2017 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 17%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,400miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Toyota Highlander, 17% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,400 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“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 miles“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“I was driving on an interstate with dynamic speed control on. The car slowed appropriately to match the speed of the the vehicle ahead of me. Suddenly several warning lights and messages appeared: master warning light, check engine, check awd, go to Toyota dealer, engine power loss.the car slowed to about 35 miles an hour (in a 65 MPH area) while traffic in front of me was at (or above) the speed limit. I was able to safely get to the shoulder and turn the car off. …”
NHTSA complaint #11173789, filed 2019-02, 27,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11005119Jun 19, 2024This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
- 11005061Jun 19, 2024This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
- 10210370Mar 8, 2022TT: Some 2017-2022 Highlander, and 2017-2020 Sienna vehicles may experience an engine oil leak condition from the No.2 Oil pan. This issue is currently under investigation…
- 10179763Aug 11, 2020TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 11, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
- 10179719Aug 11, 2020TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 11, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
- 10172372Jan 30, 2020Technical Instructions: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 19TC04 OIL COOLER PIPE CERTAIN 2017 ? 2019 HIGHLANDER HV
- 10172371Jan 30, 2020Dealer Message: Parts Hotwire. In an effort to assist dealers in performing campaign 19TC04 on a customer?s first visit, Toyota is deploying stock of part number 04009-40131…
- 10172370Jan 30, 2020Dealer Daily Message: **Dealer Letter and Technical Instructions Available on TIS** Certain 2017 ? 2019 Model Year Highlander HV ? Special Service Campaign 19TC04 Dealer Letter…
- 10172369Jan 30, 2020Frequently Asked Questions. The involved vehicles are equipped with an engine oil cooling system. The oil cooling system could experience a small leak due to a manufacturing…
- 10172348Jan 30, 2020Technical Instructions: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 19TC04 OIL COOLER PIPE CERTAIN 2017 ? 2019 HIGHLANDER HV
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 28 | 15% |
| 2022 | 11 | 4% |
| 2021 | 47 | 9% |
| 2020 | 17 | 5% |
| 2019 | 71 | 14% |
| 2018 | 35 | 13% |
| 2017 | 47 | 17% |
| 2016 | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 | 10 | 5% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 32 | 15% |
| 2012 | 17 | 9% |
| 2011 | 17 | 9% |
| 2010 | 12 | 6% |
| 2009 | 23 | 17% |
| 2008 | 58 | 14% |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 | 19 | 7% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 41 | 16% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2017 Toyota Highlander
77 complaintsOther or unknown
55 complaintsElectrical system
46 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology