Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2025 Toyota Highlander — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2026 to Dec 2025
The most reported issue is unknown or other problems (2 complaints).
Open Safety Recalls (3)
NHTSA Campaign: 25V595000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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.
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software 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. 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V744000
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
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."
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V872000
Component: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
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.
Risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (5 of 5)
Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your turn signal lever is sticking and becoming hard to move due to adhesive breaking down on the steering column, which can make it difficult to signal turns and may prevent the signal from automatically canceling after you turn. This is a safety concern because other drivers won't know your intentions. Additionally, your dashboard is peeling and leaving white powder residue. The dealership replaced the steering column covers but won't replace the turn signal switch itself, even though the adhesive failure is affecting how it works.
Parts you may need:
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Your Highlander isn't responding when you press the accelerator pedal while stopped at traffic lights — it feels like the pedal isn't working at all. You've noticed this happen three separate times, and you've also experienced bucking or jerking sensations while driving. This could indicate an issue with the accelerator system, fuel delivery, or transmission response that should be diagnosed by a technician.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →1 issue
Your brakes occasionally respond with a slight delay when you apply light pressure, though it happens only momentarily and without warning. This has occurred at least 5 times over the past year, with 2 instances happening this week. If this happens while driving near other vehicles or pedestrians, it could create a safety risk. The dealer will need to inspect the brake system to identify whether there's an issue with the brake fluid, brake lines, or the hybrid regenerative braking system.
Parts you may need:
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Seat Belts →1 issue
Your passenger seat belt won't extend properly about half the time, regardless of whether the engine is on, the car is in park or gear, or the door is open or closed. The dealership initially couldn't reproduce the problem, but it eventually started working for them during their test. This is a safety issue since passengers have gone without seat belts when unable to extend it. The fix will likely involve inspecting and repairing or replacing the seat belt retractor mechanism.
Parts you may need:
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Engine And Engine Cooling →1 issue
Your 2025 Highlander is producing a strong, foul odor that enters the cabin through the vents while driving—described as smelling like an old lawnmower or snow blower. The odor is so powerful it sticks to your clothing and skin, and you've had to roll down the windows to tolerate it. The dealership tested for exhaust leaks and found none, suggesting the smell might be from burning wires or new vehicle off-gassing, but the odor persists at only 100 miles. Identifying and eliminating the source may require a thorough inspection of the engine bay, wiring, and ventilation system to locate any burning components or material off-gassing.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
Other Toyota Highlander years: