Which Toyota highlanders are being recalled?

There isn't a single recall that covers all Highlander models. Recalls are issued for specific model years and VIN ranges, and the vehicles affected can vary by region. To know if your Highlander is included, check the VIN against official recall notices from safety authorities and Toyota.

How recalls are determined for the Highlander

Recall campaigns are triggered by identified defects that could affect safety or reliability. For the Highlander, campaigns may involve airbag systems, fuel delivery, transmission software, power steering, door latches, or other components. The important point is that eligibility is by model year and VIN, not by simple model-year alone.

What follows provides a practical pathway to verify status for your specific vehicle.

1. Locate your Highlander's VIN. It is a 17-character identifier found on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield) and on the driver’s door jamb, and it also appears on registration documents.


2. Use official recall lookup tools to search by VIN rather than model year alone. This ensures you capture any campaigns that apply only to part of a model run.


3. Review the returned campaigns for details such as campaign numbers, affected components, and the required repair actions.


4. Contact a Toyota dealer or an authorized service center to confirm eligibility and to schedule a free remedy if your VIN is listed.

Because recall status is VIN-specific, this process is essential for accurately identifying whether your Highlander is affected.

Where to find official recall notices

Official recall information comes from safety regulatory agencies and the vehicle manufacturer. Use these primary sources to verify any recall for your Highlander.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database — United States: search by VIN or recall number at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.


• Toyota's official recall and customer support portal — global and regional recall campaigns and VIN-based checks on www.toyota.com or your country’s Toyota site.


• Transport Canada recall database — Canada: search by VIN and model at www.tc.gc.ca.


• European Union recall notices — EU: check the manufacturer’s EU portal or national authorities for region-specific campaigns.

If you are outside North America, start with your local Toyota website or national safety regulator’s recall database to ensure you see the campaigns applicable in your country.

What to do if your Highlander is recalled

When a recall affects your vehicle, manufacturers offer a free remedy, typically at an authorized dealership. Do not delay scheduling service after receiving a recall notice or when you detect symptoms that match a campaign description.

In practice, most recalls are resolved quickly once you schedule an appointment. If you own a Highlander and you’re unsure whether you are impacted, treat the VIN-check as essential due diligence.

Summary

The Toyota Highlander recall landscape is model-year and VIN-specific, with regional variations. The reliable path to know whether your vehicle is affected is to check your VIN against official recall databases and contact a Toyota dealer for confirmation and service scheduling. Always prioritize official sources over third-party information to ensure accuracy and safety.

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

What SUVs are being recalled by Toyota?

Recent Toyota SUV recalls include a large one for models with potential backup camera issues (affecting many 2022-2026 models) and an engine concern for certain 2022-2024 Tundras, 2022-2024 LXs, and 2024 GX models. The camera issue may result in a blank or frozen image, and dealers will provide a free software update for affected vehicles. The engine recall is for vehicles where machining debris may have caused issues, and Toyota is still developing the remedy. 
This video explains the backup camera recall for Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru vehicles: 32sKREM 2 NewsYouTube · Nov 7, 2025
Backup camera recall (over 1 million vehicles) 

• What it is: A software error can cause the rearview camera image to freeze or go blank while in reverse, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
• Affected models: Certain 2022-2026 Toyota and Lexus models equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor system, as well as the Subaru Solterra.
• Fix: A Toyota dealer will update the parking assist software for free.
• Notification: Owners should be notified by mail in mid-December. 

Engine recall (Tundra, LX, GX)

• What it is: Machining debris may not have been cleared from the engine during production, which can lead to engine knocking, rough running, or a loss of motive power, particularly at high speeds. 
• Affected models:
  • Certain 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra (conventional gas models) 
  • Certain 2022-2024 Lexus LX 
  • Certain 2024 Lexus GX 
• Fix: Toyota is still developing the remedy. A remedy is expected to be developed, and customers will be notified by early January 2026. 

Other recalls

• Other recalls, such as for the 2022-2025 Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, and 2023-2025 Sequoia Hybrid vehicles, have been issued for rearview camera issues that could reduce driver visibility. 

How to check your vehicle

• You can check for recalls on your specific vehicle by visiting Toyota's owner site, the NHTSA website, or by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on either site. 

Are there any recalls on Toyota Highlanders?

Yes, some Toyota Highlanders have recent recalls, including models from 2020-2023 for bumper covers that could detach, and several models including the Highlander for a faulty instrument panel display. To check if your specific vehicle is affected, use its VIN or license plate number on the Toyota website or nhtsa.gov/recalls.
 
Recent recalls

• Bumper Covers: A recall for 2020-2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles addresses the front lower bumper cover potentially detaching due to minor impact. 
• Instrument Panel Display: Some 2024 Grand Highlander and other Toyota/Lexus models are recalled because the 12.3-inch instrument panel may be blank at startup, which could obscure important warning lights. 
• Fuel Pump: There is an ongoing recall affecting 2018 Highlanders and other vehicles that have a malfunctioning fuel pump system. 
• Airbag Sensor: Some 2020-2021 Highlanders are part of a recall where a short circuit in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor could prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying. 

How to check for recalls on your vehicle

1. Visit the official recall websites: Go to either Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2. Enter your information: Input your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number to see any open safety recalls for your specific vehicle. 

What to do if your vehicle is recalled

• Take your vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealer for the recall repair, as it will be performed at no cost to you.
• If you received a recall letter in the mail, bring it with you to the dealership. 

Which year to avoid Toyota Highlander?

Years to potentially avoid for the Toyota Highlander include 2001–2003, 2008–2010, 2014–2015, and 2020, due to common issues like transmission problems, oil leaks, and tech glitches. These years often experienced specific failures such as stripped head bolts (2003), torque converter issues (2008–2010), excessive oil consumption (2014–2015), and teething problems from a new design (2020). 
Problematic model years

• 2001–2003: Early models had issues with stripped head bolts and coolant leaks, leading to overheating. 
• 2008–2010: These years were known for transmission problems, including hesitation and a whining noise from worn torque converters. 
• 2014–2015: Owners reported excessive oil consumption and problems with the brake actuator. 
• 2020: The first year of a new generation introduced software bugs, leading to glitches with the infotainment system and other tech features. Inconsistent brake feel was also a reported issue. 

Other considerations

• 2017–2019: Some sources also mention these years as having issues, including electrical faults and water leaks. 
• 2023 and newer: The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in some newer non-hybrid models can have a delayed acceleration response.