37 of the
7,124 complaints filed about the Toyota Highlander
are about the doors, latches and locks —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2012.
The only door that will lock or unlock using the fab key or the master lock button on the drivers armrest is the drivers side rear door. My vehicle is not able to be locked unless I do it manually and can not be unlocked unless i use the rear drivers side door. This has been reproduced by the dealership. There were no warning lamps or messages and no other symptoms. This has been going on for a month. I am being told by the dealership service department that 3 actuators failed at the same time. My lift gate also malfunctioned this year. Dealership diagnosed it with needing new struts. Not sure if this is related. Lift gate would not open or open only a small amount. This was using the inside button and the outside one as well.
NHTSA complaint #11741832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear hatchback of my Toyota Highlander fails to open. I tried resetting it and that did not correct the problem. The only way I’m able to open the trunk is by manually crawling into the trunk, removing the back panel on the hatch door and pressing an internal latch release. While no injuries have happened because of this problem, if someone was stuck in this car or if there were an accident and a passenger needed to be accessed through the rear trunk, this would create a problem as it is not accessible from the outside of the car.
NHTSA complaint #11734639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchase a 2018 Toyota Highlander in 2021. The vehicle had just over 8000 miles when purchased. The vehicle had manufacturers warranty but I purchased additional extended warranty in addition. I can review and find the dates but I don’t have it at the time I’m filling out this form. In any case, there was an issue with the passenger side door lock actuator not properly functioning. The door would not lock when using the key fob. Since the vehicle was under warranty, they replaced the actuator. In February or March of 2025, the passenger side rear door lock began with the same issues. The dealership diagnosed as another door lock actuator. The vehicle was still under warranty so the actuator was replaced. The actuator was ordered but not replaced until after the vehicle extended warranty had expired. Shortly before the second actuator was replaced, the front driver side lock began to give issues. It will not unlock or lock at all. The only way to get the lock engaged is to manually lock the door. In addition, the driver’s side rear door lock has quit functioning as well. I have reported the issue to the dealership but they have claimed they cannot repair since the warranty expired. The tech at the dealership (Rusty Wallace Toyota in Morristown, TN) told me that he has saw this issue in several highlanders. The safety issues is that the locks do not function unless manually engaged. If a child is in the rear seat, the door can be opened. When exiting the vehicle, the doors can be left unlocked inadvertently and unauthorized access can be gained to the vehicle leaving property at risk. I am in the process of getting these two no. Functioning actuators replaced but have been quoted a price in excess of $500 for the parts and labor. I have done some research and it appears this may be an issues on Highlander models 2009-2024. I can provide work orders to the actuators that have been replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11719761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the liftgate had failed to open or to close intermittently. The contact stated that the liftgate made an abnormal grinding sound while opening and would open 3-inch at a time while the contact continuously pressed the power liftgate button manually. The contact stated that the dealer had reset the liftgate; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
NHTSA complaint #11697980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have another issue that has never happened to me before. The front passenger door just popped open while I was sitting at a red light. I had just driven for over 2 hours with it closed and locked and it made a weird sound and shifted. The light on my dash came on and I had to unlock the doors and reach over to try to open and shut the door while I was at an intersection. HELP
NHTSA complaint #11688391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
3 of the 4 door lock actuators do not work properly. Some don't lock and some don't unlock. The only door that currently works is the driver's door. If I don't realize that a door did not lock someone can break into my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11675493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle and locking the vehicle with the key fob, the doors were intermittently unlocked upon returning to the vehicle. The contact stated that over the years, the failure had become more frequent, but had become constant. The contact called two dealers and informed the dealers about the failure and was informed that a callback would be returned; however, the contact had yet to receive the callback. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving around a corner and the driver's door popped open into the ajar position (not fully open, just ajar) and safety alarms went off. Confirmed that the doors were locked at the time this happened.
NHTSA complaint #11657006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk power switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the trunk power switch was enabled to unlock, however the trunk door did not unlock. The contact stated that the trunk power switch failed to unlatch the trunk door and the trunk door was stuck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with battery failure due to a lack of voltage. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that a Representative provided remedy options over the phone. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred intermittently. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #11626493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while placing groceries in the trunk, the lift gate violently fell on her head. While in the trunk, the liftgate came down, and her cousin was able to stop the liftgate from closing on the contact. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had a continuous headache and dizziness, and it was determined that she had a concussion when medical attention was provided at the emergency room. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11586602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk was opened, and the contact was storing items in the trunk space and the trunk lid fell on the contact's back. The contact stated that the failure occurred two or three times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,732.
NHTSA complaint #11572219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a pothole, and the driver’s side front door opened about 3-4 inches wide. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,874.
NHTSA complaint #11570800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to open and close properly or as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
NHTSA complaint #11517033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side doors failed to unlock while using the keys. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the door lock actuator needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11420249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN COLD WEATHER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK WAS HEARD HOWEVER, AFTER SEVERAL MOMENTS OF DRIVING, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND HE HEARD THE DOOR UNLOCKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER MARINA DEL REY TOYOTA LOCATED AT 4636 LINCOLN BLVD, MARINA DEL REY, CA 90292, (310) 439-9894 HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11363463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE TAILGATE, ALL OF THE OTHER DOORS UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO MALLOY TOYOTA (400 WEEMS LN, WINCHESTER, VA 22601, (540) 678-1791) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST ONLY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR UNLOCKED AND NOT THE OTHER DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT MALLOY TOYOTA; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STILL COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,800.
NHTSA complaint #11222696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR TO REMOVE HIS DAUGHTER FROM THE CAR SEAT, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO GO AROUND AND OPEN THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR IN ORDER TO GET THE INFANT OUT OF THE SEAT. ADDITIONALLY, DURING THE SECOND WEEK OF FEBRUARY OF 2018, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT DID NOT OPEN. AT THE END OF FEBRUARY, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE THE THIRD DOOR THAT EXPERIENCED ACTUATOR FAILURE. THE DEALER (LUGOFF TOYOTA IN LUGOFF, NORTH CAROLINA) DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE OWNER THE FIRST TWO TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED A THIRD TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11082442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AUTOMATIC DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE OF THE FOUR DOORS. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR. COLONIAL TOYOTA (2600 W PIKE RD, INDIANA, PA 15701, (724) 349-9100) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11047406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DOOR LOCKS WERE REPLACED PER AN UNKNOWN NHTSA CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WINDOW FAILED TO ALIGN WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ROLL IT UP OR DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V689000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,109.
NHTSA complaint #10948988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE THAT TIME, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES AND WAS REPLACED OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR HAS ALSO FAILED. THREE OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE FAILED BETWEEN 30,000 AND 42,000 MILES AND ONLY ONE WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10671763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.