ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rodent damage to plant based wiring to Engine Harness A and valve vacuum hose. Cost $1700 and 2 repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11754788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
28 of the 433 complaints filed about the Toyota Grand Highlander are about the electrical system — 6% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2024.
28
Complaints
6%
Share of all complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rodent damage to plant based wiring to Engine Harness A and valve vacuum hose. Cost $1700 and 2 repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11754788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Radiator issue summer of 2025, when in back to back traffic at low speeds my vehicle overheated at a stand still took vehicle in to dealership with no real answers. The following summer 2026 same scenario but the engine was smoking. Took into dealership and they stated the connection for the radiator fan was disconnected which meant it was not colling the engine. A month later the AC is blowing hot air when AC is set to the coolest setting, scheduled another appt with dealership likely another radiator issue. Fuel gauge inaccuracy. Manual states 17 gallon tank capacity but my car states empty and can only fill the tank with 14 to 15 gallons. Dealership had no help and stated it does that to protect the hybrid engine. Transmission shifting issues, in the summer hotter temperatures I notice at times the transmission has difficulty shifting in lower gears and really revs up the RPMs to shift sometimes. At times the the transmission shift is jerky or harsh when going speeds form 20- 40 mph.
NHTSA complaint #11750413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving my 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD at highway speed with only 16,755 miles on the vehicle, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared, including warnings related to the engine, hybrid system, AWD system, and other vehicle functions. The vehicle instructed me to pull over immediately and significantly reduced power output, making it difficult to maintain highway speed and safely maneuver through traffic. I was able to reach the shoulder and had the vehicle towed to a Toyota dealership. The dealer diagnosed a punctured radiator caused by a rock or similar road debris that allegedly passed through the front grille and struck the radiator. The dealer confirmed that coolant loss from the puncture triggered the vehicle's protective reduced-power mode. This failure created a significant safety risk. A sudden loss of power while traveling at highway speed increases the risk of rear-end collisions and other accidents, particularly in heavy traffic where drivers may not expect a vehicle to rapidly decelerate. There were no warning lights, messages, leaks, drivability concerns, or other symptoms before the incident. All warnings appeared suddenly at the time of failure. Toyota has declined warranty coverage, classifying the damage as a road hazard. However, I believe this may indicate a design defect. I have identified numerous reports from other GH owners describing nearly identical failures involving rocks penetrating the radiator through the front grille, often at relatively low mileage. These reports suggest the radiator may be inadequately protected from ordinary roadway debris. My concern is not simply radiator damage, but that a small piece of road debris encountered during normal driving can disable a critical component and cause the vehicle to enter a severe reduced-power mode at highway speed. I request that NHTSA investigate whether the front grille and radiator protection design of the Grand Highlander creates an unreasonable safety risk
NHTSA complaint #11746510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While I was driving using the screen for the GPS the screen become black just sound. The volume got stuck and no image was displayed. Try to use manual control on steering wheel and they didn’t respond neither. Is not the first time that the screen freezes glows black or just glitches.
NHTSA complaint #11741981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While traveling at highway speed on I-75 northbound, the vehicle experienced a complete and total loss of electrical power. and propulsion. The following conditions were present simultaneously: - Complete loss of propulsion - Inability to shift transmission to neutral — vehicle could not be moved out of the active traffic lane - Complete loss of hazard lights — no ability to warn approaching traffic - Vehicle remained stranded in active highway traffic for approximately 15 minutes - Electrical power spontaneously restored after approximately 15 minutes - Vehicle was then driven off the interstate under its own power That was a life-threatening event. My wife and I could have been struck from behind by highway traffic with no warning lights, no ability to move the vehicle, and no way to signal distress. DEALER VISIT 1 — SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2026 Dealer: Sarasota Toyota, Sarasota, Florida Complaint presented: Complete electrical shutdown on I-75 the previous day as described above Action taken by dealer: Performed recall repair for black screen issue Outcome: Vehicle returned to customer same day Post-repair symptom: Low voltage warning appeared on drive home from Sarasota Toyota Saturday afternoon Note: Dealer did not perform full electrical diagnostic. Dealer did not flag battery failure. Dealer did not retain vehicle for further investigation despite being informed of complete highway electrical shutdown the previous day. DEALER VISIT 2 — MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2026 Dealer: Germain Toyota of Naples, Naples, Florida Complaint presented: Complete electrical failure on I-75, low voltage warning after Sarasota repair, battery failure Findings: Battery confirmed dead. Alternator confirmed functioning normally. Dealer assessment: Condition described as unusual. Case escalated to Toyota Field Technical Specialist. Current status: Vehicle retained at Germain Toyota of Naples. Rental vehicle provided to customer.
