What are the most common problems with the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Speed control has the most complaints, followed by brakes and forward collision avoidance.

Does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes. The recall count is in the by-year facts and each recall is listed in the Recalls section on this page.

How many complaints are there for the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on file, and some mention crashes.

What is the gas mileage of the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

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

Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander reliable?

The complaint file is small at 10 complaints. See the by-year section to compare it with other model years.

2025 Toyota Highlander Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Toyota Highlander^[1]. The list is short, and the recall count is shown in the recalls section^[2].

10owner complaints^[1]

4recalls^[2]

24–35MPG 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.

Speed Control. 3 complaints^[5]. Owners describe a speedometer that reads high for a stretch after starting out, and a car that surged while backing up.
Brakes. 2 complaints^[6]. In the stories we read, owners describe a delayed response when braking, including one case on a slope where the car rolled into traffic.
Forward Collision Avoidance. 2 complaints^[7]. Owners describe the same speedometer issue and a case where the back camera gave no warning about an object behind the car.
Unknown Or Other. 2 complaints^[8]. These do not point to one clear part.
Seat Belts. 1 complaint^[9].
Engine. 1 complaint^[10].
Visibility. 1 complaint^[11].
Steering. 1 complaint^[12]. One owner describes the wheel going unresponsive partway through a turn, which ended in a crash.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2025 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]
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Anchorage (25V872), December 2025. About 39 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.^[14]
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.^[15]
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.^[16]

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, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[17]	22 / 29 / 25	$2,700
Highlander, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[18]	21 / 28 / 24	$2,800
Highlander AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[19]	21 / 28 / 24	$2,800
Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[3]	35 / 34 / 35	$1,900
Highlander Hybrid AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[20]	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^[21]	5	4	5	4	16.9%
SUV AWD^[22]	5	4	5	4	16.4%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2025 Toyota Highlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder^[23]	264 hp
2025 Toyota Highlander with 2.5L 4-cylinder^[24]	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^[25]	195 in	76 in	68 in	112 in	4,123 lb
HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LE/XLE AWD^[26]	195 in	76 in	68 in	112 in	4,299 lb
HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LE/XLE HYBRID AWD^[27]	195 in	76 in	68 in	112 in	4,442 lb
HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LIMITED AWD^[28]	195 in	76 in	68 in	112 in	4,431 lb
HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV LIMITED HYBRID AWD^[29]	195 in	76 in	68 in	112 in	4,553 lb
GRAND HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV^[30]	201 in	78 in	70 in	116 in	4,464 lb

How 2025 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Highlander model year. The 2025 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 10 complaints and 4 recalls for 2025^[2]. Among the 26 model years listed, 1 have fewer complaints than 2025 and 24 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 2025 Highlander?

The 2025 Highlander has a small complaint file so far, with 10 complaints in total^[1]. Speed control is the largest group at 3 complaints^[5]. Brakes and forward collision avoidance follow with 2 complaints each^[6]^[7]. Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales^[1]. Check the recalls section and ask a dealer about open recalls before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2025 Toyota Highlander?: Speed control has the most complaints, followed by brakes and forward collision avoidance^[5]^[6]^[7].
Does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have recalls?: Yes. The recall count is in the by-year facts and each recall is listed in the Recalls section on this page^[2].
How many complaints are there for the 2025 Toyota Highlander?: NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on file, and some mention crashes^[1].
What is the gas mileage of the 2025 Toyota Highlander?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander reliable?: The complaint file is small at 10 complaints^[1]. See the by-year section to compare it with other model years^[2].

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 197 complaints, 9 recalls
2025 this page
2026 4 complaints, 0 recalls

Compare all model years of the Toyota Highlander

Other Toyota models from 2025

2025 Toyota Sequoia 11 complaints, 2 recalls
2025 Toyota Sienna 267 complaints, 5 recalls
2025 Toyota Tacoma 111 complaints, 5 recalls
2025 Toyota Tundra 142 complaints, 5 recalls
2025 Toyota Corolla 42 complaints, 2 recalls
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 33 complaints, 4 recalls

All Toyota models

Similar cars from 2025: small suvs

2025 Hyundai Tucson 441 complaints, 7 recalls
2025 Jeep Compass 29 complaints, 0 recalls
2025 Jeep Wrangler 80 complaints, 6 recalls
2025 Kia Sorento 134 complaints, 4 recalls
2025 Kia Telluride 122 complaints, 3 recalls
2025 Lincoln Corsair 8 complaints, 7 recalls

All small suvs we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Toyota Highlander (2 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 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 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
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
3 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
2 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
2 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
2 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
1 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
1 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
1 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
1 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 26V128, filed March 5, 2026: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly › Recliner. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V872, filed December 17, 2025: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Anchorage. 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
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, 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 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, 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
EPA Test Car List, 2025 Toyota Highlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 264 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2025 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
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND HIGHLANDER 4DR SUV: length 201 in, width 78 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,464 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.

2025 Toyota Highlander: problems, recalls and fuel economy