2024 Toyota Highlander Safety Report
2024 Toyota Highlander Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2024 Toyota Highlander
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2024 Toyota Highlander. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (29) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Toyota Highlander with 0 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2021 | Check the 2021 Toyota Highlander before buying across this generation. |
Toyota Highlander Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Toyota Highlander years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota Highlander | 5 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander | 139 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2026 Toyota Highlander | 0 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander | 187 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 406 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Toyota Highlander | 266 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2024 Toyota Highlander Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2024 Toyota Highlander, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Toyota onlyService Brakes
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Toyota onlyElectrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Toyota onlyPower Train
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Toyota onlyFuel/Propulsion System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Toyota onlyTires
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Tires issues Toyota onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Toyota Highlander
Reliability Score
The 2024 Toyota Highlander receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2024 Toyota Highlander
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2024 Toyota Highlander
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Toyota Highlander:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes Recalled for potential issues, with mid-range frequency. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Recalled for instrument cluster issues, with mid-range frequency. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Seat Belt Anchorage Recalled for rear seat belt anchorage issues, with low frequency. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Back Over Prevention Display Recalled for display function issues, with low frequency. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2024 Toyota Highlander:
Issues with the instrument cluster and other electrical components are common.
Recall Details for the 2024 Toyota Highlander
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Toyota Highlander by NHTSA:
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Consequence: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 20, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. 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.
Consequence: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. 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.
Consequence: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' number...
Summary: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added ...
Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
Summary: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2024 Toyota Highlander
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2024 Toyota Highlander with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
My 12.3” display screen goes really dark and I have to restart vehicle to reset.
Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consistently experiences a violent jerk/shock and an audible clicking noise during the first 2nd-to-3rd gear transition. This physical impact is sev...
The tires have not “failed,” but they are dry rotting on both the sidewalls and inside the tread. These came as the OE tires, size is 235/65 R18. This is a daily driven car with almost 30,000 miles on the odometer. There is no reason the tires should be dry rotting. This is a severe safety hazard, as most tire shops wouldn’t mount, balance, or even touch these tires if they were dry rotted this qu...
When I purchased the vehicle I was told I could use Apple CarPlay, or Toyota's Drive Connect. Apple works better so I've always used that. I am used to having to clear Toyota's pop up ads for Drive Connect several times per week, even once per day. Recently Toyota's Drive Connect ads pops up on screen every few minutes regardless of what hands free app I'm trying to use (navigation, phone call, ...
When the engine is running after hours a gasoline smell and vapor exit the tank by the cap.
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the instrument cluster was blinking. The contact expressed that she was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact received the recall notices of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V744000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair of ...
When the AC system is turned on, the idle increases from 740rpm to 760rpm. It engages the torque converter in the automatic transmission causing the car to move forward on its own. This makes it difficult, whether you are in traffic or at a stop light where there are vehicles stopped infront of you. The driver has to press hard on the brake pedal to keep it from moving forward. The local Toyo...
On or about Oct, 3rd, 2025 , my vehicle experienced the 'Check Engine' light and all the warning lights lit up, the hybrid system failed to engage, the vehicle would say “park somewhere safe /take to dealer” . I immediately took the vehicle to the authorized Toyota dealership, Wonderies Toyota Alhambra , for diagnosis. They said they could not find anything, reset the sensors, and told us to com...
UNKNOWN - 2024 Toyota Highlander makes a drumming or hooting sound when driving over normal to slightly rough roads. It is not related to expansion joints in the road. 1st dealer said it was a rt. wheel bearing, changed it and it did not work. He then said it was in all Toyota's with 20" wheels. I paid to change tires and wheel to no avail. 2nd dealer said it was normal even though mechanic hea...
>While exiting a highway my vehicle surged forward crashing into the vehicle in front of me.Engaging the brake, my car smashed into the van again. I had no control over the forward momentum of the car. >Both the driver & I were in danger of injury >The problem has not been addressed as my damaged car is being repaired >The vehicle has not been inspected >I was given no warning that the incident wa...
