Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2023 Toyota Highlander, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Unknown or other39
- Structure32
- Engine28
- Seats21
- Power train20
- Service brakes20
- Fuel/propulsion system16
- Air bags12
- Electrical system12
- Vehicle speed control9
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 12 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 3 2023 Highlander vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 0 people died inside them. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2023 Toyota Highlander failed the safety check 1.35% of the time — 97% more often than the average 2023 passenger car (0.69%). Median odometer at inspection: 19,538 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Real-world fuel consumption
115 Toyota Highlander cars first registered in Europe in 2023 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Petrol hybrid versions use 7.8 l/100 km on the road against 7.0 in the WLTP test (+12%).
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol hybrid | 115 | 7.8 | 7.0 | +12% |
Litres per 100 km from the cars' own fuel meters (OBFCM), collected in 2024; the year is the year of first registration. All years together · European Environment Agency · CC BY 4.0
In the Netherlands
48 first registered in 2023 are on Dutch roads; 44% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €81,945.
Most common APK defects
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
144 cars built in 2023 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 3 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
In New Zealand
1,394 2023 cars are on the New Zealand register.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 16.4 % |
| 2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 16.9 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 1 variant: combined 9.9 L/100 km (about 24 mpg US), CO₂ 231 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 11.0 | 8.4 | 9.9 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
8 Transport Canada recalls for the 2023 Toyota Highlander.
| 2026427 9 Sept 2026 | Seats And Restraints Issue: On certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for the second-row seats may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the seatback(s) may not lock… |
| 2026101 5 Mar 2026 | Seats And Restraints This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-427. Issue: On certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for the second-row seats may not have… |
| 2025594 30 Oct 2025 | Visual System Issue: Under certain conditions, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to freeze or not to display. If this happens, the rearview image may… |
| 2025469 11 Sept 2025 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the combination meter in the instrument panel not to display when the vehicle is started. As a resu… |
| 2025242 6 May 2025 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, the steering wheel spiral cable assembly could disconnect. If this happens, the airbag (SRS) warning lamp would turn on, and the d… |
| 2025037 29 Jan 2025 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, the inspection completed by a Toyota dealer during recall SRC RF2 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-386) may not have been done co… |
| 2023574 26 Oct 2023 | Structure Issue: On certain vehicles, the front lower bumper cover may not be attached properly. As a result, if there is a minor impact to the front bumper, the lower … |
| 2023386 12 Jul 2023 | Airbag This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2025-242. Issue: On certain vehicles, the steering wheel spiral cable assembly could disconnect. I… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
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."
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."
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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Toyota told its dealers about the 2023 Toyota Highlander: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010361 | The table below describes the phases currently planned for the Second Key Delivery Program and the estimated timing of announcement. This table will be updated during each phase launch and as more details become available. |
| 11010360 | SECOND KEY DELIVERY PROGRAM 23TJ01 Multiple Models and Model Years Second Key Delivery Program Frequently Asked Questions |
| 11010359 | The supply of Smart Keys available for Toyota vehicles has been temporarily limited to one (1) on select models since October 2022 due to global semiconductor shortages impacting certain microchips. Affected vehicles have been delivered with only one Smart Key and a second mechanical key. |
| 11010358 | The subject vehicles were delivered with only one (1) Smart Key on select models since October 2022 due to a global semiconductor shortage impacting certain microchips. The affected vehicles were delivered with one (1) Smart Key and a second mechanical key. |
| 11010351 | Some 2022 model year Avalon and Avalon Hybrid, 2022 2024 model year Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, and Venza Hybrid, 2023 2024 model year Crown, and 2024 model year Grand Highlander vehicles may exhibit a high-pitched noise coming from the front HVAC blower motor while operating the air conditioner or heater. This condition does not affect the operation of the vehicle, however, a heater cover has been developed to help reduce or potentially eliminate the noise. |
