2017 Toyota Highlander fuel system problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The engine stalled because the fuel pump is failing. We have found that many 2017 Toyota Highlanders have had the fuel pump recalled for this exact issue, yet our VIN is not included in this recall. We experienced the exact issue the recall was issued for stalling while driving. Issue on July 24, 2027: The engine stalled while driving on the highway at high speed and lost power steering, creating a major safety issue. We had our vehicle towed to a car care center. The car care center identified diagnostic codes related to low pressure fuel system pressure, engine stall history, etc. but cannot reproduce the issue. After checking multiple systems, he believes the issue is a failing fuel pump. Background: Over the past 6 months, we have had problems with the check engine light turning on. On multiple occasions, we have brought the car to get diagnosed and the reading has consistently been fuel pressure codes. Each time we get the car diagnosed, the technician could not reproduce the issues and cleared the codes without resolution.

NHTSA complaint #11749551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Leaking fuel line due to deterioration of plastic liner in fuel line.

NHTSA complaint #11696733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Today (8/26/2025) my wife experienced the engine light kicked on and that the AWD system needed to be checked. After fueling up it made knocking noises and difficulty starting, and took two times to start up. Ran an OBD scan and this is what it says, which is related to fuel pump low pressure. P117B - Fuel Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Severity - High Description - Indicates a problem with the fuel pressure sensor circuit, where the sensor's output signal is outside the expected range or performance criteria, leading to potential issues with fuel delivery or engine performance. P0174 - System Too Lean (Bank 2) Severity - High Description - Your engine is getting too much air and/or not enough fuel, this is known as a "Lean" condition. Excess oxygen is getting into your engine, which makes the combustion process less efficient. This could be caused by many different factors. Consequences of Continued Driving - Reduced power, Engine knocking, Rough idle

NHTSA complaint #11683315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

After getting gas, the vehicle will not start. It will crank and crank but not turn over, like it is starving for gas. Then after 10-15 minutes it will start barely and to keep it running I have to floor the accelerator. Any other time it starts just fine. There are also no codes causing a check engine light.

NHTSA complaint #11673285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Toyota manufacturing issue-fuel line is manufactured incorrectly-had gas seeping into cab of vehicle and tailpipe. Severe safety issue Steering wheel/column sticks and almost lose control when driving due to a worn out coupler-poor design and manufacturing.

NHTSA complaint #11634540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with several warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an image with the brake pedal depressed was displayed. The contact was informed by his wife that the vehicle then stalled. The driver was unable to restart the vehicle and assistance was provided to push the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The driver was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA complaint #11625513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking, the RPM decreased, and the vehicle started losing motive power. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed. The contact stated that she came to a complete stop at a traffic light. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete top, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle jerked increasingly while driving. The contact veered to the side of the road, where she remained. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring for months. The vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the low-pressure fuel pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA complaint #11577200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I just bought this car and I noticed when the car is sitting and idling it has a strong smell of raw gas in the passenger compartment. I took it to the fire department and they smelled it as soon as they opened the door. They also said this is not safe and I shouldn't be smelling a strong odor of gas in the passenger compartment.

NHTSA complaint #11571212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This is the SECOND incident with this vehicle in the past 4 months. When going to start my vehicle, it would not start. It gave me this error message: Braking power low, Stop in a Safe Place, See owners manual. There is NOTHING about this in the owners manual. The first time I thought it was battery related and after 3 different chargers on my vehicle, it finally started. Tonight I proceeded to push the button without the foot pedal and the radio came on, so it is definitely not the battery. I've tried several times to start and to no avail. Problem has not been reproduced as i cannot drive my vehicle at this time. No inspection as of yet. No warnings or symptoms prior to failure. Research shows it may have to do with a fuel pump pressure issue. I have paperwork on this issue under a customer support program 23TE01. Hoping this can become a recall and i can get this fixed .

NHTSA complaint #11554968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I’m not sure why this recall does not show up for my car & we’ve never been notified by Toyota. I have a video of the noise my makes when it’s off on the driveway…I can provide an alternate way as your online system does not allow video. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11544731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Car started to not start after getting fuel. Come to find out the purge valve was remaining stuck open. Dealer told me that this was concerning as it was allowing vapor to gather in my engine. Vehicle was confirmed by two different Toyota dealerships to have faulty purge valve. The purge valve would cause all the warning lights to come on in the Highlander, telling you your AWD system was bad to other warning lights. In doing research this seems to be a problem in various years of Toyota Highlanders. Concerning that something related to controlling fuel vapor could be this common and leading to a build up that could cause something more serious to happen.

