2014 Toyota Highlander electrical system problems
35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2014 Toyota Highlander — 26% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The radio keeps freezing up all the time along with the back tail light area going in and out. I keep smelling like burnt wire smell. Engine sound really rough.”
filed Jul 15, 2026
“I noticed the smell of wires burning, a billow of smoke started emitting from the two levers used to heat the seats near the gear shift area. I was on the freeway and immediately pulled to the side of the road, turned off the car and called 911 before any flames were seen. There were no warning…”
filed May 4, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Affected vehicles may have improper software installed in the air bag electronic control…Campaign 14V272000 · May 22, 2014
Related service bulletins
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and…
T-SB-0058-23 Rev1 · Service Campaign · issued Jun 13, 2025
Electrical System problems in other Highlander years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Highlander | 6 | 15% |
| 2023 Highlander | 12 | 7% |
| 2022 Highlander | 16 | 7% |
| 2021 Highlander | 25 | 5% |
| 2020 Highlander | 16 | 5% |
| 2019 Highlander | 55 | 12% |
| 2018 Highlander | 24 | 9% |
| 2017 Highlander | 46 | 18% |
| 2016 Highlander | 14 | 13% |
| 2015 Highlander | 51 | 27% |
| 2013 Highlander | 25 | 12% |
| 2012 Highlander | 29 | 16% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2014 Toyota Highlander
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.