Toyota / Highlander / 2017
2017 Toyota Highlander problems
Owners have filed 367 complaints about the 2017 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 19.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 12.5%.
Complaints367
Crashes35
Fires2
Injuries38
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 19.1% · 70
Unknown or other 14.2% · 52
Electrical system 12.5% · 46
Engine 12.0% · 44
Service brakes 7.6% · 28
Fuel/propulsion system 7.6% · 28
Vehicle speed control 3.5% · 13
Visibility/wiper 3.3% · 12
Severity
Of those complaints, 35 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 38 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 23 model years of the Toyota Highlander in this data, 2017 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 95 in the last three years against 123 in the three before. The issues here may already have been addressed.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 20,380 miles.
In owners' own words
Since I leased by Highlander I have noticed that the car shifts very hard, sometimes sputtering between 5-10mph and then accelerating. Dealer reflashed the computer based on technical bulletin tsb-0194-17. They have now had the car for 3 days and have replicated the issue and I am awaiting guidance. The vehicle has 13,000 miles on it, there should not be major transmission issues. My complaint doesn't seem isolated. Power train · reported at 13,000 miles
2017 Toyota Highlander experienced delayed and rough shifting in 3rd gear. Safety of acceleration is affected, especially merging onto highways. Diagnosed with bad transmission on 12/26/2023 by Toyota service. There was no warning lamps or messages prior to failure. Unknown cause, car is regularly serviced per manufacturer recommendations by Toyota. Part on backorder for approximately 3 months. Power train
At about 11,000 miles, a high pitch whining sound appeared during acceleration. The dealer identified a problem that requires a new transmission. The parts are back ordered. I was advised to continue to drive the car until Toyota approved the repair and the parts were available. Research indicated that this issue is common and may lead to complete transmission failure presenting a safety issue. Power train · reported at 11,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…