NHTSA complaint #11538652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Car won’t start after getting gas. Check engine like comes off and on. Rough stopping and getting up to speed. When issue with getting to speed on highway put us in dangers way. Not being able to start vehicle multiple times for long period concerning and frightening for family.

NHTSA complaint #11536398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was driving to work when my car didn't want to accelerate and then stalled. I had it towed to Toyota dealership in battle creek mi. They called me today and said my low pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. I checked online and saw Toyota had done a recall in 2020 for this part on the 2017-2019 Highlander and I have the 2017 Highlander. When I had the vin # checked it does not show my car as one to be recalled. My question is why not? when it shows this is a part that people are having problems with . I thankfully was not pulling out in traffic when it went out!

NHTSA complaint #11532742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Car refused to start. Multiple cranking that had to be stopped by turning car off. Car was not receiving fuel. Waited one day and tried again. Car started on third time but ran very rough, with smoke and odor until it evened out. Drove with initial engine hesitation episodes to dealer. Asked for fuel pump replacement under Customer Support Program but dealer refuses because they cannot duplicate the problem. I am afraid to drive this car because I feel it’s unsafe. I am afraid the car will stall while driving causing an accident. I transport by grandchildren daily so a safe car is imperative. Called Toyota twice to resolve this but if the dealer doesn’t experience the same issue they will not replace my fuel pump even though this is a known issue. My car is not on the recall list yet. Looking back I have had hesitation issues upon acceleration for years. I feel the pump is to blame and should be replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11521294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Within 6 months of purchasing this car used at a Toyota dealership, the check engine, exclamation light, and "Go to dealership/check AWD" lights came on. I took it to the dealership who told me it would cost $250 just to check the lights. I took it to a car parts store who said "it's throwing a bunch of old codes". The dealership also suggested during oil change about $800 worth of work needing to be done and said my warranty I purchased would not cover it so I left. I had the fuel system flush done somewhere else.The lights went off for about a week and then came back on. About a month later.... While driving down the highway at a speed of approximately 60 mph, the rpm's and speedometer went haywire - jiggling and then decreased (and a weird sound like the car revving) even though foot was on gas, the car rapidly lost power and had to pull over on side of highway at night - this is of course very unsafe. Had to pull over and turn off car. Would not start right away but did after a few minutes. Took to mechanic - they could not find anything wrong. Could not reproduce. A few days later, after getting gas, car would not start. Had to wait an hour and then it did. Took back to mechanic, discovered water on spark plugs so had spark plugs replaced. Four days later, all the warning lights back on and car running roughly (like maybe lightly missing?). Component or system failure cause still unknown and yes it is available for inspection. Very frustrated and frankly a bit terrified to drive this very expensive vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11515704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My fuel pump has started going out causing my engine to slightly knock and my fuel gauge and range to read improperly

NHTSA complaint #11514656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the front passenger’s side tire. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was purchased, Norm Reeves Honda Superstore Huntington Beach (19131 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92648), and the contact was informed that no fault was found with the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while attempting to make a U-turn with an unknown message on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was purchased; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 67,500.

NHTSA complaint #11513602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated before the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 101,000. The contact stated that they repaired the vehicle themselves and no longer wishes to continue with this complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11503559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I own a 2017 Toyota Highlander, XLE. Last year my vehicle stalled 2 times. Luckily, I was in a position to put the car in park and restart. About 6 weeks ago, it stalled again. This time I was approaching a left turn lane, slowed down for a millisecond then accelerated and tried to make a left turn. At that moment, the vehicle stalled. I was almost in a nasty accident. I was in the middle of the intersection with a car approaching and a car behind me thinking I was making that left turn through the intersection. The 1st time it happened, I thought it might be bad gas. The 2nd time I rationalized it might be bad gas or just a fluke. The 3rd time, after almost being involved in a nasty accident, I did some research into this matter. As it turns out that as of the end of 2020 more than 6,000,000 Toyotas and Lexus’ have been recalled worldwide, 3,340,000 in the United States, including 2017-2020 Highlanders for fuel pump problems. As I understand it, it was a problem with fuel pumps with low pressure and my vehicle is experiencing the same characteristics of those recalled Toyota Highlanders. I believe it to be a very dangerous situation. I was informed that my VIN number was not included in the recall. I had a diagnostic assessment performed at Sport City Toyota in Dallas, TX., to determine the problem. They also drove it around for a couple of days to try and duplicate the problem. Of course, any reasonable person would know the chances of duplicating a problem that has happened 3 times in 60,000 mile is highly unlikely. Neither the diagnostic test nor the test drives revealed anything wrong with my vehicle. At that point Toyota told me there nothing further they could do for me. What I have experienced is legitimate issue as Toyota has a very well documented fuel pump problems. So now I’m driving what I consider to be an unsafe car. The Texas “Lemmon Law” is no help to me as I have over 63,000 miles on the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11474840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Car is very slow to start and has a faulty fuel pump.

