Toyota Grand Highlander Complaints (2026)

26 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#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
#11759168August 24, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE
road debris entered into front grill though the holes in grill adn damaged condensor fins causing vehicle to loose propulsion. Vehicle would not travel over 25 mph after the incidnet. This is safety issue as vehicle slowed from 55MPH to 25MPH rather abruptly on highway. Multiple lamps came on dash at time of incident and were reatained untill fixed (non warranty repair)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759009August 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
For no reason at all windshield has two parallel lines crack in upper right side, no signs of impact and not sure what caused this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759004August 24, 2026
ENGINE
During normal highway driving, a small road rock/debris entered through the front grille and damaged the radiator/heat exchanger. The damage caused coolant to leak, and the vehicle subsequently lost propulsion and became disabled. I had to stop driving the vehicle and have it inspected and repaired by a Toyota dealer. The Toyota dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the radiator/heat exchanger was damaged by an outside object and was leaking. The dealer indicated that rocks or road debris can cause this type of damage. The total repair cost was approximately $1,350. I am concerned that the large openings in the front grille allow ordinary road debris to reach the radiator/heat exchanger, which is not adequately protected. A relatively small road object resulted in a critical cooling system failure and sudden loss of vehicle propulsion, creating a significant safety risk, particularly if this occurs while traveling at highway speed. I understand that NHTSA is currently reviewing similar reports involving the grille design and damage to the heat exchanger/radiator on Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles. My vehicle experienced a similar failure. I believe this issue should be investigated as a potential design-related safety defect and that an appropriate protective solution should be considered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758692August 22, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum has an issue that is commonly referred to as "cabin boom". It occurs at approximately 30mph going over bumps or rough patches in the road. When it occurs it creates a droning noise that amplifies the bump or rough surface you drove over and also creates a cabin pressure similar to flying on an airplane. This issue has caused significant ear pressure and headaches from driving my brand new vehicle. As a chronic migraine sufferer, this is unacceptable when you commute 25 miles to and from work. The issue has been reproduced by the Toyota dealership and they are currently in a waiting phase of next steps from Toyota corporate engineers on how to fix the issue, however there is no timeline on a resolution. Considering this has been an issue for over two years I find it unacceptable. They have added sound proofing materials around the spare tire and that didn't help the issue at all. This has apparently been an issue since the first Grand Highlander model was released, however it seems to not affect all of them but does affect across all trim levels.My dealership just got two brand new Grand Highlanders in this past week, and they make the same exact sound. I'm hoping with more reports of the issue Toyota will actually address it because I know of many other owners who have this problem. Other owners have taken these same steps over the past two years with no results. Please help make Toyota recognize and figure this out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758691August 22, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Front bumper grille too large. I see lots of bugs stuck on top of radiator. Very exposed for rocks to enter and damage cooling systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756523August 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down [XXX] at approximately [XXX] this morning and heard a loud bang, then an air sound like window not fully closed, then heard crumbling glass falling into Sunroof shade. Initially I thought I had a tire blowout or someone on the access road fired a pistol. When I stopped and took a picture of the sunroof I saw the front sunroof glass bulging upward and the whole window was cracked with glass lying in the sunroof shade. If I had the sunroof shade open the glass would have been all over my head. I reported the incident to Orr Toyota in Hot Springs, ar. and they informed me that Toyota claims that something impacted the window. There was no impact to the window as it would have caused the window to bulge inward if that occurred. They evidently ignored my original picture so I don't see how they could make a determination of impact after I'd driven the vehicle more than 50 miles to get to their location (The event occurred in Bryant, ar). 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
#11752112July 22, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander exhibits abnormal fluttering/vibration of the hood at speeds above approximately 25 mph. I have identified that this is the same defect documented in Toyota's own Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0111-24 (issued December 4, 2024), which addresses this condition on 2024 model year Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles, with the same complaint widely reported by 2025 model year owners as well. Despite this being a known, documented Toyota defect for three consecutive model years, I have been unable to get it resolved through Toyota's official channels: I contacted Toyota's PATT Lab (Parts and Technical Assistance) regarding the vibration under Dealership Task Number DC261970283. PATT Lab informed me that other 2026 model year vehicles exhibit the same condition, characterized it as "intended behavior," and closed the task without applying the known TSB remedy. I was directed to Toyota Brand Engagement for further assistance. This was opened as Case Number 260722000822. Toyota Brand Engagement stated they are not mechanics and that the issue must be resolved at the dealership level, but has provided no directive or authorization to the dealership to perform the known TSB repair. As a result, I am caught in a loop between Toyota corporate departments, none of which will authorize or perform the fix that Toyota's own engineering team has already documented and issued a bulletin for. My vehicle has a known manufacturing/design defect that Toyota has acknowledged in writing for prior model years, yet I am being told simultaneously that it is "normal" and that it's a dealership matter — while no dealership has been given authorization to apply the remedy. Requested Action: I am requesting that Toyota Motor Sales, USA be required to apply the existing Technical Service Bulletin remedy (or its 2026 model year equivalent) to my vehicle at no cost, consistent with how this defect has already been addressed for 2024 and 2025 mod
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750959July 16, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I haven’t had no accident in my car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747505June 30, 2026
ENGINE
