The Used Car Index

2023 Toyota Highlander problems

NHTSA lists 191 complaints for the 2023 Toyota Highlander, 12 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 11 complaints mention an injury, with 12 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as TOYOTA HIGHLANDER.

At a glance

Complaints
191
With crash
12
With fire
0
With injury (complaints)
11
Injuries
12
Deaths
0
Recalls
9
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
1,024,407
Investigations
0
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
150

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. The available sales group does not match this vehicle variant.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4020.9%
STRUCTURE3518.3%
ENGINE2814.7%
POWER TRAIN2010.5%
SERVICE BRAKES199.9%
SEATS178.9%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM168.4%
AIR BAGS136.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM136.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL105.2%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
STRUCTUREBODY17
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3
LANE DEPARTUREBLIND SPOT DETECTION3
VISIBILITYREARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES3
LANE DEPARTUREASSIST2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESDOORS2
BACK OVER PREVENTIONREARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING1
BACK OVER PREVENTIONWARNINGS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMIGNITION1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMINSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
loss of control3920.4%0.88
mechanical failure3920.4%0.77
restraint or airbag2814.7%0.85
electrical electronic2714.1%0.87
structural or corrosion2010.5%0.74
unclear178.9%0.90
fluid or fuel leak73.7%0.75
noise or comfort73.7%0.76
visibility or lighting52.6%0.89
fire or overheating21.0%0.96
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate10957.1%0.87
low5729.8%0.73
high189.4%0.93
none73.7%0.87

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 191 tagged complaints of 191 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

9 recalls.

26V128000

Date: 2026-03-05. Systems: SEATS.

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

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

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

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

25V744000

Date: 2025-10-30. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.

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

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

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

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

25V595000

Date: 2025-09-11. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel (excerpt)

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

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's cus (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

25V040000

Date: 2025-01-29. Systems: AIR BAGS, STEERING.

Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently (excerpt)

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

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

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

24V548000

Date: 2024-07-23. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

Defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equippe (excerpt)

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

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

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

24V452000

Date: 2024-06-18. Systems: TIRES.

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

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

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

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

24V419000

Date: 2024-06-06. Systems: TIRES.

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

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

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

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

23V720000

Date: 2023-10-26. Systems: STRUCTURE.

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

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

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

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

23V480000

Date: 2023-07-12. Systems: AIR BAGS, STEERING.

Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to sep (excerpt)

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

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

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

0 investigations; 0 open.

Manufacturer communications

150 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM59
STRUCTURE30
UNKNOWN OR OTHER28
ENGINE15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING12
EQUIPMENT10
COMMUNICATION4
WHEELS3

11037202

Date: 2026-08-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.

OBSOLETE NOTICE August 20, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0051-26.

11034823

Date: 2026-06-25. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Some 2020 a 2026 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a water leak from the roof rack attachment clips. This may be caused by the sealant in the roof channel obstructing the proper seating position for the clip gasket.

11033412

Date: 2026-05-14. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyotaa s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customersa ownership experience. Toyota is providing extended coverage under this Customer S

11031158

Date: 2026-03-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Some 2020 a 2024 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody air conditioner tube and accessory assembly. The anti-corrosion material has been updated to reduce the poss

11029896

Date: 2026-02-27. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.

11028712

Date: 2026-01-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Some 2005 a 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedur

11028711

Date: 2026-01-06. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyotaa s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customersa ownership experience. Toyota is providing extended coverage under this Customer S

11026318

Date: 2025-11-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Some 2020 a 2023 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or closing. A modified PBD unit assembly is available to address these conditions.

11026306

Date: 2025-11-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

A new head unit software update is available for 2022 a 2025 model year Tundra, and Tundra Hybrid; 2023 a 2025 model year Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Mirai, and Sequoia Hybrid vehicles equipped with Toyota Multimedia versions earlier than version 2230.

11024098

Date: 2025-09-25. Type: Service Campaign. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

The subject vehicles are equipped with a rear motor unit and an HV Floor Under Wire that provide high voltage to operate the motor. Mud, water, or road salt could potentially enter the HV Floor Underwire connector housing and could cause corrosion over time. Excessive corrosion could cause AM Radio

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
HIGHLANDER182
HIGHLANDER HYBRID9

Same model, other years

All model years | All Toyota models

Other Toyota models, 2023

Sources

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