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
267 reports, newest first.
Seats, Oct 23, 2017
THE NEW HEADRESTS ARE TOO FAR FORWARD AND CREATE A LITERAL PAIN IN THE NECK. THE NEW HEADREST REQUIREMENTS ARE CAUSING THE MANUFACTURERS TO PRODUCE VEHICLES THAT THE END USERS ARE HAVING TO MODIFY, OR SET THE SEATS AT AN ANGLE THAT INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS TRUE OF MOST NEW VEHICLES. PLEASE REVISE THE NEW REGULATIONS.
Service brakes, Sep 28, 2017
2017 TOYOTA HIGLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BREAK PEDAL THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. DUE TO THE FAILURE THE CONSUMER HAS RAN INTO A HANDICAP SIGN, LAWN TRACTOR AND WHEELBARROW. THE COLLISIONS CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER, NUMBER PLATE AND NUMBER PLATE COVER. ALSO, CAUSED DEEP SCRATCHES TOT HE LEFT LOWER PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED UPDATED 09/28/2017*JS
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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 5, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FORT'S TOYOTA OF PEKIN LOCATED AT: 120 RADIO CITY DR, PEKIN, IL 61554, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT RODENTS HAD CHEWED THROUGH THE FUEL LINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. UPDATED 11/06/17*LJ *JS *TT
Visibility/wiper, Aug 23, 2017
VEHICLE SUSTAINED A CRACK FROM TWO SMALL STONES HITTING THE WINDSHIELD WHILE TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. CRACK SPREAD SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE INITIAL IMPACT SITE. WEATHER DID NOT HAVE A FACTOR IN THIS AS IT WAS SUMMER. CRACK CONTINUED TO SPREAD EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE. CRACK SPREAD WITH VERY LITTLE PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE WINDSHIELD. BELIEVE THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO SUSTAIN A LIGHT IMPACT.
Exterior lighting, Aug 21, 2017
THE HEADLIGHT PROJECTION IS SHARPLY CUT OFF AT THE TOP. WHEN ENTERING A DIP IN THE ROAD THERE IS NO ILLUMINATION AT THE FAR SIDE UPHILL. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THEM, NOW THERE IS A LACK OF ACCEPTABLE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT ON FLAT ROADS
Visibility/wiper, Aug 7, 2017
I AM EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF GLARE FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN MAY OF 2017. I INITIALLY HAD TINT APPLIED TO THE WINDSHIELD FOR MEDICAL REASONS AND THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS CAUSING AN INTERACTION WITH THE GLASS ITSELF. AFTER HAVING THE TINT REMOVED, I AM STILL EXPERIENCING THIS EXCESSIVE GLARE.
Power train, Seats, Equipment, Aug 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVESHAFT BECAME EXPOSED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS BECAME DETACHED FROM THE SEAT HARNESS. OAKLAWN TOYOTA IN OAKLAWN, IL (60453-2668) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 09/28/17*LJ****UPDATED 10/24/17*LJ *JS *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND RADIO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SOLD WITH LEATHER SEATS AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN. *JS
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 14, 2017
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER TO APPX 5MPH AND CHECK ENGINE, CHECK ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM, VISIT DEALER, LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH, VEHICLE WAS ON HIGHWAY DRIVING AT APPX 50MPH AT TIME OF INCIDENT , DEALER REPROGAMMED ECM, AND RETURNED CAR TO OWNER AND NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN
Visibility/wiper, Jul 12, 2017
INTERSTATE DRIVE- 70MPH. NO TRAFFIC WITHIN AT LEAST 0.5 MILE AHEAD. MULTIPLE VEHICLES BEHIND. NO OVERPASSES OR OVERHANGING SIGNS OR STRUCTURES. SUDDEN, EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE FOLLOWED BY WIND NOISE. EXITED FIRST OPPORTUNITY. PANORAMIC SUNROOF SHATTERED WITH LARGE SECTION MISSING ABOVE PASSENGER SEAT. MINIMAL GLASS ABOVE SUNROOF SCREEN. NO FOREIGN OBJECTS UNDER GLASS ATOP THE SCREEN. AT THE TIME OF EXPLOSION CARS BEHIND SUDDENLY SLOWED AND SWERVED, PRESUMABLY FROM FLYING GLASS.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 9, 2017
BOUGHT THIS 2017 HIGHLANDER BRAND-NEW FROM THE DEALER. IT HAD 67 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. WITHIN A FEW THOUSAND MILES, A STONE CHIPPED THE WINDSHIELD AND WITHIN DAYS THE WINDSHIELD WAS A SPIDER'S NEST OF SPREADING CRACKS ALL ACROSS UP AND DOWN THE WINDSHIELD. I BOUGHT A NEW 2015 HIGHLANDER FROM THE SAME DEALER AND HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AFTER JUST A FEW THOUSAND MILES. I BELIEVE TOYOTA SLANTED THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE DOWN FOR BETTER AIRFLOW AND RESULTING MPG INCREASE AND IN SO DOING, ALL ROAD DEBRIS SUCH AS STONES, ARE PROPELLED UP RIGHT ONTO THE WINDSHIELD AND THE STONES SMASH THE WINDSHIELD. WHAT ARE THE RANDOM ODDS THAT A BRAND-NEW, DEALER-BOUGHT 2015 AND 2017 HIGHLANDER WOULD BOTH GET A STONE CHIP THAT DESTROYS THE WINDSHIELD WITHIN THE FIRST FEW THOUSAND MILES OF DRIVING? THESE WINDSHIELD AREN'T CHEAP TO REPLACE- ABOUT $1400.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 2, 2017
