What structure and body problems are reported on the 2023 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA lists 50 Structure & Body complaints for the 2023 Highlander, 28% of all 181 complaints for the year. Owners describe front bumpers detaching, doors opening while driving, and water intrusion at the A-pillars.

Is there a recall for the 2023 Highlander bumper issue?

Yes. Recall 23V720000 covers 2020-2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles where a minor front bumper impact can affect a component, and dealers replace the bumper covers free of charge.

Does the 2023 Highlander have a seat recall?

Yes. Recall 26V128000 covers 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models where second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position; dealers replace the return springs in the recliner assemblies free of charge.

At what mileage do these structure and body problems occur?

NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 15,700 miles for Structure & Body complaints on the 2023 Highlander.

Were there any crashes linked to these complaints?

NHTSA records 2 crashes and 2 injuries among the Structure & Body complaints filed for the 2023 Highlander.

2023 Toyota Highlander Structure & Body Problems

Structure & Body complaints account for 50 of 181 total complaints (28%) filed on the 2023 Toyota Highlander, with a median failure mileage of 15,700 miles. Two related recalls cover front bumper detachment and second-row seat back locking, and two crashes with two injuries were reported in this area.

Structure & Body complaints: 50; 28% of 181
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 15,700 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Front bumper covers detach or partially come off while driving, in some cases at highway speed, tied to recall 23V720000.
Owners report delays getting the front bumper recall repair completed because replacement parts were not available at dealers.
Doors have opened unexpectedly while driving or stopped, including a front passenger door popping open at a red light and a driver's door opening several inches after hitting a pothole.
Water intrusion at the A-pillars was traced to failed gaskets and clips for the roof rack, allowing water into the interior during rain.
Owners with the second-row seat back recall (26V128000) report parts were not yet available when they brought the vehicle in for the seat back locking repair.
One owner described losing control of the vehicle off-road during a snowstorm, resulting in a crash into a tree.

When 2023 Toyota Highlander body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 28, 2023, latest Sep 24, 2026.

50 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2023 to Sep 2026; peak Jan 2024 (6).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2023 Toyota Highlander

NHTSA 26V128000Mar 5, 2026Structure & Body686,588 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly:recliner
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyotaâs customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
NHTSA 23V720000Oct 26, 2023Structure & Body750,795 vehicles
Structure:body:bumpers
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.
Risk: 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.

Structure & Body complaints by Highlander model year

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

201016 (7%)
201127 (15%)
201227 (15%)
201328 (14%)
201436 (27%)
201537 (19%)
20169 (8%)
201711 (4%)
201815 (6%)
201919 (4%)
202031 (10%)
202157 (11%)
202259 (24%)
202350 (28%)
20246 (14%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

What structure and body problems are reported on the 2023 Toyota Highlander?: NHTSA lists 50 Structure & Body complaints for the 2023 Highlander, 28% of all 181 complaints for the year. Owners describe front bumpers detaching, doors opening while driving, and water intrusion at the A-pillars.
Is there a recall for the 2023 Highlander bumper issue?: Yes. Recall 23V720000 covers 2020-2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles where a minor front bumper impact can affect a component, and dealers replace the bumper covers free of charge.
Does the 2023 Highlander have a seat recall?: Yes. Recall 26V128000 covers 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models where second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position; dealers replace the return springs in the recliner assemblies free of charge.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems occur?: NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 15,700 miles for Structure & Body complaints on the 2023 Highlander.
Were there any crashes linked to these complaints?: NHTSA records 2 crashes and 2 injuries among the Structure & Body complaints filed for the 2023 Highlander.