2017 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 267 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 18 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 26 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 4, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Campaign 20V682000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemNov 27, 2018
Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).
The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.
Campaign 18E107000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentAug 23, 2017
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.
The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
GST will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly torque the fasteners, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 17R3.
Campaign 17V520000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireMay 2, 2017
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
Campaign 17V295000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
28 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2026
The engine stalled because the fuel pump is failing. We have found that many 2017 Toyota Highlanders have had the fuel pump recalled for this exact issue, yet our VIN is not included in this recall. We experienced the exact issue the recall was issued for stalling while driving. Issue on July 24, 2027: The engine stalled while driving on the highway at high speed and lost power steering, creating a major safety issue. We had our vehicle towed to a car care center. The car care center identified diagnostic codes related to low pressure fuel system pressure, engine stall history, etc. but cannot reproduce the issue. After checking multiple systems, he believes the issue is a failing fuel pump. Background: Over the past 6 months, we have had problems with the check engine light turning on. On multiple occasions, we have brought the car to get diagnosed and the reading has consistently been fuel pressure codes. Each time we get the car diagnosed, the technician could not reproduce the issues and cleared the codes without resolution.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 31, 2025
Leaking fuel line due to deterioration of plastic liner in fuel line.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2025
Today (8/26/2025) my wife experienced the engine light kicked on and that the AWD system needed to be checked. After fueling up it made knocking noises and difficulty starting, and took two times to start up. Ran an OBD scan and this is what it says, which is related to fuel pump low pressure. P117B - Fuel Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Severity - High Description - Indicates a problem with the fuel pressure sensor circuit, where the sensor's output signal is outside the expected range or performance criteria, leading to potential issues with fuel delivery or engine performance. P0174 - System Too Lean (Bank 2) Severity - High Description - Your engine is getting too much air and/or not enough fuel, this is known as a "Lean" condition. Excess oxygen is getting into your engine, which makes the combustion process less efficient. This could be caused by many different factors. Consequences of Continued Driving - Reduced power, Engine knocking, Rough idle
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2025
After getting gas, the vehicle will not start. It will crank and crank but not turn over, like it is starving for gas. Then after 10-15 minutes it will start barely and to keep it running I have to floor the accelerator. Any other time it starts just fine. There are also no codes causing a check engine light.
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 7, 2025
Toyota manufacturing issue-fuel line is manufactured incorrectly-had gas seeping into cab of vehicle and tailpipe. Severe safety issue Steering wheel/column sticks and almost lose control when driving due to a worn out coupler-poor design and manufacturing.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 10, 2024
I just bought this car and I noticed when the car is sitting and idling it has a strong smell of raw gas in the passenger compartment. I took it to the fire department and they smelled it as soon as they opened the door. They also said this is not safe and I shouldn't be smelling a strong odor of gas in the passenger compartment.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2023
This is the SECOND incident with this vehicle in the past 4 months. When going to start my vehicle, it would not start. It gave me this error message: Braking power low, Stop in a Safe Place, See owners manual. There is NOTHING about this in the owners manual. The first time I thought it was battery related and after 3 different chargers on my vehicle, it finally started. Tonight I proceeded to push the button without the foot pedal and the radio came on, so it is definitely not the battery. I've tried several times to start and to no avail. Problem has not been reproduced as i cannot drive my vehicle at this time. No inspection as of yet. No warnings or symptoms prior to failure. Research shows it may have to do with a fuel pump pressure issue. I have paperwork on this issue under a customer support program 23TE01. Hoping this can become a recall and i can get this fixed .
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2023
I’m not sure why this recall does not show up for my car & we’ve never been notified by Toyota. I have a video of the noise my makes when it’s off on the driveway…I can provide an alternate way as your online system does not allow video. Thank you.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2023
Car started to not start after getting fuel. Come to find out the purge valve was remaining stuck open. Dealer told me that this was concerning as it was allowing vapor to gather in my engine. Vehicle was confirmed by two different Toyota dealerships to have faulty purge valve. The purge valve would cause all the warning lights to come on in the Highlander, telling you your AWD system was bad to other warning lights. In doing research this seems to be a problem in various years of Toyota Highlanders. Concerning that something related to controlling fuel vapor could be this common and leading to a build up that could cause something more serious to happen.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 3, 2023
Car won’t start after getting gas. Check engine like comes off and on. Rough stopping and getting up to speed. When issue with getting to speed on highway put us in dangers way. Not being able to start vehicle multiple times for long period concerning and frightening for family.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 17, 2023
I was driving to work when my car didn't want to accelerate and then stalled. I had it towed to Toyota dealership in battle creek mi. They called me today and said my low pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. I checked online and saw Toyota had done a recall in 2020 for this part on the 2017-2019 Highlander and I have the 2017 Highlander. When I had the vin # checked it does not show my car as one to be recalled. My question is why not? when it shows this is a part that people are having problems with . I thankfully was not pulling out in traffic when it went out!
