-4.57 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.81-2.03 lbs.
Oil TypeND Oil 11 or equivalent.

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum44.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum50.0 psi
RPM44.0-50.0 @ Idle rpm
Residual Pressure21.0.
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum28.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum121.0 psi
RPM28.0-121.0 @ Idle rpm
Residual Pressure14.2.

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 25; Rear: 20
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 77; Rear: 70
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 25; Rear: 20
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 77; Rear: 70
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .984; Rear: .335
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .002; Rear: .0059
Maximum Drum DiameterParking Brake: 8.310
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .984; Rear: .335

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17 ft. lbs., Step 2: 127 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9018 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
127 ft. lbs.27 ft. lbs
2Turn 90 degrees90 degrees
3Turn 90 degrees, Bolts 9-10: 2290 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Floor Mat (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect all fluid levels) · Windshield Wiper Blade (inspect)
Every 10,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning Condenser (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft Flange Yoke (torque)
Every 30,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 120,000 miBrake Vacuum Pump (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Toyota Highlander recorded 255 complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations, placing its complaint level slightly below the 2017 figure (261 complaints) but well above the low point of 2016 (109 complaints). Compared with the years immediately before and after, 2018 sits in an upward trend that began after the 2016 trough and continued into the 2019 spike (465 complaints). Recall activity remained steady, with 5 recalls in 2018 similar to the 4 recalls in 2017 and 3 recalls in 2019, while investigations were absent from 2016 through 2025. Overall, the generation’s complaint/recall trend shows a sharp decline from the 2008 peak to a 2016 nadir, followed by a gradual rise through 2021, meaning the 2018 model falls in the moderate‑complaint segment of that arc. Given its moderate complaint count, low recall frequency, and lack of open investigations, the 2018 Highlander represents a reasonably reliable choice for a used purchase.

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
253
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
255
Owner complaints
21 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 255 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train49
Service Brakes33
Unknown Or Other23
Fuel/Propulsion System13
Engine13
Fuel System, Gasoline11
Air Bags9
Electrical System9

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V682000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 04/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020… 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…

20V012000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 13/01/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS… Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 253 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
T-SB-0055-24 Rev22026-01-07Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a…
T-TT-0790-252025-08-20Electrical SystemSome customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using…
T-SB-0058-23 Rev12025-06-13Electrical SystemThe air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the…
T-SB-0035-24 Rev22024-12-06StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to…
T-SB-0038-24 Rev22024-12-06StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Highlander. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Highlander take?

4.6 qt of 0W-20 STARBURST, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Highlander have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.