What are the most common problems with the 2023 Toyota Highlander?

Owners name structure, engine, brakes and seats most often among named groups. See the problems section above.

Does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes, the by-year count shows 9 recalls. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.

What is the gas mileage of the 2023 Toyota Highlander?

See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander reliable?

NHTSA has 197 complaints for this year. Check the crash ratings and by-year comparison sections for the full picture.

2023 Toyota Highlander Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 197 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Toyota Highlander^[1]. The biggest named groups are structure, engine, brakes and seats.

197owner complaints^[1]

9recalls^[2]

24–36MPG combined (EPA)^[3]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in the stories we read, biggest first.

Unknown or other. 40 complaints do not fit a named component group^[5].
Structure. 35 complaints^[6]. Owners describe waiting a long time for parts to finish a recall repair. Some also describe rain water getting into the cabin near the roof pillars.
Engine. 28 complaints^[7]. Owners describe the car pausing before it picks up speed from a stop. They say it feels risky when pulling into traffic, and in some cases dealers found no fault code.
Brakes. 21 complaints^[8]. Owners describe the car lunging forward as the brake pedal feels like it lets go for a moment. Others describe shaking under braking and a brake warning that kept coming back.
Seats. 21 complaints^[9]. Owners describe rear seat backs that may not lock well and a wait for recall parts. Some parents say child seats are hard to buckle in the back rows.
Power train. 20 complaints^[10].
Fuel and propulsion. 16 complaints^[11].
Electrical. 13 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2023 Highlander is necessarily included.

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Recliner (26V128), March 2026. About 686,588 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Back Over Prevention › Display Function (25V744), October 2025. About 1,024,407 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel (25V595), September 2025. About 591,377 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette (25V040), January 2025. About 1,716 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Equipment › Other › Labels (24V548), July 2024. About 33,848 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Tires (24V452), June 2024. About 4,763 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Tires (24V419), June 2024. About 4,869 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]
Structure › Body › Bumpers (23V720), October 2023. About 750,795 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[20]
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette (23V480), July 2023. About 152,927 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[21]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Highlander Hybrid, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[3]	36 / 35 / 36	$1,850
Highlander, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[22]	21 / 28 / 24	$2,800
Highlander, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[23]	22 / 29 / 25	$2,700
Highlander AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[24]	21 / 28 / 24	$2,800
Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[25]	35 / 34 / 35	$1,900
Highlander Hybrid AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[26]	35 / 35 / 35	$1,900

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
SUV AWD^[4]	5	4	5	4	16.4%
SUV FWD^[27]	5	4	5	4	16.9%
SUV AWD^[28]	5	4	5	4	16.4%
SUV FWD^[29]	5	4	5	4	16.9%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2023 Toyota Highlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder^[30]	264 hp
2023 Toyota Highlander with 2.5L 4-cylinder^[31]	186 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV L FWD^[32]	195 in	76 in	68 in	112 in	4,123 lb
HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LE/XLE AWD^[33]	195 in	76 in	68 in	112 in	4,299 lb
HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LE/XLE HYBRID AWD^[34]	195 in	76 in	68 in	112 in	4,442 lb
HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LIMITED AWD^[35]	195 in	76 in	68 in	112 in	4,431 lb
HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LIMITED HYBRID AWD^[36]	195 in	76 in	68 in	112 in	4,553 lb

How 2023 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Highlander model year. The 2023 is highlighted^[2].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2001	137	3
2002	301	2
2003	258	2
2004	286	5
2005	225	6
2006	648	11
2007	234	6
2008	602	12
2009	174	10
2010	238	11
2011	186	5
2012	191	2
2013	212	3
2014	138	4
2015	196	1
2016	117	2
2017	274	3
2018	274	4
2019	506	3
2020	330	5
2021	546	5
2022	269	6
2023	197	9
2024	43	7
2025	10	4
2026	4	0

NHTSA's counts for the Highlander show 197 complaints and 9 recalls for 2023^[2]. Among the 26 model years listed, 10 have fewer complaints than 2023 and 15 have more^[2]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (4) and the most are for 2006 (648)^[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2023 Highlander?

The 2023 Highlander has 197 complaints on file^[1]. The recall count for this year is 9^[2]. Several complaint groups point to repairs that were waiting on parts, so check with a dealer on open recalls before you buy. Brake and engine complaints are worth a careful test drive^[8]^[7]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Toyota Highlander?: Owners name structure, engine, brakes and seats most often among named groups^[6]^[7]^[8]^[9]. See the problems section above.
Does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have recalls?: Yes, the by-year count shows 9 recalls^[2]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
What is the gas mileage of the 2023 Toyota Highlander?: See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander reliable?: NHTSA has 197 complaints for this year^[1]. Check the crash ratings and by-year comparison sections for the full picture.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Toyota Highlander

2006 648 complaints, 11 recalls
2008 602 complaints, 12 recalls
2013 212 complaints, 3 recalls
2015 196 complaints, 1 recall
2016 117 complaints, 2 recalls
2017 274 complaints, 3 recalls
2018 274 complaints, 4 recalls
2023 this page
2025 10 complaints, 4 recalls
2026 4 complaints, 0 recalls

Compare all model years of the Toyota Highlander

Other Toyota models from 2023

2023 Toyota Camry 66 complaints, 2 recalls

All Toyota models

Similar cars from 2023: small suvs

2023 Audi Q5 57 complaints, 6 recalls
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer 0 complaints, 0 recalls
2023 Ford Bronco Sport 160 complaints, 14 recalls
2023 Ford Bronco 230 complaints, 18 recalls
2023 GMC Terrain 41 complaints, 2 recalls
2023 Honda Passport 40 complaints, 5 recalls

All small suvs we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 197 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Toyota Highlander (12 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 12 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Highlander model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Highlander Hybrid, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 36 city / 35 highway / 36 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
40 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
35 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
28 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
21 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
21 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
20 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
16 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
13 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,750). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 26V128, filed March 5, 2026: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly › Recliner. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V744, filed October 30, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Display Function. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V595, filed September 11, 2025: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V040, filed January 29, 2025: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring / Spiral Cassette. NHTSA recall database
Recall 24V548, filed July 23, 2024: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
Recall 24V452, filed June 18, 2024: Tires. NHTSA recall database
Recall 24V419, filed June 6, 2024: Tires. NHTSA recall database
Recall 23V720, filed October 26, 2023: Structure › Body › Bumpers. NHTSA recall database
Recall 23V480, filed July 12, 2023: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring / Spiral Cassette. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Highlander, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Highlander, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Highlander AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 35 city / 34 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Highlander Hybrid AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 35 city / 35 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2023 Toyota Highlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 264 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2023 Toyota Highlander with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 186 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV L FWD: length 195 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,123 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LE/XLE AWD: length 195 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,299 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LE/XLE HYBRID AWD: length 195 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,442 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LIMITED AWD: length 195 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,431 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LIMITED HYBRID AWD: length 195 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,553 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2023 Toyota Highlander: problems, recalls and fuel economy