← New search

2017 Toyota Highlander

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Toyota Highlander do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 186.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

123 reports with mileage · 142 unknown

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.

  • Power Train. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports2 fire reports15 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

28 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System

I was driving to work when my car didn't want to accelerate and then stalled. I had it towed to Toyota dealership in battle creek mi. They called me today and said my low pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. I checked online and saw Toyota had done a recall in 2020 for this part on the 2017-2019 Highlander and I have the 20…

Read full complaint

I was driving to work when my car didn't want to accelerate and then stalled. I had it towed to Toyota dealership in battle creek mi. They called me today and said my low pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. I checked online and saw Toyota had done a recall in 2020 for this part on the 2017-2019 Highlander and I have the 2017 Highlander. When I had the vin # checked it does not show my car as one to be recalled. My question is why not? when it shows this is a part that people are having problems with . I thankfully was not pulling out in traffic when it went out!

NHTSA ODI #11532742

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System

Car refused to start. Multiple cranking that had to be stopped by turning car off. Car was not receiving fuel. Waited one day and tried again. Car started on third time but ran very rough, with smoke and odor until it evened out. Drove with initial engine hesitation episodes to dealer. Asked for fuel pump replacement under Custo…

Read full complaint

Car refused to start. Multiple cranking that had to be stopped by turning car off. Car was not receiving fuel. Waited one day and tried again. Car started on third time but ran very rough, with smoke and odor until it evened out. Drove with initial engine hesitation episodes to dealer. Asked for fuel pump replacement under Customer Support Program but dealer refuses because they cannot duplicate the problem. I am afraid to drive this car because I feel it’s unsafe. I am afraid the car will stall while driving causing an accident. I transport by grandchildren daily so a safe car is imperative. Called Toyota twice to resolve this but if the dealer doesn’t experience the same issue they will not replace my fuel pump even though this is a known issue. My car is not on the recall list yet. Looking back I have had hesitation issues upon acceleration for years. I feel the pump is to blame and should be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11521294

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Within 6 months of purchasing this car used at a Toyota dealership, the check engine, exclamation light, and "Go to dealership/check AWD" lights came on. I took it to the dealership who told me it would cost $250 just to check the lights. I took it to a car parts store who said "it's throwing a bunch of old codes". The dealershi…

Read full complaint

Within 6 months of purchasing this car used at a Toyota dealership, the check engine, exclamation light, and "Go to dealership/check AWD" lights came on. I took it to the dealership who told me it would cost $250 just to check the lights. I took it to a car parts store who said "it's throwing a bunch of old codes". The dealership also suggested during oil change about $800 worth of work needing to be done and said my warranty I purchased would not cover it so I left. I had the fuel system flush done somewhere else.The lights went off for about a week and then came back on. About a month later.... While driving down the highway at a speed of approximately 60 mph, the rpm's and speedometer went haywire - jiggling and then decreased (and a weird sound like the car revving) even though foot was on gas, the car rapidly lost power and had to pull over on side of highway at night - this is of course very unsafe. Had to pull over and turn off car. Would not start right away but did after a few minutes. Took to mechanic - they could not find anything wrong. Could not reproduce. A few days later, after getting gas, car would not start. Had to wait an hour and then it did. Took back to mechanic, discovered water on spark plugs so had spark plugs replaced. Four days later, all the warning lights back on and car running roughly (like maybe lightly missing?). Component or system failure cause still unknown and yes it is available for inspection. Very frustrated and frankly a bit terrified to drive this very expensive vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11515704

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System

My fuel pump has started going out causing my engine to slightly knock and my fuel gauge and range to read improperly

NHTSA ODI #11514656

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System

I own a 2017 Toyota Highlander, XLE. Last year my vehicle stalled 2 times. Luckily, I was in a position to put the car in park and restart. About 6 weeks ago, it stalled again. This time I was approaching a left turn lane, slowed down for a millisecond then accelerated and tried to make a left turn. At that moment, the vehicle s…

