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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2021
Front windshield cracked in 2 location due to stress. No impact of any kind. West Kendall Toyota in Kendall, Miami wants me to file Insurance and have repairs done by Safelite Autoglass. This is a Toyota Manufacturers problem. The new windshield should be OEM and needs quality front camera calibration. Kendall Toyota’s phone : 305 536 3255
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Dec 14, 2021
2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER VIN: [XXX] I purchased my Highlander new in 2017 and I have had consistent electrical issues. The radio has consistently fluctuated between bass, treble, and off for no apparent reason. I have taken my vehicle to the dealer 4 times and still no change. I have replaced the battery 3 times although I only have 25,000 miles on 55,000mile tires, the tire treads are wearing quickly. I rarely go anywhere and when I do it is on smooth surfaced, well-maintained roads. All maintenance is completed at the dealership, including rotation and balancing. I really so annoyed and I see by the comments that I am not alone in these issues. I'm not even going to get into the plastic chrometek wheels. However, Toyota states there are no problems. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Wheels, Dec 10, 2021
I purchased my Highlander new in 2017 and I have had consistent electrical issues. I the radio has consistently fluctuated between bass, treble, and off for no apparent reason. I have taken my vehicle to the dealer 4 times and still no change. I have replaced the battery 3 times although I only have 25,000 miles on 55,000mile tires, the tire treads are wearing quickly. I rarely go anywhere and when I do it is on smooth surfaced, well-maintained roads. All maintenance is completed at the dealership, including rotation and balancing. I really so annoyed and I see by the comments that I am not alone in these issues. I'm not even going to get into the plastic chrometek wheels. However, Toyota states there are no problems.
Seat belts, Nov 5, 2021
2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE SEATBELTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SIDE BUCKLE CUT THROUGH THE BELTED FABRIC. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 3, 2021
I was driving home and a warning brake light came on which said breaking power low stop in a safe place, BSM not available. Car won’t start again, ABS light, traction control light, all wheel drive system, engine brake light, antilock brake system. All of these alerts are on the dashboard.
Visibility, Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, she discovered a vertical crack on the bottom driver’s side of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack obstructed her vision while driving. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and the windshield was replaced. A year later while driving 60 MPH, a small pebble struck the windshield which cause another vertical crack on the bottom driver side of the windshield. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered two additional cracks in the same area as the original crack. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2021
The hands free calling feature has a serious echo when calling to the driver while on the road making it useless to use. It is California law states that calls made while driving must be hands free. This problem has existed since the car was purchased new. It forces the driver to handle incoming calls using a cell phone without the hands free while driving. My wife and I want Toyota to repair our car free of charge . My wife and I researched this problem on line and apparently this is a ongoing issue with Toyota’s 2019 and older. We want it fixed or we shall move forward with the lemon lemon law.
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2021
The vehicle simply would not start after I returned to my car from shopping. It had power but when I pressed the break and pushed ignition button multiple error messages came up that said "Charging system malfunction" then "Braking power low" then "SBS Airbag System Malfunction". The lights on the dash flickered, so i turned it off. When i turned it back on (before pressing the brake and pushing the ignition button to start) there was power, but the engine didn't turn over. My child and I were stranded at the grocery store waiting for the tow truck for over an hour, and then for a ride home. If this had happened while traveling further this would have put us in a real bind, and if it would happen while driving could be extremely unsafe. The car was towed to the Dealer (Russ Darrow in West Bend) who is claiming the battery needs to be replaced (i bought this vehicle 10 months ago- he said the cold cranking amps were at 520-540 at that time and were now at 297), he confirmed the alternator was healthy. As of now it looks like they will just be replacing the battery, so yes the vehicle system should be available for inspection upon request. My fear is that this could happen again after replacing the battery just like many other Toyotas that have had this exact same issue. There was no warning light that the battery was low. No indication of an upcoming maintenance issue. It happened abruptly.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she heard abnormal clicking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Electrical system, Oct 20, 2021
Left work on 10/4 to go to the bank, grab lunch, and the carwash. Went to the bank and grabbed lunch. Went to Mikes carwash to vaccuum out and wash my car. After vacuuming the car I went to start it and got nothing. A message of low braking power please pull to a safe location and check AWD system popped up. I sat there for over 30 mins trying to get the vehicle to start. It never started. It had to be towed to the Toyota dealership. The Toyota diagnostic revealed that I needed a new battery. Took $150 to figure that out, ok. Purchased a $200 battery and had it installed. Four days later went to get into the car and it would not start once again. Upon starting a whole bunch of lights flashed on the dash but the message that came up was low braking power, check AWD system. At this point the car would not start without a jump. I jumped the car using a jump pack. Drove the car to the shop (a different one this time) to have a diagnostic done. The diagnostic revealed no issue. At this point I have only had this vehicle 5 months and I am not impressed. As a matter of fact im thoroughly frustrated and disappointed. This vehicle has 44,200 miles on it but the amount of time, issues, effort, and funds I have had to contribute to this phantom problem is very disturbing. Like I literally get into the car and have to pray that it will start. And to get on here and see that this is a huge problem experienced by many others is even more frustrating to me.
