NHTSA Data Explorer

Toyota Highlander

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Toyota Highlander.

Complaints

6,256

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

398

Crashes

516

Fires

75

Top reported issues — Toyota Highlander

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

2,158

Condition issue

1,299

Noise

1,076

Reporting mechanism

1,054

Braking behavior

758

Performance issue

664

Driver assistance issue

580

Engine behavior

493

Safety restraint issue

397

Fluid issue

389

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

385

Access/entry issue

308

Vibration/harshness

275

Electrified system issue

247

Steering behavior

219

Thermal issue

219

Safety restraint behavior

210

Electrical issue

152

Infotainment behavior

146

Lighting behavior

123

Starting behavior

113

Powering on/off behavior

88

HVAC behavior

86

Smell

73

Ride/handling behavior

62

Recent change

39

Wiper/washer behavior

18

Communication/network issue

12

Charging behavior

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed May 28, 2026


My car all of a sudden went into limp mode while driving on the 91 freeway with my kids in the car on may 21 2026. It had master warning ⚠️ light and check engine light and a circle warning light that is the braking system also it said on the screen check hybrid system stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact a dealer. It smelled like smoke as I was trying to get out of traffic and drive it to the shoulder.I towed the car to the Toyota dealer in Orange and was told it's the…

2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed May 28, 2026


Transmission failure (whining noise similar to the well-documented issue with UA80F 8-speed transmissions). I reported the noise and requested a specific diagnosis at approximately 95k miles --- no warning lamps/warnings were visible, just noticeable noise while driving without the radio on. On May 22, 2026, Torrington Toyota confirmed that the transmission was failed, but vehicle is drivable. As I purchased a Toyota Extended warranty, Toyota has approved the order of a remanufactured unit,…

2022 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed May 28, 2026


The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the exterior of the vehicle. The driver pulled to a highway hot shop. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the upper side of the lower front bumper cover had detached and the cover was hanging and dragging. The contact secured the cover with strings and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired…

2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed May 28, 2026


Transmission is whining on speeds between 25-55 mph. Pointing to pre-mature internal failure of components in Transmission.

2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed May 28, 2026


I took my car in for service and I noticed my car is making a loud whining noise. I asked the mechanic about it and he said my transmission is going out. I found on the web several people complaining about the 8-speed Toyota transmission and how it will stop working shortly. The complaints are numerous and it listed all the of the technical bulletins that Toyota issued and they knew about the problem years ago. I am taking my car to shop to have it fixed or replace. Based upon all my…

2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed May 26, 2026


My 2021 Toyota Highlander was making a high pitched whine sound upon acceleration with the sound level holding steady at a consistent speed. We took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership to have it looked at and were told the transmission needs to be replaced. No other warnings were received. We are concerned about our safety if the transmission goes out while on the road.

2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed May 26, 2026


I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 100,500 miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable whining noise coming from the transmission/drivetrain area that continues to worsen over time. The noise is most noticeable during acceleration and while driving at highway speeds. I brought the vehicle to Toyota for inspection and was informed that the issue is related to the transmission. However, Toyota denied repair assistance because the vehicle is outside the powertrain warranty…

2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed May 24, 2026


There is a known issue with the transmission in my 2017 Toyota Highlander that causes premature failure. This is noted in a Toyota Customer Support Program Bulletin. The issues symptoms are the same as those my car has: a whining noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination. I have contacted Toyota and explained this to them, but they have told me that my car's VIN number does not match the identified…

2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed May 23, 2026


My 2021 Toyota Highlander makes a whining sound when driving. Took vehicle to dealership and was told it is a $10,000 repair and repair is critical.

2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed May 23, 2026


Premature transmission failure due to factory defect. All maintenance was done on time and at dealership.

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.