Owners have filed 55 complaints
about the 2024 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA between 2024 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 24 of 25 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 10
Against the median year of the Toyota Highlander. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2024 compares with every other Toyota Highlander
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
125.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
250.0%
150,000+ miles
125.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
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
2024 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD
16.4% risk
2024 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.
Mar 2024peak 6Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2024 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.
United States — NHTSA
26V128000
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
25V872000
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
Risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
25V744000
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
25V595000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
24V548000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
24V452000
TIRES
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
24V419000
TIRES
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202559499,178 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 202546970,480 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lenexa, KS1 injured
SEATS
Second row seats not latching when moved forward. Sliced up multiple finger when trying determine what was causing it not to latch. Put in a couple of stitches in 2 finger and bandage up the remaining 2 fingers
NHTSA complaint #11726926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MICrash
POWER TRAIN
Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consistently experiences a violent jerk/shock and an audible clicking noise during the first 2nd-to-3rd gear transition. This physical impact is severe enough to be felt directly by the driver through the accelerator pedal. The issue is highly predictable, occurring once after every "Cold Soak" period (6+ hours of sitting). [Dealership Failure] I presented the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership for diagnosis. Although the conditions for the issue were met, the technician stated they "could not feel or verify" the shock that I, as the primary driver, clearly experience. By failing to acknowledge a physical powertrain shock, the dealership is dismissing a potential mechanical failure as "normal operation" simply because no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are triggered. [Safety Risk] The failure to verify this symptom does not eliminate the safety risk. This unexpected shift shock causes a momentary hesitation in power delivery. If this occurs while merging into traffic or navigating an intersection immediately after a cold start, it creates an unpredictable vehicle response, significantly increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. [Request] I request NHTSA to investigate this specific 2-3 shift shock in 2023-2024 Toyota Highlanders. Toyota’s reliance on electronic codes to diagnose physical transmission defects is leaving drivers at risk of sudden powertrain failure or accidents in cold climates.
NHTSA complaint #11720553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granite City, ILCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
>While exiting a highway my vehicle surged forward crashing into the vehicle in front of me.Engaging the brake, my car smashed into the van again. I had no control over the forward momentum of the car. >Both the driver & I were in danger of injury >The problem has not been addressed as my damaged car is being repaired >The vehicle has not been inspected >I was given no warning that the incident was forthcoming
NHTSA complaint #11693669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granite City, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
>While exiting a highway my vehicle surged forward crashing into the vehicle in front of me.Engaging the brake, my car smashed into the van again. I had no control over the forward momentum of the car. >Both the driver & I were in danger of injury >The problem has not been addressed as my damaged car is being repaired >The vehicle has not been inspected >I was given no warning that the incident was forthcoming
NHTSA complaint #11693669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyomissing, PACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car was parked in the driveway with the engine running. The engine was then turned off from outside the vehicle using the start/stop button. Once the engine stopped, the car moved backward down the sloped driveway and struck a pickup truck that was parallel parked on the street. I then entered the vehicle and attempted to shift into drive, but a warning appeared indicating the hybrid system was off and instructing me to put the car in park. Multiple attempts were made to drive the car forward, but instead, it was driving in reverse. The car would not move forward for approximately five minutes. I eventually turned the engine off and restarted it after a couple of minutes. After restarting, I was able to drive the car off the street.
NHTSA complaint #11659903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyomissing, PACrash
ENGINE
My car was parked in the driveway with the engine running. The engine was then turned off from outside the vehicle using the start/stop button. Once the engine stopped, the car moved backward down the sloped driveway and struck a pickup truck that was parallel parked on the street. I then entered the vehicle and attempted to shift into drive, but a warning appeared indicating the hybrid system was off and instructing me to put the car in park. Multiple attempts were made to drive the car forward, but instead, it was driving in reverse. The car would not move forward for approximately five minutes. I eventually turned the engine off and restarted it after a couple of minutes. After restarting, I was able to drive the car off the street.
NHTSA complaint #11659903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Scottsdale, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a strong odor of gasoline coming from the car, to the point where the fumes are so strong they’re entering our home and making it very unsafe. We brought the vehicle to the Toyota dealership, and they said they couldn’t do anything about it. Keep in mind the car is still under warranty. Upon doing further research from Reddit, this seems to be a common issue with 2023+ Highlander and Grand Highlander models; however, Toyota is refusing to correct these issues. This is a hazard to say the least and something needs to be done asap!
