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 two occupant restraint issues: the third-row center seat belt roof anchor may be installed at the wrong angle and fail to hold an occupant in a crash, and second-row seat backs may not lock in position during adjustment, also reducing restraint in a crash.
Two separate tire recalls affect certain vehicles, both involving 20-inch wheels fitted with tires that carry an insufficient load rating for the vehicle. Those tires can fail under normal load, raising the risk of a crash. A related label recall covers vehicles with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value printed on the vehicle, which could lead to unintentional overloading. On the electronics side, a software error can cause the instrument panel display to go blank or fail to show critical information while driving, and a separate software fault can cause the rearview camera to freeze or show a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. Some of these recalls also affect hybrid models.
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
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies 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 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.
