Equipment
Free remedy
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.
Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2017 Toyota Highlander HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 224 owner complaints for the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Most complaints involve electrical system (45) and power train (45). The EPA rates it 28–29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
28–29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Aug 2017
Owner complaints
224
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Tires: temporary
Free remedy
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
224 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2017 – Jul 2025
- Electrical system45
- Power train45
- Engine42
- Service brakes27
- Fuel/propulsion system26
- Visibility/wiper13
- Vehicle speed control11
- Fuel system, gasoline9
- Air bags7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Highlander Hybrid model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 650 |
| 2007 | 234 |
| 2008 | 603 |
| 2009 | 174 |
| 2010 | 238 |
| 2015 | 182 |
| 2016 | 108 |
| 2017 | 224 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 9 |
- Crashes reported
- 16
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 24
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
45 reports1 crash1 fire
“After getting gas, the vehicle will not start. It will crank and crank but not turn over, like it is starving for gas. Then after 10-15 minutes it will start barely and to keep it running I have to floor the accelerator. Any other time it starts just fine. There are also no codes causing a check engine light.”
Power train
45 reports2 crashes
“Car suddenly began to slip out of gear and have difficulty shifting smoothly. After having car examined by 2 repair shops it was determined the UA80 Transmission needed replaced. Repair shop advised car was not safe to drive with this condition. Warning lights for Check Engine and Check AWD system and traction control came on at the same time as the slipping and rough shifting.”
Engine
42 reports2 crashes
“During the Multi Point Inspection, technician inspected the vehicle. He checked the engine, transmission, and cooling system, topping off all fluids. However, the engine was failing inspection as there was oil underneath the vehicle, which was also seen around the engine, due to an oil leak.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 30 | 28 | 29 | $2,150 | 305 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 27 | 28 | $2,200 | 311 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Toyota Highlander HV SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 11156
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2017 Highlander Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?
2 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 224 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (45), power train (45), engine (42). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at 28–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026