Read full complaint

I own a 2017 Toyota Highlander, XLE. Last year my vehicle stalled 2 times. Luckily, I was in a position to put the car in park and restart. About 6 weeks ago, it stalled again. This time I was approaching a left turn lane, slowed down for a millisecond then accelerated and tried to make a left turn. At that moment, the vehicle stalled. I was almost in a nasty accident. I was in the middle of the intersection with a car approaching and a car behind me thinking I was making that left turn through the intersection. The 1st time it happened, I thought it might be bad gas. The 2nd time I rationalized it might be bad gas or just a fluke. The 3rd time, after almost being involved in a nasty accident, I did some research into this matter. As it turns out that as of the end of 2020 more than 6,000,000 Toyotas and Lexus’ have been recalled worldwide, 3,340,000 in the United States, including 2017-2020 Highlanders for fuel pump problems. As I understand it, it was a problem with fuel pumps with low pressure and my vehicle is experiencing the same characteristics of those recalled Toyota Highlanders. I believe it to be a very dangerous situation. I was informed that my VIN number was not included in the recall. I had a diagnostic assessment performed at Sport City Toyota in Dallas, TX., to determine the problem. They also drove it around for a couple of days to try and duplicate the problem. Of course, any reasonable person would know the chances of duplicating a problem that has happened 3 times in 60,000 mile is highly unlikely. Neither the diagnostic test nor the test drives revealed anything wrong with my vehicle. At that point Toyota told me there nothing further they could do for me. What I have experienced is legitimate issue as Toyota has a very well documented fuel pump problems. So now I’m driving what I consider to be an unsafe car. The Texas “Lemmon Law” is no help to me as I have over 63,000 miles on the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11474840

Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2022
Fuel/propulsion System

Car is very slow to start and has a faulty fuel pump.

NHTSA ODI #11462364

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

Vehicle stalled while attempting to cross a 4 lane divided road (on or about 9/3/20). Engine sputtered and completely loss power. Vehicle was pushed out of busy traffic by a Sherriff's Officer to a side road. Vehicle was then towed to the dealership. Messages on screen displayed “check AWD system, check BMS system, pre-collision…

Read full complaint

Vehicle stalled while attempting to cross a 4 lane divided road (on or about 9/3/20). Engine sputtered and completely loss power. Vehicle was pushed out of busy traffic by a Sherriff's Officer to a side road. Vehicle was then towed to the dealership. Messages on screen displayed “check AWD system, check BMS system, pre-collision malfunction, EPS failure “. Battery was replaced and codes were cleared and rescanned reporting no problems. On 9/16/2020 vehicle again began sputtering shortly after starting engine and while driving on a busy road. I was able to drive into a nearby parking lot with reduced power. Engine completely stalled and the display panel showed the engine warning light and to see dealer. Vehicle was towed again to the dealership. Technician performed diagnostic health check on vehicle and found that the fuel pump was not sending any fuel to the engine (0 PSI). They tested and checked all wiring and connectors. Inspected wiring and grounds for the fuel pump and ECU. Technician isolated issue coming from fuel pump relay. They replaced relay and rechecked system, test drove vehicle with no further issues noted. On 6/11/2021 vehicle stalled again shortly after start-up while attempting to leave a shopping mall. Vehicle was again sputtering and losing power. I was able to park vehicle in same mall. Messages displayed on panel: “traction control turned off, check engine, reduced engine power, visit your dealer, check AWD system”. Engine then completely stalled. Called for tow service and waited for three hours but tow truck never arrived. Was able to restart engine and drove vehicle to dealer. Dealer replaced fuel pump and assembly after a week of testing. On 6/19/21 after paying dealer for the repairs the vehicle sputtered and stalled once again while attempting to leave the dealer’s parking lot. Same display messages seen as described above. Vehicle now in dealer’s garage awaiting further diagnosis.

