2017 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 58 engine complaints for the 2017 Toyota Highlander, 22% of its 267 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 23,000 miles. No recalls are tied to this engine issue category.
- Engine complaints
- 58
- 22% of 267
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 23,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report a rattling noise that Toyota attributed to the hybrid system engaging, though the vehicle is not a hybrid model.
- Check engine light comes on and dealers replace spark plugs, but the warning light and underlying issue return afterward.
- Some owners describe the vehicle shaking violently, lurching, or accelerating without warning at various speeds.
- Owners report oil leaking from the engine traced to a timing chain failure, requiring the engine to be taken apart for repair.
- Sudden RPM spikes above 3,000 with loss of forward or backward movement have been reported while using cruise control on the highway.
- Some drivers report the adaptive cruise control braking aggressively when a vehicle ahead exits, reacting as if that car were still in the lane.
When 2017 Toyota Highlander engine complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 3, 2017, latest Aug 27, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2017 Toyota Highlander
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Engine complaints by Highlander model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA lists 58 engine complaints for the 2017 Highlander, which is 22% of the 267 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2017 Toyota Highlander engine?
- No. The data shows no related recalls tied to the engine complaint category for the 2017 Highlander.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2017 Highlander is 23,000 miles.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?
- NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint category shows 6 crashes and 4 injuries reported, with no fires.
- What kind of engine problems do owners describe?
- Owners describe rattling noises, recurring check engine lights after spark plug replacement, timing chain-related oil leaks, sudden RPM spikes with loss of movement, and shaking or lurching at various speeds.