Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 32 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Structure. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
32 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2026
Engine
During normal highway driving, a small road rock/debris entered through the front grille and damaged the radiator/heat exchanger. The damage caused coolant to leak, and the vehicle subsequently lost propulsion and became disabled. I had to stop driving the vehicle and have it inspected and repaired by a Toyota dealer. The Toyot…
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During normal highway driving, a small road rock/debris entered through the front grille and damaged the radiator/heat exchanger. The damage caused coolant to leak, and the vehicle subsequently lost propulsion and became disabled. I had to stop driving the vehicle and have it inspected and repaired by a Toyota dealer. The Toyota dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the radiator/heat exchanger was damaged by an outside object and was leaking. The dealer indicated that rocks or road debris can cause this type of damage. The total repair cost was approximately $1,350. I am concerned that the large openings in the front grille allow ordinary road debris to reach the radiator/heat exchanger, which is not adequately protected. A relatively small road object resulted in a critical cooling system failure and sudden loss of vehicle propulsion, creating a significant safety risk, particularly if this occurs while traveling at highway speed. I understand that NHTSA is currently reviewing similar reports involving the grille design and damage to the heat exchanger/radiator on Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles. My vehicle experienced a similar failure. I believe this issue should be investigated as a potential design-related safety defect and that an appropriate protective solution should be considered.
NHTSA ODI #11759004
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2026
Structure
My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum has an issue that is commonly referred to as "cabin boom". It occurs at approximately 30mph going over bumps or rough patches in the road. When it occurs it creates a droning noise that amplifies the bump or rough surface you drove over and also creates a cabin pressure similar to flying …
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My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum has an issue that is commonly referred to as "cabin boom". It occurs at approximately 30mph going over bumps or rough patches in the road. When it occurs it creates a droning noise that amplifies the bump or rough surface you drove over and also creates a cabin pressure similar to flying on an airplane. This issue has caused significant ear pressure and headaches from driving my brand new vehicle. As a chronic migraine sufferer, this is unacceptable when you commute 25 miles to and from work. The issue has been reproduced by the Toyota dealership and they are currently in a waiting phase of next steps from Toyota corporate engineers on how to fix the issue, however there is no timeline on a resolution. Considering this has been an issue for over two years I find it unacceptable. They have added sound proofing materials around the spare tire and that didn't help the issue at all. This has apparently been an issue since the first Grand Highlander model was released, however it seems to not affect all of them but does affect across all trim levels.My dealership just got two brand new Grand Highlanders in this past week, and they make the same exact sound. I'm hoping with more reports of the issue Toyota will actually address it because I know of many other owners who have this problem. Other owners have taken these same steps over the past two years with no results. Please help make Toyota recognize and figure this out.
NHTSA ODI #11758692
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2026
Structure
Front bumper grille too large. I see lots of bugs stuck on top of radiator. Very exposed for rocks to enter and damage cooling systems.
NHTSA ODI #11758691
Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2026
Unknown Or Other
I was driving down [XXX] at approximately [XXX] this morning and heard a loud bang, then an air sound like window not fully closed, then heard crumbling glass falling into Sunroof shade. Initially I thought I had a tire blowout or someone on the access road fired a pistol. When I stopped and took a picture of the sunroof I saw …
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I was driving down [XXX] at approximately [XXX] this morning and heard a loud bang, then an air sound like window not fully closed, then heard crumbling glass falling into Sunroof shade. Initially I thought I had a tire blowout or someone on the access road fired a pistol. When I stopped and took a picture of the sunroof I saw the front sunroof glass bulging upward and the whole window was cracked with glass lying in the sunroof shade. If I had the sunroof shade open the glass would have been all over my head. I reported the incident to Orr Toyota in Hot Springs, ar. and they informed me that Toyota claims that something impacted the window. There was no impact to the window as it would have caused the window to bulge inward if that occurred. They evidently ignored my original picture so I don't see how they could make a determination of impact after I'd driven the vehicle more than 50 miles to get to their location (The event occurred in Bryant, ar). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11756523
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2026
Structure
My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander exhibits abnormal fluttering/vibration of the hood at speeds above approximately 25 mph. I have identified that this is the same defect documented in Toyota's own Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0111-24 (issued December 4, 2024), which addresses this condition on 2024 model year Grand Highlander a…
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My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander exhibits abnormal fluttering/vibration of the hood at speeds above approximately 25 mph. I have identified that this is the same defect documented in Toyota's own Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0111-24 (issued December 4, 2024), which addresses this condition on 2024 model year Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles, with the same complaint widely reported by 2025 model year owners as well. Despite this being a known, documented Toyota defect for three consecutive model years, I have been unable to get it resolved through Toyota's official channels: I contacted Toyota's PATT Lab (Parts and Technical Assistance) regarding the vibration under Dealership Task Number DC261970283. PATT Lab informed me that other 2026 model year vehicles exhibit the same condition, characterized it as "intended behavior," and closed the task without applying the known TSB remedy. I was directed to Toyota Brand Engagement for further assistance. This was opened as Case Number 260722000822. Toyota Brand Engagement stated they are not mechanics and that the issue must be resolved at the dealership level, but has provided no directive or authorization to the dealership to perform the known TSB repair. As a result, I am caught in a loop between Toyota corporate departments, none of which will authorize or perform the fix that Toyota's own engineering team has already documented and issued a bulletin for. My vehicle has a known manufacturing/design defect that Toyota has acknowledged in writing for prior model years, yet I am being told simultaneously that it is "normal" and that it's a dealership matter — while no dealership has been given authorization to apply the remedy. Requested Action: I am requesting that Toyota Motor Sales, USA be required to apply the existing Technical Service Bulletin remedy (or its 2026 model year equivalent) to my vehicle at no cost, consistent with how this defect has already been addressed for 2024 and 2025 mod
