Toyota Grand Highlander Complaints

375 consumer complaints on file.

#11762957September 9, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am experiencing a strong gasoline odor & what appear to be gas vapors coming from the gas cap/filler area of my vehicle. A daily problem. Fumes are consistently present & enter the cabin, when the air conditioning is not on recirculation mode or when doors are opened. I can see and smell it when stopped & idling & I can visually see it when driving. Toyota has already performed multiple inspections & safety checks but has been unable to identify the source. A vehicle health check found no diagnostic trouble codes. The EVAP system was pressure tested & passed w/ no leaks found. Fuel lines, fittings, injectors & the high-pressure fuel pump were also inspected & all reportedly passed. The inability to identify the source does not mean the condition does not exist—it demonstrates that the current testing has not identified the source. I should not be expected to continue transporting my family in a vehicle w/ an ongoing gas vapor concern simply because standard diagnostic testing has not located the problem. My greatest fear is that an unidentified source of gas vapors could create a serious fire or explosion hazard. Gas vapors are highly volatile & when present in sufficient concentrations & exposed to an ignition source, can ignite. I continue to smell gasoline & detect what appear to be vapors around & inside the vehicle every day, I am afraid to drive it & constantly worry about the possibility of a fire or explosion while my children are inside. Breathing in these fumes are extremely toxic. My greatest concern is for my three children. Two are under the age of [XXX] & cannot communicate whether they are experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, respiratory irritation, or other symptoms. My [XXX] rides in the third row, closest to the rear area where I am detecting these vapors. I purchased this vehicle to safely transport my children. Instead, I no longer feel safe transporting my family in it. This is an ongoing, unresolved safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762670September 8, 2026
AIR BAGS
400lb animal strike, no warning lamps on, sensors was replaced from Toyota Ashland KY last year. My wife and 14 year old daughter was in the front seats. Traveling speeds was 55mph zone was traveling approx 45mph.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762864September 8, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, another vehicle struck a rock, and the rock went through the front grille of the vehicle and punctured the inverter radiator, causing a coolant leak and a loss of motive power. The message "Hybrid System Malfunction" was displayed following the loss of motive power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the inverter radiator had sustained a puncture and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: DP26006 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 14,300.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762145September 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN
When ambient temperature are over ~90 the vehicle will lose power during acceleration. This happens typically in the speed range of ~20-35mph. The vehicle’s rpm will spike high but lose the ability to increase speed or shift gears. This occurs ~ 40-50% of the time when over 90 degrees. On several occasions we were forced to abandon merging onto the highway because the vehicle wasn’t safely able to accelerate to match the speed of vehicles on the highway. We reported this issue to our local Toyota dealer September 2025. After reviewing the vehicle they said nothing was wrong. We had them drive it longer and they agreed the vehicle had these issues. The dealership spoke with Toyota and they confirmed there was an issue for our vehicle and a lot of others and they had no fix for it. That was September 30, 2025; Toyota Brand Engagement Center Reference # 250923001413. There has been no communication from Toyota or our dealer since then. The safety issue with the vehicle is a major concern in operation of the vehicle and with the hot climate we live in, is putting our occupants and others on the road at risk and we feel Toyota needs to be held accountable for finding the issue(s) and correcting them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762169September 4, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS:ACTIVE SHUTTERS/GRILL
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on the highway with a three-year-old child in the vehicle, the message "Pull Over Immediately and Shut Off the Vehicle" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and waited for a tow truck in hot weather. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the radiator was punctured by a rock that had gone through the front grille and caused a coolant leak. The dealer determined that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled for the repair. The contact informed the dealer that the failure was a common issue associated with NHTSA Action Number: DP26006 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 12,200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762268September 4, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
If my car has been sitting for a while, especially in the heat, and occasionally at random times, when you get in the car and press the gas, the car will not move. This happened twice where I was almost put in a very bad accident. There is a very hard intersection near my son’s school. I have to take a left hand turn- and you have to be quick because there is no light. I turned left and my car would not go- I was stuck in oncoming traffic and the car would not move whatsoever. It was very dangerous and very scary. This has happened where it almost caused a very bad accident becuase the gas pedal would not move the car. The dealership couldn’t replicate and said it wasn’t an issue. But it is continuing to happen, and it is very dangerous. Maybe it has something to do with the battery getting hot and somehow power doesn’t get to the gas/engine e
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762019September 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