NHTSA ODI #11421532

9,800 miles · Jan 31, 2021
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesWheels

I HAD MY CAR BRAND NEW, WHEN I START DRIVING MY FRONT TIRES BRAKES SOMETIMES MAKE NOISES ALSO WHEN I TURN AROUND I HEARD MY FRONT TIRES MAKE NOISE, I ALWAYS DO OIL AND MAINTANCE SERVICE BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, I TOLD THEM ALL THE TIME THEY SAYED CHECKED EVERYTHINGS NORMAL, THEY ALWAYS SAYED, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHTS WAS ON WHEN I W…

Read full complaint

I HAD MY CAR BRAND NEW, WHEN I START DRIVING MY FRONT TIRES BRAKES SOMETIMES MAKE NOISES ALSO WHEN I TURN AROUND I HEARD MY FRONT TIRES MAKE NOISE, I ALWAYS DO OIL AND MAINTANCE SERVICE BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, I TOLD THEM ALL THE TIME THEY SAYED CHECKED EVERYTHINGS NORMAL, THEY ALWAYS SAYED, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHTS WAS ON WHEN I WAS DRIVING AFTER ONLY 2 YRS, THEY SAYED I HAVE PAY FEE FOR SERVICE ENGINE HAD SOMETHING GOING ON, IT DID NOT COVER IT, ALSO NOW WHEN I AM DRIVING ON FREEWAY ABOUT 70-80 MILES I HEARD SOME WIERD NOISE ON MY CAR BOTTOM AREA, I DID DOUBLE CHECK DOWN, IT DOES NOT AND BREAK LEAKING, I AM NOT REALLY HAPPY WITH MY, NOW ONLY 4 YRS, STILL HAS MORE NOISES COME OUT, ALSO I TOLD THE DEALER , THEY SAYED EVERYTHINGS NORMAL,

NHTSA ODI #11390928

10,000 miles · Jan 12, 2021
Fuel/propulsion SystemCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER.THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH,WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE SEIZED.THE CONTACT WAS ABLE RESTART THE IGNITION AND DRIVE AWAY.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER LIA TOYOTA OF ROCKLAND (618 NY-303, BLAUVELT, NY 10913:(845) 367-4219),WHERE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER.THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH,WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE SEIZED.THE CONTACT WAS ABLE RESTART THE IGNITION AND DRIVE AWAY.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER LIA TOYOTA OF ROCKLAND (618 NY-303, BLAUVELT, NY 10913:(845) 367-4219),WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE MAC SENSOR PLUG TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO LIA TOYOTA OF ROCKLAND AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING "UNKNOWN RECALL" TO BE COMPLETED. REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED.THE CONTACT STATED ON 2/27/2020, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH,WHEN THE VEHICLE SEIZED.THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HIM.THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURED ON HIS BACK COLUMN AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AT A NEAR HOSPITAL.A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN RIVERA TOYOTA SERVICE & PARTS CENTER(255 KISCO AVE, MT KISCO, NY 10549:(866) 982-4310),WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING UNKNOWN SENSOR TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND HE DROVE OVER A LARGE BRANCH,WHICH DETACHED THE REAR BUMPER.THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.THE CONTACT STATED HE DID NOT HAVE ANY INJURIES OR SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK RIVERA TOYOTA SERVICE & PARTS CENTER AND WAS INFORMED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE),HOWEVER,THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000. *RECALL RELATED.

NHTSA ODI #11387675

39,000 miles · Nov 18, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR ACCELERATING, A SLIGHT PAUSE OR LOSS OF POWER IS NOTICEABLE. IT SEEMS AS IF FUEL IS CUT OFF OR ENGINE DOES NOT HAVE MAXIMUM ENGINE POWER TO MAINTAIN SPEEDS FOR VERY SHORT PERIODS OF TIME.

NHTSA ODI #11375169

Official recalls

3

20V682000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 4, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

17V520000 · Equipment

Aug 23, 2017

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly torque the fasteners, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 17R3.

17V295000 · Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

May 2, 2017

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.