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.
This page covers 7 recalls, 37 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2024 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
Complaints about the 2024 Highlander are spread across a few systems, with brakes drawing the most reports. Owners most commonly describe a braking irregularity where the pedal briefly loses resistance or feels like braking pressure releases for a few seconds before reengaging, most noticeable on downhill grades. A smaller cluster of powertrain and electrical complaints covers a range of experiences, including a transmission that stopped engaging entirely at higher mileage, an intermittent fuel smell that appears when the hybrid system cycles the engine on and off and is sometimes accompanied by rough running, and at least one mention of a roof leak traced to the rack. The fuel smell reports note dealers can detect the odor but struggle to reproduce the condition consistently during service visits.
37
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2024 Toyota Highlander has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the second-row seat backs, which may fail to lock in position and leave an occupant without proper support in a crash, and a third-row center seat belt roof anchor that may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing it from holding an occupant during a collision.
Two recalls cover tires that were installed with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's weight. On certain Highlander L and LE models equipped with a Blackout Package with 20-inch black alloy wheels, and on other trims with 20-inch accessory tires, the tires can be overloaded beyond their rated capacity and fail while driving, raising the risk of a crash. On the visibility side, a software error in the Panoramic View Monitor system can cause the rearview camera to freeze or show a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse, reducing the driver's view of what is directly behind the vehicle. There is also an instrument panel concern where the display can fail to show critical driving information, such as speed or warning indicators, which limits what the driver can see at a glance. Finally, a label recall affects certain vehicles where an incorrect maximum cargo and passenger weight value was printed, which could lead an owner to unintentionally overload the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The second-row seat backs may not lock securely when adjusted, potentially moving unexpectedly during vehicle operation.
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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 →
What the fix does
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
The third row center seat belt anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, which prevents the seat belt from properly restraining an occupant in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor using a new bolt at the correct angle, 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
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.