VehicleVerdict

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

20

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2026 compare to other Grand Highlander years?

Grand Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 highlighted297 complaints2024: 297 complaints2025: 71 complaints2026: 20 complaints
Grand Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Highlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other630%
Body & Structure315%
Engine315%
Driver Assistance315%
Brakes15%
Visibility & Wipers15%
Electrical System15%
Fuel System15%
Tires & Wheels15%

Does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V744000Driver AssistanceOctober 30, 2025 · 1,024,407 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Moon roof exploded while driving on highway. This is most likely due the to temperate glass used for the moon roof. No collision happened, no debris flying from somewhere else hit the glass, there was no cause for it shatter, the glass just exploded almost causing my family to get injured from…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 3, 2026

“When I went to turn the car on last Tuesday (3/24.2026), the entire digital dashboard was black. I tried restarting the car a few times with no resolution. Thankfully, the infotainment screen and heads up display (HUD) were on and working fine. If it was not for the HUD, I would of had no idea what…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 24, 2026

“I purchased this vehicle new from Toyota of madison in Indiana on 3/26/2026. It had 300+ miles on it. Had it for just a week before this warning light came on while idling or driving very slowly..… High Coolant Temp. Pull over in a safe area immediately. My temperature gauge was in the red. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 4, 2026

“We were going down the highway in our brand new Grand Highlander yesterday (3500 miles, 3 months old) and it was like a bomb had gone off. The panoramic sunroof exploded up and out. Glass started falling on my daughter whom was in the middle seat. My husband had to quickly pull off the highway to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 15, 2026

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander — common questions

Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander reliable?

The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2026 Grand Highlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (6 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints).

Does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Grand Highlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Highlander years to avoid are 2024. The cleanest record among Grand Highlander years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.