FaultScore

FaultScore report

2023 Toyota Highlander problems

Owners have filed 232 complaints about the 2023 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA between 2023 and 2026. The largest single group is the other & unspecified. Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 25 worst.

D

FaultScore 65/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota Highlander.

How this is worked out

The numbers

232

Complaints

21

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

18

Injuries reported

31,812 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

54%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

NHTSA overall crash rating

From the agency's own crash tests

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 41 vs 50 Severity 87 vs 50 Early failure 92 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 41
Against the median year of the Toyota Highlander. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 87
16.8% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 92
54% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2023 compares with every other Toyota Highlander

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2023 Toyota Highlander

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Body & Structure 31 13.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 11,850 mi

Engine & Cooling 27 11.6%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,500 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 40,000 mi

Brakes 17 7.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires

4 crashes, 0 fires

Seats 13 5.6%

Median failure at 39,000 miles

Airbags 12 5.2%

8 crashes, 0 fires · median 34,125 mi

Median failure at 120,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 9 3.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,500 mi

Tires 5 2.2%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 5 2.2%

Median failure at 28,000 miles

Seat Belts 4 1.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 21,000 mi

Wheels 4 1.7%
Doors, Latches & Locks 3 1.3%

Median failure at 18,437 miles

Steering 3 1.3%

Median failure at 49,050 miles

Child Seats 1 0.4%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 13 44.8%
Automatic Emergency Braking 3 10.3%
Blind Spot Detection 3 10.3%
Exterior 3 10.3%
Assist 2 6.9%
Bumpers 2 6.9%
Latch 2 6.9%
Key/Sender 1 3.4%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 5 20.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 8.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 10 41.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 12.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 2 8.3%
150,000+ miles 2 8.3%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Frontal crash test of a 2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD

Side barrier crash test

Side pole crash test of a 2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD

Side pole crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD
16.4% risk
2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD
16.9% risk

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Feb 2023 peak 13 Aug 2026

Recalls on the 2023 Toyota Highlander

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2026101 39,897 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for the second-row seats may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the seatback(s) may not lock in position and could move in a crash. Safety Risk: A seatback that moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Action: To reduce the safety risk, Toyota recommends not using the second-row seats to transport passengers until the recall repairs have been completed. Toyota will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the spring in the second-row seatback recliner assemblies.

Recall 2025594 99,178 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: Under certain conditions, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to freeze or not to display. If this happens, the rearview image may not display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a panoramic view monitor system. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the parking assist ECU software.

Recall 2025469 70,480 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the combination meter in the instrument panel not to display when the vehicle is started. As a result, you may not be able to see certain information about the vehicle, including the speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights and malfunction tell-tales. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 12.3-inch display. Safety Risk: Warnings, tell-tales and gauges that don't display could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the combination meter software. Alternatively, certain eligible vehicles will be sent a wireless over-the-air software update, which you can install yourself. For certain vehicles, the dealer will also inspect and, if necessary, replace the combination meter.

Recall 2025242 7,441 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, the steering wheel spiral cable assembly could disconnect. If this happens, the airbag (SRS) warning lamp would turn on, and the driver-front airbag wouldn't work in a crash. This may also cause the horn or other steering wheel-mounted controls not to work properly. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2023-386. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair. Safety Risk: An airbag that doesn't work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Toyota will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the production date of the spiral cable assembly, and replace it if necessary.

Recall 2025037 31 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, the inspection completed by a Toyota dealer during recall SRC RF2 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-386) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second inspection is required. On certain vehicles, the steering wheel spiral cable assembly could disconnect. If this happens, the airbag (SRS) warning lamp would turn on, and the driver-front airbag wouldn't work in a crash. This may also cause the horn or other steering wheel-mounted controls not to work properly. Safety Risk: An airbag that doesn't work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Toyota will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the production date of the spiral cable assembly, and replace it if necessary.

Recall 2023574 50,501 units in Canada

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the front lower bumper cover may not be attached properly. As a result, if there is a minor impact to the front bumper, the lower bumper cover, engine under cover, and the fender liners could separate from the vehicle while driving. Safety Risk: Parts that detach from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: Toyota will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the front bumper cover and secure it. If damage is found, the dealer will also replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover(s).

