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2023 Toyota Highlander

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2023 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

Limited mileage data: 20 of 180 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Structure. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports0 fire reports11 injury reports

What owners actually said

180 reports
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2025
EngineStructure

There’s a noticeable lag in the engine, especially when starting or turning. Sometimes, it’s almost a full second, which is quite alarming. When I asked the mechanics at a few dealerships about this, they all said it’s normal for these new “Green” type engines with four cylinders and a turbo. However, I feel that the turbo is fu…

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There’s a noticeable lag in the engine, especially when starting or turning. Sometimes, it’s almost a full second, which is quite alarming. When I asked the mechanics at a few dealerships about this, they all said it’s normal for these new “Green” type engines with four cylinders and a turbo. However, I feel that the turbo is functioning poorly as the mileage increases. I’ve owned the car for almost three years and it only has 20k miles! Another issue is the wind noise. At speeds exceeding 40 mph on the highway, the wind noise can become quite annoying. I’ve addressed this issue at two different dealerships, and both acknowledged the problem and admitted it. However, they both claimed that it’s inherent in the car’s design and advised me to wait for a potential recall from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI #11658736

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2025
Unknown Or Other

The seat belt alarm goes off for no reason while driving, is loud and distracting and the only way to reset it is to turn off the car and restart it. Luckily, I was on a local street and was able to safely pull over. I've had this vehicle for 18 months and the alarm has gone off over 6 times now. P.S. I'm not the only one. [XX…

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The seat belt alarm goes off for no reason while driving, is loud and distracting and the only way to reset it is to turn off the car and restart it. Luckily, I was on a local street and was able to safely pull over. I've had this vehicle for 18 months and the alarm has gone off over 6 times now. P.S. I'm not the only one. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11653064

50,000 miles · Mar 31, 2025
Air BagsCrashInjury

The contact owned a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH on a heavy snow weather condition, the vehicle lost traction, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a tree, where the vehicle came to a stop. No warning lights were illuminated. No air bags…

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The contact owned a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH on a heavy snow weather condition, the vehicle lost traction, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a tree, where the vehicle came to a stop. No warning lights were illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact sustained injuries to his neck, chest, and shoulder. The contact sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed by the insurance provided for further investigation.  The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11651686

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2025
Tires

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE, Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S 235/65R18. This is the 2nd time we had a side wall tire blow out. First incident 08/2023 and today 03/06/2025 happened again with 3 slit/cracks/holes(not sure how describe it, attached picture) in the side wall.

NHTSA ODI #11646847

Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2025
Visibility

Driver's side mirror has been vibrating since vehicle purchase. The issues causes vibration / shaking of the driver's side rearview mirror creating blurry traffic (in the mirror) at highway speed and is a serious safety concern. Dealership claims it is due to attachment of a blind spot mirror on my vehicle. However there are h…

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Driver's side mirror has been vibrating since vehicle purchase. The issues causes vibration / shaking of the driver's side rearview mirror creating blurry traffic (in the mirror) at highway speed and is a serious safety concern. Dealership claims it is due to attachment of a blind spot mirror on my vehicle. However there are hundreds of posts online of other people discussing / complaining about this exact same issue on Toyota Highlanders and Rav4. Other people are also reporting dealers claiming there is no fix. The issue can be fixed quiet easily by using a glue / tacky adhesive (or double sided tape) between the rearview mirror glass assembly and the backing plate of the mirror motor. Toyota should issue a recall since the issue is obviously prevalent and poses a safety hazard. Here are some links to other people complaining about the same issue since 2020: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11645528

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2025
Air BagsCrashInjury

Vehicle was hit all the way around and was totalled with 4,000 miles. None of the airbags deployed.

NHTSA ODI #11634431

Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2025
Tires

-Tire Sidewalls are cracked within 2 years of use and more than half of tread is unused -Cracking sidewalls leads to blowouts as complained about by prior consumers -Went to goodyear service center for inspection as requested for warranty claim -No warning lamps

NHTSA ODI #11633530

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2024
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

My daughter is 20 months old and I thought it was a fluke but not she 100% know how to unbuckle the chest clip. We will be driving down the road and she will undo the chest clip and wiggle out of her seat. I have reached out to Evenflo and got no help. Yesterday alone we were in the car for 2 hours and she continuously would unb…

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My daughter is 20 months old and I thought it was a fluke but not she 100% know how to unbuckle the chest clip. We will be driving down the road and she will undo the chest clip and wiggle out of her seat. I have reached out to Evenflo and got no help. Yesterday alone we were in the car for 2 hours and she continuously would unbuckle and try climbing out while driving. She isn't old enough to understand not to do that or comprehend why

NHTSA ODI #11630075

Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Unable to clear a screen on the navigation/media center. It has a pop-up for Drive Connect(a monthly fee based service from Toyota) that covers the screen about every 10 minutes while driving. It requires at least 2 touches to the screen to clear, but comes back in a few minutes. It's very distracting while driving especially w…

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Unable to clear a screen on the navigation/media center. It has a pop-up for Drive Connect(a monthly fee based service from Toyota) that covers the screen about every 10 minutes while driving. It requires at least 2 touches to the screen to clear, but comes back in a few minutes. It's very distracting while driving especially when using the map function from my phone. I called Toyota support and they said the pop-up cannot be disabled if you dont buy the service. I asked if there was a firmware update and they said no. This is Ransomware.

NHTSA ODI #11628566

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2024
Unknown Or Other

THE MULTIMEDIA CENTER KEEPS POPING UP "EXPERIENCE DRIVE CONNECT". This covers up the map and to try and remove the ad you have to take your eyes off the road push multiple buttons on the screen to return to the map. This is dangerous at any speed. The dealer states this ad is part of a subscription service and cannot be removed…

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THE MULTIMEDIA CENTER KEEPS POPING UP "EXPERIENCE DRIVE CONNECT". This covers up the map and to try and remove the ad you have to take your eyes off the road push multiple buttons on the screen to return to the map. This is dangerous at any speed. The dealer states this ad is part of a subscription service and cannot be removed. This will cause wrecks. The multimedia screen is a disaster.

NHTSA ODI #11627662

Official recalls

9

26V128000 · Seats:mid/rear Assembly:recliner

Mar 5, 2026

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.

25V744000 · Back Over Prevention:display Function

Oct 30, 2025

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

25V595000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Sep 11, 2025

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.

25V040000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Clockspring/spiral Cassette; Steering:column

Jan 29, 2025

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Clockspring/spiral Cassette

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.

Steering:column

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.

24V548000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jul 23, 2024

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.

24V452000 · Tires

Jun 18, 2024

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.

24V419000 · Tires

Jun 6, 2024

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.

23V720000 · Structure:body:bumpers

Oct 26, 2023

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.

23V480000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Clockspring/spiral Cassette; Steering:column

Jul 12, 2023

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Clockspring/spiral Cassette

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.

Steering:column

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.

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.