Toyota Grand highlander problems
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2023. The Grand Highlander was introduced for the North American market on 8 February 2023. While sharing the nameplate and the GA-K platform with the regular Highlander, the model features entirely different exterior and interior styling.
In the North American market, the Grand Highlander is positioned between the smaller Highlander and the larger Tundra-based Sequoia.
In the U.S., the Grand Highlander is available in three grade levels: XLE, Limited, and Platinum.
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Toyota Grand highlander model years
Common Toyota Grand highlander problems
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One of the main issues is the transmission, where some owners have experienced hard jerking intermittently when shifting gears on a slow acceleration between 20-35 mph. This issue also occurs when slowing down to accommodate for slowing traffic and gassing to increase speed again, with a hard shifting sensation as if the clutch or gear is slipping and restarting.
Another problem is related to the safety of the vehicle. The Grand Highlander failed to secure either the Top Safety Pick award or the second-tier Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in recent testing
There have also been concerns about the power and fuel efficiency of the Grand Highlander. Some owners have reported that the hybrid version of the vehicle has a significant power difference compared to the non-hybrid version, with the hybrid model feeling strained while trying to merge onto a highway and the engine becoming louder. The fuel efficiency of the hybrid model has also been questioned, with some owners reporting a range of only around 350-380 miles on a full tank, despite getting 24-26 mpg.
The interior of the Grand Highlander has also been a subject of criticism. While the interior is spacious and offers excellent cargo space, some owners have noted that the interior materials are better than an average Toyota but do not look upscale for the money they paid. The central console is huge, but the brake feels different due to the regenerative braking, which might take some time to get used to.
Lastly, there have been issues with the media and MID in the Grand Highlander. Some owners have reported that the wireless CarPlay connectivity is not predictable, especially when adding another phone, while the outside mirrors are not dimmable, and the ambient lighting is basic.
It's important to note that these issues may not affect all Grand Highlander owners, and some may not consider them significant problems. However, these are common complaints that potential buyers should be aware of before purchasing the vehicle.
What is the most common problem with a Toyota Highlander?
Common Issues With The Toyota Highlander
- Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped. ...
- Engine Failure. ...
- Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average. ...
- Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems. ...
- Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor. ...
- Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market?
Can a Toyota Highlander last 500000 miles?
Toyotas have an average lifespan of 200,000-250,000 miles. If you make sure to keep your car with proper care and maintenance, Toyotas can be driven over 500,000 miles.
What is the issue with the Highlander Hybrid?
Roughly 751,000 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles have been recalled because of an issue with mounting tabs on the vehicles' bumpers that could cause parts to detach, the car manufacturer announced. The recall applies to some 2020-2023 models, the company said in a news release Thursday.
Does the Grand Highlander have CVT transmission?
There's also the Grand Highlander Hybrid. As on the regular Highlander, it pairs a non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor hybrid system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a combined 245 hp. Both the standard engine and the hybrid are available with front- or all-wheel drive.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Grand highlander years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Grand highlander cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Toyota Grand highlander model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Grand highlander model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Grand highlander years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota Grand highlander car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Grand highlander , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Grand highlander vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Grand highlander model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Grand highlander model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Grand highlander model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 93 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Grand highlander . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Grand highlander vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 5TDAAAB51RS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The hood of the vehicle flexes a lot at highway speeds, and it causes a lot of distraction if the sun is reflected on it. My concern is how much distraction it causes
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 5TDAAAB54RS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V461000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 5TDAAAB52RS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. However, upon releasing, and then reapplying pressure to the accelerator pedal, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. Afterward, a message was displayed indicating that both the accelerator and brake pedals were being depressed simultaneously. The contact also stated that later, after dropping his son off for school, the seat belt warning light illuminated indicating that a passenger was not wearing a seat belt though all passenger seats were unoccupied; during this time, the radio failed to function, prompting him to restart the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 5TDADAB51RS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Specifically the model: 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. immediately new off the dealer lot when driving between 0-40mph, there is a transmission issue. In real life situation of stop and go, and needing to accelerate after making a right turn out of a driveway or stop sign on to flowing traffic, often times it feels as if the