Your vehicle report
2023 Toyota Highlander
The problems owners report. The recalls to check. The evidence behind each.
Your vehicle at a glance
Complaint patterns and official recall records, kept distinct.
- Owner complaints
- 189
- Received Feb 2023 to Oct 2026
Owner reports
Most reported problems
- 1Unintended acceleration despite braking18 complaints · 9.5% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 2Airbags fail to deploy in crashes11 complaints · 5.8% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 3Seat belt fails to latch or retract9 complaints · 4.8% of this vehicle’s complaints
Official NHTSA records
Recalls to check
- Recall #26V128000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
- Recall #25V744000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
BrakeNews signals
Flagged complaint patterns
Unusual complaint patterns with no matched recall yet. A flag does not mean a recall will happen.
- Tailgate or trunk latch failsFirst signal: Mar 2026
- Transmission fails or loses power while drivingFirst signal: Aug 2026 · Recent surge
Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA, not failure rates or a reliability ranking. Reported in these complaints: 12 crashes, 0 fires, 12 people injured, 0 deaths.
Explore by system
Where do owners report problems?
Choose an area on the car or a system below to explore the reported problems.
Illustrative only; not this vehicle’s exact design. Areas represent complaint categories, not confirmed defective parts.
Showing all 15 listed problems by system.
Engine & powertrain
Brakes
Electrical & lights
Airbags, belts & seats
Steering, suspension & tires
Body, doors & glass
- Side mirrors give poor rear visibility
- Glass shatters or cracks without impact
- Tailgate or trunk latch fails
1 more problem
Driver assistance
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Other
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Complaint history
When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.
Show as a table
| Month | Complaints |
|---|---|
| February 2023 | 1 |
| March 2023 | 1 |
| April 2023 | 2 |
| May 2023 | 2 |
| June 2023 | 0 |
| July 2023 | 7 |
| August 2023 | 9 |
| September 2023 | 5 |
| October 2023 | 2 |
| November 2023 | 4 |
| December 2023 | 2 |
| January 2024 | 7 |
| February 2024 | 7 |
| March 2024 | 6 |
| April 2024 | 3 |
| May 2024 | 6 |
| June 2024 | 3 |
| July 2024 | 8 |
| August 2024 | 3 |
| September 2024 | 7 |
| October 2024 | 4 |
| November 2024 | 2 |
| December 2024 | 2 |
| January 2025 | 2 |
| February 2025 | 1 |
| March 2025 | 2 |
| April 2025 | 1 |
| May 2025 | 2 |
| June 2025 | 1 |
| July 2025 | 1 |
| August 2025 | 2 |
| September 2025 | 6 |
| October 2025 | 6 |
| November 2025 | 3 |
| December 2025 | 5 |
| January 2026 | 6 |
| February 2026 | 3 |
| March 2026 | 7 |
| April 2026 | 5 |
| May 2026 | 8 |
| June 2026 | 8 |
| July 2026 | 7 |
| August 2026 | 7 |
| September 2026 | 6 |
| October 2026 | 7 |
| Total | 189 |
Problems owners report
Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.
| Problem | Complaints | Share | Share ratio | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unintended acceleration despite braking | 18 | 9.5% | 1.4× | |
| Airbags fail to deploy in crashes | 11 | 5.8% | 6.2× | NHTSA recall #23V480000, #25V040000 |
| Seat belt fails to latch or retract | 9 | 4.8% | 5× | |
| Infotainment screen ghost-touches and changes on its own | 7 | 3.7% | 2.7× | |
| Brake pedal sinks due to leaking lines | 6 | 3.2% | 6.8× | |
| Side mirrors give poor rear visibility | 5 | 2.6% | 10.7× | |
| Glass shatters or cracks without impact | 5 | 2.6% | 1.4× | |
| Tailgate or trunk latch fails | 5 | 2.6% | 9.5× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Mar 2026 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 3.9% |
| Fuel tank or line leaks gasoline | 5 | 2.6% | – | |
| Tires blow out or tread separates | 4 | 2.1% | – | NHTSA recall #24V419000, #24V452000 |
| Transmission fails or loses power while driving | 4 | 2.1% | 1.8× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Aug 2026 · Recent surge Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 3.4% |
| Rear door latch fails to open or close | 3 | 1.6% | – | |
| Steering wheel shakes violently at highway speed | 3 | 1.6% | – | |
| Instrument cluster or speedometer fails | 3 | 1.6% | 4.2× | NHTSA recall #25V595000 |
| Brake booster fails, leaving stiff pedal | 3 | 1.6% | 3.8× |
AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.
Recalls
NHTSA recall #26V128000March 5, 2026686,588 vehicles affected
seats: mid/rear assembly: recliner
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
NHTSA recall #25V744000October 30, 20251,024,407 vehicles affected
back over prevention: display function
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
NHTSA recall #25V595000September 11, 2025591,377 vehicles affected
electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
NHTSA recall #25V040000January 29, 20251,716 vehicles affected
air bags: frontal: driver clockspring/spiral cassette; steering: column
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
NHTSA recall #24V548000July 23, 202433,848 vehicles affected
equipment: other: labels
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
NHTSA recall #24V452000June 18, 20244,763 vehicles affected
tires
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
NHTSA recall #24V419000June 6, 20244,869 vehicles affected
tires
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
NHTSA recall #23V720000October 26, 2023750,795 vehicles affected
structure: body: bumpers
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
NHTSA recall #23V480000July 12, 2023152,927 vehicles affected
air bags: frontal: driver clockspring/spiral cassette; steering: column
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Other model years
About this data
NHTSA complaints and recalls through October 2026. Complaints are counted once each, however many components they name. Original complaints are on NHTSA's page for the 2023 Toyota Highlander.
Problem groups are formed by AI and may be approximate. BrakeNews flags unusual complaint patterns; they are not official defect findings. Investigation reports are written and checked by AI, with no human review. Owner reports do not establish that a defect exists.
Read the methodology and track record · Check current recalls by VIN