Problems · by component

2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid electrical system problems

45 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid cite electrical system, 20% of all 224 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
45
20% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 14, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11673285
“Car is shaking heavily when stopped. Several misfires while engaging the brakes. Mechanic is telling me that he has seen many vehicles of this model with faulty purge valves.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11667917
“With 22k miles on vehicle, car won’t start due to Brake power low fault. Battery was replaced in attempt to rectify problem with no success, vehicle will need to be towed in for repair.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2025Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11644883
“As the electronic back hitch was closing, I pressed the Start Engine button and the vehicle dashboard lit up but would not start. Then I pressed the button again and it said the Ignition is On. Pressed again to shut off. Vehicle made a bunch of clicking noises but would not start. Disconnected battery to “re boot” electrical system… but a charger on battery and then the vehicle started. BUT the ! And Check Engine light was now on… saying take to your dealer… Check AWD. Drove vehicle at lunch time… and warning light and check engine light just went off! So weird!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2024Electrical systemODI 11619648
“2017 Highlander with the Auto Start/Stop. It will sometimes go completely dead when idling, like at a stop light. Completely dead meaning zero electricity - no lights. This will last a couple of seconds. But one day, the car died at a stop light right. No power. Completely dead. Couldn’t turn on my hazard lights Gears were stuck. Couldn’t shift gears.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 8, 2024Electrical systemODI 11600183
“While accelerating onto highways, my Toyota Highlander suddenly misfires, causing rough engine and a natural response to decelerate instead of continuing to accelerate. The ignition coil was blamed, I replace and then a week later it happens again while trying to accelerate on the highway. Another replacement and then it happens again a third time. There was a known issue under Toyota’s TSB 0148-19, where engine computers were reprogrammed and all coils replaced. My vehicle model year and engine model but doesn’t show this TSB. I am aware TSBs are not recalls, but the sudden repeat engine misfires, all in a year, while accelerating to highway speeds, is a concern.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2024Electrical system, EngineODI 11591363

Showing 6 of 45 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.