2023 Toyota Highlander
Common Problems
Ranked from 55 federal NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
13 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
Front Bumper Detachment During Driving
9complaintsSafety riskOtherThe front bumper can detach from the vehicle during driving, leading to potential damage and safety concerns.
Related recall: 24V548000
- 2
Engine Hesitation and Surging
8complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine hesitates and surges during acceleration, leading to unpredictable performance and potential safety risks.
- 4
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
6complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, particularly when accelerating from a stop, causing hesitation and reducing safety.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Instrument panel display issues
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe 12.3-inch display of the instrument panel may be blank at startup, reducing visibility of critical safety information.
$300–$1,000est. instrument cluster repair/replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V595000
- 6
Steering Difficulties and Malfunctions
5complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering system malfunctions, making it difficult to steer the vehicle, often accompanied by warning lights.
Related recalls: 23V480000, 25V040000
- 7
Unintended Acceleration Issues
5complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe vehicle experiences unintended acceleration, causing panic and potential loss of control, posing a significant safety risk.
- 8
Lane Departure Warning System Malfunction
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe lane departure warning system malfunctions, providing false alerts or failing to detect actual departures, leading to confusion.
Related recall: 24V548000
- 9
Brake Surging During Deceleration
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes momentarily lose pressure during deceleration, causing the vehicle to surge forward and potentially collide with other vehicles.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Fuel System Leaks Causing Odor and Health Issues
2complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe vehicle emits a strong odor of gasoline, leading to headaches, dizziness, and nausea, especially on warm days.
- 11
Tailgate motor malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe tailgate motor malfunctions, making it difficult to open and close the tailgate.
Related recall: 24V548000
- 12
Unreliable Airbag Deployment
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalIn multiple collisions, the airbags failed to deploy, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Related recall: 25V595000
- 13
Unreliable braking system
2complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brakes disengage and re-engage unpredictably, increasing the risk of accidents.
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.