Fuel/propulsion system, May 10, 2023
Car refused to start. Multiple cranking that had to be stopped by turning car off. Car was not receiving fuel. Waited one day and tried again. Car started on third time but ran very rough, with smoke and odor until it evened out. Drove with initial engine hesitation episodes to dealer. Asked for fuel pump replacement under Customer Support Program but dealer refuses because they cannot duplicate the problem. I am afraid to drive this car because I feel it’s unsafe. I am afraid the car will stall while driving causing an accident. I transport by grandchildren daily so a safe car is imperative. Called Toyota twice to resolve this but if the dealer doesn’t experience the same issue they will not replace my fuel pump even though this is a known issue. My car is not on the recall list yet. Looking back I have had hesitation issues upon acceleration for years. I feel the pump is to blame and should be replaced.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 5, 2023
Within 6 months of purchasing this car used at a Toyota dealership, the check engine, exclamation light, and "Go to dealership/check AWD" lights came on. I took it to the dealership who told me it would cost $250 just to check the lights. I took it to a car parts store who said "it's throwing a bunch of old codes". The dealership also suggested during oil change about $800 worth of work needing to be done and said my warranty I purchased would not cover it so I left. I had the fuel system flush done somewhere else.The lights went off for about a week and then came back on. About a month later.... While driving down the highway at a speed of approximately 60 mph, the rpm's and speedometer went haywire - jiggling and then decreased (and a weird sound like the car revving) even though foot was on gas, the car rapidly lost power and had to pull over on side of highway at night - this is of course very unsafe. Had to pull over and turn off car. Would not start right away but did after a few minutes. Took to mechanic - they could not find anything wrong. Could not reproduce. A few days later, after getting gas, car would not start. Had to wait an hour and then it did. Took back to mechanic, discovered water on spark plugs so had spark plugs replaced. Four days later, all the warning lights back on and car running roughly (like maybe lightly missing?). Component or system failure cause still unknown and yes it is available for inspection. Very frustrated and frankly a bit terrified to drive this very expensive vehicle.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 30, 2023
My fuel pump has started going out causing my engine to slightly knock and my fuel gauge and range to read improperly
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2022
I own a 2017 Toyota Highlander, XLE. Last year my vehicle stalled 2 times. Luckily, I was in a position to put the car in park and restart. About 6 weeks ago, it stalled again. This time I was approaching a left turn lane, slowed down for a millisecond then accelerated and tried to make a left turn. At that moment, the vehicle stalled. I was almost in a nasty accident. I was in the middle of the intersection with a car approaching and a car behind me thinking I was making that left turn through the intersection. The 1st time it happened, I thought it might be bad gas. The 2nd time I rationalized it might be bad gas or just a fluke. The 3rd time, after almost being involved in a nasty accident, I did some research into this matter. As it turns out that as of the end of 2020 more than 6,000,000 Toyotas and Lexus’ have been recalled worldwide, 3,340,000 in the United States, including 2017-2020 Highlanders for fuel pump problems. As I understand it, it was a problem with fuel pumps with low pressure and my vehicle is experiencing the same characteristics of those recalled Toyota Highlanders. I believe it to be a very dangerous situation. I was informed that my VIN number was not included in the recall. I had a diagnostic assessment performed at Sport City Toyota in Dallas, TX., to determine the problem. They also drove it around for a couple of days to try and duplicate the problem. Of course, any reasonable person would know the chances of duplicating a problem that has happened 3 times in 60,000 mile is highly unlikely. Neither the diagnostic test nor the test drives revealed anything wrong with my vehicle. At that point Toyota told me there nothing further they could do for me. What I have experienced is legitimate issue as Toyota has a very well documented fuel pump problems. So now I’m driving what I consider to be an unsafe car. The Texas “Lemmon Law” is no help to me as I have over 63,000 miles on the vehicle.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 26, 2022
