2023 Toyota Highlander problems and complaints

Owners have filed 180 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Toyota Highlander. The most-reported areas: Unknown Or Other (39), Structure (32), Engine (28).

Key takeaways

  • 180 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 12 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 12 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Unknown Or Other3922%
Structure3218%
Engine2816%
Power Train2011%
Service Brakes1810%
Fuel/Propulsion System169%
Seats148%
Air Bags127%
Electrical System127%
Vehicle Speed Control95%
Lane Departure63%
Forward Collision Avoidance53%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD5/54/55/54/5
2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD5/54/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Seats - filed 2026-09-14

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer ha...

Structure - filed 2026-09-11

Rear Power Lift Gate Struts continue to malfunction. Sometimes works, Sometimes Partially Works. My vehicle currently has 40,000 miles and according to Social Media and AI this has become a large Problem for a large number of People.

Service Brakes,engine - filed 2026-09-11

Ongoing severe engine surge after coasting while braking lightly during moderate downhill drives on pavement. It happens consistently with different drivers at speeds between 25 to 45 mph. The surge can cause the vehicle to lurch forward enough to move the vehicle forward suddenly, and rapidly to other cars ahead. This...

Diagnose it yourself

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

More for the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.