NHTSA complaint #11734470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
When I went to turn the car on last Tuesday (3/24.2026), the entire digital dashboard was black. I tried restarting the car a few times with no resolution. Thankfully, the infotainment screen and heads up display (HUD) were on and working fine. If it was not for the HUD, I would of had no idea what my speed was driving home. However, I was unable to see my gas level or other safety features which is concerning. Once I got the car home about 15 minutes later, we turned the car off and back on and everything was fine. So far, everything has been working normally ever since. I did take a picture of the black screen as you can see for proof. Please reach out if you need more information.
NHTSA complaint #11727530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is regarding recalls for my 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Platinum Max. The vehicle has been in the possession of Koons Tysons Toyota since December 23, 2025 (80 days as of 3/11/26), for repair of Safety Recall #25TA13 and #25TB13 NHTSA 25V744) involving the Panoramic View Monitor System/Parking Assist ECU. The dealership has explicitly informed me that the vehicle is unsafe to operate and have therefore kept it. Toyota and its authorized dealer have made three (3) repair attempts to correct this safety defect. Two separate replacement components were ordered and installed without resolving the issue. A third required component is currently on backorder with no definitive ETA or repair completion date, as the date keeps getting pushed. We are not being updated and are not receiving information from the dealership and Corporate about the details about the problem and nature of the delay. Toyota has obligations under federal recall law administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remedy safety defects within a reasonable time and at no charge to the consumer. An indefinite inability to complete a safety recall repair due to parts unavailability raises serious concerns under those obligations. Furthermore, a previous recall #25TA08 (NHTSA 25V595) which was supposedly completed on October 14, 2025 by the same dealership is showing as INCOMPLETE in the vehicle record with NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #11723563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, but the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the instrument panel had failed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was not driving properly, and the vehicle was shuddering while exceeding 70 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an axle leak, and the contact was informed that there was no warning light illuminated for the failure due to the instrument panel failure. The axle leak was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In the middle where the car chargers are – the one in the center isn’t working but the one to the right is. When doing maps, the visual map disappeared and just showed where to turn – happened about 2-3 time. Today the entire screen went black – no radio, phone, maps, nothing. No way to operate it at all. This is unrelated to the current recall that addresses the speedometer / display right behind the steering wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11714183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel failed to show critical information as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was recall-related; however, the parts were not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle has been out of service since October 7, 2025 due to a complete failure of the instrument cluster (combination meter). This issue is related to SAFETY RECALL 25TA08. The instrument panel is fully non-functional, making the vehicle unsafe and inoperable. The vehicle has been at Toyota dealership for approximately three months, with no repair completed and no clear timeline provided. The dealership stated they are awaiting instructions from Toyota Corporate and cannot proceed independently.
NHTSA complaint #11708716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am filing a complaint regarding a safety recall on my Toyota vehicle. Toyota issued the recall notice on September 11, 2025, but as of today there is still no available remedy. Due to this recall, my vehicle has been deemed unsafe and undriveable and has been out of service since October 8, 2025. While a rental vehicle has been provided, I have been without my own car for several months with no clear timeline or resolution. I am concerned about the extended delay in providing a recall remedy for a safety-related defect and the lack of transparency regarding next steps. I am requesting that NHTSA review Toyota’s handling of this recall, including the prolonged lack of a remedy and the impact on vehicle owners. I believe this delay is unreasonable and warrants further oversight.