Car is very slow to start and has a faulty fuel pump.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 20, 2021
Vehicle stalled while attempting to cross a 4 lane divided road (on or about 9/3/20). Engine sputtered and completely loss power. Vehicle was pushed out of busy traffic by a Sherriff's Officer to a side road. Vehicle was then towed to the dealership. Messages on screen displayed “check AWD system, check BMS system, pre-collision malfunction, EPS failure “. Battery was replaced and codes were cleared and rescanned reporting no problems. On 9/16/2020 vehicle again began sputtering shortly after starting engine and while driving on a busy road. I was able to drive into a nearby parking lot with reduced power. Engine completely stalled and the display panel showed the engine warning light and to see dealer. Vehicle was towed again to the dealership. Technician performed diagnostic health check on vehicle and found that the fuel pump was not sending any fuel to the engine (0 PSI). They tested and checked all wiring and connectors. Inspected wiring and grounds for the fuel pump and ECU. Technician isolated issue coming from fuel pump relay. They replaced relay and rechecked system, test drove vehicle with no further issues noted. On 6/11/2021 vehicle stalled again shortly after start-up while attempting to leave a shopping mall. Vehicle was again sputtering and losing power. I was able to park vehicle in same mall. Messages displayed on panel: “traction control turned off, check engine, reduced engine power, visit your dealer, check AWD system”. Engine then completely stalled. Called for tow service and waited for three hours but tow truck never arrived. Was able to restart engine and drove vehicle to dealer. Dealer replaced fuel pump and assembly after a week of testing. On 6/19/21 after paying dealer for the repairs the vehicle sputtered and stalled once again while attempting to leave the dealer’s parking lot. Same display messages seen as described above. Vehicle now in dealer’s garage awaiting further diagnosis.
Wheels, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 31, 2021
I HAD MY CAR BRAND NEW, WHEN I START DRIVING MY FRONT TIRES BRAKES SOMETIMES MAKE NOISES ALSO WHEN I TURN AROUND I HEARD MY FRONT TIRES MAKE NOISE, I ALWAYS DO OIL AND MAINTANCE SERVICE BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, I TOLD THEM ALL THE TIME THEY SAYED CHECKED EVERYTHINGS NORMAL, THEY ALWAYS SAYED, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHTS WAS ON WHEN I WAS DRIVING AFTER ONLY 2 YRS, THEY SAYED I HAVE PAY FEE FOR SERVICE ENGINE HAD SOMETHING GOING ON, IT DID NOT COVER IT, ALSO NOW WHEN I AM DRIVING ON FREEWAY ABOUT 70-80 MILES I HEARD SOME WIERD NOISE ON MY CAR BOTTOM AREA, I DID DOUBLE CHECK DOWN, IT DOES NOT AND BREAK LEAKING, I AM NOT REALLY HAPPY WITH MY, NOW ONLY 4 YRS, STILL HAS MORE NOISES COME OUT, ALSO I TOLD THE DEALER , THEY SAYED EVERYTHINGS NORMAL,
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 12, 2021, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER.THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH,WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE SEIZED.THE CONTACT WAS ABLE RESTART THE IGNITION AND DRIVE AWAY.