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2017 Toyota Highlander

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Toyota Highlander do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 186.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

123 reports with mileage · 142 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports2 fire reports15 injury reports

What owners actually said

265 reports
29,155 miles · Jan 28, 2020
Power Train

29K ON THE CAR AND FOURTH TIME AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI #11302663

44,000 miles · Jan 21, 2020
Electrical System

THE BATTERY FAILED AFTER WE OWNED THE CAR FOR 2 YRS AND 11 MONTHS (MILEAGE ~44,000). THE REPLACEMENT BATTERY COST ABOUT $450 INCLUDING INSTALLATION. THIS IS EXCESSIVELY EARLY FAILURE, AND WE ARE OUT A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH THIS NEW OF A VEHICLE. IT TOOK 1 MONTH TO GET THE REPLACE…

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THE BATTERY FAILED AFTER WE OWNED THE CAR FOR 2 YRS AND 11 MONTHS (MILEAGE ~44,000). THE REPLACEMENT BATTERY COST ABOUT $450 INCLUDING INSTALLATION. THIS IS EXCESSIVELY EARLY FAILURE, AND WE ARE OUT A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH THIS NEW OF A VEHICLE. IT TOOK 1 MONTH TO GET THE REPLACEMENT BATTERY. ALSO EXCESSIVE.

NHTSA ODI #11300987

24,000 miles · Dec 25, 2019
Visibility/wiper

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND HEAR A LOUD EXPLODING SOUND FROM MY VEHICLE. I THOUGHT SOMETHING EXTREMELY HEAVY WAS THROWN OR FELL ON MY CAR. WHEN I ARRIVED HOME, I FOUND A GAPING HOLE ON MY SUNROOF. THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED BUT THE OBJECT THAT "HIT" IT WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. AFTER CLOSELY EXAMINING IT, IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE …

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I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND HEAR A LOUD EXPLODING SOUND FROM MY VEHICLE. I THOUGHT SOMETHING EXTREMELY HEAVY WAS THROWN OR FELL ON MY CAR. WHEN I ARRIVED HOME, I FOUND A GAPING HOLE ON MY SUNROOF. THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED BUT THE OBJECT THAT "HIT" IT WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. AFTER CLOSELY EXAMINING IT, IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE THAT AN OBJECT HIT IT BASED OFF THE ANGLE THE SUNROOF METAL. THE METAL LOOKS LIKE THE EXPLOSION CAME FROM INWARD NOT OUTWARD.

NHTSA ODI #11291182

4,000 miles · Nov 28, 2019
Engine

THIS ENGINE BURNS OIL. 1/8 OF AN INCH PER WEEK. IF A PERSON DOES NOT CHECK THEIR OIL VERY OFTEN THEIR ENGINE WILL FAIL AND LOCK UP. THIS COULD HAPPEN WHEN DRIVING AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11282763

25,000 miles · Nov 20, 2019
Air BagsUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed ControlCrash

I TURNED MY CAR TO PARK IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT. I BELIEVE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, IT HAPPENED SO FAST, I AM NOT SURE. . ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN! IT SCARED THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME! SUDDENLY THE CAR JUMPED THROUGH A WOODEN FENCE AND OFF A FIVE FOOT DROP OFF TO THE STREET BELOW. I WAS LUCKY THE…

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I TURNED MY CAR TO PARK IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT. I BELIEVE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, IT HAPPENED SO FAST, I AM NOT SURE. . ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN! IT SCARED THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME! SUDDENLY THE CAR JUMPED THROUGH A WOODEN FENCE AND OFF A FIVE FOOT DROP OFF TO THE STREET BELOW. I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS A PILE OF GRAVEL TO STOP ME. I PUT IT INTO PARK.THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. I WAS NOT HURT. BUT I AM VERY STRESSED BY THE INCIDENT. IT WILL BE A MONTH BEFORE IT IS FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11281468