THE DYNAMIC RADAR CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH THE FEATURE ON AND A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU EXITS TO THE RIGHT, THE HIGHLANDER WILL SLOW AND BRAKE AGGRESSIVELY AS IF IT'S STILL FOLLOWING THE SLOWING EXITING VEHICLE THAT IS NOW IN ANOTHER LANE AND LEAVING THE HIGHWAY. THE SETTING OF THE VEHICLE TO VEHICLE DISTANCE AND PRE-COLLISION SETTING HAVE LITTLE AFFECT ON THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM CAN EASILY BE DUPLICATED EVERY TIME. THE DEALER SAYS IT'S NORMAL OPERATION. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED BY A LARGE TRUCK WHEN MY HIGHLANDER UNEXPECTEDLY AND AGGRESSIVELY BRAKED AND SLOWED FOR NO REASON AS IT CONTINUED TRACKING THE EXITING VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED, WHICH IS WHY I NO LONGER USE DYNAMIC RADAR CRUISE CONTROL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER WITH TOYOTA BEFORE SOME IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THANK YOU.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 18, 2017
MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, FUSES REPEATEDLY BLOWING OUT, POWER LIFT GATE NOT CLOSING, MANY DIFFERENT ERROR MESSAGE APPEARING ON THE SCREEN FOR NO REASON, VEHICLE WENT INTO ACCESSORY MODE WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN A LOSS OF POWER. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 9, 2017
THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED TO CONTINUE TO CHARGE THE BATTERIES EVEN AFTER THE KEY IS NO LONGER IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE VEHICLE. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IN A GARAGE - GENERATING CO AND ALSO POTENTIALLY OVERHEATING. PROPOSE THE VEHICLE CONTROL LOGIC WILL SHUTDOWN THE VEHICLE AFTER A DESIGNATED PERIOD FOLLOWING THE KEY NOT BEING IN PROXIMITY. (IT MAKES LITTLE SENSE FOR THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE IF IT HAS BEEN STATIONARY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME WITHOUT THE KEY IN PROXIMITY). SUITABLE LOGIC COULD BE INSTALLED FOR THE DRIVER TO OVERRIDE IF REQUIRED (IN THE CASE OF A BREAKDOWN, STRANDED IN INCLEMENT WEATHER ETC.).
Power train, Apr 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD AND ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE SHAFT SUPPORT BEARING RETAINING RING FAILED AND CAUSED THE AXLE TO SEPARATE FROM THE TRANS AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 8, 2017
GASOLINE BEGAN GUSHING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AS I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. I STOPPED AND CALLED TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THEY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NEAREST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THE CASE NUMBER INVOLVING THIS INCIDENT IS #1702060159
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2017
2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SE AWD ("VEHICLE"). ON JANUARY 26, 2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 11:15 P.M., PACIFIC TIME, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE 10 FREEWAY NEAR THE LA BREA AVENUE EXIT. IT WAS DARK BUT CLEAR WITH LIGHT TO MEDIUM TRAFFIC. WHILE I WAS DRIVING AROUND 80 MPH AND MERGING TOWARD AN INNER LANE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY - ON ITS OWN - SLOWED TO AROUND 30 OR 40 MPH. CONCOMITANTLY, THE VEHICLE'S MESSAGING SYSTEM (BETWEEN THE TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER) BEGAN BLINKING AND ALERTING ME THAT THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM WAS EXPERIENCING FAILURE AND THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED IMMEDIATE SERVICING. A SMALL ORANGE TRIANGULAR INDICATOR WITH AN EMBEDDED EXCLAMATION POINT FLASHED AS WELL. I ENGAGED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND THEN MANIPULATED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTO VARIOUS POSITIONS WHILE FULLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 30 OR 40 MPH. FACED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING REAR ENDED, I DISENGAGED THE HAZARD LIGHTS, SIGNALED TO THE RIGHT, AND EVENTUALLY MADE IT OFF THE FREEWAY. THE FOLLOWING DAY, JANUARY 27, 2017, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I BELIEVE IT IS STILL BEING DIAGNOSED . THE LONGER THE DIAGNOSIS TAKES, THE MORE I AM CONCERNED THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT DETERMINED THE REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE. GIVEN TOYOTA'S HISTORY, I AM ALSO CONCERNED THEY MAY RETURN THE VEHICLE TO ME WITHOUT DETERMINING CONCLUSIVELY HOW THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AND WITHOUT FIXING THE ISSUE SO THAT IT WILL NOT POSE A THREAT TO MY PASSENGERS, INCLUDING MY OWN FAMILY, AND THE PUBLIC. ACCORDINGLY, IT IS MY DUTY TO REPORT THIS TO THE NHTSA AND TO SEEK THE NHTSA'S GUIDANCE ABOUT STEPS I CAN TAKE TO ENSURE THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT HAND ME BACK THE VEHICLE, WHICH MAY BE A DEATHTRAP. I DON'T USE SUCH INFLAMMATORY WORDS LIGHTLY, BUT THE MORE I CONTEMPLATE, THE MORE I FEEL THAT THIS WAS A POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING EVENT.