2017 Toyota Highlander Problems
Compared with other Toyota Highlander years
Typical for this model
52/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Toyota Highlander year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 83 of its 271 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Transmission whine, harsh shifting or loss of drive (85 complaints, median 20,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014, 2015, 2016
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 271filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles, 123 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Toyota Highlander (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble — whining, harsh shifts and, in some cases, loss of drive — as well as intermittent loss of power or stalling traced to the fuel system. Complaints cluster at fairly low mileage, many between 20,000 and 45,000 miles, and several describing the problem appearing gradually before a full failure.
- Fuel system
Loss of power or stalling (fuel system)
- 26 complaints (10%)
- median 50,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe the engine losing power or cutting out at highway speed or while accelerating, sometimes with the check engine light on, and a few report the vehicle stalling and failing to restart. Dealers have diagnosed a faulty fuel pump in some cases, and in others cleaned the fuel injection system without resolving the problem. Several owners state they were told their vehicle was not covered by the fuel pump campaign, and some report the symptom returned after a recall repair. Reported from as low as a few thousand miles up to about 125,000 miles, often at highway speeds.
Recall 20V6820001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump recall (20V682000) was performed and whether the pump has been replaced; test drive at highway speed and on an incline to check for hesitation or a momentary drop in power.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On four separate occasions while driving down a major highway our Highlander has totally lost engine power; pushing the accelerator would cause the engine to cough an sputter; and we had to get off of the road and kill the engine. After a few minutes the engine would restart. Only once was the dealer able to pick-up any code or reason and it was noted to have been an engine miss, and the technician said it may have been a bad fuel issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11309568, filed 2020-02, 35,000 miles“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 complaint #11375169, filed 2020-11, 39,000 miles - Electrical system
Stalling, no-start and battery drain
- 59 complaints (22%)
- median 37,758 mi at 3.8 yrs old (28 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Owners report the vehicle failing to start, sometimes with only a rapid clicking from the start button, and repeated jump starts before the battery was replaced. In several complaints the battery was tested and reported as fine shortly before a stall, and some owners were later told the alternator had failed. Others describe the auto stop/start feature shutting the engine off at a turn or light and being slow to restart. Reported mostly between about 20,000 and 45,000 miles, in some cases only weeks after purchase.
What to check: Ask about battery and alternator history and have the charging system tested; check that the stop/start function restarts promptly during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The battery failed after we owned the car for 2 yrs and 11 months (mileage ~44,000). The replacement battery cost about $450 including installation. This is excessively early failure, and we are out a large amount of money for something that should not have happened with this new of a vehicle. It took 1 month to get the replacement battery. Also excessive.”
NHTSA complaint #11300987, filed 2020-01, 44,000 miles“Auto stop/start malfunction. It will stop the engine while turning, and won't start the engine while release break. It happened occasionally at the beginning, now seems getting worse. The mechanics couldn't figured out the problem. I see there is a recall in 2020 model, but my 2017 Highlander has same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11388827, filed 2021-01, 36,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission whine, harsh shifting or loss of drive
- 85 complaints (31%)
- median 20,000 mi at 2.2 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $9,000 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe a high-pitched whine that rises and falls with speed and gear changes, followed in some cases by harsh shifting or a sudden loss of drive while driving. Some report dark transmission fluid with metal debris and a dealer diagnosis that the transmission needed replacement; others say the whine or sluggish engagement is most noticeable on the first drive of the day. Several complaints note the repair was quoted just outside warranty, and owners mention reading of similar reports from other owners. Mostly reported between roughly 13,000 and 66,000 miles, with several under 45,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced and inspect it for a dark color or metal debris; listen for a whine during a test drive at highway speed and note any hesitation when shifting into drive from a stop.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My transmission all of a sudden is hard shifting and whines. Transmission fluid is full of metal shaving and dark fluid noticed. No warning of any kind. Now being told it needs a new transmission 6k miles just past factory warranty. I have read that numerous people have this issue but no recall has been issued.”
