Do Toyota Highlanders lock automatically?

Yes. Most Toyota Highlander models support automatic locking features, notably Walk-Away Auto Lock and Auto Lock by speed, though the availability and exact behavior vary by model year and trim.

Walk-Away Auto Lock locks the doors automatically when you walk away from the vehicle with the key fob, while Auto Lock by speed engages once you start driving or reach a certain speed. These options are designed for convenience and security, but they’re not guaranteed on every Highlander and may be configurable or unavailable based on your generation and market. Below, we explain what to expect and how to customize them.

What automatic locking features does the Highlander offer?

The two main automatic locking features commonly found on modern Highlanders are explained below. Not every model or region will have both, and feature names may vary slightly by year.

• Walk-Away Auto Lock: Doors lock automatically when the key fob is detected at a distance away from the vehicle and all doors are closed. You can typically enable or disable this feature in the vehicle’s settings, and some models let you adjust the detection range or delay.


• Auto Lock by Speed: Doors lock automatically after you begin driving and reach a specified speed, or after you shift out of Park. This helps secure the cabin once you’re moving, with the speed threshold sometimes adjustable depending on the model year.

These locking features are meant to improve security if you forget to lock manually and to streamline entry and exit in daily use. Availability, exact wording, and the level of configurability can differ between trims and generations.

How to enable or customize automatic locking

To tailor automatic locking to your preferences, you’ll typically use the Highlander’s Settings menu. The path can vary by year and infotainment system, but the general steps are similar across recent models.

1. Enter the vehicle and access the infotainment system or instrument cluster settings.


2. Navigate to Settings, then to Vehicle or Doors (or Locking) options.


3. Turn on Walk-Away Auto Lock if available, and adjust distance or delay settings if your model supports it.


4. Enable Auto Lock by Speed and set the speed threshold if the option is offered. Some models may call it “Auto Lock” or “Lock at speed.”


5. Test the feature: walk away with the key fob to confirm locking, and drive slowly to verify the auto-lock behavior as you start moving.

If you can’t locate these options in your Highlander’s menus, consult the owner’s manual for your exact model year or contact a Toyota dealer. Menu wording and availability can differ between generations and markets.

Practical considerations and caveats

While automatic locking adds convenience, it’s wise to be aware of a few caveats to ensure reliable operation and avoid unintended locking.

• Key fob battery: A weak or missing fob battery can prevent Walk-Away Auto Lock from triggering or cause delays in locking.


• Doors must be closed: Auto Lock features generally require all doors to be closed for the system to engage.


• Vehicle state: Some features won’t engage if the engine is off, doors are ajar, or security settings are customized in a way that disables automatic locking.


• False alarms: If a door sensor misreads, you may notice unexpected locking or unlocking behavior—this can usually be adjusted in settings or by updating the system software.

Manual locking remains an always-available backup, so you’re not locked into relying solely on automatic locking in all situations.

Summary

Many Toyota Highlanders lock automatically through Walk-Away Auto Lock and Auto Lock by speed, offering added security and convenience. Availability and exact controls depend on your model year and trim, so check the Settings menu in your vehicle or the owner’s manual to confirm how these features work on your Highlander and how you can customize them. Regular maintenance of your key fob battery and staying mindful of the system’s behavior will help ensure reliable operation.

Do Toyotas lock themselves?

No, Toyotas do not automatically lock when you walk away from them, though some models have a re-lock timer that will re-lock the doors if you unlock them remotely but don't open any doors within a set time. Some newer models may offer a walk-away lock feature via the Smart Key system, but this is often an optional setting that must be enabled, and on some vehicles, it may only work under specific conditions, like closing the power back door with the kick sensor. 
This video explains how the re-lock timer works: 1mBelleville ToyotaYouTube · Jun 20, 2022
Automatic lock and unlock features

• Re-lock timer: If you unlock the car with the remote but don't open any doors, the car will re-lock itself after a set time to prevent accidental unlocking. This timer is customizable in the infotainment system. 
• Speed/Shift-linked locks: Some models can be set to automatically lock all doors when the vehicle reaches a certain speed or when you shift out of park. 
• Walk-away lock: This feature is not standard on all models and may need to be enabled or paid for at the dealership. Even when available, it may only function under specific circumstances, such as using the kick sensor on the power back door to close it after opening it with the sensor. 

How to manually lock or enable settings

• To manually lock the doors from the outside, use the physical lock button on the door or a proximity sensor if your model has one. 
• To customize settings like the re-lock timer or speed-linked locks, go to the vehicle's infotainment system and navigate through the menus (usually Menu > Setup > Vehicle > Vehicle Customization > Door Lock Settings). 

Does the Toyota Highlander lock automatically when you walk away?

Toyota Highlanders do not have a walk-away auto-lock feature in the traditional sense, meaning the vehicle will not automatically lock all its doors simply because you walk away with the key fob. However, some models have a similar feature for the power back door, and other auto-locking functions exist that you can use instead. 
Alternatives to walk-away auto-lock

• Touch the door handle: With the key fob in your pocket, you can lock all doors by touching the sensor on the driver's door handle (the area with the two embossed lines) as you walk away, according to this Facebook post. 
• Use the Toyota App: You can lock or unlock the vehicle from your phone, and the app can also notify you if the car is left unlocked. 
• Timer-based auto-relock: If you accidentally unlock the car with the fob but don't open a door within a certain time, the vehicle will automatically relock itself as a security measure, notes this Facebook post. 
• Power back door (Grand Highlander): The Grand Highlander has an auto-lock function for the power back door that can be enabled through the settings. The vehicle will lock after the back door is closed, but this only applies to the rear liftgate. 

How to enable or use these features

• To enable the power back door auto-lock (Grand Highlander): Go to Settings > Vehicle Settings > Door Setup > Walk-Away AutoLock and turn it On. 
• To enable the timer-based auto-relock: This is often a default setting, but you can check Settings > Vehicle Settings and look for an "auto lock unattended" or similar option. 
• To lock the other doors: Make sure your key fob is on you, then touch the sensor on the outside of the driver's door handle to lock the vehicle. 

Will my car lock itself if I forget?

No, most cars will not automatically lock if you forget, but some modern cars with keyless entry and specific settings might have an auto-lock feature that activates after a certain time or when the fob is out of range. If your car is not a modern model with these features, you will need to manually lock it to ensure it is secure. 
Modern cars

• Auto-locking: Some modern cars with keyless entry and start systems may automatically lock if you walk away from the vehicle with the fob. 
• Auto-locking after a delay: Some cars, if you use the fob to unlock them but do not open a door within a certain timeframe (like 60 seconds), will automatically relock. 
• Not all cars are the same: Not all modern cars have auto-locking features, so it's important to check your specific vehicle's manual to understand its capabilities. 

Older cars

• Manual locking is standard: Older cars without advanced features will not lock automatically and require you to manually lock the doors. 
• Potential for accidental locking: In some older models, a large jolt, like a slammed door or hitting a pothole, could potentially trigger the central locking system and lock the doors unintentionally. 

Important considerations

• Check your manual: The best way to know if your car has an auto-locking feature is to consult your owner's manual. 
• Never assume: It is always best to manually lock your car after every trip, even if you have an automatic locking feature. This ensures your vehicle is secure and helps prevent theft. 
• If you get locked out: If you do lock your keys in your car, you can contact a locksmith, roadside assistance, or the police for help. You can also try using the manufacturer's phone app if your car has one that allows remote unlocking. 

What is the most common problem with a Toyota Highlander?

The most common problem with the Toyota Highlander is a major oil leak and loss of oil pressure caused by a faulty VVT-i oil line. Other frequent issues include infrequent but noticeable interior rattles, especially from the moonroof or dashboard, and problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission in 2017-2019 models, leading to noises, delayed shifting, and failure. 
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Toyota Highlander, including the 8-speed transmission issue: 59sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025
Most common problems

• VVT-i oil line rupture: This is the most frequent and serious issue, where the oil line bursts, causing a massive oil leak that can lead to complete engine failure if the vehicle is driven while the low oil pressure light is on. A revised part has been issued, but it has also been reported to have the same problem. 
• Interior rattles and noises: Many owners report various rattles and squeaks coming from the interior, such as the moonroof, dashboard, or infotainment screen, particularly on bumpy roads or in cold weather. 
• 8-speed automatic transmission: Specific models, particularly the 2017–2019 Highlanders, have been associated with issues such as a whining noise, delayed shifts, hard shifts, and even complete failure. 
• Airbag sensor failure: Some models have a faulty front passenger airbag sensor that can short-circuit, preventing the airbag from deploying correctly. 

Other potential issues

• Air and water leaks: Some model years have reported issues with plugged sunroof drain lines, leading to water leaks inside the vehicle. 
• Check engine light: This can be caused by various issues, such as the hose coming off the air filter housing or a failed oxygen sensor. 
• Brake issues: Some models have reported premature wear of brake pads and rotors, or a vibrating sensation when braking. 

This video discusses problems with the 8-speed transmission in the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander: 58sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Jul 31, 2021