NHTSA ODI #11752112
Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2026
Visibility/wiper
I haven’t had no accident in my car
NHTSA ODI #11750959
Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2026
Engine
Component: Automatic transmission, 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum AWD. Available for inspection. Purchased new 11/21/2025 at zero miles. Beginning ~2000 miles (est Feb 2026), intermittent transmission malfunction during acceleration: transmission holds gears at elevated RPMs beyond expected shift point, then s…
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Component: Automatic transmission, 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum AWD. Available for inspection. Purchased new 11/21/2025 at zero miles. Beginning ~2000 miles (est Feb 2026), intermittent transmission malfunction during acceleration: transmission holds gears at elevated RPMs beyond expected shift point, then shifts harshly or shudders violently. Documentation began 6/1/2026; current odometer 8936 miles. Occurs from 22–64 mph, most commonly 30–44 mph, in Normal and Sport modes, after cold starts, extended driving, and brief stops. RPMs typically hang at 3500–4000 before shifting. Documented incidents over the last month: June 1, 2026, 3:20 PM: Approximately 1 min after cold start, turned right at a light to 33 mph. Violent shake and abnormally loud acceleration during gear change. June 2, 2026, 3:00 PM: Turning right and accelerating after driving approximately 1 min, transmission revved high; had to release throttle to force the shift. June 11, 2026, 4:40 PM: After cold start, driving up a small incline about .4 miles away, transmission revved high and delayed shift at 35–45 mph. June 12, 2026, 3:17 PM: After 17 minutes of driving, accelerating from a cloverleaf around 25 mph to 64 mph, revved at 4000 June 19, 2026, 3:00 PM: After 2 hours of driving and a 5 min stop, turning right out of a shopping center, transmission hung up three consecutive times at 35–40 mph, RPMs at 3500–4000. June 20, 2026, 11:17 AM: Accelerating off a cloverleaf at 57 mph. RPMs hung at 4000 before shifting. June 30, 2026, 10:23 AM: Pulling out of neighborhood after backing out of driveway. RPM hang at approximately 22 mph, then again at 43 mph Safety risk: Unexpected RPM surge and violent gear change during acceleration on highway on-ramps, cloverleaf merges, and intersections creates unpredictable vehicle response at speed, presenting collision risk to driver and surrounding vehicles Dealer/service: Not confirmed by dealer. Assessed at ~6000 miles with no issues found
NHTSA ODI #11747505
Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2026
Unknown Or Other
Bought the vehicle in October 2025 everything was going fine. I went away for a few days came back and the A/C was not working. I took it to the dealership where I purchased it and was told outside influence and they refused to repair unless I pay $1900. I have bumper to bumper coverage for 5 years, My point is for a SUV tha…
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Bought the vehicle in October 2025 everything was going fine. I went away for a few days came back and the A/C was not working. I took it to the dealership where I purchased it and was told outside influence and they refused to repair unless I pay $1900. I have bumper to bumper coverage for 5 years, My point is for a SUV that is costing over $50,000. If the condenser is such a sensitive piece of equipment it shouldn't not be placed in front of the vehicle unprotected. This is a design flaw because the SUV is made to be driven on the highway.
NHTSA ODI #11745755
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Failed System: Fuel Injector Failure (?) at high speeds, under load (uphill), causing an immediate and life threatening loss of power. While traveling on the highway, going up mountainous areas, the vehicle loses power and shakes violently. During multiple repairs/visits, the dealerships state that it is the failure of fuel i…
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Failed System: Fuel Injector Failure (?) at high speeds, under load (uphill), causing an immediate and life threatening loss of power. While traveling on the highway, going up mountainous areas, the vehicle loses power and shakes violently. During multiple repairs/visits, the dealerships state that it is the failure of fuel injectors. They are replaced, and it happens again with the same explanation. Safety: Three times my family has lost power at 70mph while traveling uphill surrounded by many cars. The last event ended in a a scary and close interaction with an 18 wheel truck that was unable to stop as we lost power. Dealer Confirmation: The dealer has confirmed, on two separate occasions, that the fuel injectors needed replaced. The vehicle has 3,000 miles on it. At 2,000 miles, damage was found to the fuel injectors. They were replaced and the car was placed back in my possession. At 3,000 miles, the incident occurred for the 3rd time and damage was again found with the fuel injectors. Inspection: Dealerships as well as Toyota's field technician have inspected/repaired the vehicle 2 times and is currently at a dealership for the 3rd time. Warning messages: After the incident occurs, multiple warning lights appear (check engine and hybrid system malfunction).
NHTSA ODI #11740216
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2026
Visibility
2nd time ac system stoppped working with 6000. Miles on it after 3rd time same problem it will be under lemon law
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX Plug-In Hybrid, TX Hybrid, TX, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Grand Highlander vehicles. The rear axle carriers may have been manufactured with insufficient material strength and could break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A broken rear axle carrier can cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle carrier sub-assembly code, and replace the sub-assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB13, 26TA13, 26LB08, and 26LA08.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
DP26006 · Road Debris/rocks Damaging The Heat Exchangers
Opened Aug 20, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated July 20, 2026. The Petition requests an investigation of road debris / rocks damaging the heat exchangers in model year (MY) 2024-2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles. The Petition contends that the Grand Highlander’s front-end grill has large, open apertures and no protective screen between the grill and the vehicle’s heat exchangers. The Petition further alleges that as a result, during normal driving, the damage to heat exchangers results in coolant leakage and sudden loss of propulsion. The Petitioner cites thirteen (13) complaints received by ODI alleging this failure, which, when added to the petitioner’s own complaint, bring the total under consideration at this time to fourteen (14). ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition and conduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11754975.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year