# Toyota Highlander 2014–2019 Pre-Purchase Checklist

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> Printable pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander: the generation-specific checks that separate a good one from someone else's problem.

Case file · TOYOTA-HIGHLANDER-2014-2019 · Field document

# Toyota Highlander 2014–2019 · Pre-purchase checklist

Bring this to the inspection. Every check below is specific to this generation's documented failure modes, not generic used-car advice.

[← Full case file](https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/toyota-highlander-2014-2019/)

Check 01

Pull back the floor mats and press the carpet in all three rows. Damp padding or a musty smell points to the known roof-rail / sunroof-drain water leak.

Check 02

Check the white paint (Blizzard Pearl 070 / Super White 040) on the roof, hood and hatch for clear-coat peeling; ask whether the Toyota paint support program was used.

Check 03

Work every Entune touchscreen zone, especially the bottom edge; an unresponsive screen is a common and pricey out-of-warranty fix.

Check 04

On a 2017 V6, test-drive for harsh or hesitant 2-3 upshifts; confirm the transmission software TSB was applied.

Check 05

On 2014–2016 V6 cars, look for oil residue around the engine and check service history for the VVT-i oil-line / hose service.

Check 06

Run the VIN through Toyota's recall lookup. The 2014–2015 front-suspension-bolt recall and the airbag-ECU campaigns should be closed out.

Check 07

Listen for whine from the water pump and check ignition-coil/spark-plug history on higher-mileage V6s (a GR-family wear item).

Check 08

Sit in the second and third rows; some owners find the seats firm/uncomfortable, so make sure your family is OK with it.

Walk-away signals

2014–2015 (most complaints: water leaks, Entune, seat comfort) · Early 2017 build without the 8-speed shift-quality software update

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