2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems
The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā), is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.
Announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size SUV or mid-size crossovers. The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota's best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.
The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4. The Kluger nameplate is also used in Australia because "Highlander" is a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (Klüger – with diacritics – means "someone who is smarter than another" in German).
Social links
Common 2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, several common problems have been highlighted:
- Infotainment System Issues: Some owners have experienced problems with the infotainment system, including connectivity issues, loud sharp sounds from the speakers, and system malfunctions that have left them stranded. These issues have impacted the overall driving experience and comfort of the vehicle.
- Moonroof Rattling: Complaints have been raised about a consistent rattling noise coming from the moonroof, particularly from the center panel. This issue affects the driving experience and can be a source of annoyance for owners.
- Engine Performance: There have been mixed reviews regarding the engine performance of the Highlander Hybrid. While some owners praise the fuel efficiency and smooth operation, others have criticized the turbo engine for major lag, safety concerns, and unexpected behavior during acceleration. This has led to dissatisfaction and disappointment among some owners.
- Key Fob Limitation: Several owners have expressed frustration over receiving only one key fob with their vehicle, highlighting a lack of redundancy and convenience. This limitation has caused inconvenience for owners who expected to have a spare key for their vehicle.
- Comfort and Interior Quality: Issues related to comfort and interior quality have also been raised by owners. Some have mentioned discomfort in the front seats, cheap-looking interior materials, and a lack of certain features that are expected in modern vehicles. These factors have influenced the overall satisfaction and perception of the vehicle.
These reported problems with the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid highlight a range of issues that have impacted the driving experience, safety, and overall satisfaction of owners. Addressing these concerns is crucial for Toyota to maintain customer loyalty and ensure the quality and reliability of their vehicles.
What issues does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have?
After my experience I would avoid all highlanders manufacturered 2020 through 2023. 1) moonroof leak: design issue. 2) speedometer mismatch: design issue.
Are there problems with Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliability Problems. Highlander Hybrid owners have made 122 complaints over 15 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with real brakes and engine concerns.
What is the real mpg for a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Yxou can get up to 29 miles per gallon with a conventional Highlander trim, and the 2023 Highlander Hybrid mpg estimates reach an impressive 36 miles per gallon.
How many miles will a Toyota Highlander hybrid last?
The Highlander model has been found to be one of the best cars on the road when it comes to longevity. If all goes well, the potential lifespan of the Highlander can reach upwards of 250,00 miles!
Are there problems with Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliability Problems. Highlander Hybrid owners have made 122 complaints over 15 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with real brakes and engine concerns.
How many km per Litre is the 2023 Highlander Hybrid?
Efficiency & Range
| City Rating | 6.7 L/100km |
|---|---|
| Highway Rating | 6.8 L/100km |
| Combined | 6.7 L/100km |
| Compressor | N/A |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded |
Is Highlander Hybrid better than regular?
When you compare Hybrid Highlander vs. gas model, you'll find that the Highlander Hybrid has a higher MSRP overall. If you're on a budget, then the standard Highlander model may be a better fit. However, upgrading to a Highlander Hybrid will give you better fuel economy and some luxury amenities on your commute.
How many miles will a Toyota Highlander hybrid last?
The Highlander model has been found to be one of the best cars on the road when it comes to longevity. If all goes well, the potential lifespan of the Highlander can reach upwards of 250,00 miles!
2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Highlander hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-29
- VIN: 5TDXBRCHXP
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle surged forward and accelerated before coming to a stop. The failure occurred intermittently; however, the failure seemed most pronounced while decelerating from highway speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure; however, the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-28
- VIN: 5TDZARAH5PS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was a hesitation, and the vehicle surged forward before coming to a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware of TSB 0059/23, NHTSA ID Number: 10244133 (Electrical System, Air Bags, Service Brakes) for the 2021 - 2022 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake failure. The contact was informed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced; however, the dealer confirmed that the year, make, and model were not included in the TSB. The dealer attempted to update the brake actuator module according to the TSB; however, the update failed due to the year the vehicle was manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-15
- VIN: 5TDBBRCH8PS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle struck a bird and the lower front bumper assembly detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lower bumper assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The VIN was included, and the parts were available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-26
- VIN: 5TDKBRCH5PS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-25
- VIN: 5TDXBRCHXPS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-28
- VIN: 5TDKBRCH8PS
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the seat belt securely buckled, the seat belt strap failed to retract to secure the driver safely. The contact stated that the seat belt strap fell in between the seat and underneath driver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-12
- VIN: 5TDKARAH6PS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V480000 (Steering) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-11
- VIN: 99999999999
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 2023 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID- Emailed forwarded from U.S. Senator Blackburn's Office. Consumer states: "I am writing to let you know that as a dedicated Toyota customer for over 35 years and purchased over 8 vehicles, I am very disappointed with the lack of any customer service associated with the purchase of a 2023 Highlander Hybrid in November 2022. It is now June 2023 and I still have only one key FOB for my vehicle. I hear that there is a computer chip shortage yet every 2023 Highlander Hybrid that has been delivered in USA since January 2023 has received both FOBs. They get keys immediately yet we have waited over 6 moths and still waiting. The Customer Advocates at Toyota keep saying a different date for availability. Originally it was Feb/March and then May/June. The latest is now end of summer. Why? I am very disappointed with Toyota and their handling of this issue. Why can’t we get our extra FOB. I am so disappointed with the lack of customer care for a loyal customer. Please help me. "
2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
- Consequence: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: STEERING:COLUMN
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Negative 2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid car reviews
Positive 2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid car reviews
-
Owned for just 2 days, your new car is already proving to be powerful and smooth. Getting used to no key may take some time, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it soon. I hope you enjoy getting to know your new car!