| 11010336 | TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 24TC05 MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ON WITH DTC P05CE00 SOFTWARE UPDATE CERTAIN 2023 & 2024 HIGHLANDER VEHICLES CERTAIN 2024 GRAND HIGHLANDER VEHICLES |
| 11010334 | Some 2022 2024 model year Tundra and 2023 model year Highlander vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P162B87 (Lost Communication with Battery Monitor Module Missing Message) and/or P15AD87 (Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Missing) present. The battery state sensor assembly has been updated to prevent the condition from occurring. |
| 11010326 | Some 2023 model year RAV4 Prime vehicles with Data Communication Module (DCM) firmware version earlier than LG-N210hh1V1V-09 may exhibit a condition in which the remote climate system is inoperative after the vehicle has been off for three hours or more. Some 2023 model year Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Hybrid, Crown, GR Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, and Venza Hybrid vehicles and 2024 model year Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles with DCM firmware versions earlier than L |
| 11010105 | The table below describes the phases currently planned for the Second Key Delivery Program and the estimated timing of announcement. This table will be updated during each phase launch and as more details become available. |
| 11010104 | SECOND KEY DELIVERY PROGRAM Frequently Asked Questions |
| 11010103 | The subject vehicles were delivered with only one (1) Smart Key on select models since October 2022 due to a global semiconductor shortage impacting certain microchips. The affected vehicles were delivered with one (1) Smart Key and a second mechanical key. |
| 11010087 | The Engine Control Computer software has a programing error which can cause the exhaust variable valve timing (VVT) locking pin to temporarily get stuck. When this happens, an engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) can appear on the dashboard as well as diagnostic trouble code (DTC), P05CE00 to be set. |
| 11010086 | SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 24TC05 Frequently Asked Questions |
| 11010076 | TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 24TC05 MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ON WITH DTC P05CE00 SOFTWARE UPDATE CERTAIN 2023 & 2024 HIGHLANDER VEHICLES CERTAIN 2024 GRAND HIGHLANDER VEHICLES |
| 11010075 | The Engine Control Computer software has a programing error which can cause the exhaust variable valve timing (VVT) locking pin to temporarily get stuck. When this happens, an engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) can appear on the dashboard as well as diagnostic trouble code (DTC), P05CE00 to be set. |
| 11010074 | The Engine Control Computer software has a programing error which can cause the exhaust variable valve timing (VVT) locking pin to temporarily get stuck. When this happens, an engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) can appear on the dashboard as well as diagnostic trouble code (DTC), P05CE00 to be set. |
| 11010073 | Frequently Asked Questions Original Publication Date: September 19, 2024 |
| 11010068 | The table describes the phases currently planned for the Second Key Delivery Program and the estimated timing of announcement. This table will be updated during each phase launch and as more details become available. |
| 11010067 | The subject vehicles were delivered with only one (1) Smart Key on select models since October 2022 due to a global semiconductor shortage impacting certain microchips. The affected vehicles were delivered with one (1) Smart Key and a second mechanical key. |
| 11010059 | Some customers have expressed concern that the wireless functions of their Key Fob stop working. Key Fob LEDs will not turn ON, but engine starts with key held up against start button. Key battery voltage is confirmed OK and no DTC/RoB is found. This condition may occur if customer places Key Fob near wireless charger while phone is charging. When the key battery is removed and reinstalled, the Key Fob begins to operate normally. |
| 11007455 | Some 2005 2024 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 procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11007454 | OBSOLETE NOTICE July 18, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0062-24. |
| 11007453 | Some 2023 model year RAV4 Prime vehicles with Data Communication Module (DCM) firmware version earlier than LG-N210hh1V1V-09 may exhibit a condition in which the remote climate system is inoperative after the vehicle has been off for three hours or more. Some 2023 model year Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Hybrid, Crown, GR Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, and Venza Hybrid vehicles and 2024 model year Grand Highlander, and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles with previous versions of DCM firmware ( |
| 11007445 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11007444 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)