Toyota Highlander Complaints

958 consumer complaints on file.

#11707789December 30, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from behind the dashboard and the rear passenger-side door. The contact stated that it sounded as if something was loose. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal sound started after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000(Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,700.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707698December 30, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When turning on the heated steering wheel and about 5-10 minutes, it seems there is smoke coming from the steering wheel leather and it’s very hot that almost burnt my hand and forced me to take my left hand off. I immediately turned the heated steering wheel and stopped. There is a burning spot left on the steering wheel also. The heating option still can be enabled and the same situation repeats (like no fuse was broken)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707647December 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving, the vehicle’s moonroof glass spontaneously shattered/exploded without impact. It sounded like a gunshot, which caused an immediate and dangerous distraction. There was no object strike that I am aware of and no prior warning. The sudden loud noise and breaking glass created a safety hazard due to distraction and potential glass intrusion.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707494December 29, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I have a faulty transmission that is now widely known. 2021 Highlander with the UA80 transmission. Out of warranty and Toyota wants to provide no help even know this is an ongoing issue with so many owners
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707457December 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and made an unusual whining sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's husband, a certified mechanic, diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact related the failure to several unknown TSBs. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. In addition, the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707018December 25, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Black Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD 2025 ~15000 miles What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Without any warning, the braking action is delayed. It is a momentary loss and happens occasionally at light braking application, nowhere near hard enough to lock the wheels up The vehicle is available for inspection upon request How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? If I were been closer to another vehicle/pedestrian/obstacle, an accident could happen Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, yet, I will book an appointment to allow the dealer to verify the 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? NO General: I have been driving the Highlander for a little bit more than a year, and this issue has happened at least 5 times, twice (2) this week
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706841December 23, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the instrument cluster was blinking. The contact expressed that she was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact received the recall notices of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V744000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System) was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 13,357.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706624December 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
early transmission failure and whining at 40,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706427December 21, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
There is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-0059-23) issued for 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models addressing a braking issue. It happens every day. There are a lot of issues Some drivers reported a momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking, particularly when driving downhill or turning with light brake pedal application. Toyota has provided a software update for the brake actuator control module to improve brake feel. If you own one of these models and are experiencing this issue, you can visit a Toyota dealership and request this specific TSB repair. Addendum: There is no charge for this fix if your vehicle is within the warranty period. The repair procedure under Toyota’s Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-0059-23) is covered by Toyota’s warranty, meaning the brake actuator control module reprogramming is performed at no cost to the owner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705422December 16, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
When applying the brakes sometimes, particularly when breaking at the bottom of a hill, the car lunges forward before the brake catches and it stops. The transition is jarring and does not seem safe at all. I've been told by mechanics at the Toyota shop that it is normal for a hybrid vehicle, but if that is the case they need to not sell hybrid vehicles or find a way to avoid this problem. I've read tons of posts on online forums confirming that many other people have this with their Toyota hybrid vehicles, including the Highlander.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705395December 16, 2025
WHEELS
On November 24, I took the vehicle into Gene Messer Toyota in Lubbock, TX to have them diagnose a noise in the front end. They confirmed hearing the noise but assured me the vehicle was safe to drive. No repairs were performed. 10 days later, on December 10, the front driver wheel detached while my husband was driving at highway speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705362December 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Premature transmission failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705290December 16, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The vehicle exhibits a dangerous braking surge defect. When braking during cornering or in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle randomly surges forward even though the brake pedal is depressed. This creates a serious safety hazard and increases the risk of collision. On multiple occasions, this defect has nearly caused an accident. The last time it happened we were driving in stop and go traffic and the vehicle surged forward while depressing the brakes and the engine died leaving a red triangle on the dash. Toyota has acknowledged this condition through Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23, which applies to my vehicle. The bulletin involves reprogramming the brake actuator assembly control module to address the braking transition between regenerative and hydraulic braking. Despite this, Toyota has refused to apply hybrid system warranty coverage, misclassifying the defect as a conventional brake issue. My vehicle is available for an inspection. I contacted Toyota corporate, who initially responded but failed to provide follow-up or resolution. The defect persists after the bulletin was applied. Toyota’s refusal to cover the repair under the hybrid warranty leaves me with an unresolved safety defect. This complaint is intended to document the ongoing safety risk and Toyota’s failure to provide adequate remedy under warranty. I request NHTSA investigate this issue as a systemic safety defect affecting 2020–2022 Highlander Hybrid models.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705248December 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Car developed a whining noise coming from transmission at 63,000 miles. Known manufacturing defect that will lead to transmission failure. No recall issued and Toyota would not extend warranty. I do not feel safe driving the car pending a transmission failure. Toyota’s solution is to replace the transmission at a cost of $9000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705014December 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The transmission has developed a transmission whining noise which Toyota has released a TSB 0008-21. My vehicle has 104,000 miles and is now out of warranty. If this is a known defect on many Toyota vehicle models a transmission replacement should be free if no longer in warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704547December 11, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the AC system is turned on, the idle increases from 740rpm to 760rpm. It engages the torque converter in the automatic transmission causing the car to move forward on its own. This makes it difficult, whether you are in traffic or at a stop light where there are vehicles stopped infront of you. The driver has to press hard on the brake pedal to keep it from moving forward. The local Toyota dealership (Hendrick service manager and two service technicians) said it was fine. Toyota Brand Engagement sent Eric who is their corporate regional engineer to inspect the car. He said it was fine. I have spoke with Toyota Brand Engagement several times and at various levels who all say it functions fine as the idle is within limits. I asked Toyota for an idle specification sheet but no one (the local Toyota Dealership, Engineer from Toyota Brand Engagement, or CEO office of Toyota Brand Engagement) is able to produce an idle specification sheet for the vehicle. They continue to state it is normal. Toyota Executive Office Case XXX 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
#11703973December 9, 2025
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE WHINING FROM 35MPH-45MPH ACCELERATION. Needs to be replaced this is the third vehicle this week the dealership said had the same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702603December 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Since I got this car, when going down hill the breaks don't work properly. It is a sudden surge and the car takes a few extra seconds to break. It happens often and I always need to keep a good distance from the car in front of me to avoid a collision. I brought up during service to my Toyota dealership but they don't have a solution. Nothing shows up in the panel, the car just launches forward.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702314December 1, 2025
AIR BAGS
Recall remedy is not a available in timely manner. Recall # 23ta15
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701942November 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The doors lock and sometimes don't lock with the key
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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