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Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2017 Toyota HighlanderRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 271 owner complaints for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Most complaints involve power train (77) and engine (47). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Nov 2020
Owner complaints
271
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Nov 4, 2020NHTSA 20V682000

Electrical system

Free remedy

Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).

Electrical systemReported Nov 27, 2018NHTSA 18E107000

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.

EquipmentReported Aug 23, 2017NHTSA 17V520000
See all 4 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

271 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train77
  2. Engine47
  3. Electrical system46
  4. Fuel/propulsion system28
  5. Service brakes28
  6. Vehicle speed control13
  7. Visibility/wiper12
  8. Air bags9
  9. Fuel system, gasoline9

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2001136
2002327
2003270
2004286
2005225
2006278
2007124
2008406
2009134
2010238
2011187
2012191
2013212
2014138
2015193
2016111
2017271
2018273
2019508
2020323
2021535
2022266
2023189
202443
202510
Crashes reported
18
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
26
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

77 reports2 crashes
“Transmission failure after whining noise, taken to Toyota multiple times with no diagnosis. Today was informed the transmission is failing by another mechanic. 193,000 miles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11769850

Engine

47 reports3 crashes
“My 2017 Toyota Highlander, VIN [XXX], has just under 85,000 miles. I was notified at the dealership (Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood Colorado) who inspected the vehicle yesterday that the vehicle has developed a timing cover oil leak on the passenger side. After further research I learned this is caused by premature failure of the factory applied FIPG sealant at the timing cover’s T junction. This is well documented as a known, widespread defect in the V6 engine used across multiple Toyota and Lexus models between 2014 and 2019. This failure is not due to wear, neglect, or misuse. It is the result of a documented manufacturing flaw that requires full engine removal and carries an extremely high repair cost — a burden that should not fall on customers when the underlying cause is a defective sealant application at the time of manufacturing of the vehicle. I was quoted $5400. I am deeply concerned that Toyota has not issued a recall for this problem, despite its prevalence and the clear safety risks it presents. This leak is not merely a “durability issue.” It has legitimate and serious safety implications, including: •The potential for engine fire due to oil…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026EngineODI 11760032

Electrical system

46 reports1 crash1 fire
“March 5th purchased a battery from Autozone Z net Fit Match that caused cascading electrical and life -safety risk while traveling from hewitt, TX to Washington DC for our families spring break trip including 4 minor children. Component: 12-Volt Battery / Electrical System / Power Steering / Service Brakes Summary: Vehicle suffered catastrophic failure of Power Steering and Braking systems while in motion due to the installation of an incompatible lead-acid battery recommended by AutoZone’s 'Z-Net' catalog. Despite Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-TT-0523-19 (Jan 2019) stating this VIN requires an Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB/AGM) for its Stop-Start system, the retailer’s database continues to misidentify standard batteries as compatible. This mismatch causes a voltage drop that disables critical safety modules ('Limp Mode'). I have video evidence of the catalog error. This is a systemic misrepresentation affecting 2017+ Toyota Highlander safety compliance.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 25, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11726889
All 2017 Highlander problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl · 2.7L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S8) · Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel 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 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Highlander
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$2,800391
Highlander AWD LE
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
202723$2,800390
Highlander LE/XLE/SE/LTD
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212723$2,800384
Highlander
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202422$2,900407
Highlander AWD
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start · All-Wheel Drive
202622$2,900398
Highlander AWD
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI · All-Wheel Drive
192622$2,900405
  • Highlander
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Highlander AWD LE
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Highlander LE/XLE/SE/LTD
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    21 city · 27 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Highlander
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L
    20 city · 24 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Highlander AWD
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start
    20 city · 26 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Highlander AWD
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI
    19 city · 26 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Toyota Highlander 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%
Overall
5 / 5
Toyota Highlander SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
18.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 11155Vehicle 11154
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2017 Highlander questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 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 problems?

Owners filed 271 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (77), engine (47), electrical system (46). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Toyota Highlander get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Toyota Highlander at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2017 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Toyota Highlander 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026