Ours has pulsing brakes and brakes feeling "off" at low speeds, potentially due to the interaction of regenerative and conventional braking. The brake pedal will also suddenly jolt the car forward when switching between braking systems. The system is unsafe.
There are many times over the course of the past few months where I am braking and the car lurches forward at least a few inches before coming to a complete stop. It feels as if it is being rear ended at a slow rate of speed. I have not been able to identify any pattern in this problem. It happens when I am braking to slow down at a faster rate of speed or when I need to come to a complete stop at...
My driver side rear door handle comes off when I open the door. I am having the dealership look into this on 8/28/2025.
While slowing down, the vehicle will suddenly lunge forward, as if It hit a patch of ice and then slow again. This started happening around 30,000 miles. The dealer said this is because of a transition between hydraulic braking and regenerative braking and is "NORMAL". This did not start until 30k miles. I have owned 4 hybrid vehicles and only this one does this. Upon reading and studying online, ...
when I attempt to accelerate from a stop, or slowly rolling, there is a 2-3 second delay, sometimes longer, prior to the vehicle moving forward. during the delay, when accelerator is pressed, the engine does not rev, nothing happens at all. it's scary. the highlander has less than 9k miles on it. this has been happening more and more frequently. I have contacted toyota, they have yet to provide a ...
Brakes "let go" for a second or so when using. I have noticed this when coming to a stop sign at low speeds and especially if road surface is uneven. It does not happen all the time but it is very scary to suddenly lose the brakes! This puts others at risk because the car briefly speeds up when the brakes let go. It has happened at least twenty times while driving this SUV, most recently today. P...
Brakes do not engage sometimes until brake is almost to floor. This has happened to the 3 people who have driven it and almost caused an accident. In fact the warning flashes on dashboard. Brakes have almost failed and yes, it is available upon request. Our safety was at risk because all 3 of us almost hit the person in front of us. The problem has not been reproduced by the 2 service places I ...
My car was parked in the driveway with the engine running. The engine was then turned off from outside the vehicle using the start/stop button. Once the engine stopped, the car moved backward down the sloped driveway and struck a pickup truck that was parallel parked on the street. I then entered the vehicle and attempted to shift into drive, but a warning appeared indicating the hybrid system wa...
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? THE CAR SMELLS OF GASOLINE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. THE SMELL TRAVELS IN THE CAR AND MAKES ME SMELL LIKE GAS AND ALSO THROUGH THE AIRV ENTS WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE. I DO NOT OVERFILL THE GAS TANK. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? WE ARE INHALING GASOLINE SM...
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.
Showing 20 of 29 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Toyota Highlander
Has the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER been recalled?
Yes, the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER have?
The 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER has 29 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
The 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER involve unknown or other (4 complaints), service brakes (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints). Other affected components include power train, fuel/propulsion system, tires.
How many crash reports does the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER have?
There are no fire reports for the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER is acceptable with caveats. It has 29 complaints, 7 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
The components with the most failures on the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 4 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
Be aware of potential electrical system and service brake issues, and regularly check tire condition for signs of dry rotting. The 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER has 29 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
The 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 29 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?
Known issues with the 2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER include: Service Brakes, Electrical System, Seat Belt Anchorage, Back Over Prevention Display. These are based on patterns found across 29 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any known issues with the 2024 Toyota Highlander's electrical system?
Yes, there have been recalls for instrument cluster issues, which can cause the display to malfunction.
What should I do if I notice my tires are dry rotting?
Replace the tires immediately to avoid potential safety hazards.
Can you tell me about the seat belt anchorage issue?
There have been recalls for rear seat belt anchorage issues, which are relatively rare.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential electrical system and service brake issues, and regularly check tire condition for signs of dry rotting.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2024 Toyota Highlander
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 Toyota Highlander. The data includes 29 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2024 Toyota Highlander an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16