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER LIA TOYOTA OF ROCKLAND (618 NY-303, BLAUVELT, NY 10913:(845) 367-4219),WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE MAC SENSOR PLUG TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO LIA TOYOTA OF ROCKLAND AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING "UNKNOWN RECALL" TO BE COMPLETED. REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED.THE CONTACT STATED ON 2/27/2020, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH,WHEN THE VEHICLE SEIZED.THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HIM.THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURED ON HIS BACK COLUMN AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AT A NEAR HOSPITAL.A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN RIVERA TOYOTA SERVICE & PARTS CENTER(255 KISCO AVE, MT KISCO, NY 10549:(866) 982-4310),WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING UNKNOWN SENSOR TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND HE DROVE OVER A LARGE BRANCH,WHICH DETACHED THE REAR BUMPER.THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.THE CONTACT STATED HE DID NOT HAVE ANY INJURIES OR SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK RIVERA TOYOTA SERVICE & PARTS CENTER AND WAS INFORMED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE),HOWEVER,THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000. *RECALL RELATED.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2020
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR ACCELERATING, A SLIGHT PAUSE OR LOSS OF POWER IS NOTICEABLE. IT SEEMS AS IF FUEL IS CUT OFF OR ENGINE DOES NOT HAVE MAXIMUM ENGINE POWER TO MAINTAIN SPEEDS FOR VERY SHORT PERIODS OF TIME.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2020
INTERMITTEN FUEL PUMP PROBLEM, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS SUV STALLS AND WILL NOT START
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2020
ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY OUR HIGHLANDER HAS TOTALLY LOST ENGINE POWER; PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO COUGH AN SPUTTER; AND WE HAD TO GET OFF OF THE ROAD AND KILL THE ENGINE. AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE ENGINE WOULD RESTART. ONLY ONCE WAS THE DEALER ABLE TO PICK-UP ANY CODE OR REASON AND IT WAS NOTED TO HAVE BEEN AN ENGINE MISS, AND THE TECHNICIAN SAID IT MAY HAVE BEEN A BAD FUEL ISSUE. I AM SEEING RECALLS FOR 2018 & 2019 TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES DUE TO A FUEL PUMP ISSUE AND I AM WRITING BECAUSE I BELIEVE OUR 2017 HIGHLANDER MAY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. ONE STRANGE CIRCUMSTANCE WITH ALL 4 TIMES IS THAT WE WERE CHANGING LANES TO THE LEFT, THERE WOULD BE A SHORT BEEP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND I AM ALSO WONDERING IF THE ISSUE COULD BE CAUSED BY ONE OF THE NEW SAFETY SENSORS. OUR LANE CHANGE SENSOR WAS NEVER ON, BUT OUR BLIND SPOT MONITOR (BSM) WAS ON AND AT ONE TIME THERE WAS A NOTICE TO A BSM ISSUE, BUT THE DEALER CANNOT FIND ANY ISSUES IN THE DIAGNOSTICS. THE FIRST 3 TIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD NOT COME BACK ON AFTER THE CAR RESTARTED AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY CODES, BUT THE LAST TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON FOR 2 DAYS AND THAT IS WHEN THE DEALER DIAGNOSED AN ENGINE MISS. THIS LAST TIME MY WIFE HAD 18 WHEELERS ON BOTH SIDES OF HER AND ONE BEHIND HER. THANK GOD THE DRIVER BEHIND HER WAS PAYING ATTENTION.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2019
INTERMITTENT LOW SPEED THROTTLE DOES NOT RESPOND, THEN SUDDENLY "CATCHES" AND RAPIDLY ACCELERATES ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT. HAPPENED 4 TIMES SO FAR. REPORTED TO PIERCEY TOYOTA AT EACH OF LAST 2 SERVICES. THEIR RESPONSE IS TECHNICIAN DROVE CAR AND CANNOT DUPLICATE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2018
CITY STREET, TWO WHILE TURNING FROM A STOP AND TWO FROM A STATIONARY STOP. LOSS OF POWER. PRESSING ON ACCELERATOR HAD NO AFFECT BUT APPROXIMATELY 5-10 SECONDS REGAINED MOVEMENT AND CONTINUED ON. UNSURE/UNKNOWN OF THE SAFETY CAUSE. SCARING ESPECIALLY TURNING LEFT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC COMING AT YOU.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 10, 2017
ACCELERATE SPEED OVER 80MPG CAR JUST SHUTSDOWN THOUGH STEERING STILL MANAGEABLE OR WORKING GAS PEDAL DONT WORK NO MORE HAVE TO CRUISE THE CAR FROM 1 LANE ALL THE WAY TO THE VERY RIGHT LANE LUCKILY EXIT RAMP JUST THERE AND HAVE TO EXIT. TURN OFF CAR THEM RESTARTT CAR WORKS AGAIN NORMAL. SENT TO DEALER KEYES TOYOTA VAN NUYS NOW WILL BE 3 WEEKS STILL NO NEWS AS THE GUY STOPS CALLING US GIVE ME UPDATE AFTER 1ST WEEK. TRIED TO CALL FRIDAY OF 2ND WEEK BUT WAS PUT ON HOLD FOREVER.