The Lemon Index2025 Toyota Highlander.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander has too few complaints to score: 10 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 24 to 35 mpg combined. The best Toyota Highlander year is 2014.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 10 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Highlander year. 2025 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 4
- 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 4 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.
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 36 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be…
- 2025 model year Toyota vehicles are equipped with driver side floor mat retainers to secure…
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and…
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 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1850–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The speedometer registers speed up to 7mph over actual speed for the first 15 miles then returns to matching GPS speed. Reported to Toyota, dealer said they have seen this before but not identified a fix as of today
2025 Toyota Highlander owner · NHTSA complaint 11740832
Quick answers
Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 10 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2025 Toyota Highlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (30%), speed control (30%) and brakes (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have?
4 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 2025 Toyota Highlander get?
24 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2025 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 2025 Toyota Highlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2025 Toyota Highlander cost in fuel a year?
About $1850 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Toyota Highlander year is better than the 2025?
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