2018 Toyota Highlander: Wiring chewed by rodent
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2018 Highlander report: wiring chewed by rodent. CarComplaints.com lists 1 owner complaints, average mileage 1,250 miles.
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints for the 2018 Highlander in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11712896 (filed 01/23/2026): “The contact owns a 2018 toyota highlander. the contact stated that while attempting to turn left or right, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power. the contact waited for several minut…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11686214 (filed 09/10/2025): “There is a voice listening device or microphone on the headliner right above the driver's side seat which leaks water. i see there is a recall for a windshield but it could be coming from the sunroof.…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace wiring (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $1,080 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .