Toyota Highlander Recalls

The Toyota Highlander has 54 recalls spanning 2001 through 2025, with the most serious recent issue being a third-row center seat belt anchor installed at the wrong angle on 2024-2025 models, which can prevent the belt from properly restraining an occupant in a crash.

The current and near-current generation has several other restraint and safety system concerns. On 2021-2024 models, the second-row seat backs may fail to lock during adjustment and can move in a crash. The 2023 model year has a clockspring defect that can deactivate the driver's airbag, and prior repair attempts under an earlier campaign did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles. On 2020-2021 models, a software error in the passenger seat occupant classification system can cause front passenger airbags to deploy incorrectly or not at all. The 2020 model also has a separate issue where incorrect trim covers on front seats can block the seat-mounted side airbags from deploying, and the stop-start system can stall the engine while driving. The 2020-2022 Highlander Hybrid has a software defect that can deactivate electronic stability control without warning. On 2023-2025 models, a software error can cause the rearview camera to freeze or go blank while reversing. The 2020-2023 front lower bumper cover can detach during normal driving and become a road hazard. On 2022-2024 Highlander L and LE models equipped with the Blackout Package, the installed 20-inch tires carry an insufficient load rating and can fail under normal load.

Going back to the mid-generation years, 2017-2019 models are affected by a fuel pump defect that can cause the engine to stall while driving. The 2018 model has a separate brake booster vacuum pump issue where a machining error can cause sudden loss of brake assist. The 2015 model has an electric power steering control unit that can fail over time, causing unexpected loss of steering. On 2014 models, multiple seat-related recalls cover a second-row seat that may not lock into its track and a third-row center seat belt that may not be secured to its floor anchor. A software defect on 2014 models can also cause the passenger seat occupant classification system to under-restrain a larger front passenger in a crash. The 2016 model has a brake fluid level sensor that may not be connected to the wiring harness, preventing the system from detecting low brake fluid.

The 2008-2010 model years carry the well-known floor mat recall, where an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal wide open, making the vehicle difficult to slow or stop. The 2008 model has an additional issue where curtain airbag roll sensors can trigger inadvertent airbag and pretensioner deployment, and the third-row seat belts may not lock properly when securing certain rear-facing child seats. The 2008-2011 power window switches can overheat and melt if moisture and debris enter the switch without adequate lubrication. The 2006-2010 Highlander Hybrid inverter can cause the vehicle to enter a reduced-power mode that limits drivability. On 2005-2011 models sold through Southeast Toyota with aftermarket heated seats, a damaged heating element can short circuit and start a fire.

Earlier production from 2004-2006 has a brake master cylinder issue where incompatible brake fluid can cause internal seals to curl, degrad