How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA lists 73 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Highlander, which is 27% of the 267 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Toyota Highlander transmission?

No. NHTSA's data shows no related recalls listed for this transmission and powertrain issue on the 2017 Highlander.

At what mileage do 2017 Highlander transmission problems usually start?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 20,000 miles, though some owners reported failures at higher mileage as well.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?

NHTSA data tied to this problem area lists 2 crashes and 3 injuries among the reported cases, with no fires.

How does 2017 compare to other Highlander model years for this issue?

The 2017 Highlander's 27% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is higher than years like 2015 (4%) and 2016 (1%), but lower than 2019, 2020, and 2021, which had shares of 40%, 40%, and 43%.

2017 Toyota Highlander Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 73 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Toyota Highlander, 27% of all 267 complaints filed for the year. The median mileage at failure is 20,000 miles, and there is no related recall on file.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 73; 27% of 267
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 20,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the vehicle unexpectedly moving into gear or rolling while parked, in some cases with the driver outside the car.
Multiple owners describe transmission failure requiring full replacement, sometimes with metal filings found in the fluid.
Some owners report harsh, delayed, or rough shifting, particularly in lower gears like 3rd, 4th, and 5th.
Several complaints describe sudden loss of forward or backward movement, with dashboard gear indicators not displaying correctly.
Owners report a high-pitched whining noise preceding transmission failure.
Some describe sudden deceleration or reduced power while driving, which they say created a safety risk in traffic.

When 2017 Toyota Highlander transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 7, 2017, latest Sep 21, 2026.

73 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2026 Q1 (8).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Toyota Highlander

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Highlander model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200551 (23%)
200622 (8%)
20078 (7%)
200818 (4%)
20097 (5%)
20106 (3%)
201116 (9%)
20127 (4%)
201311 (5%)
20148 (6%)
20157 (4%)
20161 (1%)
201773 (27%)
201865 (25%)
2019195 (40%)
2020125 (40%)
2021222 (43%)
202253 (21%)
202320 (11%)
20243 (7%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Toyota Highlander?: NHTSA lists 73 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Highlander, which is 27% of the 267 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Toyota Highlander transmission?: No. NHTSA's data shows no related recalls listed for this transmission and powertrain issue on the 2017 Highlander.
At what mileage do 2017 Highlander transmission problems usually start?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 20,000 miles, though some owners reported failures at higher mileage as well.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?: NHTSA data tied to this problem area lists 2 crashes and 3 injuries among the reported cases, with no fires.
How does 2017 compare to other Highlander model years for this issue?: The 2017 Highlander's 27% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is higher than years like 2015 (4%) and 2016 (1%), but lower than 2019, 2020, and 2021, which had shares of 40%, 40%, and 43%.