2023 Toyota Highlander: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 140 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the body and structure, transmission, and brakes. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023- Owner complaints
- 140
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes reported
- 8
- 8 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2023 Toyota Highlander: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Highlander is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cylGas | AWD, FWD | 24–25 mpg |
| 2.5L 4-cylHybrid | AWD, FWD | 35–36 mpg |
- The 2023 Toyota Highlander was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Highlander that averages well under the EPA 24 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Hesitation and surging from stop
1,500–3,500 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Toyota Highlander, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Body and structure302 crashes
The front lower bumper cover comes loose, often at highway speeds of 60 to 75 mph. A detached cover can drag, lodge under the car, or flip up onto the hood and scratch the paint. Federal recall 23V720000 covers the defect. Most filings, though, are about waiting months for recall parts, or about dealers refusing the repair over claimed prior damage. Some owners say the bumper came loose again after the recall fix, and one reports new rattles after the service. Wind noise above 40 mph also comes up.
Transmission12No crashes
When the driver presses the gas from a stop, the car hesitates for a moment and then lurches or surges. It can also buck, stutter, or shift roughly, especially into second gear. The trouble often starts early, around 2,000 miles, and makes left turns across traffic risky. Owners cite service bulletin T-SB-0087-23, but dealers often cannot reproduce the problem and find no fault codes. Some say premium fuel helps. One transfer case failed at 65,000 miles and left the car undrivable. Another owner reports the car creeping forward on its own at a stoplight.
Brakes111 crash
On hybrids, braking briefly lets go and the car lunges forward before the brakes grab again. This happens most often downhill, while slowing for turns, and while parking. Owners link it to the switch from regenerative to friction braking. Service bulletin T-SB-0059-23 addresses this on earlier years but leaves out 2023, so dealers often say there is no fix. One injury crash describes the brakes not stopping the car at about 8 mph. Other complaints describe the steering wheel and pedal shaking under braking, and rotors warped by 25k miles.
Electrical11No crashes
The digital instrument panel goes black or white while driving and hides speed and warning lights. Federal recall 25V595000 covers it, but owners report the recall parts are not yet available. Other complaints include a power liftgate that grinds and opens only a few inches at a time, repeated check engine and secondary brake warnings, hesitation under acceleration, and hybrid brake surges. Rodents chewing the knock sensor harness can cause a loss of power. One owner waited months for a second key fob before buying one.
Engine10No crashes
When the gas is pressed, the engine hesitates, then bucks or surges. Owners report delays of up to 3-5 seconds from a stop, and stuttering when passing. Symptoms show up early, often by 3,500 miles, and several owners describe near misses while pulling into traffic. Dealers often call it turbo lag or normal operation because no fault codes appear. In one case the dealer replaced variable valve timing parts. Some owners say 91 octane fuel hides the symptoms. Separate reports describe high coolant temperature warnings in 90-degree heat that dealers could not trace.
Airbags95 crashes
Airbags fail to deploy in serious crashes, including collisions at 44 and 45 mph, a deer strike at about 55 mph, and impacts that totaled the vehicle. There are 5 crash-related reports with 6 injuries in total. In one case the event data recorder showed no crash at all. Two short filings only list recall 23TA08 and a related campaign.
Acceleration and cruise control6No crashes
Acceleration is erratic. The car is slow and jerky, or it jumps forward hard, and engine speed bounces around. Owners say it gets worse on 87 octane fuel, in warm weather with the air conditioning on, and under load, and that 93 octane helps. One owner says an engine computer reprogram cured the problem. Other reports describe a dashboard display that goes completely blank, hybrids that surge forward under braking at 20,000 miles, and a misfire with warning lights that a dealer blamed on engine sludge.
Wheels and tires5No crashes
Tire sidewalls crack, split, or blow out at normal speeds with no pressure warning beforehand. One car had its first blowout at 7,000 miles, and another owner reports two sidewall failures on the factory Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S 235/65R18 tires. Owners also describe warranty disputes and dealers without replacement tires in stock. A tire recall, 24V419000, exists, but some owners report the parts are not yet available.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Highlander owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Driving vehicle and front lower bumper cover assembly fell off on highway. 2 days later received a recall notice for exact issue. Safety recall 23TA12. Brought vehicle into NuCar Toyota of North Attleboro and they refused to execute recall stating prior damage to upper bumper which is not true. There are a few scratches but no indentation or external damage preventing the recall from being executed.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2026
While driving at 60 mph the lower front bumper assembly came off and detached from the vehicle and lodged under the car causing an emergency stop in the middle of the highway. When Lithia toyota was asked to repair the damage they have refused stating that it must go thru my insurance since it was an accident
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
2023 Toyota Highlander XLE with 2.4 Turbo hesitates for an unacceptable period of time when accelerating from a stop. This could pose a huge safety risk when merging into traffic from a stop sign. The lag / hesitation is present on all eco / normal / sport drive modes. The issue has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased at 70 miles and currently has about 5200 miles. Toyota needs to look into this issue and address it as soon as possible.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
Upon acceleration, car hesitates then surges. Started after approximately 2000 miles. Occurs most frequently from a dead start. However, continues upon acceleration up to 50 mph. Took to Toyota Dealer, but they were unable to diagnose. Others report similar problems on Toyota Nation Form. Concerned about pulling out into traffic safely
Filed with NHTSA, September 2023
Since I got this car, when going down hill the breaks don't work properly. It is a sudden surge and the car takes a few extra seconds to break. It happens often and I always need to keep a good distance from the car in front of me to avoid a collision. I brought up during service to my Toyota dealership but they don't have a solution. Nothing shows up in the panel, the car just launches forward.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
The vehicle brakes stop working suddenly requiring lift the pedal and slam the brakes to make it work correctly. I almost have a bad accident for this problem. I did my research and learned this is a problem that Toyota need to fix. The situation was very scary.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2023
Picked up my Toyota Highlander in April 2023 I have had to return it to the dealer on two occasions for check engine light and secondary Break failure I'm at the fourth check engine light and secondary brake failure report now it has been inspected by the dealer and tried to remedy it too times already currently getting ready to return to the dealer with the third check engine light secondary brake failure message
Filed with NHTSA, September 2023
Vehicle unpredictably hesitates during light to moderate acceleration in all driving modes (Sport, Normal, and Eco). This is especially dangerous when crossing in front of oncoming traffic from a stop or slow speed. Had a certified mechanic drive the car and verify the problem, but the car's systems don't report that there is a problem, so he had no answers.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
How the 2023 compares with other Highlander years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks seventh for owner complaints among 8 Highlander years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Body and structure3018
- Transmission1268
- Brakes1123
- Electrical1118
- Engine107
- Airbags922
Where the 2023 fits in the Highlander's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2023 is the fourth model year of the Highlander's fourth generation (2020–2026).
Recalls to confirm (8)
Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V744000Backup cameraOct 2025
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 cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
25V595000ElectricalSep 2025
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, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
25V040000SteeringJan 2025
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
24V548000EquipmentJul 2024
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
24V452000Wheels and tiresJun 2024
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
24V419000Wheels and tiresJun 2024
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
23V720000Body and structureOct 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
23V480000SteeringJul 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Also looking at these instead of a Highlander?
Cars shoppers compare with the Toyota Highlander, with their own 2023 checklists.
2023 owner complaints, side by side
- Mazda CX-912
- Ford Edge16
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- Volkswagen Atlas114
- 2023 Toyota Highlander140
- Hyundai Santa Fe244
