InsightArise CarsU.S. Owner Complaint Index
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2023 Toyota Highlander problems, complaints & recalls

Typical Rising

NHTSA has received 185 owner complaints about the 2023 Toyota Highlander, or 50.4 per year on the road — a typical number of complaints for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 1.20, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #66 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Toyota models its rate is 48% higher; against other Midsize SUVs it is 5% lower.

Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count

Complaints filed between 2023-02-14 and 2026-08-25. Median delay from incident to filing: 24 days.

185Complaints
50.4Complaints per year on the road
1.2Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
9Recalls
6.5%Share involving a crash or fire
71Last 12 months

Analysis

The previous model year (2022) drew 51.8 complaints per year, about the same. The following model year (2024) drew 15.7 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2023 model collected 101 complaints, 22% higher than the average vehicle of the same model year.

The most common problem area is Body & structure (20.0% of complaints), followed by Interior & equipment (16.8%) and Engine (14.6%). Body & structure complaints are 2.2 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Body & structure reports, owners most often mention “structure”, “bumper”, “received notification”, “confirms available” and “tool confirms”. 12 reports (6.5%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 12 injuries and 0 deaths.

Half of the reported incidents happened within 18 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the first year (31% of incidents). In the last 12 months 71 new complaints were filed, versus 28 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.

NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for this model year. 59% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.

Complaint index

  • vs. all tracked vehicles1.2
  • vs. other Toyota models1.48
  • vs. other 2023 models1.2
  • vs. other Midsize SUVs0.95
  • Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (101)1.22
  • #66 of 92 · 2023Rankings ›

1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.

Other model years

  • 201831.0 per year0.74
  • 201962.7 per year1.49
  • 202047.6 per year1.13
  • 202191.0 per year2.16
  • 202251.8 per year1.23
  • 202350.4 per year1.2
  • 202415.7 per year0.37
  • 20255.4 per year0.13

Toyota Highlander problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›

What owners complain about

  • Body & structure37 · 20.0% · 2.18×
  • Interior & equipment31 · 16.8% · 1.87×
  • Engine27 · 14.6% · 0.66×
  • Other18 · 9.7% · 5.36×
  • Airbags & seat belts16 · 8.6% · 2.25×
  • Brakes14 · 7.6% · 1.25×
  • Electrical12 · 6.5% · 0.41×
  • Transmission / powertrain11 · 5.9% · 0.51×

vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average

Body & structure · Common terms in reports

  • structure19
  • bumper11
  • received notification16
  • confirms available12
  • tool confirms12
  • recall available14

Interior & equipment · Common terms in reports

  • experience connect5
  • subscription3
  • eyes4
  • map3
  • sunroof5
  • navigation4

Engine · Common terms in reports

  • hesitates10
  • acceleration10
  • hesitation7
  • octane fuel3
  • lag5
  • surges4

Problem areas: Transmission / powertrain · Body & structure · Engine · Interior & equipment · Brakes · Airbags & seat belts · Fuel system · Electrical · Wheels, tires & suspension

When complaints were filed

2023: 37 37 2023 2024: 64 64 2024 2025: 32 32 2025 2026: 52 52 2026
  • Crashes reported: 12
  • Fires reported: 0
  • Injuries: 12
  • Deaths: 0

Vehicle age at incident

  • <1 yr31.4%
  • 1–2 yrs27.6%
  • 2–3 yrs20.0%
  • 3–5 yrs21.1%
  • 5+ yrs0.0%

Median age at incident: 18 months

What owners report

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.

Segment peers · 2023 · Midsize SUVs

ModelsComplaintsComplaints per year on the roadComplaint index
2023 Ford Edge226.00.14
2023 Dodge Durango359.50.23
2023 Honda Passport3710.10.24
2023 Chevrolet Traverse8623.40.56
2023 Subaru Outback8924.20.58
2023 Nissan Pathfinder10328.00.67
2023 Ford Explorer10729.10.69
2023 Honda Pilot13737.30.89
2023 Kia Sorento15642.51.01
2023 Toyota Highlander18550.41.2
2023 Kia Telluride20455.51.32
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe28276.81.83
2023 Hyundai Palisade396107.82.56
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee562153.03.64

Safety recalls (9)

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER Campaign 26V128000 · 2026-03-05

Summary: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed April 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated August 27, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION Campaign 25V744000 · 2025-10-30

Summary: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL Campaign 25V595000 · 2025-09-11

Summary: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.

STEERING:COLUMN Campaign 25V040000 · 2025-01-29

Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS Campaign 24V548000 · 2024-07-23

Summary: 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.

Remedy: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.

TIRES Campaign 24V452000 · 2024-06-18

Summary: 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.

Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.

TIRES Campaign 24V419000 · 2024-06-06

Summary: 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.

Remedy: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS Campaign 23V720000 · 2023-10-26

Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.

Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.

STEERING:COLUMN Campaign 23V480000 · 2023-07-12

Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.

How to check whether your car has an open recall ›

Investigations

No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.

Frequently asked questions

How many complaints were filed for the 2023 Toyota Highlander?

185 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Toyota Highlander, or about 50.4 per year on the road.

What is the most common problem reported for the 2023 Toyota Highlander?

The most common category is Body & structure, accounting for 20.0% of complaints.

Does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 safety recall(s) for this model year.

Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander still generating complaints?

In the last 12 months 71 new complaints were filed, versus 28 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.

How does the 2023 Toyota Highlander compare with similar vehicles?

NHTSA has received 185 owner complaints about the 2023 Toyota Highlander, or 50.4 per year on the road — a typical number of complaints for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 1.20, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #66 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Toyota models its rate is 48% higher; against other Midsize SUVs it is 5% lower.