2017 Toyota Highlander
Common Problems
Ranked from 89 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
14 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Electrical System Fluctuations
15complaintsMedium severityElectricalRadio and other electrical systems frequently malfunction, causing audio issues and requiring multiple repairs.
Related recall: 18E107000
- 2
Transmission Failure
15complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently fails, leading to harsh shifting, delayed acceleration, and sudden deceleration.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Braking System Malfunction
11complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe braking system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to not start or have low braking power.
- 4
Engine Stall at Idle
10complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls or misfires at idle, often accompanied by warning lights and loss of power.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Intermittent Power Loss During Acceleration
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe vehicle experiences a loss of power during acceleration, often resulting in rapid deceleration on highways.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Transmission Slipping
7complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission slips in certain gears, reducing power and drivability.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Suspension and Steering Issues
6complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering and suspension systems experience shaking and loose components, affecting handling and ride quality.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls intermittently while idling, especially when using the stop-start system.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Transmission Whining Noise
5complaintsLow severityTransmissionThe transmission produces a whining noise during acceleration, indicating potential internal issues.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Unintended Acceleration
5complaintsSafety riskOtherThe vehicle accelerates unintentionally, sometimes leading to loss of control or collision.
- 11
Sunroof Malfunction
4complaintsMedium severityOtherThe sunroof malfunctions, shattering or exploding without any external impact.
- 12
Battery Failure
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle's battery fails to start the engine, leading to multiple attempts to start the car.
Related recall: 18E107000
- 13
Brake Power Low Issue
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesBrake system intermittently indicates low power, requiring the driver to pull over.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Windshield Cracking and Glare Issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherWindshields on 2017 Toyota Highlanders have been cracking and experiencing excessive glare even after tint removal.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.