2024 Toyota Highlander: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 198 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, airbags, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2024- Owner complaints
- 198
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes reported
- 5
- 6 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2024 Toyota Highlander: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
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 2024 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 2024 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.
Front CV axle clicking
15,000–25,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Toyota Highlander, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission28No crashes
Clicking, popping, and vibration when turning under power point to the front CV axles. Many owners had both replaced under a Toyota service bulletin, often around 20,000 to 25,000 miles, and some report the noise coming back by 50,000. Hesitation from a stop is the second big pattern. The car creeps, stalls, then surges with high revs, often on hot days with the A/C on high. Software updates have not fixed it for several owners. Some also describe hard shifts and a lunge forward while braking, and dealers often cannot reproduce either.
Airbags271 crash
Most reports concern recall 24V461000. The curtain airbags may not deploy in certain crashes when a front window is rolled down. The common complaint is the wait. Dealers confirmed the recall but had no parts or remedy for months, leaving families worried about driving the car. One owner was told the repair was done when it had not been performed. A separate crash report says the side airbags failed to deploy in a T-bone collision that caused structural damage and an injury.
Electrical181 crash
The instrument cluster can blink or go fully blank, hiding speed and warning lights. This is tied to an electrical recall for which parts were unavailable, and some cars sat at dealers for months. The center screen also blacks out at random and returns after a restart. Other reports include loss of power from a stop with loud bangs before the car recovers, a corroded underbody wiring harness that disabled the hybrid system, a wrong fuel gauge, and bad GPS positioning. One crash involved a surge forward while exiting a highway.
Fuel system18No crashes
The tank takes far less fuel than its listed capacity. Owners fill from empty and the pump clicks off at about 11 to 12 gallons, so real range falls well short of what the dash suggests. Dealers blame a hidden reserve, and owners say repeat visits have not fixed it. A second pattern is a strong gasoline smell after drives in hot weather, sometimes filling the garage. A few owners report the car not accelerating from a stop for several seconds on hot days with heavy A/C use.
A strong fuel odor in the cabin, coming from near the tank, persisted after a dealer replaced the fuel cap over a vent valve stuck open. One driver reported headaches from it. The other reports repeat the fill problem seen elsewhere. The pump clicks off early and the tank accepts only about 10 to 13 gallons, and dealers find no cause. One owner says it started at about 300 miles.
Acceleration and cruise control12No crashes
The accelerator goes dead after a stop. Pressing the pedal does nothing for two to five seconds, then the car surges forward, sometimes with high revs. It happens with no warning lights or codes, so dealers rarely reproduce it, and one software update did not fix it. Owners describe being stranded mid-turn in traffic and nearly being T-boned. Some say it is worse on inclines or in heat. The problem shows up early, in some cars by about 8,000 miles, and gets more frequent. One report describes sudden acceleration while parking.
Suspension11No crashes
Knocking, popping, or clicking when turning left or right, sometimes felt under the driver's pedals, points to the front CV axles. Some dealers replaced axles, saying the parts were not machined properly, and others found nothing wrong. A separate group reports a deep bass cabin boom over bumps at lower speeds, with ear pressure, headaches, and nausea. Dealers often hear it but call it normal. One owner reports the car drifting to one side even after an alignment.
Body and structure10No crashes
The rear of the hood flutters at highway speed, most noticeably above 50 mph and in wind. The moving surface flickers sunlight into the driver's eyes, and some owners fear the hood will fly up. Dealers reproduce the flutter but call it normal and offer no fix. Isolated reports include rear liftgate glass shattering on its own, a rear door handle coming off, and a hood support rod hot enough to burn fingers.
Brakes6No crashes
The brakes briefly let go or the car lurches a few inches forward while stopping, mostly at low speed or on uneven pavement. Owners link it to the handoff between regenerative and conventional braking. Others describe the car hopping at a stop, a pedal that sinks almost to the floor before grabbing, and unintended braking in reverse. Dealers have not reproduced or fixed these problems, and several owners describe near collisions.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Highlander owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Cv axle has been replaced twice so far on my 2024 grand Highlander and it’s only at 18,000 miles currently. From the TSB Toyota put out they redesigned in the middle of production but those who were before this time will always have cv axle problems
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
Starting off from a stop or at low speeds the vehicle loses all power. Engine stumbles and does not respond, when it happens it almost feels like the engine may stall. Pressing the accelerator and the vehicle will not move, then suddenly will start to go seconds later. This has almost resulted in a crash since the vehicle loses all propulsion unexpectedly. No warning lights. Took to the dealer twice and everything is “normal” no codes stored.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
The car is not involved in an accident, but TYOTA and the dealership cannot provide an ETA for when the issue will be fixed. It would be great if the vehicle could be returned or traded for another vehicle if there is no fix available. However, without losing my money as the dealership wants to take it less than 10K even it has been less than 3K miles.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
I was just recently in an accident where I was T-boned by another driver. My side air bags did not deploy. There is structural damage and my front passenger tire is laid in this this wasn't a light tap on my car.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2024
>While exiting a highway my vehicle surged forward crashing into the vehicle in front of me.Engaging the brake, my car smashed into the van again. I had no control over the forward momentum of the car. >Both the driver & I were in danger of injury >The problem has not been addressed as my damaged car is being repaired >The vehicle has not been inspected >I was given no warning that the incident was forthcoming
Filed with NHTSA, October 2025
The vehicle airbag is not fixed yet it is almost on year now. Either had to fix or issue new car. even the price come down now lost money due to bad name. when driving suddenly the safety fails and shows error the blind spot. And there is another recall also electrical one they ask us to come fix. How come a car be safe if airbags do not deploy you have to force them fix it please one year is too much it is safety concern.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2024
This vehicle is supposed to have a 17.8 gallon tank but each time at fill up when the vehicle is on empty you can only put about 13.5 to 14 gallon of gas in the tank. Several owners are experiencing the same issues. Toyota Dealerships are aware and no action is being taken to resolve this issue. The mileage to empty is not aligning with the amount per gallon as advertised per TOYOTA manufacturer.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
Strong smell of fuel after a hot day. This is a new vehicle purchased new on 2024. No warning lights On dashboard. After reading a few threads about the same situation on newer highlanders it seems like it's being ignored.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
How the 2024 compares with other Highlander years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2024 ranks fifth for owner complaints among 8 Highlander years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission2865
- Airbags2719
- Electrical1817
- Fuel system1819
- Acceleration and cruise control124
- Suspension111
Where the 2024 fits in the Highlander's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2024 is the fifth model year of the Highlander's fourth generation (2020–2026).
Recalls to confirm (7)
Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V872000Seat beltsDec 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 restraining the occupant.
Risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
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.
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.
24V461000AirbagsJun 2024
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Lexus TX350, TX500 Hybrid, and TX550 Hybrid+ vehicles. The driver and passenger side curtain air bags may not unroll as intended and could partially deploy outside of an open window. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation.".
Risk: An improper deployment of the side curtain air bag can reduce occupant protection during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger curtain shield air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB09/24TA09 and Lexus' numbers are 24LB05/24LA05.
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.
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2024 owner complaints, side by side
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