NHTSA Data Explorer
Toyota Highlander
Data refreshed May 30, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Toyota Highlander.
Complaints
6,256
Active records
Recalls
57
Active records
TSBs
1,369
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
58
Injuries
398
Crashes
516
Fires
75
Top reported issues — Toyota Highlander
Click a category to expand its values.
Operating state
Condition issue
Noise
Reporting mechanism
Braking behavior
Performance issue
Driver assistance issue
Engine behavior
Safety restraint issue
Fluid issue
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Access/entry issue
Vibration/harshness
Electrified system issue
Steering behavior
Thermal issue
Safety restraint behavior
Electrical issue
Infotainment behavior
Lighting behavior
Starting behavior
Powering on/off behavior
HVAC behavior
Smell
Ride/handling behavior
Recent change
Wiper/washer behavior
Communication/network issue
Charging behavior
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2010 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed May 28, 2026
My car all of a sudden went into limp mode while driving on the 91 freeway with my kids in the car on may 21 2026. It had master warning ⚠️ light and check engine light and a circle warning light that is the braking system also it said on the screen check hybrid system stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact a dealer. It smelled like smoke as I was trying to get out of traffic and drive it to the shoulder.I towed the car to the Toyota dealer in Orange and was told it's the…
2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed May 28, 2026
Transmission failure (whining noise similar to the well-documented issue with UA80F 8-speed transmissions). I reported the noise and requested a specific diagnosis at approximately 95k miles --- no warning lamps/warnings were visible, just noticeable noise while driving without the radio on. On May 22, 2026, Torrington Toyota confirmed that the transmission was failed, but vehicle is drivable. As I purchased a Toyota Extended warranty, Toyota has approved the order of a remanufactured unit,…
2022 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed May 28, 2026
The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the exterior of the vehicle. The driver pulled to a highway hot shop. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the upper side of the lower front bumper cover had detached and the cover was hanging and dragging. The contact secured the cover with strings and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired…
2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed May 28, 2026
Transmission is whining on speeds between 25-55 mph. Pointing to pre-mature internal failure of components in Transmission.
2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed May 28, 2026
I took my car in for service and I noticed my car is making a loud whining noise. I asked the mechanic about it and he said my transmission is going out. I found on the web several people complaining about the 8-speed Toyota transmission and how it will stop working shortly. The complaints are numerous and it listed all the of the technical bulletins that Toyota issued and they knew about the problem years ago. I am taking my car to shop to have it fixed or replace. Based upon all my…
2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed May 26, 2026
My 2021 Toyota Highlander was making a high pitched whine sound upon acceleration with the sound level holding steady at a consistent speed. We took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership to have it looked at and were told the transmission needs to be replaced. No other warnings were received. We are concerned about our safety if the transmission goes out while on the road.
2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed May 26, 2026
I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 100,500 miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable whining noise coming from the transmission/drivetrain area that continues to worsen over time. The noise is most noticeable during acceleration and while driving at highway speeds. I brought the vehicle to Toyota for inspection and was informed that the issue is related to the transmission. However, Toyota denied repair assistance because the vehicle is outside the powertrain warranty…
2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed May 24, 2026
There is a known issue with the transmission in my 2017 Toyota Highlander that causes premature failure. This is noted in a Toyota Customer Support Program Bulletin. The issues symptoms are the same as those my car has: a whining noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination. I have contacted Toyota and explained this to them, but they have told me that my car's VIN number does not match the identified…
2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed May 23, 2026
My 2021 Toyota Highlander makes a whining sound when driving. Took vehicle to dealership and was told it is a $10,000 repair and repair is critical.
2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Filed May 23, 2026
Premature transmission failure due to factory defect. All maintenance was done on time and at dealership.