The Lemon Index2024 Toyota Highlander.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is so far one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 43 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 42, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 7 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 43 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Highlander year. 2024 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.
Recalls 7
- seats 2026
The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
- seat belts 2025
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.
- back over prevention 2025
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
Show all 7 recalls
- 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.
- 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.
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 64 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…
- Some customers have complained that the wireless functions of their Key Fob stop working
- Some customers have expressed concern that the wireless functions of their Key Fob stop working
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
Strong smell of fuel after a hot day. This is a new vehicle purchased new on 2024. No warning lights On dashboard. After reading a few threads about the same situation on newer highlanders it seems like it's being ignored.
2024 Toyota Highlander owner · NHTSA complaint 11654245
More owner reports
When the engine is running after hours a gasoline smell and vapor exit the tank by the cap.
NHTSA complaint 11716387
Quick answers
Is the 2024 Toyota Highlander reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.4× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2024 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 42; 100 is average). The best Toyota Highlander year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2024 Toyota Highlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (19%), fuel or ev drive system (16%) and electrical (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have?
7 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 2024 Toyota Highlander get?
24 to 36 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2024 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.
Does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2024 Toyota Highlander cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Toyota Highlander year is better than the 2024?
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