NHTSA complaint #11757582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caseyville, IL
SEAT BELTS
The third row seat belts in the 2024 Highlander are very difficult to latch. I had to bring my Highlander to the dealership twice over the seatbelt buckles in the third row. The buckle part does not lift up high enough to grab the buckle to latch it. Anytime a child old enough to be in the third row sits back there an adult has to Buckle them because they can’t get the seat belt to latch to the buckle. It’s supposed to be a family friendly vehicle but if a 7 year old can’t buckle themselves, that is an extremely unsafe design. It often takes me 10-15 minutes to get kids buckled in my third row because of how challenging it is to get the seat belts to latch as an adult. I have had to use a butter knife to get them to latch. This safety issue , I did not have in my 2021Highlander. I don’t feel children are safe in the third row of my vehicle. This time the dealership said it had a debris in the buckle and that’s why it wouldn’t latch. However even when they do all latch they are very difficult to latch. These should be replaced with safe buckles that latch the first attempts
NHTSA complaint #11745432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
The trunk will not close using any of the buttons. This is an on going issue on so many newer highlanders.
NHTSA complaint #11742837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The trunk will not close using any of the buttons. This is an on going issue on so many newer highlanders.
NHTSA complaint #11742837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seneca, SC
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80 model , it only has 92,000 miles on it they can’t figure out what caused it . There are lawsuits with this vehicle already from other people and Toyota is not fixing the issue and won’t help with mine even after they have known what it is. I took it to one shop before Toyota to get a diagnostic it shown two codes one being in the transmission but they fixed that part and the vehicle still did not drive nor back up and then Toyota got the vehicle right after and they even said that it’s internal failure . Pictures listed below is how much for the tow truck fee, the part fee that I paid that was one code that was on the diagnostic tear down list , even after fixing payments and still not working and it going to Toyota and the messages from Toyota after everything got done and them saying the internal failure also . So not only 1 but 3 business that said internal failure .
NHTSA complaint #11736517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seneca, SC
ENGINE
The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80 model , it only has 92,000 miles on it they can’t figure out what caused it . There are lawsuits with this vehicle already from other people and Toyota is not fixing the issue and won’t help with mine even after they have known what it is. I took it to one shop before Toyota to get a diagnostic it shown two codes one being in the transmission but they fixed that part and the vehicle still did not drive nor back up and then Toyota got the vehicle right after and they even said that it’s internal failure . Pictures listed below is how much for the tow truck fee, the part fee that I paid that was one code that was on the diagnostic tear down list , even after fixing payments and still not working and it going to Toyota and the messages from Toyota after everything got done and them saying the internal failure also . So not only 1 but 3 business that said internal failure .
NHTSA complaint #11736517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I've been waiting for a recall repair based on a recall file nearly 8 months ago now. This recall still appears to have no remedy. I continue to get emails about this issue from my dealer, but when I call to schedule the appointment to fix it, they continue to tell me that no remedy is available yet.
NHTSA complaint #11735646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,590 milesKalispell, MT
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that there was a leak coming from the roof rack of the vehicle. The contact stated that previous model years since 2021 had experienced similar failures, which caused damage to the SRS air bag module. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,590.
NHTSA complaint #11734371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Huntingdon, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKING SYSTEM WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, ESPECIALLY WHEN APPLYING DOWNHILL, TEMPORARILY RELEASES AND ACTS AS THOUGH BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED ANY LONGER FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF A FEW SECONDS THEN REAPPLIES. IT DOES SO THAT IT IS VERY OBVIOUS WITHIN THE CAR. THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID BRAKING SYSTEM AND IT SEEMS THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED IN NEWER MODELS. ASKING NTHSA TO ADDRESS WITH TOYOTA AND GET IT FIXED.Technical Service Bulletin for 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Braking Issue. Some drivers reported a momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking, particularly when driving downhill or turning with light brake pedal application. Toyota has provided a software update for the brake actuator control module to improve brake feel.
