VehicleVerdict

2025 Toyota Highlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2025 Toyota Highlander — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply 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.

9

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2025 compare to other Highlander years?

Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 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, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Toyota Highlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other222%
Driver Assistance222%
Engine111%
Brakes111%
Seat Belts111%
Speed Control111%
Visibility & Wipers111%

Does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

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

25V872000Seat BeltsDecember 17, 2025 · 39 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.

Consequence

A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.

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.

25V595000Electrical SystemSeptember 11, 2025 · 591,377 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.

Consequence

An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“While waiting for a traffic light to change, I pressed the pedal to accelerate, and the car would not move. Like my pedal was dead. I have experienced this issue three times. I have also experienced bucking or jerking issues.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 19, 2025

“The speedometer registers speed up to 7mph over actual speed for the first 15 miles then returns to matching GPS speed. Reported to Toyota, dealer said they have seen this before but not identified a fix as of today ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 6, 2026

“The speedometer registers speed up to 7mph over actual speed for the first 15 miles then returns to matching GPS speed. Reported to Toyota, dealer said they have seen this before but not identified a fix as of today ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 6, 2026

“The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong odor entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. The windows were rolled down due to the obnoxious odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 8, 2025

“Passenger seat belt won't extend half of the time. We have tried with engine on or off, put it in park and in gear, door open or closed and every other trick. We have pulled the belt straight up and down and every other angle. We have adjusted the height for tall or short riders. We took to the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 3, 2025

2025 Toyota Highlander — common questions

Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2025 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 2025 Toyota Highlander?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2025 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.