NHTSA Data Explorer
Toyota Highlander
Data refreshed July 24, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Toyota Highlander.
Complaints
6,379
Active records
Recalls
57
Active records
TSBs
1,369
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
58
Injuries
403
Crashes
519
Fires
75
Top reported issues — Toyota Highlander
Click a category to expand its values.
Operating state
Condition issue
Noise
Reporting mechanism
Braking behavior
Performance issue
Driver assistance issue
Engine behavior
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Safety restraint issue
Fluid issue
Access/entry issue
Vibration/harshness
Electrified system issue
Steering behavior
Thermal issue
Safety restraint behavior
Electrical issue
Infotainment behavior
Lighting behavior
Starting behavior
Powering on/off behavior
HVAC behavior
Smell
Ride/handling behavior
Recent change
Wiper/washer behavior
Communication/network issue
Charging behavior
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed Jul 21, 2026
The paint is severely peeling on the outside. This can likely flake off and damages other vehicles, property, and roadway infrastructure. This is the factory coat of paint. Color is Toyota Blizzard Pearl (070)
2022 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed Jul 21, 2026
In the past 3 days, the trunk of the vehicle has opened on its own even though it was locked. This has also happened 3 additional times in the past since I have taken it to the Toyota service center in Fairlawn, NJ. I am concerned because yesterday, I was at a supermarket and was inside for about 15 minutes and when I came out, the back was opened. This has not happened while I was driving but I was fortunate that nothing was taken from the vehicle.
2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed Jul 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for oil filter maintenance and a spark plug change, and after the maintenance, the vehicle made an abnormal sound each time while accelerating. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
2023 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed Jul 19, 2026
Tailgate stays open; sensors seem to fail. It will work one day and not work on another day. My wife is short and handicapped and she can’t close it manually.
2022 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed Jul 18, 2026
I was parking the car. Car in park. Foot on brake. Carr violently lunged forward. Hitting, and tilting, concrete pole. Put car in reverse. Lunged forward then backward. Someone could have been killed. Thank God no person was near. I could have lunged through a storefront if Parked by shop.
2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed Jul 17, 2026
I am writing to formally document a series of unresolved mechanical issues with my vehicle, culminating in a complete transmission failure, and to request assistance in resolving this matter. The timeline of events is detailed below: *Winter 2024: I first noticed a persistent buzzing sound originating from the engine compartment. Because this symptom primarily occurred during low ambient temperatures, I initially attributed it to the cold weather. The mileage on this vehicle was around 50k…
2022 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed Jul 17, 2026
loud noise when accelerating. noise is gone when let go of gas pedal. noise like internal gears from transmission
2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed Jul 17, 2026
I bought the vehicle used from a Cadillac dealer in Orlando with 72700 miles on it. At approximately 75000 miles my wife and I noticed a faint whine coming from somewhere. As it worsened, I researched the issue to find that Toyota has a TSB for a manufacturing defect in the transmission. As I understand it, the transmission can fail suddenly causing a serious safety concern. I need to fix this problem as soon as possible for my family’s safety but since I am out of the warrantee period and…
2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed Jul 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the power liftgate consistently failed halfway through while opening and closing the liftgate. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact became aware of information online about Technical Service Bulletin: SB0023/16, NHTSA ID Number: 10134306 (Structure, Electrical System); and associated the failure with the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed…
2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed Jul 16, 2026
I pushed the brake and swerved and the car kept going and a greater speed and surged into a house.