2017 Toyota Highlander
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 269
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2017
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 269 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 137 |
| 2002 | 301 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 224 |
| 2006 | 278 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 403 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 182 |
| 2013 | 207 |
| 2014 | 136 |
| 2015 | 192 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 269 |
| 2018 | 267 |
| 2019 | 490 |
| 2020 | 317 |
| 2021 | 527 |
| 2022 | 257 |
| 2023 | 181 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
28% · 75 reportsMost commonly citing driveshaft.
Show complaint excerpts
I had been shopping, as I attempted to increase speed, my car wouldn't respond. I smelled something burning and I switched lanes because I needed a safe place to stop.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-20
Also filed under Engine
Vehicle is a 2017 Toyota Highlander (VIN [XXX]) experiencing the UA80 8-speed transmission whine defect (T-SB-0160-18) upon acceleration.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-08
Engine
17% · 46 reportsElectrical system
17% · 46 reportsService brakes
11% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
My car would randomly shut off at red lights, one time I was on a hill & thought I was going to roll back into the car in front of me. After restarting it would turn on. The radio would randomly shut off. We eventually replaced the battery.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-10
Also filed under Steering and vehicle speed control
We were in a thanksgiving day related touch n go traffic on a normal street, which enters into a mall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-27
Fuel/propulsion system
10% · 28 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The engine stalled because the fuel pump is failing. We have found that many 2017 Toyota Highlanders have had the fuel pump recalled for this exact issue, yet our VIN is not included in this recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10
2017 Toyota Highlander se awd ("Vehicle"). On January 26, 2017 at approximately 11:15 p.m., pacific time, I was driving the vehicle on the interstate 10 freeway near the la brea avenue exit. It was dark but clear with light to medium traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-02-03
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2017-06-15Tires17V295000 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.
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.
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2017-09-29Equipment17V520000 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.
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.
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2019-01-29Electrical system, visibility18E107000 Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles.
Remedy: Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019.
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2021-01-21Fuel system, gasoline20V682000 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,...
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 75 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 46 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 46 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V295000 · Tires
- Recall 17V520000 · Equipment
- Recall 18E107000 · Electrical system, visibility
- Recall 20V682000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.