Recall 2023386 7,018 units in Canada

Airbag

This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2025-242. Issue: On certain vehicles, the steering wheel spiral cable assembly could disconnect. If this happens, the airbag (SRS) warning lamp would turn on, and the driver-front airbag wouldn't work in a crash. This may also cause the horn or other steering wheel-mounted controls not to work properly. Safety Risk: An airbag that doesn't work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Toyota will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the production date of the spiral cable assembly, and replace it if necessary.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

West Helena, AR Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND SEAT BELT DIDN'T HOLD ME IN PLACE AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA complaint #11752111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Helena, AR Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND SEAT BELT DIDN'T HOLD ME IN PLACE AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA complaint #11752111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New York, NY 1 injured

SEATS

The driver’s seat lower cushion in my 2023 Toyota Highlander provided inadequate support during normal driving, particularly on the left side of the seat cushion where support for my left leg and hip area appeared insufficient. This caused uneven seating posture, increased discomfort, pressure, and difficulty maintaining a proper driving position during extended periods of driving. The seat became increasingly uncomfortable during prolonged use and caused pain, numbness, and difficulty maintaining a proper driving position. I am a professional driver and spend many hours operating the vehicle. Over time, the lack of support contributed to left-sided sciatica symptoms that required medical evaluation and physical therapy. Medical records document that prolonged sitting in the vehicle aggravated my condition and limited my ability to sit and drive comfortably. An independent upholstery specialist inspected the seat and determined that additional foam had to be added to the driver’s seat lower cushion to improve support and comfort. After the modification, the seat became significantly more comfortable. This indicates that the original seat cushion support may be inadequate. I believe this condition may affect other vehicles of the same model and should be investigated as a potential safety concern because it can affect driver posture, comfort, concentration, and safe vehicle operation during extended driving.

NHTSA complaint #11741796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Springfield, MO Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, pulling into an uphill driveway, the vehicle had independently accelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that she was not able to depressed in time and had crashed into the left side of the house, causing damage to the front driver-side bumper and quarter panel. The contact stated that the accident caused property damage to the garage of the house, which was covered by the insurance provider. A police report file. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal was depressed throughout the accident; however, the brake pedal was depressed after the crash had occurred, according to the electronic data. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA complaint #11736031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Springfield, MO Crash

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, pulling into an uphill driveway, the vehicle had independently accelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that she was not able to depressed in time and had crashed into the left side of the house, causing damage to the front driver-side bumper and quarter panel. The contact stated that the accident caused property damage to the garage of the house, which was covered by the insurance provider. A police report file. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal was depressed throughout the accident; however, the brake pedal was depressed after the crash had occurred, according to the electronic data. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA complaint #11736031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 34,125 miles Altavista, VA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 60–65 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of an oncoming vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. In addition, the contact stated that it was a very hard impact on an older model vehicle. The contact stated that the older model vehicle was made of steel. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was transported to the local medical center. The contact sustained severe sternum bruising, full spine whiplash, severe pain in the neck, both shoulders, and the upper back area. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was not inspected by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,125.

NHTSA complaint #11732975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Martinez, CA

SEATS

we had a recall on this car for so long and the dealership is not providing remedy date for this recall

NHTSA complaint #11758727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Buckeye, AZ

POWER TRAIN

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11758139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Buena Vista, VA

POWER TRAIN

I have a 2023 Toyota Highlander XSE with 77,015 miles on it. Last week we noticed that when pushing on the gas pedel to accelerate that the car started making a terrible whinning noise that did not go away. i scheduled a service call with dealership i purchased it from and where i take it for all of its scheduled service and they canfirmed that the transmission was failing and needed to be replaced so the problem has been confirmed by the dealership. In addition i contacted the toyota help line and asked for a Goodwill Warranty Assisstance case to be opened which is now under review. prior to the noise there were no indication of an issue such as warning lights messages or other symptons. To date there was no harm done to me or other individuals

NHTSA complaint #11755981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,000 miles Weatherford, TX

SEATS

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the second-row seat failed to lock in position as designed. The failure mileage was 39,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roanoke, VA

SERVICE BRAKES

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition loss of brake pad pressure resulting in acceleration of the vehicle under downhill conditions. Have momentarily experienced the loss of braking frequently during braking when going downhill. This results in the vehicle gaining speed during this 1 or 2 second period before braking returns. In one case it allowed our car to get dangerously close to the vehicle ahead of us but fortunately I was able to push the brakes harder to prevent an accident but did require aggressive braking. Luckily no one was behind us which may have resulted in the person following us braking hard or possible hitting us. This was a known issue for previous year Toyota Highlander models and Toyota issued service bulletin T-SB-0059-23 which is stated to only be for model years 2020 - 2022. So, Toyota dealers say they do not have a fix that applies to the 2023 model. It has been indicated that the dealer is unaware if any action is being taken by Toyota to address this issue in the 2023 and later models. We have multiple people driving this vehicle and this sudden loss of braking power is very concerning. The loss of braking force occurs upon the transition from regenerative braking to standard hydraulic breaking. Below are words from the Toyota Technical Service notice concerning the problem. "Highlander Hybrid vehicles may be sensitive to the momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking under certain driving conditions, such as while driving downhill, or turning with light brake pedal application. The brake actuator control module can be updated to improve brake feeling for this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition."