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2021
The stop/start feature on the 2017 Highlander appeared to fail. In stop and go traffic, the vehicle stalled. And would not start. The vehicle started back up with a battery boost. This incident presented a danger to the person in this vehicle and other vehicles around it. The vehicle was brought to Toyota Service. They could not reproduce the issue. A fault was found in the battery, the battery was replaced. Approximately 11 days later. This vehicle came to a stop at a red light, stop/start feature engaged. The vehicle did not start back up, it stalled.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the fuel pump failed. The contact stated that when the fuel tank was full, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer had not performed a diagnostic test. The dealer cleaned the fuel injection system however, the repair did not correct the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2021
It being 4 time that the car shut off by itself while My wife driving in the middle of road and it won’t start the first time happer last year,second tine around April or may, third time yesterday 8/31/21,and today 9/01/21
Power train, Engine, Sep 1, 2021
The car jerks upon acceleration. It is so pronounced that it causes whiplash in driver and passenger
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission failure & power steering control replacement. Yes available to inspect How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We were on a family trip with two young kids in the mountains and going very low speeds... maybe 10 miles per hour. Our car stopped working. In the middle of a rush hour in heat at the top of the mountain, we had to get from the far left lane to the far right to stop. While trying to get over, the car jerked, revved, and we almost got into accidents because I just couldn't get the car to go without delayed reactions and then jerked to a fast motion. VERY UNSAFE! At the same time, check engine light, ABD, and sensor lights flashed on. I got on the side to turn the car off and on again and tried to go a little at a snail pace speed and still the same thing happened. We had to get towed over 100 miles away to our home with young kids. When we got it looked at, the transmission company let me know we had to replace it and we had a unsalvageable transmission and we needed to purchase a new one. He also ,mentioned he was suspicious because he doesnt regularly get my type of car but coincidentally he has seen at least 3 with the same make model and even color in his shop in the last couple of months. The sensor lights were a completely separate problem that happened at the same exact time, very suspicious. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes on both issues Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? only transmission company and certified Toyota servicer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Both warning lights appeared after the first jerking and dangerous switching lanes event. once we got over, all lights came on
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 11, 2021
My 2017 Toyota Highlander just stop working all of sudden, I can’t start the engine at all it says in the dashboard boaster power low/ park in the side in safe place. I was trying to start the engine it since it’s 102 outside and I have my baby with me. I search it online and find out that toyota has recall for the same problem but only for 2018 Toyota Highlander. I can’t even drive my car to the dealer/mechanic since I can’t even start it all. Driving with this type of vehicle with same problem is really danger. The toyota should check inspect all their vehicle first for safely of everyone.
Structure, Aug 2, 2021
Paint delaminating, corrosion risk, could lead to failure of hinges if progressed.
Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2021
Factory installed running board traction points melting, sticking to shoes, trip/safety hazard as well as potential for burns
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. After the recall repair, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the fault code reader indicated that there was a failure with cylinder 3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be taken apart to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 27, 2021
When turning on the car the emergency hybrid system states to put in P and take foot off brake. Car will not stop. When in car wash on neutral car would not go into drive and rolled out and was able to find spot but couldn’t turn off and back on. Has occurred multiple times. Multiple Warning lights on dash light up when it occurs.
Power train, May 5, 2021
UNABLE TO PUT MY CAR IN DRIVE GEAR. STARTED MY SUV WANTED TO GET TO REVERSE. I TRY MAYBE 20 TIMES BEFORE I GOT TO IT. IT WAS HARD TO MOVE RIGHT AND DOWN. I WAS PARKED I MY DRIVEWAY WAS STEPPING ON MY BRAKES. HAPPEN 4 TIMES YESTERDAY. HAVE NOT DRIVEN TODAY.
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2021
FIVE DIFFERENT TIMES FAILURE TO START THE ENGINE AND BATTERY APPEARS DRAINED WITH APPROX. 30K MILES. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND EITHER IN MY GARAGE OR PARKED. JUMPER CABLES USED TO START THE CAR DID THE JOB THE FIRST TWO TIMES, THEN A POWERFUL PORTABLE BATTERY JUMPER WAS NEEDED THE NEXT TWO TIMES AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BY AAA - TOLD ME THE OE BATTERY FAILED (NOT UNDER WARRANTY, SO IT COST ME OUT OF POCKET. NOW, THE 5TH TIME I AM WAITING FOR AAA AGAIN. THEIR BATTERY IS STILL UNDER FREE REPLACEMENT WARRANTY. THIS IS VERY POOR PERFORMANCE FOR A (I BOUGHT NEW) CAR THAT HAS JUST OVER 35K MILES AND LESS THAN 39 MONTHS OLD. ALSO, SEEING ALL THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND A RECALL FOR THE 2020 SAME MODEL, LEADS ME TO BELIEVE TOYOTA IS NOT AS RELIABLE AS THEY ONCE WERE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 15, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED PASSPORT TOYOTA (5001 AUTH WAY, CAMP SPRINGS, MD 20746, (301)899-6000) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine, Mar 12, 2021
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN A BELL SOUNDED AND ON THE DASH IT INDICATED THE CAR WAS OVER HEATING. I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH THROUGH A TOWN. I HAD BEEN DRIVING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING.