Toyota Highlander Engine problems
213 of the 2,062 complaints about the Toyota Highlander (10.3%) concern Engine, making it the model's third-largest problem area. That share is 0.5× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2019 model (74, 15% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2025 model (1). 45 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 40 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
Owners most often describe: “engine”, “transmission”, “acceleration”, “whining” and “hybrid system”. 15 of these reports (7.0%) describe a crash or fire, with 7 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 45 · Previous 12 months: 40
Common terms in reports
- engine95
- transmission56
- acceleration34
- whining18
- hybrid system14
- check43
What owners report
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.
My vehicle was parked for about an hr 30 min , and it started smoking from dashboard area and immediately went into flames .
Driving the vehicle a strong smell of fuel vapor is noticeable coming from rear driver side of vehicle by rear door and fuel cap area. This happens when car is driven for long periods of time or on hot days. I drive my car daily and it happens every day.
I am writing to formally document a series of unresolved mechanical issues with my vehicle, culminating in a complete transmission failure, and to request assistance in resolving this matter.
While driving my 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited, the check engine light began flashing off and on. I was near an exit and drove off the freeway. I could feel the car (near the gas pedal) start shaking, then the power went down quickly...
The car is was a 2019 Toyota Highlander with approximately 125,000 miles. White Smoke started appearing in the exhaust. Quickly after that, the check engine light appeared and started blinking, meaning the engine was misfiring.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · Toyota Highlander
- Transmission / powertrain606
- Body & structure222
- Engine213
- Interior & equipment210
- Brakes204
- Airbags & seat belts156
- Fuel system154
- Electrical133
- Wheels, tires & suspension41
Toyota Highlander problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›
Related reading
- Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the Toyota Highlander?
213 of the 2,062 complaints about the Toyota Highlander (10.3%) concern Engine, making it the model's third-largest problem area. That share is 0.5× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Toyota Highlander model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2019 model (74, 15% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2025 model (1).
Is there a recall for Toyota Highlander Engine problems?
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.