NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The second-row seat backs may not lock securely when adjusted, potentially moving unexpectedly during vehicle operation.
What the fix does
This page covers 9 recalls, 161 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2023 Toyota Highlander.
24–36 mpg combined
6.5–9.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
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
For the 2023 Toyota Highlander, the heaviest concentration of complaints centers on structural issues, particularly the rear seating system. Owners frequently report that rear seats don't lock securely into position, with some describing noticeable seat movement during driving or impact situations. The power liftgate also draws repeated complaints, owners describe it refusing to close fully in cold weather, stopping partway and reversing, or failing to open at all when temperatures drop below roughly 25 degrees. Engine complaints, the second-most-reported named system, include a whining or droning noise that appears under acceleration, most audible in the 30–50 mph range and load-dependent, releasing the throttle tends to make it stop temporarily. A smaller cluster of service brake complaints rounds out the notable patterns. The liftgate cold-weather behavior appears consistently enough across reports that it stands out as a repeating seasonal issue for this model year.
161
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has 9 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's airbag clockspring, which can cause the airbag to deactivate and fail to deploy in a crash, raising the risk of injury. A prior repair attempt for this issue did not fully resolve the problem on some vehicles.
The second-row seat backs may fail to lock during adjustment, meaning the seat back could give way in a crash and not properly restrain an occupant. On the tire side, certain vehicles fitted with 20-inch wheels and tires through dealer-installed packages carry tires with a load rating too low for the vehicle, which can lead to tire failure while driving. The front lower bumper cover can come loose or detach from minor impacts and become a road hazard. The instrument panel display can fail to show critical information, and the rearview camera system can freeze or show a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse, both of which reduce the driver's awareness of hazards. There is also a labeling issue where an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may lead to the vehicle being overloaded.
At a glance
What can fail
The second-row seat backs may not lock securely when adjusted, potentially moving unexpectedly during vehicle operation.
What the fix does
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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 →
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the Panoramic View Monitor system may cause the rearview camera to freeze or go blank when backing up, blocking your rear visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the parking assist software at no cost to restore proper rearview camera function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel at startup may prevent the display of vehicle speed, brake system status, and tire pressure warnings.
What the fix does
For non-PHEV vehicles, dealers will update the instrument panel software wirelessly at no cost. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect and either replace the panel or update its software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A weld inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be incomplete, causing an electrical connection to separate and disable the driver's air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The weight capacity label on certain Toyota vehicles with GST accessories shows incorrect added weight values, which doesn't meet federal tire and rim safety standards.
What the fix does
Toyota will mail corrected labels to owners at no cost. Contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074 for assistance.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Twenty-inch accessory tires installed on certain 2021-2024 Highlanders have load ratings below what the vehicle's axle weight capacity requires, violating federal tire safety standards.
What the fix does
Toyota will inspect and replace the tires and information placard at no cost as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tires on certain 2022-2024 Highlander L and LE vehicles with the Blackout Package have a load rating that is too low for the vehicle's weight requirements.
What the fix does
Tires will be inspected and replaced as needed, and a new tire information label will be installed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front lower bumper cover may come loose or detach from minor impacts during normal driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the front bumper covers at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A weak weld inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may fail, causing the electrical connection to break and disable the driver's air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the spiral cable assembly and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.