2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Safety Report

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander presents a mixed safety picture, achieving excellent NHTSA crash test ratings with an Overall 5-star rating, including 5 stars for Side impact and 4 stars for Frontal and Rollover. This indicates strong performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 41 total complaints, which is notable for a new model year, with 0 crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported. A significant concern is the recall history, with three active recalls addressing critical safety components: incorrect maximum capacity weight labels, a rearview camera display malfunction, and an instrument panel display failure. These recalls highlight potential manufacturing or design flaws that could increase crash risk if not addressed. Common complaint patterns, despite the low overall complaint count, reveal several recurring issues. 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' accounts for 12 complaints, often related to panoramic sunroof explosions (multiple reports), AC condenser punctures from road debris (multiple reports), and windshield cracking. The 'POWER TRAIN' component has 4 complaints, detailing issues like transmission slipping, jerky shifts, hesitation, and poor acceleration. 'STRUCTURE' also has 4 complaints, including the sunroof issues. 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' has 3 complaints, primarily concerning inaccurate fuel gauge readings and potential hybrid system malfunctions. The recall history is particularly important for this model. The 'EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS' recall (2024-2025 models) could lead to overloading and increased crash risk. The 'BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION' recall (2022-2026 models) directly impacts driver visibility and increases crash risk. The 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL' recall (2023-2025 models) is critical as it can obscure vital driving information, also increasing crash risk. While the crash test ratings are high, the volume of complaints for a new model and the nature of the recalls suggest that potential buyers should be diligent in ensuring all recall remedies have been performed and be aware of the reported issues, especially regarding the panoramic sunroof and AC condenser vulnerability.

Our recommendation: While the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the multiple active recalls and recurring complaints regarding the panoramic sunroof, AC condenser vulnerability, and transmission issues. Ensure all recall repairs are completed before purchase and consider an extended warranty for peace of mind regarding the reported common problems.