Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

181 owner complaints analyzed

9 distinct recall campaigns

31,813 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2023 model year. Data updated: . 20 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 39 of 181 complaints (21.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior2011.0%
Transmission and shifting95.0%
Steering behavior52.8%
Electrical and battery issues42.2%
Fuel system concerns21.1%
Engine operation10.6%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Unknown Or Other
39
Engine
28
Power Train
20
Service Brakes
18
Fuel/Propulsion System
16
Seats
15
Structure
15
Structure:Body
14
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Unknown Or Other39
Engine28
Power Train20
Service Brakes18
Fuel/Propulsion System16
Seats15
Structure15
Structure:Body14

Unknown Or Other: 39; Engine: 28; Power Train: 20; Service Brakes: 18; Fuel/Propulsion System: 16; Seats: 15; Structure: 15; Structure:Body: 14

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
6
25,000 to 49,999
8
50,000 to 74,999
2
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0006
25,000 to 49,9998
50,000 to 74,9992
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 8; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 2

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 161 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2023
35
2024
58
2025
32
2026
56
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
202335
202458
202532
202656

2023: 35; 2024: 58; 2025: 32; 2026: 56

Pattern summary

Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 20 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 9 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11507296 · 2023-02-14 (February 14, 2023)

The vehicle brakes stop working suddenly requiring lift the pedal and slam the brakes to make it work correctly. I almost have a bad accident for this problem. I did my research and learned this is a problem that Toyota need to fix. The situation was very scary.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11507296 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11539369 · 2023-08-18 (August 18, 2023)

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and the engine misfired. The secondary collision, braking system malfunction, brake ligation malfunction, and throttle control system advanced warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was sludge in the engine. The oil was changed, and the warning lights reset. Additionally, the contact was informed that…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11539369 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11544680 · 2023-09-15 (September 15, 2023)

The vehicle hesitates and stutters upon light to moderate acceleration. This can happen either from a dead stop or while moving in traffic. The concern was present when vehicle was purchased new in Feb 2023. Initially the dealership thought the symptoms were related to the transmission learning algorithm, but this was later determined not to be the case and the dealership was able to reproduce the drivability concern. The dealership was also advised that running 91 octane fuel eliminated the symptoms, however the engine is designed to run on 8…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11544680 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11614241 · 2024-09-12 (September 12, 2024)

Vehicle is sluggish and will not accelerate from a dead stop for several seconds. The gas pedal often has to be pushed much farther down than usual so then when the vehicle actually starts moving it lurches. It often seem like it can't find the proper gear so it will buck and stutter while driving. The shifting is not smooth at all and you never know how the vehicle will respond making for a very unpredictable driving experience. This all started shortly after reaching the 2000 mile mark. The cruise control has issues reaching and maintaini…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11614241 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11553206 · 2023-11-02 (November 2, 2023)

Engine intermittently has no power on take off and causes an unsafe condition to turning into traffic where car will just not go until after flooring it and a 3-5 second delay!! Engine also looses power and bucks or misses while accelerating through gears. This has caused multiple near miss incidents when turning into or across traffic. Also have issues with the steering assist that it yanks the wheel intermittantly. This cause me to loose control on the wet interstate in a turn when it yanked the wheel to the right while banking left at 65mph…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11553206 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11580757 · 2024-04-02 (April 2, 2024)

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was excessively difficult to steer. The power steering malfunction and pre-collision warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering and rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the power steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The parts were ordered to complete the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of …

Owner-reported narrative. 49,050 miles reported. Look up ODI 11580757 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11710334 · 2026-01-12 (January 12, 2026)

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was running, the instrument panel was black and failed to display critical safety information as intended. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactu…

Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11710334 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11712958 · 2026-01-23 (January 23, 2026)

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel failed to display critical safety information as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the fail…

Owner-reported narrative. 200,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11712958 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11744469 · 2026-06-16 (June 16, 2026)

This 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD has a recurring gasoline/fuel odor that began while the vehicle was still within the basic warranty period. The concern was reported to Toyota/dealer multiple times. At first, the odor was intermittent and difficult to duplicate, but the problem continued after repeated dealer visits. The fuel smell was later duplicated/confirmed while the dealer was open, before approximately 60,000 miles, but the vehicle was still not properly repaired. The odor has continued and recently occurred multiple days in a row. T…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11744469 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11753830 · 2026-07-30 (July 30, 2026)

Vehicle has strong gas smell and has gas vapor streaming out from under rear driver side wheel well and gas cap area.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11753830 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11536225 · 2023-08-03 (August 3, 2023)

Almost since purchase this vehicle has emitted a shudder when driving. The loss of power has affected ability to evade when making turns, acceleration on highways, and has caused safety concerns while driving with children in the vehicle-this is a brand new vehicle purchased with approximately 7 miles on the odometer. Vehicle has been in the shop at least 3 times, 4 with today's visit. ToyotaNation forum shows that there are MANY vehicles with this issue and that Toyota Master Technicians are aware of the issues.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11536225 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

181 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-02.

11.0%Usable mileage20 / 181 records
100.0%Valid incident date181 / 181 records
100.0%Valid filing date181 / 181 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates181 / 181 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Power Train
73.8%
ODI 10466502 · 4,989 mi

AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THEN BRAKING, I BACKED UP TO REALIGN THE VEHICLE BETTER. WHEN I PULLED IN THIS TIME AND BRAKE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. I CONTINUED TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE REPEATEDLY, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT STOP. THE ENGINE THEN REVVED UP AND ACCELERATED. AT THIS SAME TIME THE GEAR SHIFT WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AS IT HIT THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING, AND THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO BACK UP THE VEHICLE AND PARK IT …

Look up ODI 10466502 at NHTSA ↗

115.3%
ODI 10576486 · 1,500 mi

I BOUGHT A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN OCTOBER 2012 AND NEVER NOTICED ANY PROBLEM UNTIL EARLY IN 2014. WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE ON A SMALL INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT RESPOND. IT ACTED AS IF I AM NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT GOING TO THE MOUNTAINS BUT JUST A SMALL INCLINE WHEN I DRIVE HOME FROM WORK EVERYDAY. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER IN MARCH 2014 AND THEY RESPONDED SAME AS OTHER PEOPLE ON THIS WEBSITE, NO ERRORS ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND NO POSTING FROM TOYOTA. THEY ADVISED ME TO PUT IN PREMIUM FUEL AND I D…

Look up ODI 10576486 at NHTSA ↗

96.6%
ODI 10679731 · 100 mi

THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO TRANSMISSION SHIFT SEQUENCES. WHEN STARTING OUT, THE TRANSMISSION IS IN FOURTH GEAR. IF YOU ARE AT SAY A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND ARE MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND THEN NEED TO MAKE A RAPID ACCELERATION, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS DOWN TO A LOWER GEAR, PROBABLY 1ST GEAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT TORQUE STEER THAT AN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER WOULD FIND VERY DISTURBING. ALSO, WHEN TRAVELING 60 - 70 MILES PER HOUR AND YOU SHIFT FROM "DRIVE" TO "S" POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION GOES INTO FOURTH GEAR WITH A RESULTANT SIGNIFI…

Look up ODI 10679731 at NHTSA ↗

63.1%
ODI 10763791

THE TRANSMISSION HAS A FLUTTER WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT UP OR DOWN TO DIFFERENT GEARS. IT CAUSES A HESITANCY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED BY THE CALDWELL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN CONWAY, AR USA AND I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS IN OTHER HIGHLANDERS. I REQUEST A RECALL TO HAVE THIS FIXED. THANK YOU *TR

Look up ODI 10763791 at NHTSA ↗

10.9%
ODI 11712269

I was driving on a 2-lane road early in the morning with light snowfall. There was about 1" of snow on the road, with the roads not yet plowed or treated as it was the beginning of the snowfall. About 15 minutes into my trip, I was on a relatively flat and straight stretch of the road and let up on the gas paddle to avoid going too fast -- was probably traveling ~35 mph. Although the road was straight and flat at that point, my car suddenly started fishtailing, slowly turned 180 degrees and sliding to the other side of the road, ending up on…

Look up ODI 11712269 at NHTSA ↗

7227.0%
ODI 10971162 · 192 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD AND ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE SHAFT SUPPORT BEARING RETAINING RING FAILED AND CAUSED THE AXLE TO SEPARATE FROM THE TRANS AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192.

Look up ODI 10971162 at NHTSA ↗

6624.8%
ODI 11202999 · 15,000 mi

WHEN HIT BREAKS HARD... I HEAR A BANG/NOISE FROM REAR OF MY HIGHLANGER. ( DEALERSHIP ADMIT THIS IS ABNORMAL SOUND BUT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT). TRANSMISSION SHIFT ROUGHLY, NOT SMOOTH SHIFTING. IF CAR IS IN DRIVE AND IM HOLDING BREAKS CAR REAR STARTS MAKING BANGING NOISE N START SHAKING. SO FAR MY CAR HAS ONLY 20K MILES ON IT . SUSPENSION IS PRETTY STIFF DOESN'T HELP WHILE DRIVING OVER POST HOLES.

Look up ODI 11202999 at NHTSA ↗

19740.5%
ODI 11292174 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAMER TOYOTA (11041 SEPULVEDA BLVD, MISSION HILLS, CA 91345), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Look up ODI 11292174 at NHTSA ↗

12338.8%
ODI 11328585

THIS VEHICLE WILL LET YOU SHUT THE ENGINE OFF IN DRIVE WITHOUT SHIFTING TO PARK. IF YOU DO THIS AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, IT WILL ROLL AWAY AND YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET BACK TO IT AND INTO IT IN TIME TO GET YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THEN SHIFT IT INTO PARK. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED. YOU SHOULD HAVE TO SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE THE ENGINE CAN BE TURNED OFF. *TR

Look up ODI 11328585 at NHTSA ↗

21942.0%
ODI 11439378 · 2,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated his wife pulled into a parking spot and turned off the engine while the vehicle was in reverse. The vehicle then switched gears to neutral on its own, started reversing, and slightly crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The warning message "Put Transmission Into park Illuminated". The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 2000.

Look up ODI 11439378 at NHTSA ↗

5320.6%
ODI 11486230

When I'm cruising about 35 mph, let off the gas and decelerate, then give a slight bit of gas, I feel a "bump" in the drive train. It's more like slop in the transmission....sounds like a metal To metal noise...this happens after car is driving more then 30 min or 45 min.

Look up ODI 11486230 at NHTSA ↗

2011.0%
ODI 11534090

The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Dealership Technician says he noticed the hesitation when accelerating, but since there are no DTC’s and No Data found saying that there is a malfunction

Look up ODI 11534090 at NHTSA ↗

37.1%
ODI 11679694

While slowing down, the vehicle will suddenly lunge forward, as if It hit a patch of ice and then slow again. This started happening around 30,000 miles. The dealer said this is because of a transition between hydraulic braking and regenerative braking and is "NORMAL". This did not start until 30k miles. I have owned 4 hybrid vehicles and only this one does this. Upon reading and studying online, there was a bulletin for an earlier generation of this type of problem. Clearly, it is an issue as I am not the only one with this problem.