20,000 miles · Oct 30, 2019
Tires

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EQUIPPED WITH ACHILLES DESERT HAWK UHP TIRES, SIZE: 285/40R22 (NA). THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SIDEWALLS WERE SEPARATING FROM ALL FOUR TIRES. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18T013000 (TIRES). THE CONTACT CALLED TIRE TOWN AUTO SERVICE (LOCATED AT 627 …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EQUIPPED WITH ACHILLES DESERT HAWK UHP TIRES, SIZE: 285/40R22 (NA). THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SIDEWALLS WERE SEPARATING FROM ALL FOUR TIRES. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18T013000 (TIRES). THE CONTACT CALLED TIRE TOWN AUTO SERVICE (LOCATED AT 627 OLD SPANISH TRAIL, SLIDELL, LA 70458, (985) 643-7092) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. *LN CONSUMER STATED PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS OF TIRE SIDEWALL SPLITTING. I HAVE TRIED EMAILING THE COMPANY TO FIND OUT ABOUT RECALL OR TO GET A REPLACEMENT. THESE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #11277124

15,000 miles · Oct 28, 2019
SeatsCrashInjury

I WAS IN A REAR IMPACT COLLISION IN MY HIGHLANDER. MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A HIGHWAY, HAVING STOPPED TO AVOID A COLLISION, AND WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AT A RELATIVELY HIGH RATE OF SPEED (ESTIMATED 55-65 MPH). MY CAR WAS PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION WITH SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. IMMEDIATELY AFT…

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I WAS IN A REAR IMPACT COLLISION IN MY HIGHLANDER. MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A HIGHWAY, HAVING STOPPED TO AVOID A COLLISION, AND WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AT A RELATIVELY HIGH RATE OF SPEED (ESTIMATED 55-65 MPH). MY CAR WAS PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION WITH SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. IMMEDIATELY AFTER IMPACT I BEGAN TO FEEL NECK AND BACK PAIN AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. PRIOR TO TRANSPORT, WE NOTICED THAT MY HEADREST HAD BROKEN FREE IN THE IMPACT AND WAS LAYING ON THE BACK FLOORBOARD.

NHTSA ODI #11271489

14,680 miles · Oct 8, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY SPED FORWARD, DROVE OVER A MEDIAN, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE OR PROCESS A REQUEST FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPURCHASED. THE CO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY SPED FORWARD, DROVE OVER A MEDIAN, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE OR PROCESS A REQUEST FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPURCHASED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF WHICH OPTION TO TAKE. DARCARS TOYOTA FREDERICK (5293 BUCKEYSTOWN PIKE, FREDERICK, MD 21704, (301) 696-6300) WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,680. *BF MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11267105

71,000 miles · Oct 6, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine

THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE ON ME AT A RED LIGHT. NO POWER TO STEER. THIS BOTH HAPPENED AT A CITY NEAR WASHINGTON DC. HAD MY BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CHECKED . BOTH CAME BACK AS IN GREAT CONDITION. ALMOST GOT HIT TWICE FROM BEHIND CAUSE OF THE STALLING.

NHTSA ODI #11266630

47,129 miles · Sep 22, 2019
Unknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, VEHICLE MOTOR STOPPED. HAD TO STEER TO THE SHOULDER OF HIGHWAY. WAS ABLE TO TURN VEHICLE ON/OFF, SEEMED TO RESET CAR. ABLE TO DRIVE. WITHIN 250 MILES OCCURRED AGAIN. THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT WITH THIS VEHICLE. LAST YEAR, CAR AUTOMATICALLY DECCLERATED TO 40 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE ON CRUISE CO…

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, VEHICLE MOTOR STOPPED. HAD TO STEER TO THE SHOULDER OF HIGHWAY. WAS ABLE TO TURN VEHICLE ON/OFF, SEEMED TO RESET CAR. ABLE TO DRIVE. WITHIN 250 MILES OCCURRED AGAIN. THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT WITH THIS VEHICLE. LAST YEAR, CAR AUTOMATICALLY DECCLERATED TO 40 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE ON CRUISE CONTROL, WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 40 MPH. VERY DANGEROUS. CAR TAKEN IN TO DEALERSHIP FOR 4 DAYS FOR QUESTS DUST ON SOME KIND OF ELECTRONIC BOARD.

NHTSA ODI #11257201

Official recalls

3

20V682000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 4, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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 service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

17V520000 · Equipment

Aug 23, 2017

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly torque the fasteners, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 17R3.

17V295000 · Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

May 2, 2017

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.