VehicleVerdict

2017 Toyota Highlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 364 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Highlander year — the 2017 model ranks #4 of 30 Highlander years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 38 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (69), other (54), and electrical system (51), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

364

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

35

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

38

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Highlander years?

Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted613 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 158 complaints2002: 335 complaints2003: 316 complaints2004: 337 complaints2005: 289 complaints2006: 344 complaints2007: 159 complaints2008: 502 complaints2009: 178 complaints2010: 272 complaints2011: 229 complaints2012: 228 complaints2013: 280 complaints2014: 158 complaints2015: 245 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 364 complaints2018: 342 complaints2019: 613 complaints2020: 348 complaints2021: 590 complaints2022: 291 complaints2023: 219 complaints2024: 54 complaints2025: 9 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Toyota Highlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6919%
Other5415%
Electrical System5114%
Engine4713%
Fuel System3610%
Brakes298%
Visibility & Wipers154%
Speed Control134%
Airbags92%
Tires & Wheels92%
Body & Structure82%
Driver Assistance51%
Seat Belts41%
Lighting41%
Suspension41%
Steering41%
Seats31%

Does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V682000Fuel SystemNovember 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

18E107000Visibility & WipersNovember 27, 2018 · 8,202 units

Defect

Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).

Consequence

The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.

17V520000OtherAugust 23, 2017 · 1,121 units

Defect

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.

Consequence

The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GST will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly torque the fasteners, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 17R3.

17V295000Tires & WheelsMay 2, 2017 · 409 units

Defect

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

Consequence

A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY SPED FORWARD, DROVE OVER A MEDIAN, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE OR PROCESS A REQUEST FOR THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 1, 2019 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING IN A CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH I HAD MY WINDOW WIPERS ON DUE TO SOME POLLEN ON MY WINDSHIELD. WHILE WINDOW WIPERS WERE ENGAGED I APPROACH A DOWNWARD HILL AND HIT NOTING BUT SUN GLARE BLINDING ME I PUT MY BRAKES ON BUT BY THAT TIME MY SUV SLAMMED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 12, 2020 · crash

“MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK. THE SUV LUNGED FORWARD OVER CURBING AND INTO BUILDING. THEN WENT VIOLENTLY INTO REVERSE AND INTO A UNCONTROLLABLE SPIN. THEN THE SUV WENT VIOLENTLY INTO DRIVE AND JUMPING OVER A CURBING AND INTO A DITCH AND WAS SITTING ON TOP OF A NATURAL GAS LINE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 2, 2019 · crash

“bought the car in 2018 and ever since it makes a rttling noise, Toyota says it is the hybrid system engaigeing, hybrid cars are not supposed to make noise.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2026 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER.THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH,WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE SEIZED.THE CONTACT WAS ABLE RESTART THE IGNITION AND DRIVE AWAY.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER LIA TOYOTA OF ROCKLAND (618 NY-303, BLAUVELT,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 1, 2018 · crash

2017 Toyota Highlander — common questions

Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 364 complaints put the 2017 model at #4 of 30 Highlander years. It is one of the Highlander years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Highlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (69 complaints), other (54 complaints), electrical system (51 complaints).

Does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2008, 2017. The cleanest record among Highlander years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2017 Toyota Highlander?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Toyota 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.