The Lemon Index2023 Toyota Highlander.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander is so far about average by owner complaints: 195 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 85, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 24 to 36 mpg combined. The best Toyota Highlander year is 2014.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 195 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Highlander year. 2023 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 14K to 52K miles on the car (22 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 9
- seats 2026
The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
- back over prevention 2025
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
- electrical 2025
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.
Show all 9 recalls
- steering 2025
An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag.
- equipment 2024
The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values.
- tires 2024
The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed.
- tires 2024
The installed tires have an insufficient load rating.
- body structure 2023
During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
- steering 2023
An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag.
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 130 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Oil leak concern
- Leak from the engine water pump
- One or both of the 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 HYBRID SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Issues with vehicle accelerating, bucking and hesitating
2023 Toyota Highlander owner · NHTSA complaint 11573232
More owner reports
Recall has been out for 6 months still no remedy. Manufacturer Recall Number 23TB12 NHTSA Recall Number 23V720 Can't sell vehicle with open recall, and need to sell.
NHTSA complaint 11577411
The lift gate will not close, especially during temperatures below 35 degrees. The litigate will go down a few inches, beep, then go back up. In colder temperatures below 25 degrees the lift gate will not open.
NHTSA complaint 11736855
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.2× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 85; 100 is average). The best Toyota Highlander year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2023 Toyota Highlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (18%), engine (14%) and brakes (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have?
9 safety recalls (latest: seats). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Toyota Highlander get?
24 to 36 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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 2023 Toyota Highlander problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 14,000 and 52,200 miles. The middle report was at 28,800 miles, from 22 complaints.
Does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Toyota Highlander cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Toyota Highlander year is better than the 2023?
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