Look up ODI 11679694 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 11760578

I own a 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum purchased new. The vehicle has repeatedly exhibited hesitation, shuddering, jerking, and abnormal vibration during acceleration from a stop and the transition from electric propulsion to the gasoline engine. When accelerating from a stop, there can be a noticeable hesitation after pressing the accelerator before the vehicle responds. As the gasoline engine engages, the vehicle sometimes shudders or jerks before accelerating normally. I have also experienced vibration and lurching when the gasoline…

Look up ODI 11760578 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
2312.6%
ODI 10744578 · 60,000 mi

THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK (DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR) ON MY 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER RECENTLY BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS; IT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY FOR A SHORT TIME, THEN CEASED WORKING AT ALL. AFTER A RECENT SERVICE TRIP, TOYOTA QUOTED ME OVER $500 TO REPLACE THE DOOR ACTUATOR AND LABOR. I REALIZE THIS SEEMS LIKE A SMALL ISSUE. BUT I, AND MY FAMILY, HAVE OWNED TOYOTAS PREVIOUSLY AND HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE, EVEN WITH DIFFERENT MODELS. I CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL THAT TOYOTA IS MAKING A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND I, AS A CONSUMER, AM FOOTING THE BILL FOR THEIR FAULT…

Look up ODI 10744578 at NHTSA ↗

2311.1%
ODI 10567189 · 4,650 mi

JULY 20, 2013 I PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY REALIZED IT WAS STILL MOVING. I ATTEMPTED TO GET BACK IN THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT. I FELL AND THE BACK TIRE RAN OVER MY FOOT/LEG. A MAN CAME AND JUMPED IN THE CAR TO STOP IT AFTER IT CROSSED THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR. I HAVE BOTH A FRACTURED TIBIA AND FIBULA. THE TIBIA REQUIRED A SCREW TO STABILIZE HOWEVER, MY FOOT WAS SO INJURED (TORN FLESH) THAT I HAD TO WAIT 5 WEEKS FOR THE FLESH TO HEAL TO AVOID INFECTION. I HAVE BEEN OFF OF WO…

Look up ODI 10567189 at NHTSA ↗

3324.3%
ODI 10690920 · 3,000 mi

PURCHASED NEW 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN MAY 2014, AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30 DAYS OF OWNERSHIP A FOUL ODOR BEGAN TO EMIT FROM A/C UNIT WHENEVER VEHICLE WAS STARTED. AFTER 3 TRIPS TO SELLING DEALER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM I WAS GIVEN TOYOTA T-SB-0142-13 WHICH INFORMS ME THAT THERE ARE 23 TOYOTA VEHICLES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTED TO PLACE BLAME ON VARIOUS ITEMS BUT, SINCE TOYOYA PUBLISHED A TSB IT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT IS NOT WANTING IT TO BECOME KNOWN AS IT MIGHT IMPACT THEIR SEL…

Look up ODI 10690920 at NHTSA ↗

4322.4%
ODI 10717042 · 4,700 mi

THE DASH READOUT FOR MPH BEGAN SHOWING VERY ERRATIC NMBERS. GOING FROM 24.4 MPG TO 29.7 MPG AND DOWN TO 13.1 MPG ALL IN A SPAN OF ABOUT 4 MILES. THIS MPG OF 24.4 WAS FOR THE PRIOR 3000 MILES. THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THIS HAPPENING. THEY ALSO SAID THAT TOYOTA HAD NO BULLETINS FOR THIS MATTER EITHER. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THAT I MUST HAVE ACCIDENTALLY RESET THE UNIT AND BY DOING SO IT WAS NOT UNUSUAL FOR THESE LARGE SWINGS IN MPG. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. I HAD OVER 100 MILES ON SINCE MY LAST FILL UP AND UNTIL THIS HAPPENING THE …

Look up ODI 10717042 at NHTSA ↗

2119.1%
ODI 10816603 · 20 mi

WHEN I PURCHASED THIS 2016 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE IN MID DECEMBER, I DID NOT REALIZE UNTIL I GOT IT HOME, THERE WAS NO INTERIOR REAR DOOR RELEASE. NO RELEASE BUTTON ON THE DASH AND NO INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, FOUND MY SALESMAN AND ASKED HIM IF THERE WAS AN INTERIOR DOOR RELEASE. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOT AND "THAT'S WHY THEY OFFER THE LE PLUS MODEL WHICH HAS A POWER REAR DOOR WITH INSIDE RELEASE". EVERY VEHICLE I'VE OWNED SINCE 1998 HAS HAD AN INSIDE TRUNK OR REAR DOOR RELEASE. IT SEEMS LIKE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE TO ME, H…

Look up ODI 10816603 at NHTSA ↗

5319.9%
ODI 10949488 · 1,200 mi

2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SE AWD ("VEHICLE"). ON JANUARY 26, 2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 11:15 P.M., PACIFIC TIME, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE 10 FREEWAY NEAR THE LA BREA AVENUE EXIT. IT WAS DARK BUT CLEAR WITH LIGHT TO MEDIUM TRAFFIC. WHILE I WAS DRIVING AROUND 80 MPH AND MERGING TOWARD AN INNER LANE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY - ON ITS OWN - SLOWED TO AROUND 30 OR 40 MPH. CONCOMITANTLY, THE VEHICLE'S MESSAGING SYSTEM (BETWEEN THE TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER) BEGAN BLINKING AND ALERTING ME THAT THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM WAS EXPERIENCI…

Look up ODI 10949488 at NHTSA ↗

4316.2%
ODI 11065366 · 140 mi

I WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY 78 BY STONE MOUNTAIN AND HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE CAR BEHIND ME SIGNALED TO ME TO STOP. HE SAID SOMETHING FLEW OFF MY CAR AND HIT HIS WINDSHIELD. I COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY FIGURE OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I DECIDED TO LOOK AT THE SUNROOF AND DISCOVERED THAT IT HAD SHATTERED. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 11:30 PM THE SAME DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR.

Look up ODI 11065366 at NHTSA ↗

7916.3%
ODI 11175823 · 50 mi

THE GPS SYSTEM DOES NOT PROVIDE VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS; ONLY VISUAL. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO REMOVE HIS/HER EYES FROM THE ROAD AND LOOK FREQUENTLY AND MONITOR THE SCREEN. I HAVE VISITED THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES BUT THERE ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT TOYOTA IS WORKING ON A WORK AROUND BUT NO ESTIMATE IS PROVIDED. I KNOW AT LEAST 5 OTHER HIGHLANDERS IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA ARE EXPERIENCING THIS BECAUSE WHEN I OPENED A CASE WITH WWW.TOYOTA.COM THE CASE OFFICER CALLED AND HE INFORMED ME OF THIS. I W…

Look up ODI 11175823 at NHTSA ↗

4413.9%
ODI 11325952 · 50 mi

THE VEHICLE HESITATES, STALLS AND HAS BUCKING LEAPING FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY, ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A VERY LOUD WHINING NOISE UPON SHIFTING THE CAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND BACK AGAIN FROM DRIVE TO PARK, AT A STAND STILL. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH A NEE CAR, MY WIFE AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE WHILE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 11325952 at NHTSA ↗

6612.7%
ODI 11421797

I purchased my Toyota Highlander Hybrid only about 2 months ago. Since then, I've experienced several incidences of sudden acceleration. In a few of them, I was approaching a stop sign and began to slow down. Suddenly, I felt the car accelerate on its own. In both instances, I slammed on the brakes and the car jerked then stopped. There was one instance when I was going down hill and I was stepping on the brakes, but the car seemed to accelerate on its own until I stepped on the brakes again. Fortunately, there were no collisions. Howeve…

Look up ODI 11421797 at NHTSA ↗

3714.4%
ODI 11441642

When driving down interstate, ticking came from above followed by a loud bang. Moon roof busted out and glass shattered out while on interstate.

Look up ODI 11441642 at NHTSA ↗

3921.5%
ODI 11507296

The vehicle brakes stop working suddenly requiring lift the pedal and slam the brakes to make it work correctly. I almost have a bad accident for this problem. I did my research and learned this is a problem that Toyota need to fix. The situation was very scary.

Look up ODI 11507296 at NHTSA ↗

1331.0%
ODI 11580327

Driving the interstate at 75 mph, my sunroof spontaneously shattered covering us with shards of glass. Toyota dealership and insurance said a rock must have hit but there were no other vehicles near us. Was not covered under warranty, so insurance adjuster approved new sunroof install and repaint roof for over $3,000. The loud explosion and subsequent broken glass could have caused major accident as well as blindness. We feel an investigation into glass quality should be done. In my opinion, vehicles shouldn’t even have sunroofs.

Look up ODI 11580327 at NHTSA ↗

220.0%
ODI 11690033

While waiting for a traffic light to change, I pressed the pedal to accelerate, and the car would not move. Like my pedal was dead. I have experienced this issue three times. I have also experienced bucking or jerking issues.

Look up ODI 11690033 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
2714.8%
ODI 10489150 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND STEERING TO THE RIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DEFROSTER FOR THE REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO REMAIN FOGGY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE M…

Look up ODI 10489150 at NHTSA ↗

2512.1%
ODI 10533705 · 600 mi

AT TOTALLY RANDOM TIMES, AFTER A FEW MILES OF DRIVING OR 100 MILES, VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING. MOST ANNOYING AND DANGEROUS IS THE WAY IT DOESN'T RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE VEHICLE RAN FINE FOR THE 4 MILES THEY DROVE IT. TECH CHECKED FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES AND NONE WERE FOUND. THIS SEEMS LIKE A REAR-END ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. FOR TEN DAYS WE HAVE GOTTEN NOTHING BUT THE RUN-AROUND FROM THE NATIONAL TOYOTA "CASE MANAGER"…

Look up ODI 10533705 at NHTSA ↗

3525.7%
ODI 10568136 · 400 mi

OUR 2014 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH 18 MILES ON FEBRUARY 25, 2014. ON MARCH 7, 2014 WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS ANOTHER DRIVER FAILED TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT SO I PRESSED THE HORN TO ALERT THE DRIVER WHILE I SWERVED OUT OF HIS PATH. THE HORN DID NOT WORK SO THE DRIVER WAS NOT ALERTED AND CONTINUED IN THEIR DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. MY NEED TO SWERVE WOULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE OTHER DRIVER WAS PAYING ATTENTION AND I WAS ABLE TO ALERT HIM WITH MY HORN. *TR

Look up ODI 10568136 at NHTSA ↗

5126.6%
ODI 10664203 · 200 mi

I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AND SEVERAL HOURS LATER I HAPPENED TO NEED SOMETHING OUT THERE. WHEN I ENTERED I HEARD AN ELECTRIC MOTOR RUNNING EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAD BEEN TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS. CRAWLING UNDER THE CAR I FOUND THAT THE SOUND WAS COMMING FROM A MOTOR NEAR THE REAR AXLE. I REPORTED IT TO MY TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THAT IT WAS A MOTOR THAT MAY RUN HOURS AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF TO PURGE THE CARBON CANISTER. THEY ADVISED THAT THEY FOUND THAT INFORMATION IN THEIR SERVICE MANUAL, BUT NOT THE OWNERS MANUAL. ONE TI…

Look up ODI 10664203 at NHTSA ↗

1412.7%
ODI 10937219 · 640 mi

MY CAR ENGINE STARTED ON ITS OWN AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. I WENT SHOPPING AT WALMART AND PARKED MY 2016 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE IN THE PARKING LOT. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND PUSHED THE ENGINE START/STOP BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR. MY FAMILY AND I EXITED THE CAR AND I USED THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD TO LOCK THE DOORS. WE SHOPPED FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MIN. WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE CAR, I USED THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD TO UNLOCK THE DOORS SO I COULD PUT OUR PURCHASES IN THE TRUNK. AS I GOT CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE I HEARD AN ENGINE RUNNING, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS…

Look up ODI 10937219 at NHTSA ↗

4617.2%
ODI 10990492 · 3,150 mi

MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, FUSES REPEATEDLY BLOWING OUT, POWER LIFT GATE NOT CLOSING, MANY DIFFERENT ERROR MESSAGE APPEARING ON THE SCREEN FOR NO REASON, VEHICLE WENT INTO ACCESSORY MODE WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN A LOSS OF POWER. *TR

Look up ODI 10990492 at NHTSA ↗

249.0%
ODI 11144123 · 5,900 mi

THE RADIO SHORTED OUT DISABLING ALL COMPUTER APPS I WAS TOLD BY MIDTOWN TOYOTA IT WILL TAKE A WEEK FOR NEW RADIO TO ARRIVE

Look up ODI 11144123 at NHTSA ↗

5611.5%
ODI 11181477 · 100 mi

THE VOICE COMMANDS FOR THE VEHICLE DO NOT WORK WHICH REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO LOOK AT THE NAVIGATION SCREEN OR SCROLL THROUGH THEIR PHONE BOOK RATHER THAN USING THE BLUETOOTH FEATURES. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING AND ILLEGAL IN SOME STATES WHICH REQUIRE HANDS FREE PHONE.