NHTSA complaint #11754929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,000 miles Grant-Valkaria, FL

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the driver’s and passenger’s side mirrors moved downward independently, causing the contact to manually adjust the side mirrors. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Naples, FL

POWER TRAIN

The transmission developed hesitations at take off, a whine at low speeds and over time got louder. Diagnosis by the dealer confirmed yet another bad eight speed transmission failure. This vehicle has 41K miles.

NHTSA complaint #11753668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waddell, AZ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle has strong gas smell and has gas vapor streaming out from under rear driver side wheel well and gas cap area.

NHTSA complaint #11753830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Helena, AR Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND SEAT BELT DIDN'T HOLD ME IN PLACE AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA complaint #11752111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Helena, AR Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND SEAT BELT DIDN'T HOLD ME IN PLACE AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA complaint #11752111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fayetteville, NC

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Tailgate stays open; sensors seem to fail. It will work one day and not work on another day. My wife is short and handicapped and she can’t close it manually.

NHTSA complaint #11751353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Taylor, TX

SEATS

Unknown. Toyota has recalled the recliner assembly in the second row seats. My car has been at the dealership for more than 60 days waiting for a remedy. There is still not one listed yet. I cannot safely drive my car as I have 2 children at home that must be with me as a sole parent.

NHTSA complaint #11749845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wichita Falls, TX

SEATS

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Safety Recall Number : 26V128 My vehicle has been officially grounded since XXX due to a severe safety recall that renders it unsafe to drive. A permanent remedy or repair part is currently unavailable from the manufacturer, forcing me to drive a loaner vehicle for over two months now. My car sits in uncovered parking lot of the Dealership ( Toyota Rockwall Texas) since XXX under the hot summer temperature of Texas which can cause cumulative damage to my car. . This prolonged delay creates an ongoing safety risk. The manufacturer's inability to provide a timely fix leaves me with no choice but to transport my [XXX] son in a temporary vehicle daily. I am also pregnant with my second child who is due to arrive in 3 weeks who will also be transported using the loaner vehicle if problem is not fixed yet. This situation exposes my family to unpredictable risks, as the safety history, structural integrity, and child seat compatibility of the long-term loaner are not equivalent to my personal vehicle. The manufacturer is failing to resolve a critical safety defect within a reasonable timeframe. I am filing this complaint to urge NHTSA to investigate the manufacturer's unreasonable delay in providing a final remedy for this safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11749759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palm Harbor, FL

SEATS

My 2023 Toyota Highlander was grounded by the dealership on 4/30/26 due to safety recall 26TB06 (NHTSA Campaign 26V128) regarding a defective 2nd row seat back latch. The vehicle has been sitting un-remedied on the dealer lot for over 47 consecutive days. The dealership state they can't return the vehicle due to safety liabilities but have no estimated date for a remedy. leaving me stranded without my vehicle. The vehicle has been sitting completely idle on an outdoor lot. Per Toyota's manufacturing guidelines, leaving a hybrid vehicle sitting unused for more than 30 days risks severe high-voltage hybrid battery degradation and capacity loss. Because of the delay in remedy , my health of my vehicle is being actively damaged on my paid off hybrid powertrain. As a Disabled Veteran, Toyota's inability to provide recall safety parts has caused a severe, ongoing physical and financial hardship. By grounding my vehicle for over 47 days, I have been entirely deprived of using my state-issued Disabled Veteran's license plates. This strips me of critical, legally mandated toll exemptions, parking accommodations, and physical accessibility benefits that I require on a daily basis. Driving an inferior dealer loaner does not adequately remedy this disruption to my veteran benefits.

NHTSA complaint #11744416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Northbrook, IL

SEATS

Toyota has an open safety recall/campaign for my 2023 Toyota Highlander, but the manufacturer/dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the recall in a timely manner. I am requesting NHTSA review the delay and lack of available remedy/repair.

NHTSA complaint #11744627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mesa, AZ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD has a recurring gasoline/fuel odor that began while the vehicle was still within the basic warranty period. The concern was reported to Toyota/dealer multiple times. At first, the odor was intermittent and difficult to duplicate, but the problem continued after repeated dealer visits. The fuel smell was later duplicated/confirmed while the dealer was open, before approximately 60,000 miles, but the vehicle was still not properly repaired. The odor has continued and recently occurred multiple days in a row. The smell has been noticed around/inside the vehicle and creates a safety concern because gasoline odor may indicate fuel vapor leakage or a fuel-system problem. Possible sources could include the fuel tank, fuel pump module or seal, filler neck, fuel lines, EVAP system, charcoal canister, purge valve, injectors, fuel rail, or another related fuel-system component. The vehicle has been inspected by a Toyota dealer multiple times, but the cause has not been identified or corrected. No warning light has clearly identified the source of the problem. The concern is especially serious because it involves fuel odor, possible vapor exposure, possible fire risk, and possible fuel-system failure. Occupants and others could be placed at risk if the odor is caused by a leak or defective fuel-system component. The dealer is now recommending removal/drop of the fuel tank for further diagnosis and quoted approximately $1,500 for that step. My concern is that full fuel-system diagnosis, including tank removal if needed, should have been performed earlier when the complaint was repeatedly made during warranty. The issue is not a new complaint; it is a continuing unresolved fuel odor concern that started during warranty and remained unresolved despite repeated dealer involvement. The vehicle and related components should be available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11744469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burley, ID

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

driving down the road and the sunroof exploded

NHTSA complaint #11744288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burley, ID

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sunroof Shattered and it sounded like a shot gun blast. The blast was from the inside out. Weather was a mild 70 degrees.