NHTSA complaint #11402584, filed 2021-03, 66,000 miles“Unable to put my car in drive gear. Started my SUV wanted to get to reverse. I try maybe 20 times before I got to it. It was hard to move right and down. I was parked I my driveway was stepping on my brakes. Happen 4 times yesterday. Have not driven today.”
NHTSA complaint #11415290, filed 2021-05, 34,000 miles - Engine
Engine oil leaks and coolant/water pump leaks
- 17 complaints (6%)
- median 48,939 mi at 2.4 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe oil spots on the garage floor and dealer diagnoses of a leaking timing chain cover or rear main seal requiring the engine to be taken apart. Others report a coolant leak traced to the water pump or a thermostat housing, with unusual noise noted at startup in some cases. Repair costs are mentioned frequently, and one owner notes the power train warranty had just expired. Mostly reported between about 45,000 and 100,000 miles.
What to check: Look under the engine and behind the front cover for fresh oil or pink coolant residue, check the coolant level, and ask whether the water pump or any seals have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving the vehicle when a bell sounded and on the dash it indicated the car was over heating. I was going about 35 MPH through a town. I had been driving through the mountains prior to this happening.”
NHTSA complaint #11402678, filed 2021-03, 69,758 miles“At 62k miles I noticed a little pink on garage floor and had a mechanic look at the problem and found I had a inlet water thermostatic housing leaking. He installed new one at my cost. Power train warranty was up to 60k miles. Found a few days later still leaking and this time water pump. Combined cost for 2 repairs at local Toyota was right at $1600. I bought this new and prior to this I have had great service from my toyotas. Thought corporate Toyota would take care of this but no way. …”
NHTSA complaint #11310462, filed 2020-02, 62,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield cracks from small impacts
- 10 complaints (4%)
- median 18,000 mi at 2.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Owners report the windshield cracking or spreading from small stones or pebbles at highway speed, in one case within the first 1,000 miles. Some describe a crack appearing on the lower driver's side without an obvious impact, and others report a washer pump that froze and stopped working in cold weather. Replacement is described as costly because of the camera and sensors bonded to the glass. Reported mostly under about 30,000 miles, often on the highway and in some cases in cold weather.
What to check: Inspect the windshield closely for chips, star breaks or repaired areas, check that the washer spray works, and ask whether the glass has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving in a city street at approximately 20 MPH I had my window wipers on due to some pollen on my windshield. While window wipers were engaged I approach a downward hill and hit noting but sun glare blinding me I put my brakes on but by that time my SUV slammed into the car in front of me. The emergency braking system did not activate”
NHTSA complaint #11318183, filed 2020-03, 58,000 miles“Vehicle sustained a crack from two small stones hitting the windshield while traveling on a highway at approximately 55 MPH. Crack spread significantly from the initial impact site. Weather did not have a factor in this as it was summer. Crack continued to spread even after the vehicle was parked in a garage. Crack spread with very little pressure applied to the windshield. Believe that the windshield was not manufactured to sustain a light impact.”
NHTSA complaint #11019128, filed 2017-08, 6,000 miles
Buying note. Have a mechanic check the transmission fluid and listen for whine on a highway test drive, and confirm whether the fuel pump recall was completed for the specific vehicle. Ask for service records on battery, water pump and any oil leak repairs, since several of the commonly reported items appear at moderate mileage.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 271 consumer complaints for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. 123 of the complaints include a mileage, and 84% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 20,000 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 26 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 265 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Toyota Highlander model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 52 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown55 20%
- Engine47 17%
- Electrical system46 17%
- Fuel system37 14%
- Brakes29 11%
- Vehicle speed control13 4.8%
- Air bags9 3.3%
- Body and structure8 2.9%
Also reported: Wheels (6), Exterior lighting (4), Forward collision avoidance (4), Seat belts (4), Steering (4), Suspension (4), Electronic stability control (3), Engine cooling (3), Seats (3), Equipment (2), Lane departure (2), Tires (2).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While driving up the I-5 grapevine at 72 MPH the car suddenly slowed without any warning to under 20 MPH. The check engine light turned on and the dash said awd system disengaged or error or some similar message and to take to the dealer. I was barely able to accelerate to get off the road. I pulled off, turned the car off and back on, and it started running again. I'm lucky I was not rear ended.”
