repaired · 2026 Q3
Mid/rear assembly: recliner
NewRisk. A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2023 Toyota HighlanderProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 192 owner complaints about the 2023 Toyota Highlander, most often about the structure. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-595 the manufacturer reports only 66% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 8, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Toyota Highlander has problems
192 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
32Structure2 crash/fire/injury
28Engine2 crash/fire/injury
23Seats1 crash/fire/injury
21Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
20Power train
16Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
13Electrical system
12Air bags
9Vehicle speed control
3812 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 32 | 2 |
| Engine | 28 | 2 |
| Seats | 23 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 21 | 2 |
| Power train | 20 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 16 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 0 |
| Air bags | 12 | 9 |
| Vehicle speed control | 9 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 38 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2023 Toyota Highlander recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Frontal: driver clockspring/spiral cassette
Risk. A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Show 5 more recalls
repaired · 2026 Q2
Other: labels
Risk. A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Tires
Risk. Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Tires
Risk. Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Body: bumpers
Risk. A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Frontal: driver clockspring/spiral cassette
Risk. A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Best & worst years
2023 vs. every other Highlander year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Highlander median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2023 Toyota Highlander safety ratings
2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Highlander owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
Tailgate stays open; sensors seem to fail. It will work one day and not work on another day. My wife is short and handicapped and she can’t close it manually.
The lift gate will not close, especially during temperatures below 35 degrees. The litigate will go down a few inches, beep, then go back up. In colder temperatures below 25 degrees the lift gate will not open.
Own a 2023 Highlander?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.