NHTSA complaint #11744305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Mill, SC

SERVICE BRAKES

When applying brake, in sporadic and unpredictable circumstances, the vehicle seems to switch from regenerative braking to brake pump braking. During this switch, braking power is lost completely. The vehicle was inspected by the Dealer, they stated no issues found / unable to reproduce. This issue, if unresolved, increases risk of vehicle collision. No warning lights, no messages, no other symptoms of the problem. This issue has been present for ~1.5 years.

NHTSA complaint #11743593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New York, NY 1 injured

SEATS

The driver’s seat lower cushion in my 2023 Toyota Highlander provided inadequate support during normal driving, particularly on the left side of the seat cushion where support for my left leg and hip area appeared insufficient. This caused uneven seating posture, increased discomfort, pressure, and difficulty maintaining a proper driving position during extended periods of driving. The seat became increasingly uncomfortable during prolonged use and caused pain, numbness, and difficulty maintaining a proper driving position. I am a professional driver and spend many hours operating the vehicle. Over time, the lack of support contributed to left-sided sciatica symptoms that required medical evaluation and physical therapy. Medical records document that prolonged sitting in the vehicle aggravated my condition and limited my ability to sit and drive comfortably. An independent upholstery specialist inspected the seat and determined that additional foam had to be added to the driver’s seat lower cushion to improve support and comfort. After the modification, the seat became significantly more comfortable. This indicates that the original seat cushion support may be inadequate. I believe this condition may affect other vehicles of the same model and should be investigated as a potential safety concern because it can affect driver posture, comfort, concentration, and safe vehicle operation during extended driving.

NHTSA complaint #11741796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richland, WA

POWER TRAIN

My 2023 Toyota Highlander was experiencing a high pitch whiny noise when accelerating. I looked up on line and saw that this could be a failing transmission issue. I took it into the Toyota Dealership , 6321 West Canal Drive, Kennewick, WA 99336. They confirmed my concerns. They said the transmission was toast and I could not drive it until repaired. They informed me they would have to order a replacement transmission under warranty. They further informed me that there is a backlog of requests for replacement transmissions because this is a major problem with Toyota. They have no idea how long it will be. It could be weeks or it could be months. In looking online, it appears that Toyota has been aware of this issue with the 8 speed transmission and has not been addressing the problem. My question, why isn't Toyota addressing this problem? Why does it take weeks or months to building a replacement transmission? Something needs to be done about this.

NHTSA complaint #11741497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Minneola, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

The brakes on this vehicle disengage and re-engage at will during braking. There are no indications of when it will occur. Brakes will disengage during low and high-speed braking, braking while going uphill, downhill, on flat roadway or during turns. This has resulted in several near miss accidents as well as debris was struck in the roadway due to being unable to stop. This vehicle was purchased new from the dealership in NM and was reported to them starting at 18,000 miles. Vehicle has been taken to numerous dealerships and reported with them as well. Toyota's answer is this is normal. Brakes disengaging and resulting in near accidents is not normal. It is now pending formal inspection from Toyota corporate by dealerships dismiss the problem as unable to replicate. This is to the point where we only drive when absolutely needed due to fear of an accident as this is the only vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11739463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anchorage, AK

SEATS

Rear back seat unproper locking system. I have got rear ended while my kids were at back and I found out the rear seat slide a bit about couple inches. Dealership can't do anything of the recall at the moment.

NHTSA complaint #11737890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Moore, SC

POWER TRAIN

Right after vehicle passed 60k miles mark (manufacturer warranty ended) I noticed a whining noise under load. During acceleration the noise is most noticeable between 30-50 mph speed range. If a gas pedal released the noise is gone and if pressed again the noise is coming back. The pitch increases with a speed increase. I took the car to dealership (current odometer reading 61,037 miles) and they diagnosed transmission failure. Apparently it is a very common issue with the current transmission family (UA80/UA81).

NHTSA complaint #11737849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fairport, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

The lift gate will not close, especially during temperatures below 35 degrees. The litigate will go down a few inches, beep, then go back up. In colder temperatures below 25 degrees the lift gate will not open.

NHTSA complaint #11736855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.