gear is shifting too high or skipping causing the car to lose power/ rpm and the vehicle chugs, before skipping back to the correct gearing and accelarating. I'm not sure how to describe it but I feel it is a safety risk especially if there are cars coming behind you. I have taken this into Hamer Toyota 2 times, but they can't seem to recreate the issue. However, my wife goes through this almost every day during her commute to and from work. Imagine driving a manual transmission and accelerating on 1st or 2nd gear, and all of a sudden the gear shifts to 4th or 5th gear, causing loss of power or rpm and due to natural instinct of depressing the accelerator further for power and the gear now shifting back and clutching grabbing at 1st or 2nd gear with the accelerator depressed further down than the beginning. This causes a jerking motion of our body in the car, because the car loses power, the all of sudden jerks back into power. I have attached URLs to people complaining about this besides myself. I'm seeing that toyota released a TBS to update software, but it seems its not readily available every time I call, or they need to recreate this before anything is done. I think this is a big safety concern and eventually cause accidents by getting rear ended. I'm sure other drivers think we can't drive because of not being able to speed up then rocketing forward. help! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
- VIN: 5TDAAAB55RS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen display turned black intermittently, preventing the contact from accessing the safety features as needed. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the third-row driver's side seat was stuck after being folded and failed to unfold as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that an unknown part had detached. The dealer repaired the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V461000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: 5TDAAAA50RS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The curtain shield airbags on both the driver’s and passenger’s side may not deploy as intended during certain crashes when the driver or front passenger windows are rolled down. If this occurs, the vehicles may not meet a federal safety standard, increasing the risk of injury during certain crashes.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-27
- VIN: 5TDAAAA51RS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V461000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-23
- VIN: 5TDADAB52RS
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: Engine failed to engage while trying to pull out of my neighborhood this morning. The electric motor starts and propels the car forward into the road, but the gas motor fails to engage leaving me in the middle of the road without the ability to maneuver. This is a recurring problem. The dealer is aware of it and I have made reports here before. Just documenting each time until Toyota cooperates and helps find a solution. The car does not display any error codes. When I call the dealership to tell them and hopefully go in to have them run a diagnostic they consistently fail to get back to me or downplay my concerns.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- VIN: 5TDAAAA52RS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V461000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: 5TDADAB52RS
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: Car failed to accelerate when pulling into traffic on 5 lane road. Dealer completed a software update on 9/17 they thought would remedy the issue (which is ongoing) but it apparently did not. Vehicle gives no warning lights, error messages, etc. Just does not accelerate from a complete stop for 4-5 seconds.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-17
- VIN: 5TDAAAA55RS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: A safety recall has been placed on this vehicle, but no remedy remains. I haven't even had this vehicle for a year, and I am scared to drive it. I purchased it because I have toddlers and needed the space. I need a solution.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-15
- VIN: 5TDACAB58RS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I was heading home with my 6 year old son when all of a sudden there was a loud boom. Initially I thought there was an explosion or gun shot but then realized the panoramic moonroof had shattered and I continued hearing shattering. I pulled over the car to make sure I could creat some sort of safety for my son. I took some pictures. There was nothing that touched the glass. It just shattered. This was terrifying.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-14
- VIN: 5TDAAAB55RS
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Since purchasing this vehicle when I have driven the vehicle and come home the vehicle smells of gas vapor/fumes. It's so bad the entire garage will fill with the vapor. Im afraid the garage will explode. I have to leave the vehicle parked outside for several hours until the smell is gone. This is a known issue for this car as others have complained about the same thing. Dealership has confirmed it is a known problem. They tried o tell me the first time I took it in that it was due to extreme heat in Las Vegas. I explained that our other vehicle and our friends vehicles don't do this and that is merely an excuse. After researching online I found that several other others in other states have the dame issue. When I recently took the vehicle in for software/radio issue as well as the gas vapor they did confirm it is a known issue. This is a safety issue as it could cause an explosion in small spaces where parked. We have an air conditioner for our garage but even at that it's extremely dangerous. This has happened on several occasions. Most recent is listed below.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-14
- VIN: 5TDAAAB53RS
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I live in Arizona and the car has bad gas smell after drive a while(usually between 10-30 minutes) in a hot day (usually afternoon). I took the car to dealership and they replicated the issue and the dealership said Toyota told them it’s due to excessive heat and told us to use better quality gas which we are already getting gas from Chevron and Costco. Seems this is known problem because I saw other grand Highlander owners complained the same issue but Toyota is not doing anything to fix it. They can’t blame on the heat since they are selling the vehicles in AZ/NV. After drive the vehicle during a hot day, park the car in garage and the garage smells like gasoline.
Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-13
- VIN: 5TDAAAB59RS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: My vehicle is part of the recall for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. I have contacted Toyota due to vehicle no longer being considered safe should I be involved in an accident. They advised there is currently no fix for the recall and have no estimated timeframe as to when a fix will become available. I have requested different options to remedy the issue and they are unable to work with me with any reasonable accommodation requests to get me into a safer vehicle until a fix is available. They advised that this is a global recall where millions are affected and they are unable to make accommodations for that many people so we all have to stay put with our current vehicle even though they are shown to be unsafe in accidents. This vehicle was purchased as our family commuter car and we currently have my 4 year old sons dr appts which are 3 hours away that we have to commute to multiple times a week and I do not feel safe traveling with my family in this death trap. Toyotas response to this recall has been less than satisfactory and they are proving to have no concern for the unsafe conditions their consumers are being put in on a daily basis. As a consumer I am paying for a safe and reliable vehicle which I am not receiving, Toyota should be held accountable it should not be the consumers who are left to pay the price possibly with their life. Thanks [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Recalls Toyota Grand highlander
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Toyota Grand highlander.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-23
- Manufacturer: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
- Model: Toyota Grand highlander 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-20
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Lexus TX350, TX500 Hybrid, and TX550 Hybrid+ vehicles. The driver and passenger side curtain air bags may not unroll as intended and could partially deploy outside of an open window. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Consequence: An improper deployment of the side curtain air bag can reduce occupant protection during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger curtain shield air bag assemblies, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated November 2024 to January 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB09/24TA09 and Lexus' numbers are 24LB05/24LA05.
Latest negative Toyota Grand highlander car reviews
Latest positive Toyota Grand highlander car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2024
I absolutely love my 2024 Grand Highlander Platinum, but I do have a few suggestions for improvement. Firstly, the center console needs to be insulated as I can feel the cold air wafting off the sides, which can be quite uncomfortable in the winter. Additionally, I have had lotion and other liquids freeze in there during overnight lows, even when parked in a garage! Secondly, the front ventilation ducts do not aim down very far, which makes warming my upper legs from the cold draft off the console difficult. I often need a blanket in the cold winters. As for my wants, I would appreciate better front seat lumbar support. The driver seat only goes in and out, and adding up and down would be a nice touch. The passenger seat doesn't have it at all. I would also like to see the plastic latches on the second-row captain's seats replaced with the metal glide rod for back and forward and the lever for seat back forward/recline. The headlights are currently very narrow for a larger vehicle and tend not to go up very far, limiting overall view and visibility. I would love to see corner turning lights (for platinum at a minimum) as the headlights are narrow and do not illuminate the side of the road when turning. Lastly, I would like to see the split Home Screen option on the Multimedia console brought back and made customizable. The charging pad is too slow and a waste of space. With all the charging points available in the Grand Highlander, it can be removed. Finally, it would be great if the front seats could go down lower to the floor. I have found that all my tall passengers have a really hard time getting in without having to duck pretty significantly. Despite these suggestions, there are many things that I love about my Grand Highlander Platinum, including its quiet cab, spacious interior, ease of driving, and how well it turns despite its size. I am excited to see what improvements can be made in the future!
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Vehicle year: 2024
It's a great vehicle! If you're looking for comfort, a roomy interior, and the option to seat 7 or 8 passengers, you should definitely take a look at this vehicle.
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Vehicle year: 2024
Congratulations on your new Grand Highlander! It's great to hear that you're enjoying it so far. While it may have less cargo space than your previous Sienna, the comfortable seating in the third row more than makes up for it. It's a shame that the XLE model doesn't come with a sunroof like your van did, but it sounds like the ride is still smooth and quiet. With three teenagers, it's fantastic that there are plenty of charging ports available. Overall, it sounds like the XLE has everything you need. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
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Vehicle year: 2024
I'm so happy with this vehicle! It has a smooth ride, luxurious amenities, and all the safety features I need to keep my precious cargo safe. Plus, it's fun to turn heads!
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Vehicle year: 2024
I've been admiring this vehicle since it was announced. The small third row in the Highlander is what led me to purchase a Honda Pilot previously. This new vehicle provides the space and comfort one expects in a mid-size SUV. I am the proud owner of the Hybrid Limited and I am extremely pleased with its functionality and performance. Before Winter, I was averaging over 30 mpg. With over 7500 miles driven, I am absolutely loving my vehicle!
Are you having problems with your Toyota Grand highlander?
Julian Langworth 2024-01-28
Vehicle year: 2024
In just 7 months, my grand highlander has been to the shop three times for a water leak issue. Despite the expense of the car, the issue has not been resolved yet. As a result, I am disappointed with Toyota's service.