NHTSA complaint #11462364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the fuel pump failed. The contact stated that when the fuel tank was full, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer had not performed a diagnostic test. The dealer cleaned the fuel injection system however, the repair did not correct the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11432157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle stalled while attempting to cross a 4 lane divided road (on or about 9/3/20). Engine sputtered and completely loss power. Vehicle was pushed out of busy traffic by a Sherriff's Officer to a side road. Vehicle was then towed to the dealership. Messages on screen displayed “check AWD system, check BMS system, pre-collision malfunction, EPS failure “. Battery was replaced and codes were cleared and rescanned reporting no problems. On 9/16/2020 vehicle again began sputtering shortly after starting engine and while driving on a busy road. I was able to drive into a nearby parking lot with reduced power. Engine completely stalled and the display panel showed the engine warning light and to see dealer. Vehicle was towed again to the dealership. Technician performed diagnostic health check on vehicle and found that the fuel pump was not sending any fuel to the engine (0 PSI). They tested and checked all wiring and connectors. Inspected wiring and grounds for the fuel pump and ECU. Technician isolated issue coming from fuel pump relay. They replaced relay and rechecked system, test drove vehicle with no further issues noted. On 6/11/2021 vehicle stalled again shortly after start-up while attempting to leave a shopping mall. Vehicle was again sputtering and losing power. I was able to park vehicle in same mall. Messages displayed on panel: “traction control turned off, check engine, reduced engine power, visit your dealer, check AWD system”. Engine then completely stalled. Called for tow service and waited for three hours but tow truck never arrived. Was able to restart engine and drove vehicle to dealer. Dealer replaced fuel pump and assembly after a week of testing. On 6/19/21 after paying dealer for the repairs the vehicle sputtered and stalled once again while attempting to leave the dealer’s parking lot. Same display messages seen as described above. Vehicle now in dealer’s garage awaiting further diagnosis.

NHTSA complaint #11421532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. After the recall repair, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the fault code reader indicated that there was a failure with cylinder 3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be taken apart to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA complaint #11419351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED PASSPORT TOYOTA (5001 AUTH WAY, CAMP SPRINGS, MD 20746, (301)899-6000) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #11403010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I HAD MY CAR BRAND NEW, WHEN I START DRIVING MY FRONT TIRES BRAKES SOMETIMES MAKE NOISES ALSO WHEN I TURN AROUND I HEARD MY FRONT TIRES MAKE NOISE, I ALWAYS DO OIL AND MAINTANCE SERVICE BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, I TOLD THEM ALL THE TIME THEY SAYED CHECKED EVERYTHINGS NORMAL, THEY ALWAYS SAYED, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHTS WAS ON WHEN I WAS DRIVING AFTER ONLY 2 YRS, THEY SAYED I HAVE PAY FEE FOR SERVICE ENGINE HAD SOMETHING GOING ON, IT DID NOT COVER IT, ALSO NOW WHEN I AM DRIVING ON FREEWAY ABOUT 70-80 MILES I HEARD SOME WIERD NOISE ON MY CAR BOTTOM AREA, I DID DOUBLE CHECK DOWN, IT DOES NOT AND BREAK LEAKING, I AM NOT REALLY HAPPY WITH MY, NOW ONLY 4 YRS, STILL HAS MORE NOISES COME OUT, ALSO I TOLD THE DEALER , THEY SAYED EVERYTHINGS NORMAL,

NHTSA complaint #11390928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER AUTONATION TOYOTA LOCATED AT 18700 STUDEBAKER RD, CERRITOS, CA 90703 WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11385662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR ACCELERATING, A SLIGHT PAUSE OR LOSS OF POWER IS NOTICEABLE. IT SEEMS AS IF FUEL IS CUT OFF OR ENGINE DOES NOT HAVE MAXIMUM ENGINE POWER TO MAINTAIN SPEEDS FOR VERY SHORT PERIODS OF TIME.

NHTSA complaint #11375169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA OF CHARLESTON (2100 SAVANNAH HWY, CHARLESTON, SC 29414, (843) 203-9032) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11373984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

INTERMITTEN FUEL PUMP PROBLEM, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS SUV STALLS AND WILL NOT START

NHTSA complaint #11361980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.