2017 Toyota Highlander
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 72 of 268 complaints (27%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (14) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 115 in 2016 to 268 in 2017.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | vs. 2017 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,250–3,100 | 2,250–3,100 | 2,150–2,850 | 2,150–2,850 | 2,150–2,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–28 | 20–28 | 22–29 | 22–29 | 22–29 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 18–28 / 24–28 | 18–28 / 24–28 | 19–30 / 24–28 | 19–30 / 24–28 | 19–30 / 24–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 313–437 | 313–437 | 305–407 | 305–407 | 305–407 | |
| Complaints filed | 194 | 115 | 268 | 269 | 484 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 17 | 14 | 18 | 24 | 22 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 6 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 16 | 11 | 26 | 25 | 18 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 72 of 268 NHTSA complaints (27%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Toyota Highlander get?
EPA rates it 22–29 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Toyota Highlander?
EPA estimates $2,150–$2,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (8)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.7L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 20 mpg | 24 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 407 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 21 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 384 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 391 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 398 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 19 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 405 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,250 | 311 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 30 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | $2,150 (low) | 305 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 390 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 51 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 72 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 38 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 47 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Brakes | 33 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 13 | 6 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 17 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 11 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 20 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Other | 56 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 20V682000 · Nov 5, 2020
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD · Campaign 18E107000 · Nov 30, 2018
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.
EQUIPMENT · Campaign 17V520000 · Aug 25, 2017
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.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE · Campaign 17V295000 · May 4, 2017
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.