Look up ODI 11181477 at NHTSA ↗

165.0%
ODI 11325952 · 50 mi

THE VEHICLE HESITATES, STALLS AND HAS BUCKING LEAPING FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY, ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A VERY LOUD WHINING NOISE UPON SHIFTING THE CAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND BACK AGAIN FROM DRIVE TO PARK, AT A STAND STILL. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH A NEE CAR, MY WIFE AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE WHILE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 11325952 at NHTSA ↗

275.2%
ODI 11418965

I purchased this 2021 Highlander on April 3rd 2021. Power steering Malfunction, SRS Airbag system Malfuction first happened on April 21th 2021 when I started the vehicle. the car was towed to the dealer ship. the dealer simply re-set the system and asked me to unplug the tracker device which was installed by insurance company. Because they suspected the problem was caused by the interference from the device. I unpluged it. However, Power steering Malfunction, SRS Airbag system Malfuction happened again on May 21th 2021 when I started the car. I…

Look up ODI 11418965 at NHTSA ↗

207.8%
ODI 11470228 · 1,800 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH and attempting to accelerate to enter the highway, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle responded sluggishly. The vehicle emitted abnormal sounds as though the transmission was in neutral. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal all the way to the floorboard and the vehicle responded as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 40 MP…

Look up ODI 11470228 at NHTSA ↗

105.5%
ODI 11511838

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

Look up ODI 11511838 at NHTSA ↗

614.3%
ODI 11634807

My car has integrated CarPlay installed for mapping. When used wirelessly with all mapping services (Apple Maps, Waze, Goole Maps) my car will appear in fields, the wrong streets, in houses. I will be given directions to turn on streets that are not where I physically am. First I worked with Apple Customer Care for over 15 hours. They have determined it is not an Apple issue. They believe it is an issue with the GNSS module in the car. I took the car twice to the dealerships service departments. The first service department did not duplicate…

Look up ODI 11634807 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 11753999

I was backing up the vechial accelerated the steering wheel was turning rapid & a grinding noise causing me too hit another vechial about a month before my husband was driving & the vechial accelerated going toward also we had had some issues with back camera not doing a warning signal with a object behind vechial when the accident happened my vechial has braking system that stops you if something is behind you this time it didn’t I called the dealership when accident happed which was May 21 2026 & reported it they said they had accelerations …

Look up ODI 11753999 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
126.6%
ODI 10457095 · 1,104 mi

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT, MY HIGHLANDER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND I HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL! MY HIGHLANDER WENT UP OVER THE CURB WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW. I HAD BRAKES AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKE, COMING TO A SAFE STOP. NOT BEFORE SLASHING MY LEFT FRONT TIRE AND BENDING MY TIRE RIM. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED. *JS

Look up ODI 10457095 at NHTSA ↗

167.7%
ODI 10515185 · 4,500 mi

MY WIFE WAS MANEUVERING THE SUV INTO SMALL AREA PARKING LOT ONTO A CORNER SPACE, ON THE FIRST FORWARD AND BACK MOTION TO MANEUVER THE BRAKE WAS OK, THEN ON THE SECOND MANEUVER THE BRAKE DIDN'T WORK AND THE TIRE WENT OVER THE CONCRETE PARKING BLOCK THEN HITTING THE STRUCTURE OF THE DOCTORS OFFICE. EARLY ON IN THE DAY I WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO PURCHASE A HITCH AND WHEN ABOUT TO LEAVE THE PARKING BRAKE DIDN'T RELEASE COMPLETELY, TOLD SERVICE GUY AND SAID TO GET A CLIP AND HE ALSO COMMENTED THAT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT MIGHT INSTAL…

Look up ODI 10515185 at NHTSA ↗

32.2%
ODI 10785091 · 500 mi

POPPING NOISE FROM REAR BREAK FREQUENTLY WHEN I DISENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER. WHENEVER THIS HAPPENS THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND NOT BEEN USED FOR 3 HOURS ON; TOOK TO DEALERSHIP STATING COULD FIND PROBLEM, BUT DEALER SAYS IT DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING ABNORMAL.

Look up ODI 10785091 at NHTSA ↗

157.8%
ODI 10746188 · 3,500 mi

CLUNKING NOISE FROM REAR END OF VEHICLE WHEN BRAKING, DEALER WAS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE REAR AWAY BARS AND SHOCKS, NO FIX, NOW TOYOTA CORP., SAYS THIS IS NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF VEHICLE ? I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING VEHICLE WITH NOISE, AND AS BRAKES FEEL SOFT ALSO.

Look up ODI 10746188 at NHTSA ↗

1917.3%
ODI 10945504

RECALL VEHICLE SOLD TO ME AS NEW CAR WIHOUT REMEDY. MANUFACTURER RECALL ISSUED NHTSA #16V775 RECALL #G03 SAFETY (NONCOMPLIANCE) RECALL G03 - REMEDY NOTICE, CERTAIN 2016 MODEL YEAR HIGHLANDER, BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR SENSOR CONNECTOR

Look up ODI 10945504 at NHTSA ↗

2810.5%
ODI 11023208

2017 TOYOTA HIGLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BREAK PEDAL THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. DUE TO THE FAILURE THE CONSUMER HAS RAN INTO A HANDICAP SIGN, LAWN TRACTOR AND WHEELBARROW. THE COLLISIONS CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER, NUMBER PLATE AND NUMBER PLATE COVER. ALSO, CAUSED DEEP SCRATCHES TOT HE LEFT LOWER PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED UPDATED 09/28/2017*JS

Look up ODI 11023208 at NHTSA ↗

5319.9%
ODI 11105159 · 3,000 mi

I WAS RECENTLY IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN MY 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM. THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM WAS WORKING WELL THROUGH OUT OUR TRIP BUT UNFORTUNATELY DID NOT WORK WHEN IT WAS MOST NEEDED. WE WERE INVOLVED IN A PILE UP ON INTERSTATE I-5 GOING AT LEAST 45MPH AND NOTICED THAT THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM THAT IS SO MUCH BEING ADVERTISED DID NOT WORK AT ALL. THERE WAS NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER AND DEFINITELY DID NOT BREAK ON IT'S OWN AS ADVERTISED. AT THE TIME OF THE HIT THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED A LITTLE TO LATE AT LEAST THE PASSE…

Look up ODI 11105159 at NHTSA ↗

183.7%
ODI 11258968 · 7,000 mi

ME AND MY FAMILY WERE LEAVING A HOTEL IN TARRYTOWN NY. I PARKED THE CAR: TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2019 OUTSIDE, HELPED MY WIFE AND 21-MONTH BABY INTO THE BACK SEAT AND HAD TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE TRUNK BUT IT WAS LOCKED. IN THAT MOMENT THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING; THE GROUND WAS NOT STEEP AT ALL: 5-10 DEGREES THE MOST. I TOOK OUT THE KEY FROM IGNITION TO GO OPEN THE TRUNK WITH THE BUTTON FROM THE REMOTE. SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS WITH MY WIFE AND KID IN THE BACK SEAT. THERE WAS A SLOPE FEW FEET AWAY FROM WHERE I PARKED…

Look up ODI 11258968 at NHTSA ↗

3711.7%
ODI 11364598 · 2,000 mi

I HAVE BEEN HAVING INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES WHEN TURNING ON MY CAR AND GOING IN REVERSE. ON ONE OCCASION, AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE AND PUTTING IT IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE DESPITE BEING ON LEVEL GROUND. I HAD TO APPLY PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR AND HEARD THE CAR STRAIN A LITTLE BEFORE I HEARD A SOUND COME FROM THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED BACKWARDS. I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND I DID NOT HAVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. AFTER THIS THE BAKES APPEARS TO FUNCTION AS USUAL. ANOTHER TIME, I TURNED ON …

Look up ODI 11364598 at NHTSA ↗

6612.7%
ODI 11406776 · 2,600 mi

WE ARE EXPERIENCING PCS IS NOT WORKING, WE WERE DRIVING ON FREEWAY WHEN CARS STOPPED SUDDENLY AND NOT EVEN DISPLAYING ANY WARNING SIGNAL OF 'BRAKE' ON THAT MOMENT, WE WERE SO CLOSE TO IMPACT A TRAILER, SECOND TIME SIMILAR SITUATION THE NEXT DAY AFTER THE FIRST APPT AT SERVICE WHERE THEY STATED THAT PCS WAS WORKING PROPERLY , CARS STOPPED SUDDENLY AND NOT EVEN WITH THE WARNING TIMING SET UP IN TO THE 'EARLY TIME', WARNING US TO USE THE BRAKE. THE EXPLANATION FROM SECOND APPT IT WAS 'IT WORKED WITH CRUISE ON', ON MY PREVIOUS CARS NEVER NEEDED T…

Look up ODI 11406776 at NHTSA ↗

3714.4%
ODI 11460425

When coming to a stop, intermittently the brakes feel like they disengage for a moment before kicking back in and lunging me forward. The first time it happened I thought my foot has slipped off the brake pedal. When I happened again, I knew something was wrong and started noting when it happens and the driving conditions. I have taken it in the dealer 4 times now, have opened a ticket with Toyota and have been told since they can’t reproduce the problem there isn’t much they can do to fix it. The service manager did advise that a scan of my ca…

Look up ODI 11460425 at NHTSA ↗

189.9%
ODI 11507296

The vehicle brakes stop working suddenly requiring lift the pedal and slam the brakes to make it work correctly. I almost have a bad accident for this problem. I did my research and learned this is a problem that Toyota need to fix. The situation was very scary.

Look up ODI 11507296 at NHTSA ↗

819.0%
ODI 11592160

I was in the drive thru at a fast food restaurant and after I placed my order I was about 5 cars from the pay window. As I went forward where there was a curve I stopped and then when the car in front of me moved forward to the pay window I let up on the brake and accelated slowly. When I put my foot on the brake pedal it went to the floor and the car would not stop. I served to the right of the car in front of me ( I did not hit it) and rolled to the parking space to the right. The car hit the curb and bounced up a little and hit the sign a…

Look up ODI 11592160 at NHTSA ↗

220.0%
ODI 11707018

Black Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD 2025 ~15000 miles What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Without any warning, the braking action is delayed. It is a momentary loss and happens occasionally at light braking application, nowhere near hard enough to lock the wheels up The vehicle is available for inspection upon request How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? If I were been closer to another vehicle/pedestrian/obstacle, an accident could happen Has the problem be…

Look up ODI 11707018 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
179.3%
ODI 10459879 · 5,000 mi

MY HIGHLANDER WAS AT THE AIRPORT FOR THREE DAYS PARKED. WHEN I WAS LEAVING THE LOT I WAS DRIVING SLOW IN THE LOT TO PAY MY PARKING. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE LOT TO MAIN STREAM TRAFFIC I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR WOULD ONLY GO SLOW AS I KEPT PUSHING THE THROTTLE. THERE WERE CARS ON BOTH SIDES OF ME WITH NO ONE IN FRONT AND THEN THE CAR JUST TOOK OFF. IT DID STARTLE ME BECAUSE I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE I AM SURE I WOULD NOT HAVE REACTED FAST ENOUGH TO STOP BECAUSE OF THE RAPID ACCELERATION. SOMETHING…

Look up ODI 10459879 at NHTSA ↗

3215.5%
ODI 10526292 · 1,300 mi

VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING. DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, WHEN TRYING TO GET VEHICLE UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED WILL DEPRESS GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING WILL HAPPEN FOR 3-4 SECONDS, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE WILL SPEED UP. THIS ONLY STARTED TO HAPPEN AFTER 1300 MILES . TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE VEHICLE RAN FINE, TECH. CHECKED FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES AND NONE WERE FOUND. ALSO SINCE THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN MY GAS MILEAGE HAS DROPPED FROM 18 MILES A GALLON TO 15 MILES A GALLON. *TR

Look up ODI 10526292 at NHTSA ↗

32.2%
ODI 10735889 · 12,748 mi

PURCHASED VEHICLE 5/26/14. AT FIRST HAD A POPPING NOISE FROM RIGHT REAR BREAK; TOOK TO DEALERSHIP STATING COULD FIND PROBLEM, SO LIVED WITH IT. AT 10,000 + MILES DEALER FOUND FRONT BREAKS WARPED, SO HAD THEM REPLACED. AROUND SAME 10K + MILES DEALER HAD TO DROP ENGINE TO REPLACE LEAKING OIL FOUND AROUND TIMING COVER AREA, STATING FACTORY INSTALL DID NOT ALLOW PROPER SEALING. ON 7/22/15, @ 12,748 MILES NOTICED OIL LEAK SAME AREA, AND INFORMED BY DEALER THAT ENGINE HAS TO BE DROPPED FOR THE 2ND TIME TO REPAIR OIL LEAK. ABOVE DOES NOT INCLUDE OT…

