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Toyota Highlander

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2023 Highlander is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 9 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2023 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Display screen freezes up

"Display screen freezes but does restore after 5 minutes"

Anonymous, IA (2023 Toyota Highlander Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Heads-up display

"It is difficult to make the radio screen move to different areas and it shifts by itself"

Anonymous, (2023 Toyota Highlander Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other in-car electronics problem

"When driving from our Summer trailer on secondary highways, our Navigation goes blank. our 2018 Highlander never had this problem when driving on same highways."

Anonymous, MB (2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"It's hit and miss connecting Bluetooth to the vehicle. One of the reasons I will not buy a highlander again."

Anonymous, ON (2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Radio

"Display screen displays notice that you didn't purchase service package to allow remote start. This message blocks whole screen and can't be stopped unless you purchase the package. This is a safety problem that could lead to accidents. Dealer could not correct this problem."

Anonymous, IA (2023 Toyota Highlander Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Weekly"

Anonymous, (2023 Toyota Highlander Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Antenna stops wirking.. radio stations are unable to change.. assistant doesn't understand commands"

Anonymous, AZ (2023 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"My 2017 toyota corolla displayed band and song playing. The 2023 toyota highlander does not display the band or the songs."

Anonymous, ON (2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

"Purchased new, Winter 2023. Did not test AC until first 80 degree in April 24. Blew nothing but hot air. Dealer charged system, all good through the 2023 cooling season. Did not run AC in Winter 2024 until first 80 degree day in April 25. Same issue, blew only hot air. Still under 24 month warranty. Dealer recharged and tested system with dye over a week period. System cools, but still not sure it's totally fixed. Will definitely test again this winter."

Anonymous, MD (2023 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The A/C system had a refrigerant leak orcas not filled properly at the factory."

Anonymous, WI (2023 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

""The brakes pulsed slightly on a steep downhill one day, so I took it in. The result was that the front brakes needed replacement. This was with a heady total of only 16,000 km, about a third of the typical replacement distance. The tech asked me if I towed. I asked him if he saw a hitch on the vehicle. I was NOT happy. If this persists, I will have to contact Toyota Canada for relief.""

Anonymous, BC (2023 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Pulsation or vibration

"Front rotors were turned by dealership due to pulsing"

Anonymous A., GA (2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Water leak through roof rail into head liner and a-pillar"

Anonymous, PA (2023 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Water leak in the seam on the passenger side. They fixed it as soon as I told them"

Anonymous, LA (2023 Toyota Highlander Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"The back hatch would not open properly. They replaced battery - no help. They suggested trickle charger since we did not drive much - no help. They replaced the two motorized structs - that fixed it. Took several visits and a lot of time."

Anonymous, NC (2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Complete electrical failure. The dealer claims it was rodent damage."

Anonymous, WA (2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"End cap on roof rack fell off"

Anonymous, VT (2023 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Loose interior trim or moldings

"Drivers seat cushion needed to be replaced due to it getting detached."

Anonymous, IL (2023 Toyota Highlander LE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Other electrical system problem

"Trunk power Lyft is the only issue.... Replacement under warranty"

Anonymous A., OH (2023 Toyota Highlander LE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Wiper motor or washer

"Windshield wiper arm needed to be replaced. (not wiper blade)"

Anonymous, IL (2023 Toyota Highlander LE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"Reprogram computer works fine now"

Anonymous A., GA (2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"Engine and transmission not linked well. Car shifts back and forth on acceleration"

Anonymous, TN (2023 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Other major transmission & clutch problem

"Transfer case failed No 4wd defaulted to 2wheel drive and told not to drive it"

Anonymous, ON (2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Rear hatch makes big squeak when opening End cap on roof rack fell off"

Anonymous, VT (2023 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2023 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
SEATS
Mar 05, 2026
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 20, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota¿¿¿s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 26V128000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 550007
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Oct 30, 2025
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
What should you do:
Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V744000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1024407
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 11, 2025
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
What should you do:
Dealers will update the instrument panel software for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V595000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 591377
AIR BAGS, STEERING
Jan 29, 2025
A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V040000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1716
EQUIPMENT
Jul 23, 2024
A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
What should you do:
GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V548000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 33848
TIRES
Jun 18, 2024
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
What should you do:
SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V452000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 4763
TIRES
Jun 06, 2024
Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
What should you do:
GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V419000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 4869
STRUCTURE
Oct 26, 2023
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
What should you do:
Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V720000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 750795
AIR BAGS, STEERING
Jul 12, 2023
A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V480000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 152927
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