--- title: "Toyota Highlander Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "How the Toyota Highlander problems and recalls specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. 7 documented problems with the Toyota Highlander, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 3 of them are serious. 6 carry a recall or TSB number." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Toyota Highlander Common Problems and Years to Avoid The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Toyota Highlander problems and recalls specification changed by year? | Model years | Documented issues | Serious | With a recall or TSB | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2020-2025/common-problems) | 7 | 3 | 6 | | [2014-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/common-problems) | 5 | 2 | 3 | | [2012-2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/common-problems) | 4 | 0 | 2 | ## Full specifications by generation The problems and recalls on a Toyota Highlander is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2020-2025 Toyota Highlander Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2020-2025/common-problems) - [2014-2019 Toyota Highlander Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/common-problems) - [2012-2013 Toyota Highlander Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/common-problems) ## Toyota Highlander problems and recalls: common questions ### What are the most common problems with the Toyota Highlander? The recurring ones are: 8-speed transmission whine, shudder, and failures (2020-2022 v6); stop-start ecu programming error (recall); hybrid fuel tank won't fill to capacity; occupant classification system sensor short (recall); steering spiral cable. driver airbag may deactivate (recall). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost. ### Which Toyota Highlander years should you avoid? The years to be most careful with are those affected by 8-speed transmission whine, shudder, and failures (2020-2022 v6) (2020-2022 (V6)) and occupant classification system sensor short (recall) (2020-2023) and steering spiral cable. driver airbag may deactivate (recall) (2023). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely. ### Are there recalls on the Toyota Highlander? 6 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 20V-162 (stop-start ecu programming error (recall)), Toyota fuel-fill TSBs; 2022 class action (no NHTSA recall) (hybrid fuel tank won't fill to capacity), NHTSA 23V-865 (occupant classification system sensor short (recall)), NHTSA 23V-480; follow-up 25V-040 (steering spiral cable. driver airbag may deactivate (recall)), NHTSA 25V-595 (instrument cluster can fail to display speed and warnings (recall)), NHTSA 23V-720 (front lower bumper cover detaches after minor impacts (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding. ### How much do Toyota Highlander repairs typically cost? Typical figures for the issues above: 8-speed transmission whine, shudder, and failures (2020-2022 v6), Free under powertrain warranty; $4,000-$8,000+ for a transmission out of warranty; stop-start ecu programming error (recall), Free under recall (software update); hybrid fuel tank won't fill to capacity, Free under warranty/TSB (fuel tank assembly replacement) where Toyota accepts the claim; occupant classification system sensor short (recall), Free under recall. ## Sources - [Toyota technical data, Highlander XU70 fluids & capacities (toyota-club.net)](https://toyota-club.net/files/techdata/ttx/highlander_70u.htm) - [Toyota Owners, 2021 Highlander Hybrid owner's manual, 12-volt battery location](https://www.toyota.com/owners/warranty-owners-manuals/digital/article/highlander-hv/2021/om0e143u/ch06se030405/) - [Toyota TrueStart battery application chart, H6 EFB (gas) / H5 LN2 (hybrid)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/03_Batteries2022_hi.pdf) - [Lakeland Toyota parts, 17801-F0050 engine air filter, 2021/2023 Highlander fitment](https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com/p/toyota_2023_HIGHLANDER/Engine-Air-Filter/14760743/17801F0050.html) - [Woburn Toyota parts, 04152-YZZA1 oil filter element fitment for the 2.4L turbo](https://parts.woburntoyota.com/p/Toyota_2025_GRAND-HIGHLANDER-24L-AT-AWD-Limited-Sport-Utility/Engine-Oil-Filter-Element/49507508/04152YZZA1.html) - [Lakeland Toyota parts, 90919-A1008 spark plug (2.4L turbo)](https://toyotaparts.lakelandtoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-spark-plug-90919a1008) - [AMSOIL lookup, 2023 Highlander 2.4L T24A-FTS: 0W-20, 5.6 qt](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2023/toyota/highlander/2-4l-4-cyl-engine-code-t24a-fts-g-turbo/) - [NHTSA recall 23V-865, occupant classification sensor](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V865000) - [NHTSA recall 25V-595, instrument cluster display](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V595000) - [ClassAction.org, 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrid fuel tank fill issue](https://www.classaction.org/news/venting-issue-prevents-2020-2021-toyota-highlander-hybrid-fuel-tank-from-being-filled-to-capacity-class-action-claims) - [The Weekly Driver, 2020-2025 Highlander NHTSA complaint analysis (transmission cluster)](https://theweeklydriver.com/reliability/toyota/highlander/2020-2025/) - [Wheel-Size.com, 2023 Toyota Highlander OE fitments](https://www.wheel-size.com/size/toyota/highlander/2023/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2021 / 2023 Highlander EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2023_Toyota_Highlander.shtml) ## Find your exact Highlander - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012) More Toyota Highlander guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.