Vehicle report
2024 Toyota Highlander
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2024 Toyota Highlander, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander has 7 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 5 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
7
Open recalls
15
Complaints
5
Overall safety
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2024 Toyota Highlander recalls (7)
TIRES
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."
Remedy: 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.
TIRES
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."
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) 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. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
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."
Remedy: 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.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
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.
Remedy: 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.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed April 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
2024 Toyota Highlander safety ratings
5
Overall
4
Front
5
Side
4
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2024 Toyota Highlander owner complaints (15)
- SEAT BELTS
The third row seat belts in the 2024 Highlander are very difficult to latch. I had to bring my Highlander to the dealership twice over the seatbelt buckles in the third row. The buckle part does not lift up high enough to grab the buckle to latch it. Anytime a child old enough to be in the third row sits back there an adult has to Buckle them because they can’t get the seat belt to latch to the buckle. It’s supposed to be a family friendly vehicle but if a 7 year old can’t buckle themselves, that is an extremely unsafe design. It often takes me 10-15 minutes to get kids buckled in my third row because of how challenging it is to get the seat belts to latch as an adult. I have had to use a butter knife to get them to latch. This safety issue , I did not have in my 2021Highlander. I don’t feel children are safe in the third row of my vehicle. This time the dealership said it had a debris in the buckle and that’s why it wouldn’t latch. However even when they do all latch they are very difficult to latch. These should be replaced with safe buckles that latch the first attempts
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
The trunk will not close using any of the buttons. This is an on going issue on so many newer highlanders.
- POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80 model , it only has 92,000 miles on it they can’t figure out what caused it . There are lawsuits with this vehicle already from other people and Toyota is not fixing the issue and won’t help with mine even after they have known what it is. I took it to one shop before Toyota to get a diagnostic it shown two codes one being in the transmission but they fixed that part and the vehicle still did not drive nor back up and then Toyota got the vehicle right after and they even said that it’s internal failure . Pictures listed below is how much for the tow truck fee, the part fee that I paid that was one code that was on the diagnostic tear down list , even after fixing payments and still not working and it going to Toyota and the messages from Toyota after everything got done and them saying the internal failure also . So not only 1 but 3 business that said internal failure .
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I've been waiting for a recall repair based on a recall file nearly 8 months ago now. This recall still appears to have no remedy. I continue to get emails about this issue from my dealer, but when I call to schedule the appointment to fix it, they continue to tell me that no remedy is available yet.
- STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that there was a leak coming from the roof rack of the vehicle. The contact stated that previous model years since 2021 had experienced similar failures, which caused damage to the SRS air bag module. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,590.
- SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKING SYSTEM WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, ESPECIALLY WHEN APPLYING DOWNHILL, TEMPORARILY RELEASES AND ACTS AS THOUGH BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED ANY LONGER FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF A FEW SECONDS THEN REAPPLIES. IT DOES SO THAT IT IS VERY OBVIOUS WITHIN THE CAR. THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID BRAKING SYSTEM AND IT SEEMS THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED IN NEWER MODELS. ASKING NTHSA TO ADDRESS WITH TOYOTA AND GET IT FIXED.Technical Service Bulletin for 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Braking Issue. Some drivers reported a momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking, particularly when driving downhill or turning with light brake pedal application. Toyota has provided a software update for the brake actuator control module to improve brake feel.
- ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle smells like fuel after engine toggles on and off between the hybrid system. This issue is intermittent, but when it is taken to the dealership they smell the fuel, with no luck duplicating the issue. I have also noticed when the smell is present the vehicle seems to run rough.
- Other/I am not sure
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a safety defect in my Evenflo Revolve 360 car seat. The white foam headrest component has completely detached due to what appears to be a failure in the original adhesive. This issue occurred despite proper use and adherence to all manufacturer guidelines. This component is part of the headrest system and plays a role in impact protection. Its detachment raises serious concerns about the structural integrity and crash performance of the seat. As a result, I no longer feel it is safe to transport my child in this car seat. I want to be clear that I am not comfortable attempting any at-home repair, including gluing the foam back into place, as modifications may compromise the seat’s compliance with federal safety standards and manufacturer specifications.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Safety Recall remedy not fixed in a timely manner
- SEATS
Second row seats not latching when moved forward. Sliced up multiple finger when trying determine what was causing it not to latch. Put in a couple of stitches in 2 finger and bandage up the remaining 2 fingers
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 12.3” display screen goes really dark and I have to restart vehicle to reset.
- POWER TRAIN
Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consistently experiences a violent jerk/shock and an audible clicking noise during the first 2nd-to-3rd gear transition. This physical impact is severe enough to be felt directly by the driver through the accelerator pedal. The issue is highly predictable, occurring once after every "Cold Soak" period (6+ hours of sitting). [Dealership Failure] I presented the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership for diagnosis. Although the conditions for the issue were met, the technician stated they "could not feel or verify" the shock that I, as the primary driver, clearly experience. By failing to acknowledge a physical powertrain shock, the dealership is dismissing a potential mechanical failure as "normal operation" simply because no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are triggered. [Safety Risk] The failure to verify this symptom does not eliminate the safety risk. This unexpected shift shock causes a momentary hesitation in power delivery. If this occurs while merging into traffic or navigating an intersection immediately after a cold start, it creates an unpredictable vehicle response, significantly increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. [Request] I request NHTSA to investigate this specific 2-3 shift shock in 2023-2024 Toyota Highlanders. Toyota’s reliance on electronic codes to diagnose physical transmission defects is leaving drivers at risk of sudden powertrain failure or accidents in cold climates.
- TIRES
The tires have not “failed,” but they are dry rotting on both the sidewalls and inside the tread. These came as the OE tires, size is 235/65 R18. This is a daily driven car with almost 30,000 miles on the odometer. There is no reason the tires should be dry rotting. This is a severe safety hazard, as most tire shops wouldn’t mount, balance, or even touch these tires if they were dry rotted this quickly. The tires have been rotated every 10,000 miles or so, and have been kept properly inflated throughout their life. They were made on the 42nd week of 2023. They began showing symptoms of light dry rotting around 6 months ago, but the problem has finally spread to the sidewall.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I purchased the vehicle I was told I could use Apple CarPlay, or Toyota's Drive Connect. Apple works better so I've always used that. I am used to having to clear Toyota's pop up ads for Drive Connect several times per week, even once per day. Recently Toyota's Drive Connect ads pops up on screen every few minutes regardless of what hands free app I'm trying to use (navigation, phone call, audiobook, etc.). It's distracting which is dangerous and keeps me from being able to use the hands free feature through Apple Car Play in my car. After calling Toyota corporate and Toyota brand engagement, both entities told me the only way to get the pop up ads to stop is to subscribe. The pop ups are dangerous and not what I agreed to when buying the car, so it feels like blackmail to be told it will only stop if I pay them $15 per month for a subscription to something that I won't use that was not a required feature when I purchased the vehicle.
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When the engine is running after hours a gasoline smell and vapor exit the tank by the cap.
Checking a used Toyota Highlander before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2024 Highlander in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Highlander's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2024 Toyota Highlander in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Toyota Highlander, or browse more Toyota models.
2024 Toyota Highlander — questions and answers
Does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?+
Our check found 7 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2024 Toyota Highlander. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2024 Toyota Highlander in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2024 Toyota Highlander safe?+
The 2024 Toyota Highlander has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2024 Toyota Highlander VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Toyota free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Toyota dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
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