Toyota Highlander 2017 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Toyota Highlander 2017 and 270 complaints filed by owners. It has 9% more complaints than the average Toyota Highlander from 2016–2025 (249 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Toyota Highlander 2017

Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 2020-11-04

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 20V682000

Equipment and labels
NHTSA campaign 17V520000 · 2017-08-23

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 17V520000

Tires
NHTSA campaign 17V295000 · 2017-05-02

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 17V295000

There is also 1 recall on aftermarket replacement parts (headlights, pedals, etc.) that only apply if the car has that part installed.

Complaints from other owners

270 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

18 with a crash · 2 with a fire · 26 injuries

Most reported problems on the Toyota Highlander 2017

• Powertrain and transmission: 76 (28% of complaints)
• Engine: 47 (17% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 46 (17% of complaints)
• Fuel and propulsion: 28 (10% of complaints)
• Brakes: 28 (10% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Toyota Highlander 2017

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Toyota Highlander recalls by year

• 2016 : 2 recalls · 111 complaints
• 2017 : 3 recalls · 270 complaints
• 2018 : 4 recalls · 268 complaints
• 2019 : 3 recalls · 492 complaints
• 2020 : 4 recalls · 319 complaints
• 2021 : 4 recalls · 529 complaints
• 2022 : 5 recalls · 261 complaints
• 2023 : 9 recalls · 185 complaints
• 2024 : 7 recalls · 43 complaints
• 2025 : 4 recalls · 10 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander 2017 have?

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Toyota Highlander 2017. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Toyota Highlander 2017?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: powertrain and transmission (76 of 270 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.