Component: Automatic transmission, 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum AWD. Available for inspection. Purchased new 11/21/2025 at zero miles. Beginning ~2000 miles (est Feb 2026), intermittent transmission malfunction during acceleration: transmission holds gears at elevated RPMs beyond expected shift point, then shifts harshly or shudders violently. Documentation began 6/1/2026; current odometer 8936 miles. Occurs from 22–64 mph, most commonly 30–44 mph, in Normal and Sport modes, after cold starts, extended driving, and brief stops. RPMs typically hang at 3500–4000 before shifting. Documented incidents over the last month: June 1, 2026, 3:20 PM: Approximately 1 min after cold start, turned right at a light to 33 mph. Violent shake and abnormally loud acceleration during gear change. June 2, 2026, 3:00 PM: Turning right and accelerating after driving approximately 1 min, transmission revved high; had to release throttle to force the shift. June 11, 2026, 4:40 PM: After cold start, driving up a small incline about .4 miles away, transmission revved high and delayed shift at 35–45 mph. June 12, 2026, 3:17 PM: After 17 minutes of driving, accelerating from a cloverleaf around 25 mph to 64 mph, revved at 4000 June 19, 2026, 3:00 PM: After 2 hours of driving and a 5 min stop, turning right out of a shopping center, transmission hung up three consecutive times at 35–40 mph, RPMs at 3500–4000. June 20, 2026, 11:17 AM: Accelerating off a cloverleaf at 57 mph. RPMs hung at 4000 before shifting. June 30, 2026, 10:23 AM: Pulling out of neighborhood after backing out of driveway. RPM hang at approximately 22 mph, then again at 43 mph Safety risk: Unexpected RPM surge and violent gear change during acceleration on highway on-ramps, cloverleaf merges, and intersections creates unpredictable vehicle response at speed, presenting collision risk to driver and surrounding vehicles Dealer/service: Not confirmed by dealer. Assessed at ~6000 miles with no issues found
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745755June 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Bought the vehicle in October 2025 everything was going fine. I went away for a few days came back and the A/C was not working. I took it to the dealership where I purchased it and was told outside influence and they refused to repair unless I pay $1900. I have bumper to bumper coverage for 5 years, My point is for a SUV that is costing over $50,000. If the condenser is such a sensitive piece of equipment it shouldn't not be placed in front of the vehicle unprotected. This is a design flaw because the SUV is made to be driven on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740216May 26, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Failed System: Fuel Injector Failure (?) at high speeds, under load (uphill), causing an immediate and life threatening loss of power. While traveling on the highway, going up mountainous areas, the vehicle loses power and shakes violently. During multiple repairs/visits, the dealerships state that it is the failure of fuel injectors. They are replaced, and it happens again with the same explanation. Safety: Three times my family has lost power at 70mph while traveling uphill surrounded by many cars. The last event ended in a a scary and close interaction with an 18 wheel truck that was unable to stop as we lost power. Dealer Confirmation: The dealer has confirmed, on two separate occasions, that the fuel injectors needed replaced. The vehicle has 3,000 miles on it. At 2,000 miles, damage was found to the fuel injectors. They were replaced and the car was placed back in my possession. At 3,000 miles, the incident occurred for the 3rd time and damage was again found with the fuel injectors. Inspection: Dealerships as well as Toyota's field technician have inspected/repaired the vehicle 2 times and is currently at a dealership for the 3rd time. Warning messages: After the incident occurs, multiple warning lights appear (check engine and hybrid system malfunction).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739160May 20, 2026
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
2nd time ac system stoppped working with 6000. Miles on it after 3rd time same problem it will be under lemon law
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736903May 10, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
While i was closing the trunk Did press area below my license plate to close the trunk, and got a dent below the license playe. Looks like very poor quality of steel being used
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735572May 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Moon roof exploded while driving on highway. This is most likely due the to temperate glass used for the moon roof. No collision happened, no debris flying from somewhere else hit the glass, there was no cause for it shatter, the glass just exploded almost causing my family to get injured from glass shards falling down. Thankfully the cover was there and the moon roof wasn’t open.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732822April 21, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving at approximately 20-25 mph, the panoramic sunroof glass of my vehicle suddenly shattered without any warning. There was no impact from road debris, no visible chip, and no prior damage to the glass. The glass appeared to explode outward, creating a loud noise and causing shattered glass to fall inside the vehicle. This created a dangerous situation that could have led to driver distraction or injury. Safety Concern: This incident poses a serious safety risk. Sudden shattering of the sunroof while driving can: Distract the driver and lead to loss of control Cause injury from falling or flying glass Create hazardous driving conditions, especially at highway speeds Dealer Response: I reported the issue to a Toyota dealership, but they denied warranty coverage, stating it was not covered without providing evidence of impact damage. Additional Notes: There was no visible point of impact, which suggests a possible stress fracture or manufacturing defect rather than external damage. Request: I request that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential defect, as spontaneous sunroof glass failure while driving presents a significant safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732819April 21, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid sunroof shattered spontaneously while driving - no impact, no prior damage. I was driving at 20-25 mph on a feeder way, approaching a signal
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732329April 20, 2026
WHEELS
Car vibrates at high speeds. Dealers idea of fixing is to "overinflate tires, drive for 45 minutes and then let hang on lift"
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729249April 5, 2026
ENGINE
I purchased this vehicle new from Toyota of madison in Indiana on 3/26/2026. It had 300+ miles on it. Had it for just a week before this warning light came on while idling or driving very slowly..… High Coolant Temp. Pull over in a safe area immediately. My temperature gauge was in the red. I pulled over. Called closest dealership who stated closed for Easter. After several hours of personal researching on the internet of a potential cause , I examined the engine only to find that my Radiator Fan had been UNPLUGGED!! No wonder the engine was overheating. I currently own 4 corollas, one 2025 tundra, and one sienna. I have never had this issue with Toyota. Why was the radiator fan unplugging and Who unplugged this radiator fan and forgot to plug it back?????
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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