NHTSA complaint #11733520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moore, OK
ENGINE
Vehicle smells like fuel after engine toggles on and off between the hybrid system. This issue is intermittent, but when it is taken to the dealership they smell the fuel, with no luck duplicating the issue. I have also noticed when the smell is present the vehicle seems to run rough.
NHTSA complaint #11732318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moore, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle smells like fuel after engine toggles on and off between the hybrid system. This issue is intermittent, but when it is taken to the dealership they smell the fuel, with no luck duplicating the issue. I have also noticed when the smell is present the vehicle seems to run rough.
NHTSA complaint #11732318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
Other/I am not sure
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a safety defect in my Evenflo Revolve 360 car seat. The white foam headrest component has completely detached due to what appears to be a failure in the original adhesive. This issue occurred despite proper use and adherence to all manufacturer guidelines. This component is part of the headrest system and plays a role in impact protection. Its detachment raises serious concerns about the structural integrity and crash performance of the seat. As a result, I no longer feel it is safe to transport my child in this car seat. I want to be clear that I am not comfortable attempting any at-home repair, including gluing the foam back into place, as modifications may compromise the seat’s compliance with federal safety standards and manufacturer specifications.
NHTSA complaint #11730788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Safety Recall remedy not fixed in a timely manner
NHTSA complaint #11730642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lenexa, KS1 injured
SEATS
Second row seats not latching when moved forward. Sliced up multiple finger when trying determine what was causing it not to latch. Put in a couple of stitches in 2 finger and bandage up the remaining 2 fingers
NHTSA complaint #11726926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Pleasant, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 12.3” display screen goes really dark and I have to restart vehicle to reset.
NHTSA complaint #11723811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MICrash
POWER TRAIN
Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consistently experiences a violent jerk/shock and an audible clicking noise during the first 2nd-to-3rd gear transition. This physical impact is severe enough to be felt directly by the driver through the accelerator pedal. The issue is highly predictable, occurring once after every "Cold Soak" period (6+ hours of sitting). [Dealership Failure] I presented the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership for diagnosis. Although the conditions for the issue were met, the technician stated they "could not feel or verify" the shock that I, as the primary driver, clearly experience. By failing to acknowledge a physical powertrain shock, the dealership is dismissing a potential mechanical failure as "normal operation" simply because no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are triggered. [Safety Risk] The failure to verify this symptom does not eliminate the safety risk. This unexpected shift shock causes a momentary hesitation in power delivery. If this occurs while merging into traffic or navigating an intersection immediately after a cold start, it creates an unpredictable vehicle response, significantly increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. [Request] I request NHTSA to investigate this specific 2-3 shift shock in 2023-2024 Toyota Highlanders. Toyota’s reliance on electronic codes to diagnose physical transmission defects is leaving drivers at risk of sudden powertrain failure or accidents in cold climates.
NHTSA complaint #11720553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartwell, GA
TIRES
The tires have not “failed,” but they are dry rotting on both the sidewalls and inside the tread. These came as the OE tires, size is 235/65 R18. This is a daily driven car with almost 30,000 miles on the odometer. There is no reason the tires should be dry rotting. This is a severe safety hazard, as most tire shops wouldn’t mount, balance, or even touch these tires if they were dry rotted this quickly. The tires have been rotated every 10,000 miles or so, and have been kept properly inflated throughout their life. They were made on the 42nd week of 2023. They began showing symptoms of light dry rotting around 6 months ago, but the problem has finally spread to the sidewall.
NHTSA complaint #11719690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I purchased the vehicle I was told I could use Apple CarPlay, or Toyota's Drive Connect. Apple works better so I've always used that. I am used to having to clear Toyota's pop up ads for Drive Connect several times per week, even once per day. Recently Toyota's Drive Connect ads pops up on screen every few minutes regardless of what hands free app I'm trying to use (navigation, phone call, audiobook, etc.). It's distracting which is dangerous and keeps me from being able to use the hands free feature through Apple Car Play in my car. After calling Toyota corporate and Toyota brand engagement, both entities told me the only way to get the pop up ads to stop is to subscribe. The pop ups are dangerous and not what I agreed to when buying the car, so it feels like blackmail to be told it will only stop if I pay them $15 per month for a subscription to something that I won't use that was not a required feature when I purchased the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11717692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adjuntas, PR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When the engine is running after hours a gasoline smell and vapor exit the tank by the cap.
