The Lemon Index2017 Toyota Highlander.
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 105 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 46, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 22 to 29 mpg combined. The best Toyota Highlander year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander, 19.0M views. The 2017 is the same generation.
- Timing chain & engine622K views
2014-2019 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid Buying GuideThe Car Care Nut · 376K views · 3 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical594K views
Toyota Highlander (2014-2019) Apple CarPlay Android 10.2" Touchscreen UPGRADE ViaBecsPicture Time · 151K views · 5 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors471K views
Troubleshooting highlander rear door 2014 to 2019Steven Welch · 406K views · 2 videos - Oil changes & service204K views
Bluetooth greyed out? Hard reset for 2014+ Toyota highlander-tacomasTech 305 · 116K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Spark plugs & ignition coils118K views
2014 - 2020 Toyota highlander 3.5L spark plugs replacement. Save money diyAJ Imports · 118K views - Brakes & ABS76K views
How to Replace Front Brakes 2014-2019 Toyota HighlanderTRQ · 76K views - Steering & suspension57K views
How to Replace Control Arms 2014-2019 Toyota HighlanderTRQ · 57K views - Cooling system57K views
How to Replace Radiator 2014-2019 Toyota HighlanderTRQ · 57K views
Before you buy, watch
Highlander Vs. Pilot: Which 2017 3-Row SUV Should You Buy? — Cars.comCars.com · 464K views
Top 5 Problems Toyota Highlander SUV 2014-2019 3rd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 185K views
2014 Toyota Highlander Liftgate ProblemsKyle Moody · 57K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 273 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Highlander year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 40K miles on the car (126 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 11K–38K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 8K–47K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 15K–42K miles
Recalls 4
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- electrical 2018
The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).
- equipment 2017
The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.
Show all 4 recalls
- tires 2017
The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 265 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life
- Following conditions: ?
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Highlander SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Highlander HV SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
This engine burns oil. 1/8 of an inch per week. If a person does not check their oil very often their engine will fail and lock up. This could happen when driving and cause a serious accident.
2017 Toyota Highlander owner · NHTSA complaint 11282763
More owner reports
Automatic transmission failed/quit working at a stop light in cheyenne, wyoming 28 december 2018 with only 25,000 miles on the vehicle. I had it towed back to the dealership for repairs.
NHTSA complaint 11163830
29k on the car and fourth time at the dealership for transmission problems, this time they replaced the transmission.
NHTSA complaint 11302663
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 46; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Highlander year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2017 Toyota Highlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (20%), transmission & drivetrain (19%) and electrical (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have?
4 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Toyota Highlander get?
22 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Toyota Highlander problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,900 and 40,000 miles. The middle report was at 20,000 miles, from 126 complaints.
Does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Toyota Highlander cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have?
2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Toyota Highlander year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works