The Lemon Index

All cars · Toyota Highlander · 2017

2017 Toyota Highlander. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index46100 = average car
Complaints105NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold215,775U.S. model year
Per 100K sold49complaints
Year rank#3 of 22#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 4

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.7L 4-cylAuto (S6)FWD20 / 24 / 22Regular$2,850
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S8)FWD21 / 27 / 23Regular$2,700
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S8)AWD20 / 26 / 22Regular$2,850
3.5L 6-cyl hybridAuto (AV-S6)AWD29 / 27 / 28Regular$2,200

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,900 and 40,000 miles. Median 20,000, from 126 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Transmission & drivetrain20,00011,500–38,00025
Engine18,6008,500–47,00024
Electrical35,00015,900–42,50017
Fuel or ev drive system9,0002,200–29,90012
Brakes14,8004,400–43,60012

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine20%
Transmission & drivetrain19%
Electrical12%
Brakes10%
Speed control10%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
27318215018

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 4

  • 20V682000 Nov 2020 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump

    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

    Risk. 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 cust

  • 18E107000 Nov 2018 Electrical System

    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).

    Risk. 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.

  • 17V520000 Aug 2017 Equipment

    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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 17V295000 May 2017 Tires / Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire

    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.

    Risk. 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.

Manufacturer communications 265

Toyota filed 265 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life
  • Following conditions: ?

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Toyota Highlander SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Toyota Highlander SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Toyota Highlander HV SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardOptionalStandard

YouTube repair topics

100 videos about the 2014–2019 Toyota Highlander, 19.0M views.

TopicVideosViews
Timing chain & engine3622K
Infotainment, battery & electrical5594K
Windows, doors & mirrors2471K
Oil changes & service2204K
Spark plugs & ignition coils1118K
Brakes & ABS176K
Steering & suspension157K
Cooling system157K

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20143352146,127Body structure
201565101158,915Electrical
20163771191,379Brakes
201746105215,775Engine
201852128244,511Brakes
201972176239,438Fuel or ev drive system
20204794212,276Brakes

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data