Look up ODI 10735889 at NHTSA ↗

105.2%
ODI 10983627 · 21,800 mi

I WAS DRIVING 80 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND A "CHECK AWD" DISPLAY APPEARED. AT THAT SAME MOMENT I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER AND TO ACCELERATE. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR OFF OF THE INTERSTATE. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. I DID NOT SEE ANY SMOKE, OR SMELL ANYTHING AND THE ENGINE TEMP GAUGE SHOWED MID COOL SO I DECIDED TO START THE CAR AGAIN. WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE "CHECK AWD" DISPLAY CAME ON AGAIN, AND THEN SECONDS LATER A TEMPERATURE LIGHT CAME ON WITH A LOUD ALARM. SMOKE STARTED COMING OU…

Look up ODI 10983627 at NHTSA ↗

98.2%
ODI 10937219 · 640 mi

MY CAR ENGINE STARTED ON ITS OWN AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. I WENT SHOPPING AT WALMART AND PARKED MY 2016 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE IN THE PARKING LOT. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND PUSHED THE ENGINE START/STOP BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR. MY FAMILY AND I EXITED THE CAR AND I USED THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD TO LOCK THE DOORS. WE SHOPPED FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MIN. WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE CAR, I USED THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD TO UNLOCK THE DOORS SO I COULD PUT OUR PURCHASES IN THE TRUNK. AS I GOT CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE I HEARD AN ENGINE RUNNING, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS…

Look up ODI 10937219 at NHTSA ↗

4617.2%
ODI 11005233 · 1,200 mi

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER TO APPX 5MPH AND CHECK ENGINE, CHECK ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM, VISIT DEALER, LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH, VEHICLE WAS ON HIGHWAY DRIVING AT APPX 50MPH AT TIME OF INCIDENT , DEALER REPROGAMMED ECM, AND RETURNED CAR TO OWNER AND NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN

Look up ODI 11005233 at NHTSA ↗

3312.4%
ODI 11141081 · 4,200 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF BOWIE (16700 GOVERNOR BRIDGE RD, BOWIE, MD 20716) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE GASKET WAS NOT SEALED CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,200. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

Look up ODI 11141081 at NHTSA ↗

6914.2%
ODI 11231030 · 3,300 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT PUSHED THE IGNITION START BUTTON, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OXMOOR TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 8003 SHELBYVILLE RD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40222, [phone removed]) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,300.

Look up ODI 11231030 at NHTSA ↗

175.4%
ODI 11315755 · 300 mi

AFTER LEAVING A SHOPPING CENTER ON FEBRUARY 29 2020, WE PULLED OUT ONTO A ROAD TO HEAD TOWARDS HOME. WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR IN TRAFFIC AND RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION ON THE SCREEN THAT SAID THE ENGINE WAS OFF, PUT CAR IN PARK. THERE WAS ALSO A WARNING LIGHT THAT CAME ON FOR THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TRYING TO MANEUVER THROUGH TRAFFIC OF 4 LANES. WE PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD TURN OVER, BUT NOT START. WE CALLED …

Look up ODI 11315755 at NHTSA ↗

468.8%
ODI 11416030 · 3,400 mi

VEHICLE HAS 3400 MILES AND STARTING HAVING LONGER THAN NORMAL CRANKING WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. SHORTLY AFTER THAT OCCURRED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WHERE THEY INSTALLED SOME FUEL SENSORS. 2 DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. BOTH INCIDENTS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED A SECOND TIME BACK TO DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE NOW REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP. MAYBE THEY NEED TO ADD THIS VEHICLE TO RECALL LIST

Look up ODI 11416030 at NHTSA ↗

103.9%
ODI 11473299

1. The SRS airbag malfunction alert message has been displayed for more than a month. The vehicle was brought to the Toyota dealer where it was purchased for being diagnosed and repaired TWICE, but the problem still exists now. [The alert message is always displayed and keeps the driver from seeing any other information on the instrument panel. This is annoying and very dangerous.] 2. The engine sometimes automatically turned off while the vehicle stopped and was waiting for green lights at intersections or yielding to other vehicles at stop si…

Look up ODI 11473299 at NHTSA ↗

2815.5%
ODI 11531857

When I hit the gas the car doesn’t go anywhere and almost got into an accident. Turbo lag maybe or something really really wrong. This is going to cause a huge accident

Look up ODI 11531857 at NHTSA ↗

511.9%
ODI 11659903

My car was parked in the driveway with the engine running. The engine was then turned off from outside the vehicle using the start/stop button. Once the engine stopped, the car moved backward down the sloped driveway and struck a pickup truck that was parallel parked on the street. I then entered the vehicle and attempted to shift into drive, but a warning appeared indicating the hybrid system was off and instructing me to put the car in park. Multiple attempts were made to drive the car forward, but instead, it was driving in reverse. The car…

Look up ODI 11659903 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 11760578

I own a 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum purchased new. The vehicle has repeatedly exhibited hesitation, shuddering, jerking, and abnormal vibration during acceleration from a stop and the transition from electric propulsion to the gasoline engine. When accelerating from a stop, there can be a noticeable hesitation after pressing the accelerator before the vehicle responds. As the gasoline engine engages, the vehicle sometimes shudders or jerks before accelerating normally. I have also experienced vibration and lurching when the gasoline…

Look up ODI 11760578 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
147.7%
ODI 10448197

WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE IN PRIVATE SHOPPING MALL AT SLOW RATE OF SPEED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING RAPIDLY ACCELERATED FORWARD INTO VEHICLE PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WENT UP AND OVER PARKED VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. NO ONE WAS HURT IN THIS ACCIDENT AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS MADE AS IT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. COMPLAINT WAS MADE TO TOYOTA WHO INVESTIGATED AND TOYOTA DETERMINED THAT NO VEHICLE DEFECT OR DESIGN EXISTED AND REFUSED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. MY WIFE WHO WAS DRIVING…

Look up ODI 10448197 at NHTSA ↗

3115.0%
ODI 10526292 · 1,300 mi

VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING. DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, WHEN TRYING TO GET VEHICLE UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED WILL DEPRESS GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING WILL HAPPEN FOR 3-4 SECONDS, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE WILL SPEED UP. THIS ONLY STARTED TO HAPPEN AFTER 1300 MILES . TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE VEHICLE RAN FINE, TECH. CHECKED FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES AND NONE WERE FOUND. ALSO SINCE THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN MY GAS MILEAGE HAS DROPPED FROM 18 MILES A GALLON TO 15 MILES A GALLON. *TR

Look up ODI 10526292 at NHTSA ↗

53.7%
ODI 10669076 · 6,000 mi

THE SPEEDOMETER CONSISTENTLY INDICATED THAT I AM TRAVELING 2 TO 3 MPH MORE THAN MY ACTUAL SPEED. THE HIGHLANDER IS FACTORY ORIGINAL WITH NO AFTERMARKET PARTS INSTALLED. THIS ISSUE WAS OBSERVED WHILE TRAVELING CROSS COUNTRY AND OBSERVING THE PLETHORA OF RADAR SPEED INDICATORS ALONG I-80 AND COMPARING TO THE INDICATOR IN THE HIGHLANDER ALONG WITH DIGITAL INDICATION ON BOTH GPS AND IPHONE APPS. I MENTIONED THIS THE TOYOTA WHILE PERFORMING THE FIRST SERVICE ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT THE SUPPOSED ISSUE. …

Look up ODI 10669076 at NHTSA ↗

115.7%
ODI 10780035 · 2,999 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED AND SET AT 55 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO MAINTAIN THE SET SPEED WHEN GOING DOWNHILL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE FUNCTION WAS NORMAL WHEN TRAVERSING A HILL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,999. UPDATED 01/27/16*LJ UPDATED 02/04

Look up ODI 10780035 at NHTSA ↗

43.6%
ODI 10949035

OCCASIONALLY, AT A STOP SIGN/INTERSECTION OR ENTERING A HIGHWAY IF I HAVE COME TO A FULL STOP BEFORE PROCEEDING THE CAR WILL STALL. I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENS. MY WIFE AND I HAVE FOUND OURSELVES IN THIS PREDICAMENT SEVERAL TIMES NOW AND IT IS ONLY GETTING WORSE. THIS SCENARIO IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR SEVERAL REASONS, BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE IS THAT MY FAMILY HAS BEEN INSIDE THE CAR WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED. WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL SCARES NOW, BECAUSE THE CAR STALLED ON US AS WE WERE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE SPOKEN TO TH…

Look up ODI 10949035 at NHTSA ↗

134.9%
ODI 10949488 · 1,200 mi

2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SE AWD ("VEHICLE"). ON JANUARY 26, 2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 11:15 P.M., PACIFIC TIME, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE 10 FREEWAY NEAR THE LA BREA AVENUE EXIT. IT WAS DARK BUT CLEAR WITH LIGHT TO MEDIUM TRAFFIC. WHILE I WAS DRIVING AROUND 80 MPH AND MERGING TOWARD AN INNER LANE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY - ON ITS OWN - SLOWED TO AROUND 30 OR 40 MPH. CONCOMITANTLY, THE VEHICLE'S MESSAGING SYSTEM (BETWEEN THE TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER) BEGAN BLINKING AND ALERTING ME THAT THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM WAS EXPERIENCI…

Look up ODI 10949488 at NHTSA ↗

83.0%
ODI 11097295 · 12,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND SPLASHED WATER ONTO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (PERUZZI TOYOTA, 2601 BETHLEHEM PIKE, HARTFIELD, PA) WAS CALLED AND A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMA…

Look up ODI 11097295 at NHTSA ↗

112.3%
ODI 11254633 · 100 mi

SEVERE HESITATION WHEN GAS IS APPLIED, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROSSING HEAVY TRAFFIC AND INSTANT POWER/QUICK ACCELERATION NEEDED. ALSO NOTED WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS, AFTER CAR HAS SLOWED DOWN BELOW 5 MPH TO MAKE THE CORNER. GAS IS APPLIED WITH HESITATION. NOTED MORE WHEN CAR IS AT A COMPLETE STAND STILL/MOVING AT SLOW SPEED THEN GAS APPLIED TO MOVE FORWARD. CAR DOES NOT MOVE/REACT INSTANTLY. I NOTICE THIS PROBLEM ON A WEEKLY (AT LEAST) BASIS.

Look up ODI 11254633 at NHTSA ↗

103.2%
ODI 11384736 · 4,000 mi

WE RECENTLY PURCHASED OUR HIGHLANDER AND IT HAS A LITTLE OVER 4,000 MILES. TODAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, THE CAR JUST LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. 1. CHECK ENGINE - REDUCED ENGINE POWER 2. SECONDARY COLLISION BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WE HAD TO PARK AND WAIT FOR THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO COME AND TOW IT TO THE SERVICE CENTER. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG OR WHY IT JUST CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND CAN ONLY HOPE TOYOTA CAN ADDRESS THIS OR REPLACE THE CAR.

Look up ODI 11384736 at NHTSA ↗

71.3%
ODI 11434865

I have a 2021 FWD Highlander Hybrid, running in ECO mode with just over 5K miles. I just had this problem happen this afternoon. Pulling into a parking spot at the grocery store. I was going pretty slow, almost stopped, and then the car engine revs and lurches forward. Thank goodness I had my foot on the brake, otherwise the car would of jumped the curb/parking block. Also, happened to me previously coming out of our neighborhood on to a busy street. I'm stopping at the stop sign, going pretty slow, and then all of a sudden the car engine revs…

Look up ODI 11434865 at NHTSA ↗

72.7%
ODI 11475871

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while her partner was reversing out of a driveway, the vehicle independently surged backward up a hill as her partner applied the brake pedal. Her partner was able to place the vehicle into drive which sent the vehicle forward. The vehicle hit a tree which stopped the acceleration. The contact heard screaming from inside her home and called 911 for assistance. The air bags did not deploy. Her partner was taken to the hospital for an examination and suffered no injuries. A police…

Look up ODI 11475871 at NHTSA ↗

84.4%
ODI 11598566

Hesitation/Non-linear Acceleration From a Stop. Reprogramming the ECM completely resolved the issue. This needs to be sent out to affected vehicles but I had to investigate and pretty much demand a resolution. I fear what this could later do to our engines, etc.

Look up ODI 11598566 at NHTSA ↗

12.4%
ODI 11678799

when I attempt to accelerate from a stop, or slowly rolling, there is a 2-3 second delay, sometimes longer, prior to the vehicle moving forward. during the delay, when accelerator is pressed, the engine does not rev, nothing happens at all. it's scary. the highlander has less than 9k miles on it. this has been happening more and more frequently. I have contacted toyota, they have yet to provide a response or solution for this safety issue.

