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    Toyota Highlander

    EPA MPG: 22 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Highlander will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023 and 2024 models.

    The 2017 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "Replaced"

    Anonymous A., ON (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Corrosion of components required complete replacement. This is the 2nd occurrence."

    Anonymous, WA (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Premature brake wear

    "These brakes began pulseing at around 25000 miles and I took it in for replacement at about 35000 miles. I was looking for front rotor machineing and pad replacement but the dealer sort of forced me to get front fully replaced and back machined and pads replaced so they made over $1000."

    Anonymous A., DE (2017 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)
    Pulsation or vibration

    "associated with the rotors when braking. cars shudders when braking over 80km/H. Toyota has not been able to resolve this"

    Anonymous, AB (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 2.7-L 4 Cyl)
    Regular brake failure

    "normal wear of rear brakes"

    Anonymous, ME (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Rotors

    "Corrosion of components required complete replacement. This is the 2nd occurrence"

    Anonymous, WA (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "The dealer blames these problems on the driver, but I am very easy on the brakes, always shift to a lower gear on long downhills. In my opinion, the front brakes are simply not built to high enough specifications for this vehicle. We're on our third complete replacement, disks, pads & rotors, in just over 100,000 miles."

    Anonymous, ID (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "when travelling above 80km/h and braking, juddering which can impact stability. ongoing issue that Toyota has not been able to resolve"

    Anonymous, AB (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 2.7-L 4 Cyl)
    Squeaking

    "For the past two years, roughly, brakes have made squealing noise when coming to a stop (at low speeds). Pads have been checked and are OK."

    Anonymous A., CA (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Replaced water pump"

    Anonymous, (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Leaky water pump."

    Anonymous A., CA (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "The smell of gasoline fumes is present at random times while the car sit in the garage long after the car stops running. We have not seen a leak and the dealer was not able to identify one either."

    Anonymous A., WA (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Toyota has a major problem with not using a primer under the white color of the car, thereby experiencing peeling, rusting of big sections. Toyota isn't that responsive to this major problem for a mjority of owners. I wouldn't buy another Toyota again."

    Anonymous A., NY (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Had an issue with starting. Turned out to be a battery issue."

    Anonymous, MN (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "1 tire pressure monitor sensor quit working - I have not replaced it"

    Anonymous, MT (2017 Toyota Highlander LE Plus 3.5-L V6)

    "bad water pump"

    Anonymous, CA (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    "Click buttons and touch screen and nothing happens. If I turn off the car, it tends to resolve, so I havent taken it to the dealer yet. My Camry had the same issue."

    Anonymous, TX (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 2.7-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen goes blank

    "Toyota said this was fixed and then on a very damp day, a nor'easter we were away and it happened again."

    Anonymous, NJ (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Head unit died, lost all electronic functions, connected to radio, gps, display screen, phone connection, etc. Not just display screen. 1000 dollars to replace it."

    Anonymous A., WA (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "The touch screen stopped responding to touch a month after we purchased it. There are places on the screen that will occasionally respond to touch but for the most part it no longer is functional."

    Anonymous, VT (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Over-the-air software update failed

    "The screen went blank losing radio,navigation and back up camera. Toyota tried to update the app but it failed. A new module would be $4000 at Toyota. Went to radio specialist and replaced for $2100."

    Anonymous, FL (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Voice control commands

    "I speak standard English, yet car system has great difficulty understanding commands. And if it gets the command wrong and you repeat, it defaults to the same wrong answer. Usually with contact names for making phone calls."

    Anonymous A., WA (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Alignment

    "The 4wheel alignment was done after the front lower control arm was replaced as recommended by the dealer."

    Anonymous, MB (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Bushings

    "The lower control arm bushing started to bulge out . It was recommended that we replace the control arm and do a 4 wheel alignment. Which we did."

    Anonymous, MB (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Power steering

    "Complete electronic power steering failure making it extremely difficult to turn. The steering module had to be replaced which fix the problem."