NHTSA complaint #11705092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and reversing, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. While attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to move, but the vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. While driving, there was an abnormally loud clanking sound coming from the vehicle with the “WRENCH SYMBOL” displayed. There were other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle would be taken back to the local dealer for additional diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11699123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
fuel guage does not accurately indicate the amount of fuel in the tank. when guage showing completely empty the car takes about 12 gallons to fill, tank capacity shown in manual is 17.2 gallons.
NHTSA complaint #11694213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
center infoscreen blacked out while driving on 2 occasions weeks apart. screen rebooted after restarting car each time.
NHTSA complaint #11694215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Safety Complaint — 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander My 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has experienced multiple serious defects, including two official recalls: • 25TA08 — instrument cluster failure • 24TA09 — airbag defect This week, the instrument display failed completely, making it impossible to view speed or system warnings. I’ve been unable to work since then, causing financial hardship for my family. Earlier, I also had to replace the entire drive shaft at my own expense (~$2,500), which is highly unusual for a new vehicle. These repeated issues raise serious concerns about safety and reliability. I’ve submitted a formal complaint to Toyota Brand Engagement Center, and it has been acknowledged and assigned to a Case Manager. The dealer is still searching for a suitable loaner vehicle that meets my work requirements. Given the severity and recurrence of these defects, I request that NHTSA investigate this pattern and consider whether the vehicle qualifies for buyback or replacement under applicable consumer protection standards. • VIN: [XXX] • Mileage: 96150 miles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11691128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that there was a small crack on the windshield on the driver's side at the top where the windshield meets the frame. The contact stated that the crack had started to expand. The contact recently noticed another crack in the center of the windshield, starting at the bottom. The contact stated that both cracks were approximately 5 inches long and expanding. The contact had not struck a rock or road debris for the windshield to crack. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed and was advised by the dealer that the cracks were the result of small stones being kicked up by other vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact had been experiencing failures of the infotainment screen going black, and the side-view mirror Blind Spot warning lights not functioning as designed. The vehicle had been taken to the same dealer several times, and the dealer resolved the issue. The contact stated that the infotainment screen failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11685012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Over 1.5 years of owning my new 2024 grand Highlander platinum hybrid pro max I have had multiple incidents (6 documented now with toyota) where after coming to a complete stop I go to accelerate and the car shutters,sputters,lunges, and even looses power or goes into “limp mode”. I have been almost hit several times now by oncoming traffic because my grand Highlander completely loses power. It will not accelerate. After 5 seconds I typically hear loud groaning noises followed by two loud bangs and two violent lurches forward before my car finally regains power. No warning lights popped up on my dash any of the times my car has lost power. My dealership keeps telling me “no problem found” and that I am the only one with this issue. This is false. There are many complaints online and finally after I did not give up the dealership pulled a comprehensive RoB scan/report on my car and found multiple transmission failure codes on the transmission system/TCM. One “lack of acceleration code” was even dated two weeks before I bought my brand new grand Highlander with toyota. I received my grand Highlander with 6 miles on it. I was the first owner. My PDI “pre-delivery inspection date was one week after this transmission failure code”. When I presented this to toyota reps who finally met with me at the dealership they had nothing to say. Toyota knows about this problem and they do not know how to fix it. It is a serious safety issue and I refuse to allow someone to get hurt because Toyota will not be honest and relay this known issue. After the dealership and toyota reps told me I was the only one with this issue toyota officially released a service bulletin in March 2025 for a TCM flash reset/update to address sluggish acceleration, loss of power, and limp mode with the transmissions TCM when the hybrid systems battery is at 33% or less. My dealership installed the TCM update about 1.5 months ago and unfortunately my car has had two more instances since with loss of power.
NHTSA complaint #11670662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Missing the wire connector for the puddle lamp installation? although not a safety issue, would like to bring this to attention; wire connectors (and wires) missing on both driver and passenger doors? Not sure if this was a factory oversight, or an error in original wiring diagram of Toyota? If so, there could be other wires missing in the vehicle as well. Hopefully Toyota will look into this and propose a fix for their customers. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11669921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention system failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the image was visible; however, there was no tone alert. Additionally, there was a message indicating that the Adaptive Cruise Control was unavailable and to see the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the automatic braking system had independently activated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was replaced two weeks prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11664671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.