-
Love everything about this vehicle. Purchased it in December 2023. Beautiful blizzard pearl paint with special black wheels and trim accents. Acceleration and MPGs are both great. I get 36-40 MPGs depending on the driving conditions. Very quiet inside and the engine is also really quiet even when accelerating. It also has a really tight turning radius for such a large vehicle. We have no kids living with us, so the 3-row is not a factor.
-
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that the XLE AWD Model might be a bit difficult to find. I hope this information helps!
-
This is my first hybrid and I absolutely love everything about it. It's as smooth as butter. I have the 12.3 screen and it is so user friendly. It is super easy to handle, it just glides. I'm getting about 40mpg which for me is terrific. There was a long wait time for this vehicle but it was worth it.
-
I'm glad to hear that you don't have any complaints! I understand your preference for a lighter color interior, unfortunately, that's not an option at the moment. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems:
2023 Highlander issues comments : r/ToyotaHighlander
Aug 27, 2023 ... 2023 Highlander issues comments · Road noise is a bit too much at speeds above 80km/h. · No auto dimming sideview mirrors (cmon Toyota, wtf).
2023 Highlander 2.4 Turbo Surging and Bucking under Acceleration ...
Mar 25, 2023 ... If your dealer is not investigating your complaint to your satisfaction, contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center 1-800-331-4331 and have them ...
Common problems on 4th Gen Highlanders? : r/ToyotaHighlander
Nov 30, 2022 ... Getting a new 23 hybrid highlander this week to upgrade the mpg! Can't go wrong with toyota! I'll never buy a kia, gmc or Chevrolet product ...
3 Most Common Toyota Highlander Problems Reported by Many ...
Feb 17, 2023 ... What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems? · Large oil leak and loss of oil pressure · Illuminated airbag light due to defective center ...
Winter problems to be expected with the Toyota Highlander (Hybrid ...
Mar 31, 2023 ... We ordered a hybrid last winter and it is set to come winter 2023. It's been a long wait and I'm excited for the new car (and extra space it ...
Other years of Toyota Highlander hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid?
Willard Ledner 2024-09-20
I was really looking forward to getting my hands on the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Platinum after waiting for a year. The technology is amazing compared to my old car and the exterior and interior look sharp and luxurious. However, there are a few things that I think could be improved. Firstly, the number of cup holders is a bit disappointing. The small holder in the door is hardly large enough to hold a small cup and there are only two normal sized holders for the front seats. Secondly, once CarPlay is hooked into the vehicle, it's difficult to get back to a normal screen. It's either CarPlay or nothing. I often turn off the Bluetooth feature on my iPhone so it doesn't automatically connect. Thirdly, the noise level when the windows are rolled down and/or the sunroof is open is quite high. This is an area where I think Toyota could have done better. I would recommend test driving the vehicle with the windows down and the sunroof open. Fourthly, the front seats are sporty but could be more comfortable. I had to turn around the driver's side headrest so I could sit up straight, which compromises safety in the event of an accident. The sporty headrest pushed my head forward so I felt hunched over. Lastly, I think it's a shame that everything is made of plastic these days, from the exterior grill to the interior trim. It looks and feels cheap. I expect more from Toyota.
Emil Zboncak 2024-09-03
The turbo 4 cyl. may not offer a significant improvement in power or economy to justify the change. Additionally, the hybrid component may not add much power, but it can be fuel efficient, especially if you frequently drive in the city. It's worth noting that the batteries may not perform optimally if they are not regularly charged and cycled.
Zackary Keeling 2024-05-16
I've had my 2022 Highlander hybrid for 9 months and unfortunately, I've been experiencing some issues. There's no compass or outside temperature on the main screen, and the album cover only shows up as a 1x1 inch size when I plug in a USB stick. Additionally, the backup noise is a bit loud and the button to open the gas cover is inconveniently placed. The remote start, which they encourage you to get after the 1 year trial, didn't work for me after my car sat for 7 days with snow on it. The wireless charger also only works sometimes and needs to be repositioned if I hit a bump. For the price, I expected better from Toyota. Unfortunately, I wouldn't purchase this model again. It's also worth noting that there's no car horn beep when you lock the car and the side blind spot beeper is quite soft. Additionally, there are no warning back sensors.