Look up ODI 11678799 at NHTSA ↗

220.0%
ODI 11740832

The speedometer registers speed up to 7mph over actual speed for the first 15 miles then returns to matching GPS speed. Reported to Toyota, dealer said they have seen this before but not identified a fix as of today

Look up ODI 11740832 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
4625.3%
ODI 10519433 · 24,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWAYING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL AND CRASHED INTO A BILLBOARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. *TR

Look up ODI 10519433 at NHTSA ↗

4622.2%
ODI 10651095 · 15,000 mi

THE 2013 HIGHLANDER WAS SERVICED IN FLORIDA MONDAY 10/27 FOR 15000 MILES SERVICE, TODAY MY SISTER WAS DRIVING SINCE SERVICE, THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON ,THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING , THE HIGHLANDER WAS NOT STABLE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD AND SEEMED LIKE IT NEEDS A TUNE UP.I CALLED THE DEALER AND IT WAS TAKEN THEIR ,FIRST RESPONSE WAS GAS PUT IN, YES . WAS TOLD POSSIBLE THE CAP WAS NOT PUT ON RIGHT AND WITH NEWER CARS IT COULD BE A MALFUNCTION THE COMPUTER.. TURNED OUT THAT THE IGNITION COIL SWITCH WAS BAD ON THIS 2013 HIGHLANDER. WHI…

Look up ODI 10651095 at NHTSA ↗

42.9%
ODI 10632873 · 1,500 mi

I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE AND THE VEHICLE JERK. THEN A WARNING SIGN APPEAR ON THE DASH THAT SAID EPS FAILURE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN. I BEGAN TO STRUGGLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL AT THAT POINT IT WAS LOCK. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS; I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO AN EMPTY PARKING SPACE, PARKED THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED TO DICK DYER IN COLUMBIA SC. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHAT WAS ACTUALLY WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AT THIS TIME, THEY THINK THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. THE TECHNICIAN STATED HE HAS NEVER SEEN SUCH A PROBL…

Look up ODI 10632873 at NHTSA ↗

2513.0%
ODI 10721074 · 4,700 mi

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL ON MAY 12 ABOUT A POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. I TOOK THE CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALER ON MAY 13, AND WAS TOLD LATER THAT DAY THAT MY CAR DID INDEED HAVE ONE OF THE UNITS DEEMED DEFECTIVE. I WAS GIVEN A LOANER CAR AT NO CHARGE. EVERYTHING SEEMED OK, BUT NOW IT IS 10 DAYS LATER, AND NO REPLACEMENT PART HAS ARRIVED. NOT ONLY THAT BUT BOTH THE DEALER AND THE NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER ARE COMPLETELY UNABLE TO PREDICT WHEN ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. IS THERE A…

Look up ODI 10721074 at NHTSA ↗

65.5%
ODI 10859987 · 100 mi

BRAND NEW CAR IN THE SHOP TWICE DURING FIRST WEEK. FOLLOWING REFUELING (NOT TOPPED OFF - STOPPED AT FIRST CLICK) THE CAR STARTS STALLING AT RED LIGHTS OR AT LOW SPEEDS. HAS DONE THIS A DOZEN TIMES. ON THE HIGHWAY CAR STUTTERS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND TRACTION CONTROL BECOMES DISABLED. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THIS IS DUE TO OVERFILLING THE GAS TANK AND CHANGED THE CARBON CARTRIDGE FOR THE EVAC THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT THE CASE. A SECOND REFILL AFTER THE REPAIR CONFIRMED THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS EVEN WHEN FILLING UP VERY CAREFULLY. IF GASOLINE I…

Look up ODI 10859987 at NHTSA ↗

41.5%
ODI 11355319

HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE MULTIPLES TIMES TO TOYOTA DEALERS LOOKING TO ADDRESS A FRONT SUSPENSION PROBLEM. IT FEELS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING A LITTLE BIT WHEN IS BEING DRIVEN AT SLOW SPEED OVER UNEVEN STREET PAVEMENT SURFACE (SMALL POTHOLES) IT FEELS SOMETHING IN THE SUSPENSION IS LOOSE AND IT WOBBLES FROM LEFT AND RIGHT. I ALWAYS FEEL IT ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT IS THE REAL PROBLEM ARGUING THEY DON'T FEEL ANY WOBBLING ON THE VEHICLE

Look up ODI 11355319 at NHTSA ↗

103.8%
ODI 11100337 · 7,616 mi

MY VEHICLE CANNOT BE ALIGNED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION. ESPECIALLY ON WET ROADS. TOYOTA HAS HAD 5 PLUS ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THIS.VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BY 2 TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS SPECIALIST. THEY DEEMED THE VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE. 48HRS AFTER IT WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. THIS DEALERSHIP FOUND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TOE OUT SEVERELY. THEY CORRECTED THE MISALIGNMENT. AT LEAST ON PAPER THATS THE WAY IT LOOKED UNTIL ON MY WAY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP THIS VEHICLE PULLED ME INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC.

Look up ODI 11100337 at NHTSA ↗

81.6%
ODI 11244038 · 10,800 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE HAD A SLIGHT LAG WHEN I APPLIED GAS THEN STARTED BEEPING AND PROVIDED THE WARNINGS: CHECK ENGINE, HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, CHECK AWD SYSTEM. I TURNED THE CAR OFF MULTIPLE TIMES, THE ERRORS WERE STILL ON THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO TAKE IT TO THE SERVICE APPT. WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP I TURNED THE CAR OFF TO CHECK IT IN, WHEN I CAME BACK THE ERROR WAS GONE. THEY CHECKED OUT THE CAR THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND THOUGHT IT WAS JUST 'AMBIENT…

Look up ODI 11244038 at NHTSA ↗

61.9%
ODI 11315755 · 300 mi

AFTER LEAVING A SHOPPING CENTER ON FEBRUARY 29 2020, WE PULLED OUT ONTO A ROAD TO HEAD TOWARDS HOME. WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR IN TRAFFIC AND RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION ON THE SCREEN THAT SAID THE ENGINE WAS OFF, PUT CAR IN PARK. THERE WAS ALSO A WARNING LIGHT THAT CAME ON FOR THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TRYING TO MANEUVER THROUGH TRAFFIC OF 4 LANES. WE PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD TURN OVER, BUT NOT START. WE CALLED …

Look up ODI 11315755 at NHTSA ↗

91.7%
ODI 11431183

I was forced to change lanes quickly from the left lane to the left shoulder of an interstate when a double tandem tractor trailer moved into my lane of traffic. The interstate was dry and the left shoulder was in excellent condition and wide enough to accommodate my vehicle easily. All lane assist options were turned off, the driving mode was set to “economy” and the cruise control was turned to “off”. A few seconds after entering the left shoulder of the interstate, I felt the rear end of my vehicle sway from side to side for a few …

Look up ODI 11431183 at NHTSA ↗

10.4%
ODI 11691598

This type of steering wheel cover on the steering wheel will wear out by 50,000 miles poor engineered

Look up ODI 11691598 at NHTSA ↗

21.1%
ODI 11578231

The fact that the dealership was able to sell this car with a recall on is crazy, yes I have blame for not looking as well but now we are having issues with the front bumper hitting the tires when you turn and making a grinding noise. We were told that there’s nothing they could do as of yet but as I see this recall has been open for a while now? This is a big concern to us what if they don’t find anything wrong or so they say and something happens? They need to speed up the process to find a solutions loosing a front bumper while your on the h…

Look up ODI 11578231 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

110.0%
ODI 11750944

[XXX] was turning left onto [XXX] from [XXX]. Two lanes turn left. She was in the inside lane. The traffic light was red, and when it turned green, she started to turn. Partway through the turn, the steering became unresponsive. She couldn't get it to turn left, and she could not complete the turn, and crashed into the pole that holds the traffic signal. She traveled less than 100 ft total from the light to the pole. The accident was at 1:30 PM on a dry and clear day. The car has 8087 miles on it. There were no observed indications of wa…

Look up ODI 11750944 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
105.5%
ODI 10454532 · 3,600 mi

DRIVERS AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT. FRONT END CRUSHED, PROBABLY $20,000 DAMAGE TO FRONT END ALTHOUGH TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID IT WAS TOTALED. WIFE WAS DRIVING AND COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED IF SEAT BELT HAD FAILED ALSO. *TR

Look up ODI 10454532 at NHTSA ↗

167.7%
ODI 10546569 · 24,000 mi

PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE - BRAKES APPLIED - CAR LURCHED FORWARD (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION) - BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE - CAR JUMPED THE CURB, CROSSED THE SIDEWALK AND HIT A TREE - AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Look up ODI 10546569 at NHTSA ↗

21.5%
ODI 10881808 · 25,700 mi

TO AVOID TWO DEER CROSSING ROAD (BULL BRIDGE ROAD, SOUTH KENT, CT) ON CURVE, LOST CONTROL ON RIGHT SHOULDER, HIT STRAIGHT ON THE UTILITY WOOD POLE. MY SPEED WAS IN BETWEEN 25 AND 30 MPH. DURING THE ACCIDENT, ALL AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK ME UP. THE IMPACT CAUSED MY CHEST, BACK, NECK AND HEAD INJURIES.

Look up ODI 10881808 at NHTSA ↗

84.2%
ODI 10779757 · 236 mi

MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I HIT MY CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AT 10:00 AM ON HIGHWAY 95, THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 65. A MAN HYDROPLANED IN FRONT OF ME, I HAD TO BE GOING AT LEAST 40......UPDATED 10/19/15 *BF.. ...UPDATED 12/29/15 *BF *JS *JS

Look up ODI 10779757 at NHTSA ↗

109.1%
ODI 10850747 · 1,384 mi

AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE 2016 HIGHLANDER HIT THE REAR OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT THAT HAD SLOWED FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON 1-25-16 AND THE CAR WAS TRANSPORTED TO A TOYOTA AUTO BODY SHOP ON THE 26TH. SINCE THEN HIGHLANDER HAS BEEN TOTALLY REPAIRED EXCEPT FOR THE SIDE AIRBAGS. TOYOTA MOTOR IN CA HAS NO IDEA WHEN AIRBAGS WILL BE RELEASED FOR USE IN PARTS ON 2016 MODEL. IT IS NOW 3/21/16.

Look up ODI 10850747 at NHTSA ↗

93.4%
ODI 11110831 · 30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE DRIVER FELL ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL. UPON WAKING UP, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE STOMACH, HEAD, AND NECK. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FOOT, CHEST, TONGUE, AND NECK INJURIES. THE FOUR REAR PASSENGERS SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, HEAD, LIPS, FEET, AND ARMS. MEDICAL ATTE…

Look up ODI 11110831 at NHTSA ↗

197.1%
ODI 11103870

TOYOTA SINNE

Look up ODI 11103870 at NHTSA ↗

142.9%
ODI 11270202 · 1,300 mi

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN A T FASHION, WAS PUSHED TO THE LEFT AND RAN INTO ADDITIONAL 2 POLES, THEN STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 40-45 MPH AT THE TIME OF COLLISION WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS OF THE VEHICLE (TOYOTA) DID NOT DEPLOY DURING ANY OF THE COLLISION EVENTS: THE OTHER VEHICLE OR WHEN IT HIT THE POLES.

Look up ODI 11270202 at NHTSA ↗

3210.1%
ODI 11432992

While making a legal left turn on a green arrow, we were struck on the passenger side of our vehicle by a vehicle that did not stop at the red light.

Look up ODI 11432992 at NHTSA ↗

428.1%
ODI 11418384

Traveling south bound on SC11 (in Seneca South Carolina) a vehicle that was traveling east bound, failed to stop and traveled across my path. The front end of my vehicle impacted the drivers side / passenger door area of the other vehicle. The momentum of the crash, caused the other vehicle to spin counter clock wise and impact me again...on the drovers side passenger door. Our 2021 Toyota Highlander was 4 weeks old with 2K miles on it. Weather conditions were excellent. I immediately stepped on the brakes when I realized the other person was n…

Look up ODI 11418384 at NHTSA ↗

2810.9%
ODI 11473299

1. The SRS airbag malfunction alert message has been displayed for more than a month. The vehicle was brought to the Toyota dealer where it was purchased for being diagnosed and repaired TWICE, but the problem still exists now. [The alert message is always displayed and keeps the driver from seeing any other information on the instrument panel. This is annoying and very dangerous.] 2. The engine sometimes automatically turned off while the vehicle stopped and was waiting for green lights at intersections or yielding to other vehicles at stop si…

Look up ODI 11473299 at NHTSA ↗

126.6%
ODI 11563885

Safety noncompliance recall 23ta08 Safety recall 23ta12

Look up ODI 11563885 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
EngineToo few reports for a range30,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11539369 · 2,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and the engine misfired. The secondary collision, braking system malfunction, brake ligation malfunction, and throttle control system advanced warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was sludge in the engine. The oil was changed, and the warning lights reset. Additionally, the contact was informed that…

Look up ODI 11539369 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11736031 · 59,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, pulling into an uphill driveway, the vehicle had independently accelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that she was not able to depressed in time and had crashed into the left side of the house, causing damage to the front driver-side bumper and quarter panel. The contact stated that the accident caused property damage to the garage of the house, which was covered by the insurance provider. A police re…

Look up ODI 11736031 at NHTSA ↗

SeatsToo few reports for a range39,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11755412 · 39,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the second-row seat failed to lock in position as designed. The failure mileage was 39,000.

