2017 Toyota Highlander reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2017 Toyota Highlander holds 267 complaints after 10 years, a rate of 28 per year. Highlander years here cluster close together — the other years’ median is 26 complaints per year. NHTSA has 4 recalls on file, including Fuel pump, Electrical system, and Equipment.

Complaints

267

Per year

Recalls

Years on the road

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (73 of 267), then Electrical system (46) and Engine (46). Those filings include 18 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, and 15 that report an injury.

Next to 2016 and 2018

The 2016 Highlander has 110 complaints, 15 per year, and the 2018 has 265 complaints, 33 per year. The 2017 has more complaints per year than the 2016. The 2017 has fewer complaints per year than the 2018.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2017 Toyota Highlander. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (4)

Recall Fuel pump 2020-11-04 · NHTSA campaign 20V682000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall Electrical system 2018-11-27 · NHTSA campaign 18E107000

Summary 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).

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.

Recall Equipment 2017-08-23 · NHTSA campaign 17V520000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall tires, temporary spare tire 2017-05-02 · NHTSA campaign 17V295000

Summary 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.

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.

Complaints by component (267 total)

Powertrain

Electrical system

Engine

Fuel and propulsion system

Service brakes

Speed control

Visibility and wipers

Air bags

Fuel system, gasoline

Structure

Wheels

Exterior lighting

Forward collision avoidance

Seat belts

Steering

Suspension

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Engine and engine cooling

Seats

Visibility

Carry handle, shell, and base

Equipment

Lane departure

Tires

Hydraulic brakes

Show 17 more Show less

Crash-flagged

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"The transmission had to be replaced. A warning message was displayed and we took the vehicle in and were told the transmission had to be replaced. Toyota Highlander transmission problems are most prominently reported in…"
Unknown or other · filed 2026-09-21
"customer support program ;; ZJC....Toyota has received reports about potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, , in the subject vehicles that are…"
Powertrain, Forward collision avoidance · filed 2026-09-21
"About a few weeks back we started noticing a whining noise while accelerating. For safety reason we are not using the truck for long distance driving. Yes, the problem was able to reproduce by an independent mechanic…"
Powertrain · filed 2026-09-09
"My 2017 Toyota Highlander, VIN [XXX], has just under 85,000 miles. I was notified at the dealership (Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood Colorado) who inspected the vehicle yesterday that the vehicle has developed a timing…"
Engine · filed 2026-08-27
"I had been shopping, as I attempted to increase speed, my car wouldn't respond. I smelled something burning and I switched lanes because I needed a safe place to stop. I turned onto [XXX] in Pembroke (I think) and still…"
Powertrain, Engine · filed 2026-08-20

NHTSA crash ratings

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
2017 Toyota Highlander HV SUV AWD	5 stars	4 stars	5 stars	4 stars
2017 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD	5 stars	4 stars	5 stars	4 stars
2017 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD	5 stars	4 stars	5 stars	4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City	Hwy	Combined	Annual fuel cost
Highlander	2.7L, 4-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	Front-wheel drive	20	24	22 MPG	$2950
Highlander	3.5L, 6-cyl	Automatic (8-speed)	Front-wheel drive	20	27	23 MPG	$2800
Highlander all-wheel drive	3.5L, 6-cyl	Automatic (8-speed)	All-wheel drive	20	26	22 MPG	$2950
Highlander all-wheel drive	3.5L, 6-cyl	Automatic (8-speed)	All-wheel drive	19	26	22 MPG	$2950
Highlander all-wheel drive LE	3.5L, 6-cyl	Automatic (8-speed)	All-wheel drive	20	27	23 MPG	$2800
Highlander hybrid all-wheel drive	3.5L, 6-cyl	Automatic (AV-S6)	All-wheel drive	29	27	28 MPG	$2300
Highlander hybrid all-wheel drive LE Plus	3.5L, 6-cyl	Automatic (AV-S6)	All-wheel drive	30	28	29 MPG	$2250
Highlander LE/XLE/SE/LTD	3.5L, 6-cyl	Automatic (8-speed)	Front-wheel drive	21	27	23 MPG	$2800

Specs and fitment

4th generation, 2014–2019

Body styles SUV

Oil 0W-20 (SAE 5W-20 may be used; 0W-20 preferred) , 5.8 qt capacity

Tire size 245/60R18, P245/60R18, 245/55R19

Towing capacity 5,000 lbs

Known issues for this generation

Recall 14V-272 covers certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles whose air bag electronic control unit may use the restraint setting designed for small occupants for all front passenger sizes; dealers install a software update in the air bag ECU, free of charge. Recall 14V-576 covers certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles (with 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, and Sienna and 2015 Lexus RX350) where fuel may leak from one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment, increasing fire risk; dealers replace suspect fuel delivery pipes. Recall 20V-012 and its expansion 20V-682 cover certain 2017-2019 Highlander vehicles, among many other Toyota and Lexus models, where the low-pressure fuel pump may fail and stall the engine while driving; dealers replace the fuel pump, with 20V-682 specifying an improved assembly. Toyota Special Service Campaign 19TC04 addresses the engine oil cooler pipe on certain 2017-2019 Highlander Hybrid (Highlander HV) vehicles, where a manufacturing issue may allow a small oil cooler leak that can lead to low-oil warnings if ignored; dealers replace the pipe, free of charge.

Compare

Previous year 2016 Toyota Highlander Next year 2018 Toyota Highlander See every Toyota Highlander model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander reliable?

What are common problems with a 2017 Toyota Highlander?

Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander more reliable than the years next to it?

Has the 2017 Toyota Highlander been recalled?

The 2017 Toyota Highlander has 4 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2017 Toyota Highlander?

Owners have filed 267 complaints about the 2017 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2017 Toyota Highlander get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2017 Toyota Highlander is 24 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Toyota Highlander take?

US gasoline Highlanders in these generations prefer 0W-20 (5W-20 may be used temporarily). Approx. capacities with filter: ~6.4 qt (2012-2013 3.5L), ~5.8 qt (2014+ 3.5L V6).

Does recall 20V-162 cover the Toyota Highlander?

It covers certain 2020 Highlander vehicles with the 3.5L V6: an ECU programming error may fail to supply fuel correctly during stop-and-restart; dealers update the ECU software.

What generation is the 2020 Toyota Highlander?

5th generation (2020 onward). 2014-2019 are 4th generation; 2012-2013 are late 3rd generation in this catalog.