Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 3.1× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
261Complaints
4Recalls
18Crashes
2Fires
26Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Power Train (26.4% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Power Train complaints here are 3.1× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Power Train
69 · 26.4%
not available
—
Electrical System
46 · 17.6%
Recalled
Recall 18E107000
Engine
44 · 16.9%
not available
—
Fuel/propulsion System
28 · 10.7%
Recalled
Recall 20V682000
Service Brakes
28 · 10.7%
not available
—
Vehicle Speed Control
13 · 5%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 261 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“ON HIGHWAY TRAFFIC CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WE SAT WITH FOOT ON BRAKE MAYBE 2-3 MINUTES WHEN I RELEASED BRAKES CAR WOULD NOT GO…”NHTSA complaint 11388949 — filed 01/19/2021 · POWER TRAIN
“THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT ANY WARNING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 33,000 MILES ON THE CAR PUTTING THE WHOLE FAMILY IN THE CAR AT RISK…”NHTSA complaint 11388863 — filed 01/19/2021 · POWER TRAIN
“AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR ACCELERATING, A SLIGHT PAUSE OR LOSS OF POWER IS NOTICEABLE. IT SEEMS AS IF FUEL IS CUT OFF OR ENGINE DOES…”NHTSA complaint 11375169 — filed 11/18/2020 · POWER TRAIN
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 69 of 261 NHTSA complaints (26.4%), followed by unspecified/other issues (51), electrical system (46), engine (44). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have?
261 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 18 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 26 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18E107000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2017 Toyota Highlander's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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