NHTSA complaint #11716387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,357 milesMemphis, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the instrument cluster was blinking. The contact expressed that she was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact received the recall notices of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V744000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System) was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 13,357.
NHTSA complaint #11706841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,357 milesMemphis, TN
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the instrument cluster was blinking. The contact expressed that she was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact received the recall notices of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V744000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System) was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 13,357.
NHTSA complaint #11706841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the AC system is turned on, the idle increases from 740rpm to 760rpm. It engages the torque converter in the automatic transmission causing the car to move forward on its own. This makes it difficult, whether you are in traffic or at a stop light where there are vehicles stopped infront of you. The driver has to press hard on the brake pedal to keep it from moving forward. The local Toyota dealership (Hendrick service manager and two service technicians) said it was fine. Toyota Brand Engagement sent Eric who is their corporate regional engineer to inspect the car. He said it was fine. I have spoke with Toyota Brand Engagement several times and at various levels who all say it functions fine as the idle is within limits. I asked Toyota for an idle specification sheet but no one (the local Toyota Dealership, Engineer from Toyota Brand Engagement, or CEO office of Toyota Brand Engagement) is able to produce an idle specification sheet for the vehicle. They continue to state it is normal. Toyota Executive Office Case XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11704547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NC
ENGINE
When the AC system is turned on, the idle increases from 740rpm to 760rpm. It engages the torque converter in the automatic transmission causing the car to move forward on its own. This makes it difficult, whether you are in traffic or at a stop light where there are vehicles stopped infront of you. The driver has to press hard on the brake pedal to keep it from moving forward. The local Toyota dealership (Hendrick service manager and two service technicians) said it was fine. Toyota Brand Engagement sent Eric who is their corporate regional engineer to inspect the car. He said it was fine. I have spoke with Toyota Brand Engagement several times and at various levels who all say it functions fine as the idle is within limits. I asked Toyota for an idle specification sheet but no one (the local Toyota Dealership, Engineer from Toyota Brand Engagement, or CEO office of Toyota Brand Engagement) is able to produce an idle specification sheet for the vehicle. They continue to state it is normal. Toyota Executive Office Case XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11704547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On or about Oct, 3rd, 2025 , my vehicle experienced the 'Check Engine' light and all the warning lights lit up, the hybrid system failed to engage, the vehicle would say “park somewhere safe /take to dealer” . I immediately took the vehicle to the authorized Toyota dealership, Wonderies Toyota Alhambra , for diagnosis. They said they could not find anything, reset the sensors, and told us to come back if the problem persisted, and one hour later the system lights lit up again. We returned the same day and the dealership informed me that the issue is a severe corrosion of the underbody wiring harness , specifically citing external damage or 'spillage' as the cause. The estimated cost for a complete replacement of the wiring harness is approximately $6- 7,000.00. I contend that this corrosion is not the result of customer spillage but rather a manufacturing defect related to inadequate design, covering, or routing of the wiring harness, which makes it highly susceptible to road hazards, moisture, and environmental contaminants. Crucially, this issue appears to be covered under the Toyota Limited Service Campaign (LSC) related to wiring harness deterioration (LSC25TD01 / LSC-J02). Toyota states my vehicle is not covered however Toyotas own website states the Highlander HV 2024 has been added recently in Sep.2025 . I request that NHTSA review my case in light of this known issue to determine if the defect presents an unreasonable risk to safety and to urge Toyota to properly remedy this problem under the terms of the applicable coverage or warranty enhancement. I formally request that Toyota honor the spirit of the Limited Service Campaign LSC25TD01 and cover the full cost of the replacement wiring harness and labor. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11695503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, TX
SUSPENSION
UNKNOWN - 2024 Toyota Highlander makes a drumming or hooting sound when driving over normal to slightly rough roads. It is not related to expansion joints in the road. 1st dealer said it was a rt. wheel bearing, changed it and it did not work. He then said it was in all Toyota's with 20" wheels. I paid to change tires and wheel to no avail. 2nd dealer said it was normal even though mechanic heard the noise. His supervisor said it was fine and they would do nothing to try to isolate the noise. Noise is very obvious.
NHTSA complaint #11694379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
