2023 Toyota Highlander
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Toyota › Highlander › 2023
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2023 Toyota Highlander. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
9 recalls name the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Newest first.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
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…
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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…
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) 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. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's…
A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
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…
A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
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…
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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…
Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be…
A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Recall has not been fixed in a timely manner.
While depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking force, followed by a momentary forward surge/lunge before the friction brakes engaged.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the parts required for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for another recall repair but was not serviced for the subject recall. The dealer confirmed that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide a remedy for the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the issue.
Brake lag with loss of brakes during transition from regenerative to hydraulic friction braking. The vehicle braking system cuts out causing the vehicle to freely move forward which has caused near rear-end collisions with other vehicles, and loss of brakes at stop signs and crosswalks. The vehicle has been inspected four times at local dealership between June 1 and October 6, 2026. Brakes have been bled and recalibrated, actuator assembly has been replaced, and defect persists. Dealership has not been able to replicate the problem during their limited time with the vehicle. There are no warning lamps or messages and no other symptoms prior to each failure. Began noticing issue in May 2026. The issue appears to be similar to what is described in T-SB-0059-23 for the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrids (and Siennas) which is titled "Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement" where there is a brake lag and momentary loss of braking sensation, and forward lurch/surge. Toyota has not issued a repair solution for the 2023 Highlander Hybrid, so there is no software calibration solution.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
I am issuing a complaint about the the Toyota recall 26TB06 issued 02/27/2026 on our Toyota Highlander XLE Hybrid. The recall states not to use the seats until the recall has been complied with. We have been without use of those seats for 7 months and all Toyota says is we'll notify you when the parts are available. This is totally unacceptable for the time to come up with a fix. Please let Toyota know they need to come up with a fix sooner or people will be using the seats and injuries could occur. Thank you.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Ongoing severe engine surge after coasting while braking lightly during moderate downhill drives on pavement. It happens consistently with different drivers at speeds between 25 to 45 mph. The surge can cause the vehicle to lurch forward enough to move the vehicle forward suddenly, and rapidly to other cars ahead. This is an unpredictable issue, but occurs multiple times daily. Very concerning for everyone at risk in the vehicle. This issue was presented to several Toyota dealers in the San Diego (Carlbad, CA) and Temecula, CA areas during routine servicing during new car regular servicing up to 36k mi. It was documented at those dealers 4 times. They could not reproduce it until the 4th service appt at Temecula, CA Toyota. Toyota has a remedy for previous years' models of Highlander Hybrid, which was a software upgrade to the hybrid braking/engine system. But not the 2023 year. Yet.
Rear Power Lift Gate Struts continue to malfunction. Sometimes works, Sometimes Partially Works. My vehicle currently has 40,000 miles and according to Social Media and AI this has become a large Problem for a large number of People.
Transmission failure at 106,000 miles, full replacement under extended warranty and new transmission is begging to fail at 109,000 miles.
Transmission failure under 50k miles. Replaced under powertrain warranty. UA81E incurred a whine that was prevalent at light acceleration over 40 mph. This is a known issue that spans multiple years at some point someone has to admit this is a design flaw.
I own a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE, purchased new in 2023, with approximately 55,000 miles. My vehicle is affected by NHTSA Safety Recall 26V-128 concerning the second-row seat recliner assemblies/return springs. Toyota advised that the second-row seat backs may not properly lock into position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. I received Toyota’s recall notification in approximately April 2026 stating that a remedy was not yet available. Because I regularly transport my children in the second row using child safety seats, I took the safety concern seriously and presented my Highlander to my Toyota dealership on May 1, 2026. The dealership has retained my vehicle continuously since May 1 because the recall remains unresolved. Toyota/dealership has provided rental vehicles, which I have had to periodically exchange. Each exchange requires transferring and reinstalling my children’s car seats and transferring the safety equipment and other belongings my family normally keeps in our vehicle. As of August 23, 2026, my Highlander has been unavailable to me for approximately 114 days. On August 23, I called Toyota’s corporate recall line. The current recorded message continues to state that Toyota is preparing a remedy, that dealerships will replace the return springs free of charge when available, and that owners will be notified when the remedy becomes available. I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle has remained unavailable since May 1 due to an acknowledged safety recall for which Toyota still has no available remedy. I am requesting that NHTSA document and review the length of time this recall has remained without an available remedy and Toyota’s handling of affected owners.
we had a recall on this car for so long and the dealership is not providing remedy date for this recall
See attached document for complaint.
I have a 2023 Toyota Highlander XSE with 77,015 miles on it. Last week we noticed that when pushing on the gas pedel to accelerate that the car started making a terrible whinning noise that did not go away. i scheduled a service call with dealership i purchased it from and where i take it for all of its scheduled service and they canfirmed that the transmission was failing and needed to be replaced so the problem has been confirmed by the dealership. In addition i contacted the toyota help line and asked for a Goodwill Warranty Assisstance case to be opened which is now under review. prior to the noise there were no indication of an issue such as warning lights messages or other symptons. To date there was no harm done to me or other individuals
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the second-row seat failed to lock in position as designed. The failure mileage was 39,000.
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition loss of brake pad pressure resulting in acceleration of the vehicle under downhill conditions. Have momentarily experienced the loss of braking frequently during braking when going downhill. This results in the vehicle gaining speed during this 1 or 2 second period before braking returns. In one case it allowed our car to get dangerously close to the vehicle ahead of us but fortunately I was able to push the brakes harder to prevent an accident but did require aggressive braking. Luckily no one was behind us which may have resulted in the person following us braking hard or possible hitting us. This was a known issue for previous year Toyota Highlander models and Toyota issued service bulletin T-SB-0059-23 which is stated to only be for model years 2020 - 2022. So, Toyota dealers say they do not have a fix that applies to the 2023 model. It has been indicated that the dealer is unaware if any action is being taken by Toyota to address this issue in the 2023 and later models. We have multiple people driving this vehicle and this sudden loss of braking power is very concerning. The loss of braking force occurs upon the transition from regenerative braking to standard hydraulic breaking. Below are words from the Toyota Technical Service notice concerning the problem. "Highlander Hybrid vehicles may be sensitive to the momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking under certain driving conditions, such as while driving downhill, or turning with light brake pedal application. The brake actuator control module can be updated to improve brake feeling for this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition."
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the driver’s and passenger’s side mirrors moved downward independently, causing the contact to manually adjust the side mirrors. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.
Vehicle has strong gas smell and has gas vapor streaming out from under rear driver side wheel well and gas cap area.
The transmission developed hesitations at take off, a whine at low speeds and over time got louder. Diagnosis by the dealer confirmed yet another bad eight speed transmission failure. This vehicle has 41K miles.
I was in a head on collision and seat belt didn't hold me in place and airbag did not deploy. I hit the steering wheel.
Tailgate stays open; sensors seem to fail. It will work one day and not work on another day. My wife is short and handicapped and she can’t close it manually.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.