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Where is the 2024 Toyota Highlander made?

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is built primarily in Princeton, Indiana, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI) for the North American market.


For the 2024 model year, Toyota concentrates Highlander production at the Indiana plant to meet demand in the United States and Canada. While the Highlander nameplate is used in multiple markets, the North American version is assembled at TMMI in Indiana.


Primary manufacturing site


Key facts about the main venue where the 2024 Highlander is assembled are listed below.



  • Plant: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI)

  • Location: Princeton, Indiana, United States

  • Primary market served: North America (United States and Canada)


The Princeton plant also produces other Toyota models, such as the Sienna minivan, which helps explain the mix of vehicles on its lines.


Regional production notes


For the 2024 model year, Highlander production for the North American market is predominantly localized at TMMI in Indiana. Toyota does not publicly list additional U.S. assembly sites for this specific model’s North American version, though regional production arrangements can differ for other Toyota SUV models in different markets.


Summary


The 2024 Toyota Highlander is manufactured primarily in Princeton, Indiana, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, making it a locally produced SUV for the North American market. This location serves as the main hub for Highlander assembly in the United States, reflecting Toyota’s alignment of supply with regional demand.

What is the lawsuit against the Toyota Highlander?


Recent and ongoing lawsuits involving the Toyota Highlander address issues such as faulty door lock actuators, a potential transmission defect in certain models, and a claim that 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids have fuel tanks that do not fill completely. Other recent lawsuits include an investigation into defective power liftgates and a separate class action settlement for a Bluetooth echo defect that affected some Highlanders. 
Current and recent lawsuits

  • Door Lock Actuators: A class action lawsuit was filed because many Toyota models, including the Highlander, reportedly have defective door lock actuators that may fail to engage properly. The lawsuit claims owners have been charged for repeated replacements, which Toyota allegedly considered "wear and tear" items. 
  • Transmission Defect: Lawsuits allege that certain Highlander models (2017-2022) equipped with the UA80 automatic transmission have a defect that can cause whining, erratic shifting, and premature failure. A Customer Support Program (CSP ZJC) was created but only covers a limited number of vehicles, according to Change.org. 
  • Fuel Tank Defect: A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids, claiming a defective fuel tank vent causes it to not fill to its capacity. 
  • Power Liftgate Defect: Some Highlander models (XU20, XU40, XU50, and Highlander Hybrid MHU28) are reportedly affected by a power liftgate defect that can lead to costly repairs, with the lawsuit alleging Toyota knew about the issue but did not issue a recall or warning. 
  • Bluetooth Echo Defect: A class action lawsuit over a Bluetooth defect that caused an echo on calls in certain Toyota models, including the Highlander, resulted in a settlement, notes this article from Unión Rayo and ClassAction.org. 

How to proceed
  • Identify your vehicle's details: Determine if your Highlander is included in any of these lawsuits by checking its model year, VIN, and the specific defect alleged.
  • Gather evidence: Collect any repair invoices, service records, or documentation related to the defect.
  • Contact an attorney: Speak to a lawyer who specializes in consumer or automotive class action lawsuits to understand your options and how you may be affected by an ongoing investigation or settlement. 
  • Check settlement websites: Visit official settlement websites if they are available for a specific lawsuit, as they often provide important information and instructions for potential claimants. 



Where is the 2024 Toyota Highlander manufactured?


Princeton, Indiana
Designed by Calty Design Studios and exclusively assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana, the 2024 Grand Highlander will have a starting MSRP of $43,070 for the gas engine models, $44,670 for the hybrid and $54,040 for the Hybrid MAX powertrain when it hits dealerships this Summer.



Is the Toyota Highlander made in the USA?


Yes, Toyota Highlanders are made in the USA, specifically at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) plant in Princeton, IN. The plant also produces other models like the Toyota Sienna and the Grand Highlander.
 

  • Assembly plant: The primary US assembly plant for the Highlander is in Princeton, Indiana. 
  • Other models: The same facility also assembles the Toyota Sienna, Highlander Hybrid, and Grand Highlander. 



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


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.