2025 Toyota Highlander Safety Report

2025 Toyota Highlander achieves 5-star overall safety rating but faces three recalls and early complaints regarding braking, acceleration, and seat belts.

5Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
75/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (2)Engine And Engine Cooling (1)Service Brakes (1)Seat Belts (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander presents a strong overall safety profile, earning a 5-star NHTSA Overall Safety Rating, with 5 stars in Side crash tests and 4 stars in both Frontal and Rollover tests. This indicates excellent performance in most crash scenarios. However, despite its newness, the vehicle has already accumulated 5 NHTSA complaints, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The complaints are spread across various components, including 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (2 complaints), 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING' (1 complaint), 'SERVICE BRAKES' (1 complaint), and 'SEAT BELTS' (1 complaint). Three significant recalls have been issued for the 2025 Highlander. One recall addresses a critical safety concern regarding the 'SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE', where the third-row center seat belt roof anchor may be improperly installed, increasing injury risk during a crash. Another recall, 'BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION', affects the Panoramic View Monitor system, where a rearview camera failure could increase crash risk. The third recall, 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL', involves the instrument panel display potentially not showing critical information, which could also increase crash risk or injury. Common complaint patterns, though limited by the low total count, include issues with braking action described as 'delayed' or 'momentary loss' and instances of the vehicle not accelerating or 'bucking/jerking'. A specific complaint also notes a passenger seat belt failing to extend. The recalls highlight potential manufacturing defects in critical safety systems, particularly the seat belts and display functions, which owners should ensure are addressed. While the crash test ratings are high, the recalls and early complaints suggest some initial quality control issues that warrant attention.

Reliability Score

The 2025 Toyota Highlander receives a reliability score of 75 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.

Known Issues for the 2025 Toyota Highlander

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2025 Toyota Highlander:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Delayed/Loss Of Braking Action
Owners report momentary loss or delayed braking action without warning, particularly during light braking applications.		 High Occasional 15000-15000 miles
Vehicle Not Accelerating/Bucking
Instances where the vehicle fails to move when the accelerator pedal is pressed, described as a 'dead pedal', along with 'bucking or jerking' issues.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Passenger Seat Belt Malfunction
The passenger seat belt fails to extend properly about half the time, despite various attempts to adjust or reset it.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Third Row Center Seat Belt Anchor Defect
Recall issued for improperly installed third-row center seat belt roof anchor, increasing injury risk in a crash.		 High Common 0-unknown miles
Panoramic View Monitor Display Failure
Recall issued for rearview camera failing to display an image, reducing driver's view and increasing crash risk.		 High Common 0-unknown miles
Instrument Panel Display Malfunction
Recall issued for instrument panel display not showing critical information, increasing risk of crash or injury.		 High Common 0-unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2025 Toyota Highlander:

Unknown Or Other 40% of complaints

Two complaints fall into this category, including an abnormally strong odor entering the cabin and a stiff/binding turn signal stalk due to adhesive breakdown.

Engine And Engine Cooling 20% of complaints

One complaint related to the engine, specifically issues with acceleration and bucking/jerking.

Service Brakes 20% of complaints

One complaint detailing delayed or momentary loss of braking action.

Seat Belts 20% of complaints

One complaint regarding a passenger seat belt not extending, in addition to a recall for the third-row seat belt anchor.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Toyota Highlander

Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2025 Toyota Highlander has an excellent 5-star Overall Safety Rating. However, it has three active recalls concerning critical safety components like seat belt anchors, rearview camera display, and instrument panel functionality. There are also early complaints about braking and acceleration issues.

What are common problems with the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

The most reported issues, though based on a small sample of 5 complaints, include problems with braking action (delayed/loss), acceleration (dead pedal/bucking), and a passenger seat belt not extending. There are also recalls addressing seat belt anchorage, rearview camera display, and instrument cluster issues.

Are there any recalls for the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Yes, there are three recalls for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. These include recalls for the third-row center seat belt roof anchor, the Panoramic View Monitor system (rearview camera display), and the instrument panel display.

How does the 2025 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander received a 5-star NHTSA Overall Safety Rating. It scored 5 stars in Side crash tests and 4 stars in both Frontal crash and Rollover tests, indicating strong performance in most impact scenarios.

Should I be concerned about the seat belts in the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Yes, there is a specific recall (NHTSA ID: 24V-357) for the third-row center seat belt roof anchor that may be improperly installed, increasing injury risk. Additionally, one owner reported a passenger seat belt not extending. It is crucial to ensure all recall remedies are completed for your vehicle.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2025 Toyota Highlander boasts high crash test ratings, prospective buyers should verify that all three active recalls, particularly those related to seat belts and display functions, have been addressed by the dealer before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2025 Toyota Highlander

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. The data includes 5 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2025 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.