    Anonymous, GA (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Shocks or struts

    "There was a shaking thebcar experienced when braking going downhill due to worn out fromt struts and shocks and they needed replaced"

    Anonymous, CO (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Cracked front suspension"

    Anonymous A., BC (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Wheel bearings

    "At approx. 92,000 miles, we began to hear loud road noise coming from the front of the vehicle. I had the alignment checked by the dealer and it was ok. Toyota took it for a test drive and said it was the tire tread. It needed tires soon anyway so I bought the quietest tires per your ratings, Continental Cross Contact LX25s, but that didnt fix the problem. So I took it to Toyota and they found the front hub and bearings were going to need replacement. I am surprised that the hubs and bearings were going bad. Never heard that happening with 95,000 miles of only paved driving."

    Anonymous A., CA (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    "Vehicle interior is quite noisy when on the highway . On side roads driving below 40 mph its not as noisy"

    Anonymous, MA (2017 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "The Toyota is a great vehicle in terms of dependability but it sometimes can have some odd knocking sounds. I had one at the very beginning underneath the car which was traced to loose wire and then one recently with the steering unit having a small rattle and have not solved that yet."

    Anonymous, VA (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Sounds like speakers and/or speaker cables have come loose. Constant rattle when radio is turned on. Started on passenger side of car dash, is now also on driver side dash. It is loud and annoying."

    Anonymous, AL (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Fold down center seat sometimes causes rattling or rubbing noises."

    Anonymous, FL (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Automatic high-beam headlights

    "The headlight system failed and caused the starting system to malfunction. The car had to be towed and it took the dealer 5 days to figure out the problem was related to the battery and it powering of the overall electrical system."

    Anonymous, NC (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Keyless entry

    "On three different occasions I have left the key in the car and locked it. I couldnt get back in without either calling for police to use a slim Jim or window wedge, or going home to get another key. The car isnt suppose to lock with the key inside."

    Anonymous A., PA (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Other electrical system problem

    "Started happening in 2023 when the tailgate peridocally would not function and had to manually open/close it. Normally it only happened in colder temperatures and after opening/closing manually it would be fine until the vehicle sat for a day or two. I had taken it to the dealer where they couldn't duplicate the problem so nothing was done. However, in Apr 2024, it started failing consistently and I was able to show it to the dealer. They scheduled it in for a diagnostic and submitted the claim to Toyota Canada for warranty. They denied it as I took it in 1 week after my extended warranty expired even though I initially reported it well within the warranty period."

    Anonymous, ON (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel door or charge port door

    "The cap or gas tank caused a serious engine warning to come on. Took time to determine it was not serious."

    Anonymous, GA (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "Automatic lift gate would not operate because tailgate struts were worn out."

    Anonymous, AB (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Some as yet undiagnosed issue with the hatch closing completely. Probably a sensor issue."

    Anonymous, GA (2017 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Freon leaked. Have resealed and recharged it. So far, all is well"

    Anonymous, PA (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "Refrigerant simply leaked away"

    Anonymous A., OH (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor transmission & clutch problem

    "no other problems other than as described previously"

    Anonymous, NJ (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Transmission leaks

    "Noted leak as garage floor staining over months. Garage noted leak and replaced ?gasket"

    Anonymous, AB (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Problem(s) fueling the tank

    "After re-fueling, car would only start after multiple attempts. Had to visit Toyota dealer"

    Anonymous, ON (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "began as a whine in the trans. Dealer service was unable to recognize. Three months later they couldn't miss it. Dealer sourced and replaced transmission at no cost to me, and provided a replacement for me to drive. I am completely satisfied."

    Anonymous, NJ (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "The purge valve failed and had to be replaced. We were on vacation. The check engine light came on. We were able to drive the vehicle without incident to the nearest Toyota dealer, 40 miles away. The dealer diagnosed the problem and replaced the valve. The replacement and labor were covered by our Toyota extended warranty that we had purchased when we bought the vehicle new. The cost to diagnose was not covered. The process took about 3 hours from the time we arrived at the dealer, because they were very busy."

    Anonymous, MN (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Water pump

    "Per mechanic, bad bearing in pump resulted in leakage and overheating"

    Anonymous A., CA (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Other major engine problem

    "Mass airflow sensor found to be dirty, causing engine not to start at a gas station. However, after waiting 20 minutes I was able to drive it to the dealer."

    Anonymous, MN (2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    2017 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Steering and Suspension
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Nov 04, 2020
    If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V682000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1525742
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY
    Nov 27, 2018
    The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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).
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18E107000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 8202
    EQUIPMENT
    Aug 23, 2017
    The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V520000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1121
    TIRES
    May 02, 2017
    A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V295000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 409
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