2025 Toyota Highlander Problems
Compared with other Toyota Highlander years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2025 can be compared from 2028.
- Most reported part: Vehicle speed control (3 complaints, median 15,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 10filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 8,498miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2025 Toyota Highlander (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. The part named most often is vehicle speed control, with 3 complaints (30% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and forward collision avoidance (2). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 8,498 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 36 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Brakes2 20%
- Other or unknown2 20%
- Electrical system1 10%
- Engine cooling1 10%
- Seat belts1 10%
- Steering1 10%
Example complaints
Vehicle speed control: “I was backing up the vechial accelerated the steering wheel was turning rapid & a grinding noise causing me too hit another vechial about a month before my husband was driving & the vechial accelerated going toward also we had had some issues with back camera not doing a warning signal with a object behind vechial when the accident happened my vechial has braking system that stops you if something is behind you this time it didn’t I called the dealership when accident happed which was May 21 2026 & reported it they said they had accelerations before & advised me to call Toyota engadgment…”
NHTSA complaint #11753999, filed 2026-07Brakes: “Black Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD 2025 ~15000 miles What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Without any warning, the braking action is delayed. It is a momentary loss and happens occasionally at light braking application, nowhere near hard enough to lock the wheels up The vehicle is available for inspection upon request How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? …”
NHTSA complaint #11707018, filed 2025-12Forward collision avoidance: “The speedometer registers speed up to 7mph over actual speed for the first 15 miles then returns to matching GPS speed. Reported to Toyota, dealer said they have seen this before but not identified a fix as of today”
NHTSA complaint #11740832, filed 2026-05Other or unknown: “While waiting for a traffic light to change, I pressed the pedal to accelerate, and the car would not move. Like my pedal was dead. I have experienced this issue three times. I have also experienced bucking or jerking issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11690033, filed 2025-09Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 100 and 15,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2025 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 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
| Highlander · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2025 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2024: same overall rating; 2026: 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 2025 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 | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Highlander FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Highlander AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
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
- 26V128000Mar 5, 2026Seats › Mid/rear assembly › ReclinerCovers: Toyota Highlander 2021–2025, Highlander Hybrid 2021–2025
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
- 25V872000Dec 17, 2025Seat belts › Rear/other › AnchorageCovers: Toyota Highlander 2024–2025, Highlander Hybrid 2024–2025
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly…
- 25V744000Oct 30, 2025Back over prevention › Display functionCovers: Toyota Highlander 2023–2025, Lexus NX Hybrid 2022–2025, NX 2022–2025 +32 more
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…
- 25V595000Sep 11, 2025Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelCovers: Toyota Highlander 2023–2025, RAV4 2023–2025, GR Corolla 2023–2025 +14 more
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry…
Recall details for the 2025 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. 36 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11034823Jun 25, 2026Body and structure. Some 2020 – 2026 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a water leak from the roof rack attachment clips. This may be caused by the sealant in the roof channel obstructing…
- 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…
- 11026306Nov 7, 2025Electrical system. A new head unit software update is available for 2022 – 2025 model year Tundra, and Tundra Hybrid; 2023 – 2025 model year Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Mirai…
- 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…
- 11019331Apr 2, 2025Electrical system. To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the…
- 11018328Apr 2, 2025Electrical system. To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the…
- 11016782Feb 10, 2025Engine. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix…
- 11016781Feb 10, 2025Electrical system. The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased and…
- 11015496Feb 10, 2025Engine. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix…
- 11015495Feb 10, 2025Electrical system. The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased 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 | 507 | 12,600 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 79 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 272 | 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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 2025 Toyota Highlander as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2025 Toyota Highlander is reported most often?
Vehicle speed control is named most often, in 3 complaints (30% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.
Has the 2025 Toyota Highlander been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2025 Toyota Highlander do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 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 2025 Toyota Highlander get?
The EPA rates the 2025 Toyota Highlander (Highlander, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2025 Toyota Highlander reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 8,498 miles and the middle half falls between 100 and 15,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.