After starting the vehicle and coming to a conplete stop the vehicle will hesitate upon new acceleration. The hesitation causes a lag in the vehicle and it then will jerk or jolt while shifting. The vehicle will Rev up in a low gear and not shift correctly. This causes a safety issue especially when going into traffic. I have not taken it to the dealer as of yet, but I will be. This is an intermittent issue, so i fear toyota will say they cannot replicate the issue. There were no warning lamps when the event happens.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761276September 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
At 5:16 pm, CST. I was stopped at a stop sign headed west on a 25 mph road crossing a 30 mph road (that does not have a stop sign) in Illinois. After waiting for a an appropriate gap in traffic, I attempted to accelerate though the interesting. I released the brake pedal and attempted to accelerate. The vehicle barely accelerated. The engine seemed to minimally climb in RPM and only accelerated minimally out into the cross road. This lasted approximately 1-2 seconds. AT this point I was fully into the first lane of traffic. I then fully depressed the accelerator to try to get the vehicle to respond and after approximately a 0.5 to 1.0 second delay the engine fully responded and I was able to accelerate out of the oncoming cross traffic. This is by no-means the first time this behavior has happened with this vehicle but it is the first time I'm reporting it to the NHTSA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761044August 31, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The weather seal on the moonroof is coming off the moon roof surround and this is causing water and air to leak inside the passenger cabin.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760986August 31, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The front grill by design has bigger holes with potential of rock hitting radiator . I have seen very small damage to radiator more like superficial. A bigger rock could damage the radiator
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760569August 29, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Horrible gas smell on the interior and exterier of vehicle after fueling up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760346August 28, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I currently own a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander with the 2.4L turbo engine, which I purchased in July 2023. I have been experiencing a strong gasoline/fuel smell coming from the vehicle. I took the vehicle to Fox Toyota in El Paso for inspection. According to the dealership, the smell was caused by the gasoline I was using and they stated that the fuel contained too much ethanol. However, the gasoline smell was strong enough to be concerning, and I am not comfortable simply assuming that the fuel is the cause without further inspection. At this time, I have not been given a specific diagnosis identifying a failed component or confirming that a particular fuel-system component is malfunctioning. The vehicle is available for further inspection if requested. The strong gasoline odor raises a safety concern because the presence of fuel vapors could potentially indicate a fuel leak or another problem with the fuel system, creating a possible fire hazard. The problem was reported to and inspected by Fox Toyota in El Paso, but the dealership attributed the odor to the ethanol content of the fuel rather than identifying a defective component. I have not had the vehicle inspected by the manufacturer or any other independent facility at this time. I have not observed any warning lights or warning messages associated with the problem. The primary symptom has been the strong gasoline smell. The vehicle has the 2.4L turbo engine. I would like to know if other 2024 Grand Highlander 2.4L turbo owners have experienced the same issue and, if so, what the actual cause was and how it was resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760369August 28, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The vehicle’s A/C suddenly began blowing hot air. We took it in for diagnosis. The technician asked if the vehicle had been in an accident, if the front had hit anything, or if we had noticed hitting a rock or other object. We answered no to all questions. The technician stated they have seen this issue numerous times, where road debris passes through the large openings in the factory front grille and damages the A/C condenser. The condenser was found to have localized physical damage of approximately 1 cm in size, consistent with an impact from a rock or other road debris. The impact cracked/punctured the condenser, causing refrigerant to leak from the sealed A/C system and the A/C system to stop functioning. The condenser requires replacement. We researched this issue and found other Toyota owners reporting similar condenser damage from road debris entering through the front grille. We understand that road debris and normal wear can occur, but our concern is that the large factory grille openings allow ordinary roadway debris to directly reach the condenser, with inadequate shielding or protection. A $1,700 repair for a condenser that can be damaged by ordinary road debris entering through the factory grille openings is a significant and potentially recurring expense. Consumers should not reasonably expect to repeatedly incur this level of repair cost because a critical component is inadequately protected from normal roadway conditions, particularly when the vehicle is also covered by an extended warranty that does not cover the repair. This issue also appears relevant to NHTSA Petition DP26006. We ask NHTSA to investigate whether this design leaves the condenser unnecessarily vulnerable to normal roadway debris and whether other vehicles are experiencing the same problem. While the immediate result is loss of A/C, we are concerned about the broader safety implications of critical vehicle components being vulnerable to damage under normal driving conditions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760478August 28, 2026
ENGINE
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a potential safety defect involving the front grille design of my 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited. Fortunately, my vehicle has not experienced any damage or mechanical failure related to the grille at this time. However, after examining the design of the front grille and the components located directly behind it, I have serious concerns that the relatively large grille openings may allow rocks and other road debris to pass through and strike critical cooling components, including the radiator and other heat exchangers. My concern is particularly related to the potential consequences of such an impact. If road debris were to damage a cooling component, it could result in coolant loss, overheating, warning messages, reduced vehicle performance, or potentially loss of propulsion. If this occurred while traveling at highway speeds, it could create a significant safety risk for the vehicle occupants as well as other motorists. I understand that NHTSA is currently reviewing concerns regarding the front grille design of 2024–2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles. I would like my vehicle and this concern to be included in NHTSA’s review. I believe this issue warrants further evaluation because the concern exists even before an actual failure occurs. A safety defect should ideally be identified and addressed before owners experience a failure that could potentially create a hazardous situation while driving. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether the front grille provides adequate protection for the critical cooling components behind it and determine whether Toyota should provide a protective screen, revised grille design, or another corrective measure. Again, I want to emphasize that I am reporting this as a potential safety defect. My vehicle has not suffered damage or experienced a failure at this time. I am submitting this complaint proactively because I believe the design presents a foreseeable risk
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760011August 27, 2026
SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Load cabin wind noise. Service said it was the luggage bars on the roof. I removed the bars and the noise was the same. Came back to the shop on August 22, 2026 they looked and said the panoramic seal was lifting and leaking. Before buying the car we were told the prior issue with panoramic sunroofs leaking had been resolved. In addition the plastic handle that controls the middle seat broke off after using it three times.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759952August 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Small object came through the front grill and put a hole in AC condensing unit. Grill does not protect from small road objects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759845August 26, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have noticed on several separate occasions a strong gas odor coming from my 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander after I have completed a drive. This has been intermittent, however, yesterday on XXX, the gasoline odor was so strong after I parked my vehicle in my garage, that it quickly filled the garage with an overwhelming odor. My son urgently came to get me when he stepped into the garage and realized how strong the fumes were. We had to open the garage to air it out. I called the Larry Miller Peoria Toyota dealership immediately and had my vehicle inspected the following day on XXX. I was informed by the service advisor that Toyota receives numerous complaints daily about this very issue with the newer model Highlanders, Grand Highlanders, Tacomas, and 4Runners. I insisted that my vehicle be inspected. The report stated that they were unable to duplicate the condition. The report states that no leaks were found with the evap system. The report also states that whe outside temps are extremely high, fuel inside the tank expands and creates additional vapor. I was assured by the service team that the fuel tank is operating correctly, despite the overwhelming fuel vapors that are intermittently emitted. I have lived in [XXX] my entire life and I have never encountered this issue with any vehicle that I have owned. These fumes are toxic and I am very concerned about my family being exposed and our safety/wellbeing. I have installed a carbon monoxide monitor in my garage. I have also filed a formal complaint at the Corporate level within Toyota and am awaiting a response. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759777August 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A/C condenser damaged and broken caused by open grill design.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759653August 26, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While stopped waiting to takeoff (turn into a road or area), during takeoff acceleration, the car will sometimes have a dead pedal and slow or stop acceleration leaving you a sitting duck in an intersection or road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759636August 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple times a week in the summer my car will hesitate to go once I have stopped at a stop sign/busy four way intersection. When I push the gas the car doesn’t respond and hesitates for a long while before I can get the car to start moving again. The car will roll into the intersection after I take my foot off the break to go and it won’t do anything. It is terrifying and confuses other drivers around me thinking that I am letting them go. This has happened upwards of 20 times since I have had the car. It happens only on hot days when the external temperature is above 80 or so degrees and happens when car is freshly started. It reliably happens when I go up a pretty small hill by my house about 1 minute after starting the car (even when it is coming from being parked in my garage). Joseph Toyota on Colerain in Cincinnati has not been able to reproduce the issue. I drive with two children in the car and it is so scary when it happens because I have almost been hit with them in the car many times now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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