Look up ODI 11755412 at NHTSA ↗

StructureToo few reports for a range8,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 11575961 · 8,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked,  unattended an unknown vehicle crashed into the front bumper. A police report was not filed. There was no air bag deployment, fire, or injury. The contact attached the bumper to the vehicle. At the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the bumper cover had detached. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign…

Look up ODI 11575961 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11591321 · 1,500 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and hitting concrete, the lower front bumper cover mounting tabs detached and created holes on the lower front bumper. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the parts were ordered; however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle because they were not an auto body shop. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the lower front bumper and mounting tabs were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTS…

Look up ODI 11591321 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11707789 · 15,700 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from behind the dashboard and the rear passenger-side door. The contact stated that it sounded as if something was loose. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal sound started after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000(Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repa…

Look up ODI 11707789 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

25V040000 · 2025-01-2925V595000 · 2025-09-1125V744000 · 2025-10-3026V128000 · 2026-03-058 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-112None
ODI 11623355

Acceleration Issues, engine lag, poor response time and bucking when accelerated is pressed. Dangerous to drive not enough power to merge with traffic and hesitates to go at stop lights. Bought as a family suv and don’t feel safe with them in the car. RPMs jump when at idle. The car struggles to shift gears especially 2nd gear. Does not preform well under normal circumstances not sure how this car would ever be able to tow anything. I feel very mislead by Toyota and its reputation as this vehicle vehicle is lacking safety and performance. Reach…

Look up ODI 11623355 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11627662

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.

Look up ODI 11627662 at NHTSA ↗

2024-122None
ODI 11628566

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.

Look up ODI 11628566 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11630075

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

Look up ODI 11630075 at NHTSA ↗

2025-01225V040000
ODI 11633530

-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

Look up ODI 11633530 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11634431

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

Look up ODI 11634431 at NHTSA ↗

2025-021None
ODI 11645528

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 …

Look up ODI 11645528 at NHTSA ↗

2025-032None
ODI 11646847

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.

Look up ODI 11646847 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11651686 · 50,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 11651686 at NHTSA ↗

2025-041None
ODI 11653064

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)

Look up ODI 11653064 at NHTSA ↗

2025-052None
ODI 11658736

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 quit…

Look up ODI 11658736 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11661996

We live on a farm so the fact there is rodents is no surprise. However strangest thing is the knock sensor harness has been chewed completely off two times in last two months.. when this happens it causes power loss. With the extra shielding the wire has tells me it gives off a low frequency that would irritate most animals and me at this point since the part is never available. If it actually gives off a frequency, it is absolutely unnecessary and a complete nuisance.

Look up ODI 11661996 at NHTSA ↗

2025-061None
ODI 11669632

weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until a passerby stopped and helped me get out. As a result of the impact,…

Look up ODI 11669632 at NHTSA ↗

2025-071None
ODI 11674853

I was involved in a vehicle crash on 7-1-25. I had just pulled out of the gas station and was coming up to a stop sign so I was only going about 8mph I put my foot on the brake and nothing happened. I had my foot all the way down on the brake pedal because I saw a car coming and they were traveling at about 40mph. No automatic braking nothing worked. I had no control. I just prayed that I hope this doesn’t hurt. None of my airbags deployed. My car is now totaled and of course I got the ticket because I did not have control of my vehicle. I str…

Look up ODI 11674853 at NHTSA ↗

2025-082None
ODI 11679063

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

Look up ODI 11679063 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11681085

My wife was hit from the driver side, causing car to deviate and have a head on collision with a fire hydrant. No airbags deployed. Side or front.

Look up ODI 11681085 at NHTSA ↗

2025-09625V595000
ODI 11684844 · 211,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that simultaneously, the top part of the bumper was flipped up by the slipstream and crashed onto the hood. The contact pulled over but was unable to recover the lower part of the bumper, but was able to reattach the top part of the bumper. The contact stated that the bumper had scratched the paint on the hood and damaged the front badge. The contact …

Look up ODI 11684844 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11687075

The side mirrors (more on the drivers side) have a vibration in them no matter how smooth of a road in which I am driving. This causes the visual to be blurred and makes me dizzy. I have been driving for 30 years and not ONE other vehicle I have ever driven or owned has had this problem. I see that there are many other complaints online about this issue and this needs to be a recall as my dealership won’t deem it a problem under my warranty. This is a significant problem.

Look up ODI 11687075 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11687848 · 29,500 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the digital instrument panel went blank and showed a white screen. The contact was unable to see critical safety information and warning lights during the failure. The contact stated that the screen was white for over twenty minutes. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,500.

Look up ODI 11687848 at NHTSA ↗

2025-10625V744000
ODI 11691889

Randomly when braking the vehicle will "lurch" forward causing you to immediately reapply the brakes hard to stop. The dealer claims they have no knowledge of this but when you Google "Toyota Highlander hybrid brake issues" there are numerous reports of the same occurrences. This creates a serious collision potential issue with a vehicle stopped in front of the car. It is available upon request for inspection. It has not been confirmed by the dealer but I am happy to do so. It happens without warning.

Look up ODI 11691889 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11693766

Car seats and booster seats for infants and children with the age and weight requirement for seats in a vehicle do not meet safety requirements. The second row and the third row you literally have to pick the car seat up to buckle the seatbelt in appropriately. I have asked on numerous occasions if there is a seatbelt extension that can be purchased and I was told no. My concern is for safety of children/infants. We should not have to pick a car seat or booster seat up after a child is placed in the car seat to be able to buckle the car seat i…

Look up ODI 11693766 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11694306

I have a 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum. For some unknown reason, the dashboard suddenly stopped working. Because the dashboard is not working, I have no information on things like when the gas will run out, what speed I’m driving, or if any parts are malfunctioning. This creates a dangerous situation for me. So, I went directly to Toyota and had the car inspected. They confirmed that the dashboard was indeed not working. I have the document from Toyota. Before the issue occurred, there were no warning signals or alerts, it just went completel…

Look up ODI 11694306 at NHTSA ↗

2025-113None
ODI 11697980 · 28,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the liftgate had failed to open or to close intermittently. The contact stated that the liftgate made an abnormal grinding sound while opening and would open 3-inch at a time while the contact continuously pressed the power liftgate button manually. The contact stated that the dealer had reset the liftgate; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactur…

Look up ODI 11697980 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11699061

Tailgate struts failed within 2k miles of the 3/36k warranty. Even with the power back door feature "off", the struts are not simply converted to normal manual hydraulics. To lift the gate and close the gate it takes significant effort and I injured my shoulder while trying to lift it while holding items I didn't want to get wet on the ground during a rain event.

Look up ODI 11699061 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11699809

My 2023 Toyota Highlander has had an issue where the steering wheel and brake pedal vibrate when braking at around 25 mph and higher. The car will also vibrate. This happens on the highway mainly but also on 25+ speed zones in residential areas. I have taken my car for regular maintenance and the brakes have always checked out fine. There has never been a service report stating anything is wrong with the rotors. I have purchased new tires and have had them aligned and balanced and the issues still persist. When I reported this to Toyota Servi…

Look up ODI 11699809 at NHTSA ↗

2025-125None
ODI 11702603

Since I got this car, when going down hill the breaks don't work properly. It is a sudden surge and the car takes a few extra seconds to break. It happens often and I always need to keep a good distance from the car in front of me to avoid a collision. I brought up during service to my Toyota dealership but they don't have a solution. Nothing shows up in the panel, the car just launches forward.

Look up ODI 11702603 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11705395

On November 24, I took the vehicle into Gene Messer Toyota in Lubbock, TX to have them diagnose a noise in the front end. They confirmed hearing the noise but assured me the vehicle was safe to drive. No repairs were performed. 10 days later, on December 10, the front driver wheel detached while my husband was driving at highway speed.

Look up ODI 11705395 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11705422

When applying the brakes sometimes, particularly when breaking at the bottom of a hill, the car lunges forward before the brake catches and it stops. The transition is jarring and does not seem safe at all. I've been told by mechanics at the Toyota shop that it is normal for a hybrid vehicle, but if that is the case they need to not sell hybrid vehicles or find a way to avoid this problem. I've read tons of posts on online forums confirming that many other people have this with their Toyota hybrid vehicles, including the Highlander.

Look up ODI 11705422 at NHTSA ↗

2026-016None
ODI 11709956

Driving vehicle and front lower bumper cover assembly fell off on highway. 2 days later received a recall notice for exact issue. Safety recall 23TA12. Brought vehicle into NuCar Toyota of North Attleboro and they refused to execute recall stating prior damage to upper bumper which is not true. There are a few scratches but no indentation or external damage preventing the recall from being executed.

Look up ODI 11709956 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11710197

The transfer case blew out when I stopped at a red-light, within the first 3 years of original ownership. Only 65,000 miles on the odometer, mostly from highway driving. The car is now inoperable and repair quotes are prohibitively expensive.

Look up ODI 11710197 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11710334 · 120,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was running, the instrument panel was black and failed to display critical safety information as intended. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactu…

Look up ODI 11710334 at NHTSA ↗

2026-023None
ODI 11718191

The vehicle's tailgate motor has started to malfunction and is failing prematurely. When opening the tailgate it makes a loud squealing noise. When attempting to close utilizing all automatic features it will stop and beep twice. After multiple attempts the tailgate remains open is unable to be closed via automatic means. This is a safety issue as it compromises the closing an opening functionality if the tailgate itself and could lead to unsecured tailgates or vehicles with an inability to close their tailgates.

Look up ODI 11718191 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11718394

My Toyota Highlander 12.3 inch display of the instrument panel may be blank at startup. Operating the vehicle with this display blank reduces the ability to see certain malfunction indicators. This Safety Recall that has been active since September 11, 2025. The problem been acknowledged and confirmed by Millers Toyota, in Anaheim, California and Toyota in Bueno Park, California dealers. Their answers, Toyota currently does not have a remedy as of to date, February 17, 2026. The screen goes blank every time I start my car, while driving, or …

Look up ODI 11718394 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11720659

The rear window on my car spontaneously shattered as I was driving. This was in light rain on the freeway. I had turned the rear-window defrost on at the beginning of my 20 minute drive to work in the dark at 5:30AM . When I was almost at my destination, I heard a noise and looked in the rear view mirror to see my rear window had shattered. My car is just three years old with about 30,100 miles on it. I drove to the dealer, waited until they opened, and they evaluated - saying it would take $1300 and three days to fix. They said it would no…

Look up ODI 11720659 at NHTSA ↗

2026-03726V128000
ODI 11721278

Delayed acceleration, jerking shifting between gears and whining noise

Look up ODI 11721278 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11722511

It takes time to accelerate. The car jerks and shakes before moving

Look up ODI 11722511 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11722574

I bought this vehicle new in March 2024. I normally use Apple CarPlay for music and more importantly maps. Approximately 1 year after purchase, I was driving along and all of a sudden a new screen appeared with a keyboard requesting that I sign in with my email address. To clear the screen, I had to hit the small "X" in the upper right hand corner of the screen. That cleared and then a new screen appeared in blue saying "Experience Drive Connect" and asking me to subscribe to their software service for navigation and other services. To get bac…

Look up ODI 11722574 at NHTSA ↗

2026-045None
ODI 11728763

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Look up ODI 11728763 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11732855

I was in an accident today in this vehicle . Upon impact, traffic was suddenly stopped on the highway. The air bags didn’t deploy and the automatic emergency breaks didn’t engage. Impact was so hard three vehicles were Involved.

