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2016 Toyota Highlander maintenance schedule

The 2016 Highlander is part of the XU50 generation (2014-2019), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2016 Highlander needs, and when

10 of these 11 items come from Toyota's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Toyota's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

5,000 for severe duty

10,000 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Engine air filter30,000 mi / 3 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter15,000 mi / 18 monthsManufacturer
Tire rotation5,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Brake fluidInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Engine coolant100,000 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluidInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs (2GR-FE/FKS)120,000 mi / 12 yearsManufacturer
Serpentine beltInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Differential and transfer case fluid (AWD)Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V batteryInspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
0W-20, 6.4 qt
Coolant
SLLC
Transmission fluid
ATF WS

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.7L 4-cyl (1AR-FE), 185 hp, 6-speed Auto, FWD
  • 3.5L 6-cyl (2GR-FE/FKS), 270 hp, 6-speed/8-speed Auto, FWD/AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA recalls for the 2016 Toyota Highlander

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Toyota dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Electrical system

NHTSA 18E107000

November 2018

Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).

Remedy: Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.

Electrical system

NHTSA 16V775000

October 2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, connect the wire harness to the sensor, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this G03.

Equipment

NHTSA 16V420000

June 2016

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$482

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Highlander model years

XU70 (2020-2026)

2020202120222023202420252026

XU50 (2014-2019)

201420152016201720182019

Shopping new? The Toyota Highlander guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-16. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Highlander for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2016 Highlander earns before you buy it.

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