2024 Toyota Highlander Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
27/100
#12 most-complained of 16 Highlander years
The 2024 Toyota Highlander ranks 12th of 16 model years with a Complaint Index of 27 and a "Good" verdict. It has 42 complaints, 7 recalls, and no fires or deaths reported to NHTSA, with Brakes and Fuel System tied as the top problem areas.
- Complaints
- 42
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 28 hwy
Top 2024 Toyota Highlander problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other14 (33%)
- Brakes8 (19%)
- Fuel System8 (19%)
- Electrical System6 (14%)
- Engine6 (14%)
- Structure & Body6 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (5%)
- Seat Belts1 (2%)
What owners report
- Some drivers describe sudden unintended forward surge while braking, in one case causing a crash while exiting a highway.
- Brakes reportedly "let go" briefly at low speeds, especially on uneven pavement, then the vehicle unexpectedly speeds up.
- Other owners report pulsing brakes and a jolt when the system switches between regenerative and conventional braking.
- A gasoline smell and vapor near the fuel cap were reported, in one case traced to a fuel tank vent valve that stayed open.
- Rear door handles and trunk buttons have reportedly failed to operate normally, with the trunk not closing.
- Second-row seats have reportedly failed to latch when moved forward, in one case causing finger injuries.
2024 Toyota Highlander recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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 25V872000Dec 17, 2025Seat Belts39 vehicles
Seat belts:rear/other:anchorage
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
Risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
- NHTSA 25V744000Oct 30, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,024,407 vehicles
Back over prevention:display function
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
2024 Toyota Highlander fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2024 compared with other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2024 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2024 Highlander a Complaint Index of 27 and a "Good" verdict, ranking 12th out of 16 model years. It has 42 complaints and 7 recalls on file.
- What is the top problem area for the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
- Brakes and Fuel System are tied as the top problem areas, each accounting for 19% of complaints (8 complaints each).
- Does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering seat belts, structure and body, electrical system, collision avoidance cameras, and suspension/wheels/tires, with none classified as do-not-drive.
- How does the 2024 Highlander compare to other recent years?
- The 2024 model performs better than the 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Highlanders, which are all rated "Avoid" with Complaint Index values of 93, 100, 87, and 80 respectively.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
- The EPA rates it at 24 mpg combined (21 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.