Look up ODI 11732855 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11732975 · 34,125 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 60–65 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of an oncoming vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. In addition, the contact stated that it was a very hard impact on an older model vehicle. The contact stated that the older model vehicle was made of steel. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was transported to the local medical center. The contact sustained severe sternum bruising, full spine whiplash, severe pain in the ne…

Look up ODI 11732975 at NHTSA ↗

2026-058None
ODI 11735118 · 149,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the instrument panel had been inoperable for approximately 5 months. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,000.

Look up ODI 11735118 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11735183

Received a safety recall stating "Seat Back Reclinging Assembly May Not Securely Lock". Based on this information, it goes on to state that "a seat back that has not been secured in a locked position may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash at certain speeds." Currently there are no remedies available but it is advised that "no one sit in or use the second-row seats while the vehicle is moving until the remedy is performed on the vehicle." In speaking to headquarters as well as mutliple dea…

Look up ODI 11735183 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11735776

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Look up ODI 11735776 at NHTSA ↗

2026-068None
ODI 11741497

My 2023 Toyota Highlander was experiencing a high pitch whiny noise when accelerating. I looked up on line and saw that this could be a failing transmission issue. I took it into the Toyota Dealership , 6321 West Canal Drive, Kennewick, WA 99336. They confirmed my concerns. They said the transmission was toast and I could not drive it until repaired. They informed me they would have to order a replacement transmission under warranty. They further informed me that there is a backlog of requests for replacement transmissions because this is a m…

Look up ODI 11741497 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11741796

The driver’s seat lower cushion in my 2023 Toyota Highlander provided inadequate support during normal driving, particularly on the left side of the seat cushion where support for my left leg and hip area appeared insufficient. This caused uneven seating posture, increased discomfort, pressure, and difficulty maintaining a proper driving position during extended periods of driving. The seat became increasingly uncomfortable during prolonged use and caused pain, numbness, and difficulty maintaining a proper driving position. I am a professiona…

Look up ODI 11741796 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11743593

When applying brake, in sporadic and unpredictable circumstances, the vehicle seems to switch from regenerative braking to brake pump braking. During this switch, braking power is lost completely. The vehicle was inspected by the Dealer, they stated no issues found / unable to reproduce. This issue, if unresolved, increases risk of vehicle collision. No warning lights, no messages, no other symptoms of the problem. This issue has been present for ~1.5 years.

Look up ODI 11743593 at NHTSA ↗

2026-077None
ODI 11749759

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Safety Recall Number : 26V128 My vehicle has been officially grounded since XXX due to a severe safety recall that renders it unsafe to drive. A permanent remedy or repair part is currently unavailable from the manufacturer, forcing me to drive a loaner vehicle for over two months now. My car sits in uncovered parking lot of the Dealership ( Toyota Rockwall Texas) since XXX under the hot summer temperature of Texas which can cause cumulative damage to my car. . This prolonged delay creates an ongoing safety r…

Look up ODI 11749759 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11749845

Unknown. Toyota has recalled the recliner assembly in the second row seats. My car has been at the dealership for more than 60 days waiting for a remedy. There is still not one listed yet. I cannot safely drive my car as I have 2 children at home that must be with me as a sole parent.

Look up ODI 11749845 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11751353

Tailgate stays open; sensors seem to fail. It will work one day and not work on another day. My wife is short and handicapped and she can’t close it manually.

Look up ODI 11751353 at NHTSA ↗

2026-087None
ODI 11754929

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition loss of brake pad pressure resulting in acceleration of the vehicle under downhill conditions. Have momentarily experienced the loss of braking frequently during braking when going downhill. This results in the vehicle gaining speed during this 1 or 2 second period before braking returns. In one case it allowed our car to get dangerously close to the vehicle ahead of us but fortunately I was able to push the brakes harder to prevent an accident but did require aggressive braking. L…

Look up ODI 11754929 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11755412 · 39,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the second-row seat failed to lock in position as designed. The failure mileage was 39,000.

Look up ODI 11755412 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11755981

I have a 2023 Toyota Highlander XSE with 77,015 miles on it. Last week we noticed that when pushing on the gas pedel to accelerate that the car started making a terrible whinning noise that did not go away. i scheduled a service call with dealership i purchased it from and where i take it for all of its scheduled service and they canfirmed that the transmission was failing and needed to be replaced so the problem has been confirmed by the dealership. In addition i contacted the toyota help line and asked for a Goodwill Warranty Assisstance case…

Look up ODI 11755981 at NHTSA ↗

2026-095None
ODI 11762462

Transmission failure at 106,000 miles, full replacement under extended warranty and new transmission is begging to fail at 109,000 miles.

Look up ODI 11762462 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11763629

Rear Power Lift Gate Struts continue to malfunction. Sometimes works, Sometimes Partially Works. My vehicle currently has 40,000 miles and according to Social Media and AI this has become a large Problem for a large number of People.

Look up ODI 11763629 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11763643

Ongoing severe engine surge after coasting while braking lightly during moderate downhill drives on pavement. It happens consistently with different drivers at speeds between 25 to 45 mph. The surge can cause the vehicle to lurch forward enough to move the vehicle forward suddenly, and rapidly to other cars ahead. This is an unpredictable issue, but occurs multiple times daily. Very concerning for everyone at risk in the vehicle. This issue was presented to several Toyota dealers in the San Diego (Carlbad, CA) and Temecula, CA areas during ro…

Look up ODI 11763643 at NHTSA ↗

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 2138 reports

2022: 128 complaints · 2023: 138 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
20224992128
202352100138
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
202225502
202318001

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentUnknown Or OtherEnginePower TrainService BrakesFuel/Propulsion SystemSeatsStructureStructure:Body
Unknown Or Other—
2
ODI 11534090

The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Dealership Technician says he noticed the hesitation when accelerating, but since there are no DTC’s and No Data found saying that there is a malfunction

Look up ODI 11534090 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11552927

The car lags, stutters, and hesitates on acceleration and in consistent speed situations. Sometimes doesn't respond quickly to gas pedal and sometimes it does. It is very unpredictable and unsafe. I never know which response I will get. Has also almost completely died after putting the car in park.

Look up ODI 11552927 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11534090

The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Dealership Technician says he noticed the hesitation when accelerating, but since there are no DTC’s and No Data found saying that there is a malfunction

Look up ODI 11534090 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11540745

There is a significant hesitation / stuttering when the gas pedal is pressed (i.e. the vehicle doesn't move properly when the gas pedal is pressed). This is especially dangerous when pulling out into traffic, making turns, etc. This appears to be a known problem with this model and Toyota is working on a TSB (supposedly). Doing a Google search for this problem shows that a number of consumers are having a similar issue. A few people have documented the issue here: https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2023-highlander-2-4-turbo-surging-and-buckin…

Look up ODI 11540745 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11507296

The vehicle brakes stop working suddenly requiring lift the pedal and slam the brakes to make it work correctly. I almost have a bad accident for this problem. I did my research and learned this is a problem that Toyota need to fix. The situation was very scary.

Look up ODI 11507296 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11540745

There is a significant hesitation / stuttering when the gas pedal is pressed (i.e. the vehicle doesn't move properly when the gas pedal is pressed). This is especially dangerous when pulling out into traffic, making turns, etc. This appears to be a known problem with this model and Toyota is working on a TSB (supposedly). Doing a Google search for this problem shows that a number of consumers are having a similar issue. A few people have documented the issue here: https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2023-highlander-2-4-turbo-surging-and-buckin…

Look up ODI 11540745 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11606299

The car absolutely reeks of gas after driving for a while on warm days. You can visibly see the fumes around the filler neck. It has been the the dealer multiple times and they say they can't find anything. It seeps into the car causing headaches and dizziness. I personally know of 2 2023 Highlanders and 1 2024 highlander that have this issue. I am extremely worried this will cause a fire and/or explosion at some point.

Look up ODI 11606299 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 11569290

Unknown

Look up ODI 11569290 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
2
ODI 11534090

The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Dealership Technician says he noticed the hesitation when accelerating, but since there are no DTC’s and No Data found saying that there is a malfunction

Look up ODI 11534090 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11552927

The car lags, stutters, and hesitates on acceleration and in consistent speed situations. Sometimes doesn't respond quickly to gas pedal and sometimes it does. It is very unpredictable and unsafe. I never know which response I will get. Has also almost completely died after putting the car in park.

Look up ODI 11552927 at NHTSA ↗

—
8
ODI 11534090

The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Dealership Technician says he noticed the hesitation when accelerating, but since there are no DTC’s and No Data found saying that there is a malfunction

Look up ODI 11534090 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11535351

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE with 2.4 Turbo hesitates for an unacceptable period of time when accelerating from a stop. This could pose a huge safety risk when merging into traffic from a stop sign. The lag / hesitation is present on all eco / normal / sport drive modes. The issue has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased at 70 miles and currently has about 5200 miles. Toyota needs to look into this issue and address it as soon as possible.

Look up ODI 11535351 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11542582

My new Highlander has had issues that I can describe as "power surging" when accelerating from a stop. The car frequently does not respond to accelerator being pushed down for a second or two and then surges from a stop to accelerating with very inconsistent results. The acceleration is not consistent and unreliable. When crossing traffic from a stop I need to think twice and do not have confidence the car will do what I want.

Look up ODI 11542582 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11669632

weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until a passerby stopped and helped me get out. As a result of the impact,…

Look up ODI 11669632 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11763643

Ongoing severe engine surge after coasting while braking lightly during moderate downhill drives on pavement. It happens consistently with different drivers at speeds between 25 to 45 mph. The surge can cause the vehicle to lurch forward enough to move the vehicle forward suddenly, and rapidly to other cars ahead. This is an unpredictable issue, but occurs multiple times daily. Very concerning for everyone at risk in the vehicle. This issue was presented to several Toyota dealers in the San Diego (Carlbad, CA) and Temecula, CA areas during ro…

Look up ODI 11763643 at NHTSA ↗

8
ODI 11534843

Vehicle unpredictably hesitates during light to moderate acceleration in all driving modes (Sport, Normal, and Eco). This is especially dangerous when crossing in front of oncoming traffic from a stop or slow speed. Had a certified mechanic drive the car and verify the problem, but the car's systems don't report that there is a problem, so he had no answers.

Look up ODI 11534843 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11535351

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE with 2.4 Turbo hesitates for an unacceptable period of time when accelerating from a stop. This could pose a huge safety risk when merging into traffic from a stop sign. The lag / hesitation is present on all eco / normal / sport drive modes. The issue has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased at 70 miles and currently has about 5200 miles. Toyota needs to look into this issue and address it as soon as possible.

Look up ODI 11535351 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11542958

Upon acceleration, car hesitates then surges. Started after approximately 2000 miles. Occurs most frequently from a dead start. However, continues upon acceleration up to 50 mph. Took to Toyota Dealer, but they were unable to diagnose. Others report similar problems on Toyota Nation Form. Concerned about pulling out into traffic safely

Look up ODI 11542958 at NHTSA ↗

00
2
ODI 11658736

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 quit…

Look up ODI 11658736 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11669632

weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until a passerby stopped and helped me get out. As a result of the impact,…

Look up ODI 11669632 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
2
ODI 11534090

The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Dealership Technician says he noticed the hesitation when accelerating, but since there are no DTC’s and No Data found saying that there is a malfunction

Look up ODI 11534090 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11540745

There is a significant hesitation / stuttering when the gas pedal is pressed (i.e. the vehicle doesn't move properly when the gas pedal is pressed). This is especially dangerous when pulling out into traffic, making turns, etc. This appears to be a known problem with this model and Toyota is working on a TSB (supposedly). Doing a Google search for this problem shows that a number of consumers are having a similar issue. A few people have documented the issue here: https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2023-highlander-2-4-turbo-surging-and-buckin…

Look up ODI 11540745 at NHTSA ↗

8
ODI 11534090

The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Dealership Technician says he noticed the hesitation when accelerating, but since there are no DTC’s and No Data found saying that there is a malfunction

Look up ODI 11534090 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11535351

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE with 2.4 Turbo hesitates for an unacceptable period of time when accelerating from a stop. This could pose a huge safety risk when merging into traffic from a stop sign. The lag / hesitation is present on all eco / normal / sport drive modes. The issue has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased at 70 miles and currently has about 5200 miles. Toyota needs to look into this issue and address it as soon as possible.

Look up ODI 11535351 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11542582

My new Highlander has had issues that I can describe as "power surging" when accelerating from a stop. The car frequently does not respond to accelerator being pushed down for a second or two and then surges from a stop to accelerating with very inconsistent results. The acceleration is not consistent and unreliable. When crossing traffic from a stop I need to think twice and do not have confidence the car will do what I want.

