Toyota Grand Highlander Complaints

375 consumer complaints on file.

#11677229July 30, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am writing to report a serious issue with my 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ), purchased on [XXX] from Hillside Toyota . I have noticed water leaking from the top of the windshield, dripping onto the steering wheel and dashboard, particularly during rain or after a car wash. This issue began on [XXX] and I saw couple of times under these conditions, posing a potential safety hazard due to driver distraction and possible damage to electrical components. I have taken the vehicle to Hillside Toyota on 05/05/25 and 07/21/25 where they inspected the vehicle but could not identify the source of the leak” or “attempted a repair, but the issue persists. This issue is concerning, as it affects the safety and functionality of my vehicle, which has only 1184 miles 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
#11677106July 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sometimes,about 50/50 now, when I stop at a light or a stop sign then try to go, my car refuses to go. Pressing the gas won’t make it go. I just sit there idling or worse, in the middle of oncoming traffic. The lights still work, everything else seems to work. This does this with or without the ac in. It almost jerks you around, but won’t go. This has happened multiple times now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674893July 20, 2025
ENGINE
It has a hard time shifting at times when the car has just been started
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674682July 19, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Ever since I got my car, sometimes it smells like gas on the right side of the vehicle. By driver side and right passenger side in the back. I assumed it was because I topped my gas off, but even when I stopped doing that, it still has a strong gas smell when the car is running and after turning it off. Not ever day, but ever so often.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673489July 14, 2025
ENGINE
The vehicle suddenly gave several warnings of “check engine visit your dealer”, “Hybrid system malfunction”, “AWD system malfunction 2WD activated” and “System malfunction visit your dealer.” The vehicle was bought new 4 weeks prior. Took it to the dealership and the technician said there was coolant all over the engine compartment and there was a leak somewhere. After inspection he told us that a small rock hit the radiator and caused damage. Told to replace the radiator and flush the system and it was not covered under warranty. After research was done, it was found there was a forum with hundreds of not thousands of people with the same issue. This has been an issue with the new OEM front grill not protecting the radiator and leaving it susceptible to be damaged easily. Toyota Corporate was called and said they were aware of the issue for some time. Even the Technician told us this is a common issue with this vehicle. Also if you place something inside the grill to protect the radiator, it will void the warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672869July 11, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle was in PARK and the IGN was in the ON/RUN position and the air conditioning was on. There was no one in the driver's seat but there was an occupant sitting buckled in the front passenger seat. The passenger heard a sound (possibly the ICE turning on) and he felt the vehicle move forward about five inches. He became worried about his safety and pressed the IGN button in order to turn the vehicle off. It could have pushed itself into other cars in the parking lot or pedestrians. A report was made to the local police department on the same day. This occurred in a retail parking lot. Video footage cannot be obtained as a police officer or insurance company must request it. I have not seen a check engine light nor any message prompts and it has not been inspected by a dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672107July 8, 2025
AIR BAGS
It was a recall for airbags and was fixed by the dealer
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671112July 3, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Numerous times now the vehicle will not accelerate from a stop for about five seconds after the gas is pressed. It always seems to be on hot days with high air conditioner demand.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670662July 1, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Over 1.5 years of owning my new 2024 grand Highlander platinum hybrid pro max I have had multiple incidents (6 documented now with toyota) where after coming to a complete stop I go to accelerate and the car shutters,sputters,lunges, and even looses power or goes into “limp mode”. I have been almost hit several times now by oncoming traffic because my grand Highlander completely loses power. It will not accelerate. After 5 seconds I typically hear loud groaning noises followed by two loud bangs and two violent lurches forward before my car finally regains power. No warning lights popped up on my dash any of the times my car has lost power. My dealership keeps telling me “no problem found” and that I am the only one with this issue. This is false. There are many complaints online and finally after I did not give up the dealership pulled a comprehensive RoB scan/report on my car and found multiple transmission failure codes on the transmission system/TCM. One “lack of acceleration code” was even dated two weeks before I bought my brand new grand Highlander with toyota. I received my grand Highlander with 6 miles on it. I was the first owner. My PDI “pre-delivery inspection date was one week after this transmission failure code”. When I presented this to toyota reps who finally met with me at the dealership they had nothing to say. Toyota knows about this problem and they do not know how to fix it. It is a serious safety issue and I refuse to allow someone to get hurt because Toyota will not be honest and relay this known issue. After the dealership and toyota reps told me I was the only one with this issue toyota officially released a service bulletin in March 2025 for a TCM flash reset/update to address sluggish acceleration, loss of power, and limp mode with the transmissions TCM when the hybrid systems battery is at 33% or less. My dealership installed the TCM update about 1.5 months ago and unfortunately my car has had two more instances since with loss of power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669921June 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Missing the wire connector for the puddle lamp installation? although not a safety issue, would like to bring this to attention; wire connectors (and wires) missing on both driver and passenger doors? Not sure if this was a factory oversight, or an error in original wiring diagram of Toyota? If so, there could be other wires missing in the vehicle as well. Hopefully Toyota will look into this and propose a fix for their customers. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669354June 25, 2025
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was informed by my Toyota dealership and received a written letter from Toyota dated March 25, 2025, that the curtain airbag recall on my 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had been completed. However, during a scheduled maintenance visit in June 2025, I was told the airbag recall had never actually been performed and was still open. The recall was only completed at that time. I unknowingly drove the vehicle — often with my infant child — for several months, believing the airbag system was safe, based on incorrect information from Toyota. This represents a serious safety concern and a breakdown in Toyota’s recall management. The issue has now been fixed, but I am reporting this because I was misled into driving an unsafe vehicle, putting my family at risk. Toyota’s failure to properly close and track recall repairs should be investigated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668947June 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle’s design leaves the condenser completely exposed, with no protective barrier in place. As a result, even a small rock can easily pass through the front grille and cause significant damage. That’s exactly what I’m currently experiencing, and unfortunately, Toyota has refused to cover the repair costs. What’s more concerning is that I’m far from the only one — many other owners are dealing with the exact same issue. It’s clear that Toyota needs to take responsibility and implement a proper solution to protect the condenser moving forward.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668846June 24, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