NHTSA complaint #11057498, filed 2017-12, 7,000 milesOther or unknown: “Sitting in the car with the transmission in the park position, motor and accessories off, the tailgate opened on its own six times in a 45 minute period. Each time we closed the hatch with the button on the dash. When we returned home and parked in the garage, the door opened again by itself within a two hour period. All keyfobs were in the house.”
NHTSA complaint #11164813, filed 2019-01, 23,620 milesEngine: “The vehicle stalled twice on me at a red light. No power to steer. This both happened at a city near washington dc. Had my battery and alternator checked . Both came back as in great condition. Almost got hit twice from behind cause of the stalling.”
NHTSA complaint #11266630, filed 2019-10, 71,000 milesElectrical system: “My Toyota Highlander would not go into park. The SUV lunged forward over curbing and into building. Then went violently into reverse and into a uncontrollable spin. Then the SUV went violently into drive and jumping over a curbing and into a ditch and was sitting on top of a natural gas line. During this whole time I was pressing the brake and pushing the ignition switch trying to turn off the engine. This was done in a parking lot as I was trying to park.”
NHTSA complaint #11242500, filed 2019-08, 37,516 milesMileage when problems were reported
84% of the 123 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,000 and 40,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
| Highlander · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Toyota Highlander version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander FWD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Highlander FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Highlander AWD LE | 3.5L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Highlander LE/XLE/SE/LTD FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V682000Nov 4, 2020Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Toyota Highlander 2017–2019, Tacoma 2017–2020, Sienna 2017–2020 +28 more
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…
- 17V520000Aug 23, 2017EquipmentCovers: Toyota Highlander 2017, Highlander Hybrid 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.
- 17V295000May 2, 2017Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tireCovers: Toyota Highlander 2017, Camry 2017, RAV4 2017 +12 more
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…
Recall details for the 2017 Toyota Highlander → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 265 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Other or unknown. Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11022964Aug 20, 2025Electrical system. Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free. This is caused by the phone Hands Free volume being too low.
- 11020657Jun 13, 2025Electrical system. The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in…
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Body and structure. Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Body and structure. Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
Other model years of the Toyota Highlander
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 | 8,498 | 4 | 5 | 25 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 43 | 11,678 | 7 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 189 | 31,812 | 9 | 5 | 25 | 74 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 266 | 28,750 | 5 | 5 | 24 | 77 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 533 | 27,109 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 321 | 20,500 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 72 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 506 | 12,600 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 79 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 271 | 16,250 | 4 | 5 | 23 | 62 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 271 | 20,000 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 52 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 111 | 25,000 | 2 | 5 | 22 | 16 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 192 | 30,650 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 22 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 136 | 36,700 | 4 | 5 | 22 | 12 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 207 | 35,000 | 3 | 4 | 22 | 36 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 182 | 51,000 | 2 | 4 | 22 | 15 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 181 | 50,000 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 216 | 54,000 | 10 | — | 22 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 134 | 60,000 | 9 | — | 22 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 405 | 77,450 | 11 | — | 20 | 68 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 124 | 60,500 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 278 | 66,000 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 224 | 56,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 286 | 53,126 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 258 | 93,500 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 301 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 137 | 58,300 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Toyota Highlander model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble — whining, harsh shifts and, in some cases, loss of drive — as well as intermittent loss of power or stalling traced to the fuel system. The issues reported most often: Loss of power or stalling (fuel system); Stalling, no-start and battery drain; Transmission whine, harsh shifting or loss of drive.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA recorded 271 consumer complaints for the 2017 Toyota Highlander as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Toyota Highlander is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 77 complaints (28% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 55.
Has the 2017 Toyota Highlander been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Toyota Highlander do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Toyota Highlander 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Toyota Highlander get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Toyota Highlander (Highlander, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Toyota Highlander reported?
Among the 123 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 20,000 miles and the middle half falls between 7,000 and 40,000 miles; 84% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.