Look up ODI 11542582 at NHTSA ↗

—0
6
ODI 11535351

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE with 2.4 Turbo hesitates for an unacceptable period of time when accelerating from a stop. This could pose a huge safety risk when merging into traffic from a stop sign. The lag / hesitation is present on all eco / normal / sport drive modes. The issue has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased at 70 miles and currently has about 5200 miles. Toyota needs to look into this issue and address it as soon as possible.

Look up ODI 11535351 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11540745

There is a significant hesitation / stuttering when the gas pedal is pressed (i.e. the vehicle doesn't move properly when the gas pedal is pressed). This is especially dangerous when pulling out into traffic, making turns, etc. This appears to be a known problem with this model and Toyota is working on a TSB (supposedly). Doing a Google search for this problem shows that a number of consumers are having a similar issue. A few people have documented the issue here: https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2023-highlander-2-4-turbo-surging-and-buckin…

Look up ODI 11540745 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11542958

Upon acceleration, car hesitates then surges. Started after approximately 2000 miles. Occurs most frequently from a dead start. However, continues upon acceleration up to 50 mph. Took to Toyota Dealer, but they were unable to diagnose. Others report similar problems on Toyota Nation Form. Concerned about pulling out into traffic safely

Look up ODI 11542958 at NHTSA ↗

000
Service Brakes
1
ODI 11507296

The vehicle brakes stop working suddenly requiring lift the pedal and slam the brakes to make it work correctly. I almost have a bad accident for this problem. I did my research and learned this is a problem that Toyota need to fix. The situation was very scary.

Look up ODI 11507296 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11669632

weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until a passerby stopped and helped me get out. As a result of the impact,…

Look up ODI 11669632 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11763643

Ongoing severe engine surge after coasting while braking lightly during moderate downhill drives on pavement. It happens consistently with different drivers at speeds between 25 to 45 mph. The surge can cause the vehicle to lurch forward enough to move the vehicle forward suddenly, and rapidly to other cars ahead. This is an unpredictable issue, but occurs multiple times daily. Very concerning for everyone at risk in the vehicle. This issue was presented to several Toyota dealers in the San Diego (Carlbad, CA) and Temecula, CA areas during ro…

Look up ODI 11763643 at NHTSA ↗

0—
1
ODI 11674853

I was involved in a vehicle crash on 7-1-25. I had just pulled out of the gas station and was coming up to a stop sign so I was only going about 8mph I put my foot on the brake and nothing happened. I had my foot all the way down on the brake pedal because I saw a car coming and they were traveling at about 40mph. No automatic braking nothing worked. I had no control. I just prayed that I hope this doesn’t hurt. None of my airbags deployed. My car is now totaled and of course I got the ticket because I did not have control of my vehicle. I str…

Look up ODI 11674853 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 11669632

weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until a passerby stopped and helped me get out. As a result of the impact,…

Look up ODI 11669632 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion System
2
ODI 11540745

There is a significant hesitation / stuttering when the gas pedal is pressed (i.e. the vehicle doesn't move properly when the gas pedal is pressed). This is especially dangerous when pulling out into traffic, making turns, etc. This appears to be a known problem with this model and Toyota is working on a TSB (supposedly). Doing a Google search for this problem shows that a number of consumers are having a similar issue. A few people have documented the issue here: https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2023-highlander-2-4-turbo-surging-and-buckin…

Look up ODI 11540745 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11606299

The car absolutely reeks of gas after driving for a while on warm days. You can visibly see the fumes around the filler neck. It has been the the dealer multiple times and they say they can't find anything. It seeps into the car causing headaches and dizziness. I personally know of 2 2023 Highlanders and 1 2024 highlander that have this issue. I am extremely worried this will cause a fire and/or explosion at some point.

Look up ODI 11606299 at NHTSA ↗

8
ODI 11534843

Vehicle unpredictably hesitates during light to moderate acceleration in all driving modes (Sport, Normal, and Eco). This is especially dangerous when crossing in front of oncoming traffic from a stop or slow speed. Had a certified mechanic drive the car and verify the problem, but the car's systems don't report that there is a problem, so he had no answers.

Look up ODI 11534843 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11535351

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE with 2.4 Turbo hesitates for an unacceptable period of time when accelerating from a stop. This could pose a huge safety risk when merging into traffic from a stop sign. The lag / hesitation is present on all eco / normal / sport drive modes. The issue has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased at 70 miles and currently has about 5200 miles. Toyota needs to look into this issue and address it as soon as possible.

Look up ODI 11535351 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11542958

Upon acceleration, car hesitates then surges. Started after approximately 2000 miles. Occurs most frequently from a dead start. However, continues upon acceleration up to 50 mph. Took to Toyota Dealer, but they were unable to diagnose. Others report similar problems on Toyota Nation Form. Concerned about pulling out into traffic safely

Look up ODI 11542958 at NHTSA ↗

6
ODI 11535351

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE with 2.4 Turbo hesitates for an unacceptable period of time when accelerating from a stop. This could pose a huge safety risk when merging into traffic from a stop sign. The lag / hesitation is present on all eco / normal / sport drive modes. The issue has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased at 70 miles and currently has about 5200 miles. Toyota needs to look into this issue and address it as soon as possible.

Look up ODI 11535351 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11540745

There is a significant hesitation / stuttering when the gas pedal is pressed (i.e. the vehicle doesn't move properly when the gas pedal is pressed). This is especially dangerous when pulling out into traffic, making turns, etc. This appears to be a known problem with this model and Toyota is working on a TSB (supposedly). Doing a Google search for this problem shows that a number of consumers are having a similar issue. A few people have documented the issue here: https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2023-highlander-2-4-turbo-surging-and-buckin…

Look up ODI 11540745 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11542958

Upon acceleration, car hesitates then surges. Started after approximately 2000 miles. Occurs most frequently from a dead start. However, continues upon acceleration up to 50 mph. Took to Toyota Dealer, but they were unable to diagnose. Others report similar problems on Toyota Nation Form. Concerned about pulling out into traffic safely

Look up ODI 11542958 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11674853

I was involved in a vehicle crash on 7-1-25. I had just pulled out of the gas station and was coming up to a stop sign so I was only going about 8mph I put my foot on the brake and nothing happened. I had my foot all the way down on the brake pedal because I saw a car coming and they were traveling at about 40mph. No automatic braking nothing worked. I had no control. I just prayed that I hope this doesn’t hurt. None of my airbags deployed. My car is now totaled and of course I got the ticket because I did not have control of my vehicle. I str…

Look up ODI 11674853 at NHTSA ↗

—000
Seats00000—00
Structure000000—0
Structure:Body
1
ODI 11569290

Unknown

Look up ODI 11569290 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11658736

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 quit…

Look up ODI 11658736 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11669632

weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until a passerby stopped and helped me get out. As a result of the impact,…

Look up ODI 11669632 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 11669632

weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until a passerby stopped and helped me get out. As a result of the impact,…

Look up ODI 11669632 at NHTSA ↗

000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

16 mentions · 8.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 27,750 mi (8 usable records).

ODI 11539369 · 2,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and the engine misfired. The secondary collision, braking system malfunction, brake ligation malfunction, and throttle control system advanced warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was sludge in the engine. The oil was changed, and the warning lights reset. Additionally, the contact was informed that…

Look up ODI 11539369 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11544680

The vehicle hesitates and stutters upon light to moderate acceleration. This can happen either from a dead stop or while moving in traffic. The concern was present when vehicle was purchased new in Feb 2023. Initially the dealership thought the symptoms were related to the transmission learning algorithm, but this was later determined not to be the case and the dealership was able to reproduce the drivability concern. The dealership was also advised that running 91 octane fuel eliminated the symptoms, however the engine is designed to run on 8…

Look up ODI 11544680 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11546245

Picked up my Toyota Highlander in April 2023 I have had to return it to the dealer on two occasions for check engine light and secondary Break failure I'm at the fourth check engine light and secondary brake failure report now it has been inspected by the dealer and tried to remedy it too times already currently getting ready to return to the dealer with the third check engine light secondary brake failure message

Look up ODI 11546245 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

9 mentions · 5.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11603659

When 87 fuel is put into the vehicle, the 2023 highlander is jerky/has hesitation, RPMs jump around. Trying to slow down to a yield then go again it jerks and almost feels like engine is cutting out. Seems worse when car is being driven on warm day with a/c on or under a “load”. Very dangerous in intersections. Current fix is to put 93 octane in the vehicle to remedy the issue. Putting 93 octane fuel in the vehicle does help. All of these issues pose a risk to the car jumping from a start to cause a rear-end accident. I've complained to the dea…

Look up ODI 11603659 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11608712

From a stop or slow roll (0-10 mph), significant hesitation is experienced after pushing the gas. The engine will not respond for a few moments and then all of a sudden it will take off in a jerking manner. Note that this is experienced when the engine auto start/stop is deactivated, so it is not from the delay of the engine starting when activated. This hesitation causes a near miss safety situation in many normal driving activities, but the highest risk is when turning left in front of oncoming traffic. I brought the vehicle to a Toyota d…

Look up ODI 11608712 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11614162

The vehicle has erratic acceleration. It will either be extremely slow and jerky or it will jump forward with great speed and force. This is dangerous and may cause an accident. You have no control when it comes to acceleration whether you are leaving a stop light or trying to avoid an accident.

Look up ODI 11614162 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

6 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 59,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11546245

Picked up my Toyota Highlander in April 2023 I have had to return it to the dealer on two occasions for check engine light and secondary Break failure I'm at the fourth check engine light and secondary brake failure report now it has been inspected by the dealer and tried to remedy it too times already currently getting ready to return to the dealer with the third check engine light secondary brake failure message

Look up ODI 11546245 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11674853

I was involved in a vehicle crash on 7-1-25. I had just pulled out of the gas station and was coming up to a stop sign so I was only going about 8mph I put my foot on the brake and nothing happened. I had my foot all the way down on the brake pedal because I saw a car coming and they were traveling at about 40mph. No automatic braking nothing worked. I had no control. I just prayed that I hope this doesn’t hurt. None of my airbags deployed. My car is now totaled and of course I got the ticket because I did not have control of my vehicle. I str…

Look up ODI 11674853 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11699809

My 2023 Toyota Highlander has had an issue where the steering wheel and brake pedal vibrate when braking at around 25 mph and higher. The car will also vibrate. This happens on the highway mainly but also on 25+ speed zones in residential areas. I have taken my car for regular maintenance and the brakes have always checked out fine. There has never been a service report stating anything is wrong with the rotors. I have purchased new tires and have had them aligned and balanced and the issues still persist. When I reported this to Toyota Servi…

Look up ODI 11699809 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11614518

On hot days the evap system does not function properly. You can visibly see gas fumes spewing from the filler neck area. The smell of gas inside and outside of the vehicle is horrible. It has caused headaches, nausea and dizziness to the passengers inside of the vehicle. It is extremely unsafe and Toyota doesn't know how to fix it. They are aware of the problem but refuse to remedy it. I personally know of 3 other highlanders doing the same thing. Not only is it a personal safety concern, it's also an environmental issue. This problem is with 2…

Look up ODI 11614518 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11753830

Vehicle has strong gas smell and has gas vapor streaming out from under rear driver side wheel well and gas cap area.

Look up ODI 11753830 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 49,050 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11553206

Engine intermittently has no power on take off and causes an unsafe condition to turning into traffic where car will just not go until after flooring it and a 3-5 second delay!! Engine also looses power and bucks or misses while accelerating through gears. This has caused multiple near miss incidents when turning into or across traffic. Also have issues with the steering assist that it yanks the wheel intermittantly. This cause me to loose control on the wet interstate in a turn when it yanked the wheel to the right while banking left at 65mph…

Look up ODI 11553206 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11580757 · 49,050 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was excessively difficult to steer. The power steering malfunction and pre-collision warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering and rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the power steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The parts were ordered to complete the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of …

Look up ODI 11580757 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11536225

Almost since purchase this vehicle has emitted a shudder when driving. The loss of power has affected ability to evade when making turns, acceleration on highways, and has caused safety concerns while driving with children in the vehicle-this is a brand new vehicle purchased with approximately 7 miles on the odometer. Vehicle has been in the shop at least 3 times, 4 with today's visit. ToyotaNation forum shows that there are MANY vehicles with this issue and that Toyota Master Technicians are aware of the issues.

Look up ODI 11536225 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b