*Acceleration lag from a stop On June 21, 2025 - 92 degrees outside leaving store, I was making a left turn from a parking lot. I took my foot off the brake to creep forward which the vehicle did, but as I pressed the gas the car would not accelerate. I was stuck in the middle of the lanes with my car coasting. Fortunately it was a quiet street and the car coming from behind me had ample time to stop until i could coast my car to the side of the road which then it revved high and engaged. It felt like the car was in neutral but it was in drive. It lasted about 5 seconds. *It would not accelerate which was scary and very dangerous for obvious reasons. * I took the car to the dealership on the next business day and unfortunately cannot have it inspected until July 15, 2025. *No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms. *My car is available for inspection. That would be great! That’s why I brought it to the dealer but they were booked. *It happened only once, but I haven’t driven it much since the incident. I am now driving my 20 yr old, reliable MDX until I can get it inspected on July 15th
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668805June 24, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
Hood on 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vibrates/flutters due to poorly designed aluminum construction. Very distracting and causes drivers to take eyes off the road. Toyota has issued T-SB-0111-24 for the 2024 Grand Highlander for this specific issue but my dealership told me that it doesn't apply to the 2025 but the hood part number is the same for both years. The constant vibration could eventually "work harden" the thin metal and ultimatlly allow the hood to break off the vehicle. Check out the old Jimmy Stewart movie when the constant vibration made the tail break off the airplane.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668786June 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety hazard and design flaw with the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. While driving on a two-lane highway, our vehicle suddenly lost power and warning lights appeared on the dashboard. We were forced to exit the highway immediately (we were less than 0.5 miles to an exit). Shortly after pulling onto the off-ramp, the vehicle entered limp mode, significantly limiting its ability to function - all assist systems deactivated amd the car has a significant decrease in power. We were able to drive approximately half a mile to a nearby gas station, where we called for a tow. This situation left us vulnerable on a busy roadway, placing both us and other drivers at risk. The Toyota dealership diagnosed the issue as damage to the hybrid inverter radiator, allegedly caused by a rock or piece of debris entering through the front grille. We were told this was not covered under warranty, and to make matters worse, the necessary part is currently on backorder for three weeks to three months—leaving the vehicle undriveable. A significant concern is the design of the front grille, which has large, open gaps that allow ordinary road debris to enter the engine compartment. This leaves critical components like the hybrid inverter radiator exposed and vulnerable, even under standard driving conditions. After researching, I discovered numerous similar reports from other Toyota hybrid owners—including those with Grand Highlanders, Highlander Hybrids, RAV4 Hybrids, and Prius models—who have experienced the exact same issue. In nearly every case, drivers were told it was due to external damage and denied warranty coverage. This presents a clear and growing safety issue: 1. Sudden power loss on a highway or arterial road increases the risk of collision. 2. A critical hybrid system component is inadequately
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668306June 21, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? UNKNOWN How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle stalling and not accelerating after coming to a complete stop. Vehicle decelerating and hesitating when entering the freeway. Starting 40 mph driving up to 65mph. Vehicle hesitates and decelerates to 30mph and we have to pull over to avoid a collision Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No Unable to reproduce problem No code is showing on the dealers side. Shop foreman believes it’s a fuel pump issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? First appeared approximately 8,500 miles. And is consistently doing it when at a stop and when entering freeway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668173June 20, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Front Windshield cracked out of nowhere with no trauma, , now needs replacement due to crack expanding. I discovered it in the morning when my car was parked and not driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668073June 20, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Shortly after starting my vehicle and driving out of my neighborhood, there are a series of stop signs. The roadway is at a slight incline. When attempting to press the gas pedal after stopping at the first stop sign, my vehicle hesitates or does not accelerate. This lasts anywhere from 1-5 seconds. This occasionally also occurs again at the second stop sign a few hundred yards later as well. The best I can describe this is as an unresponsive gas pedal or limp mode. I cannot stress how incredibly dangerous this issue is. Someone is going to get seriously injured or killed if this isn’t acknowledged by Toyota or NHTSA. All it takes is for this to occur when someone is making a right hand turn into a roadway. I am fully aware that this is not an isolated incident with my vehicle and other vehicle owners of Toyota Hybrid Max Platinums report this same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667916June 19, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When going over rough or uneven roads, the car produces a strong low-frequency resonance, like a bass-heavy "boom". This causes a very uncomfortable feeling of pressure changing in my ears, gives me a headache and ear pain whenever I drive in local roads, which is the majority of driving in my area. This causes me to need to pull over and stop the car frequently to readjust my hearing. I've found many reports from others of the same issue but Toyota have not acknowledged it or found a solution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667636June 18, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond within 2-3 seconds and was nearly T-boned by another vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently while accelerating from a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent a field technician to diagnose the vehicle, who determined that the turbo needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the turbo; however, the failure recurred. The dealer reset the hybrid system and an unknown system several times; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact's wife had informed the contact that the vehicle shuddered significantly while idling. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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