This page covers 3 recalls, 257 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Toyota Highlander.
22–28 mpg combined
8.4–10.7 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain complaints dominate what owners of the 2017 Toyota Highlander report, with transmission issues making up the largest share. Owners frequently describe delayed or hesitant shifting, whining or grinding noises during coasting, and in several cases, complete internal transmission failure requiring replacement. Engine-related complaints come in second, with a recurring pattern around oil and fluid leaks, timing cover leaks in particular show up across multiple reports, often discovered during routine service at higher mileage. The fuel and propulsion system rounds out the top three, though its complaints overlap somewhat with the drivetrain concerns already described. A smaller number of owners report adaptive cruise control behaving inconsistently, specifically failing to respond correctly when attempting to adjust the set speed while the system is active.
257
Total Complaints
17
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
15
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Toyota Highlander has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the fuel pump, which can fail and cause the engine to stall without warning while driving.
On the accessory side, certain vehicles fitted with roof rail cross bars have fasteners that may not have been tightened properly, allowing the rails to loosen and potentially detach while driving, creating a hazard for other vehicles. The spare tire on some of these vehicles may also have been shipped with incorrect air pressure, which can cause the tire to underperform if it is ever put into service.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved version at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fasteners securing the roof rail cross bars may not be tightened to the correct tension, potentially causing the bars to loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fasteners and tighten them to the proper tension at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The spare tire on affected vehicles has incorrect air pressure and does not match the pressure specified on the Tire Pressure Label.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the spare tire and adjust its pressure to the correct level at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
