NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
The 2019 Toyota Highlander scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 461 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV AWD, with a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating, demonstrates genuine strengths in occupant protection. Its full marks on collision avoidance technology further bolster this assessment. However, three separate recall campaigns and a moderate defect record temper the overall safety profile, yielding a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band.
The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of five stars, based exclusively on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Toyota Highlander ranks 48 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 461 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 48 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Toyota Highlander?
The 2019 model year of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV AWD posts a Safety Index of 82 out of 100 in the Strong band. No prior-year Index is on file, so a year-over-year movement cannot be calculated, meaning this score stands on its own merits rather than as part of a trend. The index architecture reveals where this year earns its standing and where it falls short. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, anchored by that five-star overall NHTSA rating and the clean No Tip dynamic result. The avoidance-technology sub-score reaches the maximum 10 out of 10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment for this year. The drag on the index is the defect-record sub-score of 11 out of 20, pulled down by three recall campaigns and a complaint volume of 461 unverified allegations. The two fuel-pump recall campaigns are the most safety-consequential items specific to this year, covering a component whose failure can affect engine operation. Power train allegations dominate the complaint file at 182 reported cases, a concentration worth noting even though these remain unverified. Taken together, the 2019 Highlander Hybrid presents a strong crash-test foundation with a defect record that warrants active attention rather than assumption.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received NHTSA's top rating for overall crash protection and for side impact safety. Frontal crash protection and rollover prevention were rated lower. The rollover risk for this model year is 17 percent, with dynamic tip testing returning a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13215
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. Two address the fuel system, specifically the fuel pump delivery component, spanning a broad Toyota lineup that includes the 2019 Highlander. A third campaign, initiated by Gulf States Toyota, concerns equipment labels on distributor-sold units. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available campaign data, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V682000
Risk: 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 available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer
Reported 2020-11-04
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V012000
Risk: 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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Reported 2020-01-13
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS19V244000
Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Reported 2019-03-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has logged 461 unverified owner allegations for this model year. The most frequently reported component is the power train at 182 alleged complaints, followed by the fuel and propulsion system at 86 and the engine at 67. These are unverified consumer reports, not confirmed defects, and should be weighed accordingly.
461 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Toyota Highlander?
Shoppers considering this seven-year-old vehicle should verify the recall status of any unit through the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Both fuel pump campaigns and the label recall may or may not have been completed. Confirmation of remedy completion in writing is advisable, as open recalls transfer with ownership and free remedies remain available.
- Two separate fuel-pump recall campaigns were issued for the 2019 Highlander, both targeting the fuel delivery system. Buyers should confirm by VIN whether both remedies have been performed on any specific used unit.
- The defect-record sub-score of 11 out of 20 is the primary factor limiting this year's Safety Index below the top of the Strong band. The 461 unverified owner complaints, led by 182 power-train allegations, are the main driver of that sub-score.
- NHTSA's five-star overall rating for this model year is supported by a five-star side score and a No Tip result in dynamic rollover testing, making the crash-protection profile one of the stronger data points in this year's index.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are listed as standard for this specific model year and configuration, contributing the full 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Toyota Highlander places
The 2019 Toyota Highlander qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Toyota Highlander safety questions
Was the 2019 Toyota Highlander crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Toyota Highlander, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Toyota Highlander crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Toyota Highlander earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Highlander have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Toyota Highlander?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 461 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Highlander years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13215), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Highlander 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 48 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.