2017 Toyota Highlander fuel/propulsion system problems

“The engine stalled because the fuel pump is failing. We have found that many 2017 Toyota Highlanders have had the fuel pump recalled for this exact issue, yet our VIN is not included in this recall. We experienced the exact issue the recall was issued for stalling while driving. Issue on July 24, 2027: The engine stalled while driving on the highway at high speed and lost power steering, creating a major safety issue. We had our vehicle towed to a car care center. The car care center identified diagnostic codes related to low pressure fuel system pressure, engine stall history, etc. but cannot reproduce the issue. After checking multiple systems, he believes the issue is a failing fuel pump. Background: Over the past 6 months, we have had problems with the check engine light turning on. On multiple occasions, we have brought the car to get diagnosed and the reading has consistently been fuel pressure codes. Each time we get the car diagnosed, the technician could not reproduce the issues and cleared the codes without resolution.”

“Today (8/26/2025) my wife experienced the engine light kicked on and that the AWD system needed to be checked. After fueling up it made knocking noises and difficulty starting, and took two times to start up. Ran an OBD scan and this is what it says, which is related to fuel pump low pressure. P117B - Fuel Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Severity - High Description - Indicates a problem with the fuel pressure sensor circuit, where the sensor's output signal is outside the expected range or performance criteria, leading to potential issues with fuel delivery or engine performance. P0174 - System Too Lean (Bank 2) Severity - High Description - Your engine is getting too much air and/or not enough fuel, this is known as a "Lean" condition. Excess oxygen is getting into your engine, which makes the combustion process less efficient. This could be caused by many different factors. Consequences of Continued Driving - Reduced power, Engine knocking, Rough idle”

“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.”

“Toyota manufacturing issue-fuel line is manufactured incorrectly-had gas seeping into cab of vehicle and tailpipe. Severe safety issue Steering wheel/column sticks and almost lose control when driving due to a worn out coupler-poor design and manufacturing.”

“I just bought this car and I noticed when the car is sitting and idling it has a strong smell of raw gas in the passenger compartment. I took it to the fire department and they smelled it as soon as they opened the door. They also said this is not safe and I shouldn't be smelling a strong odor of gas in the passenger compartment.”

“This is the SECOND incident with this vehicle in the past 4 months. When going to start my vehicle, it would not start. It gave me this error message: Braking power low, Stop in a Safe Place, See owners manual. There is NOTHING about this in the owners manual. The first time I thought it was battery related and after 3 different chargers on my vehicle, it finally started. Tonight I proceeded to push the button without the foot pedal and the radio came on, so it is definitely not the battery. I've tried several times to start and to no avail. Problem has not been reproduced as i cannot drive my vehicle at this time. No inspection as of yet. No warnings or symptoms prior to failure. Research shows it may have to do with a fuel pump pressure issue. I have paperwork on this issue under a customer support program 23TE01. Hoping this can become a recall and i can get this fixed .”