Owners have reported 5 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries and 1 death to NHTSA for the 2024 Toyota Highlander. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints43
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2024 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues with the vehicle's infotainment system, with recurring pop-up ads for Toyota's Drive Connect interfering with the usage of Apple CarPlay. Complaints also commonly mention problems with acceleration, such as the vehicle hesitating or stalling when attempting to accelerate from a stop, often occurring at low mileages around 8,500 miles. Additionally, there are reports of the sunroof glass spontaneously shattering while driving, and a significant number of complaints involve gasoline odors inside the vehicle. Safety implications are notable, with two complaints involving crashes, one involving a fire, and two injuries reported, highlighting concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safety during operation.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints28
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2024 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues with the powertrain, particularly concerning acceleration and axle performance. Complaints often describe the vehicle failing to accelerate from a stop, with symptoms such as hesitation, sluggishness, and unexpected surges, which are particularly noted in high-temperature conditions or when the A/C is running. These issues are commonly reported around the 20,000 to 50,000-mile range. Additionally, multiple owners mention recurring rotational clicking noises and vibrations related to the front axles, even after repairs under a technical service bulletin. Safety implications are notable, as several owners describe near-miss scenarios where the vehicle's failure to accelerate could lead to potential collisions. These patterns provide valuable insights for prospective buyers considering the reliability of this model.
Owner complaints27
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2024 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues related to an airbag recall, specifically concerning the unavailability of parts needed for the repair. Complaints consistently mention that the airbag recall repair is delayed, with some owners waiting several months without a remedy. The recall affects the curtain shield airbags, which may not deploy correctly during certain crashes, posing a potential safety risk. One complaint involves an injury related to this issue, highlighting the potential severity. Owners express frustration with the lack of communication and resolution from both dealers and the manufacturer, indicating a pattern of prolonged wait times for recall completion.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2024 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly concerning the instrument cluster and infotainment screen failures. Common symptoms include the instrument panel failing to display critical information, center screens blacking out, and inaccurate GPS navigation. These issues often occur at various mileage points, with some complaints noting problems as early as 1,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash due to an uncontrollable surge, highlighting potential safety concerns. Used car buyers should be aware of these electrical issues, especially since some complaints mention extended repair times due to parts unavailability.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints14
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2024 Toyota Highlander commonly report issues with the fuel system, particularly related to the fuel tank not filling to its stated capacity. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle's fuel tank, advertised as holding around 17 gallons, only accepts 11 to 14 gallons even when the gauge indicates empty. This discrepancy leads to reduced driving range, often around 230-340 miles per fill-up, contrary to the expected 400+ miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe a strong gasoline odor, particularly after driving in hot weather, with some expressing concern about potential safety hazards such as fuel vapors in enclosed spaces like garages. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges and suggest a consistent pattern among new Highlander models.
Owner complaints12
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report that the 2024 Toyota Highlander experiences significant acceleration delays, particularly from a complete stop, with many describing a 2-5 second hesitation before the vehicle responds to the accelerator pedal. This issue frequently occurs in vehicles with less than 9,000 miles and is often described as a "dead pedal" situation where the engine fails to rev or engage. Complaints also mention instances of sudden, excessive acceleration following the initial delay, sometimes leading to near-miss accidents or loss of control. These symptoms pose safety risks, especially in traffic or when crossing intersections, as the vehicle's unpredictable response can leave drivers vulnerable. Multiple attempts at dealership repairs, including software updates, have been reported as ineffective in resolving the issue.
Owner complaints11
SUSPENSION
Owners report two primary issues with the 2024 Toyota Highlander's suspension. The first issue involves a popping or clicking noise when turning, often linked to faulty CV axles. This problem sometimes emerges as early as 2,162 miles, with multiple reports of axle replacements needed. The second issue is a low-frequency cabin noise described as a "boom" or "acoustic boom," causing discomfort such as headaches and nausea, particularly at speeds under 50 mph. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, the symptoms can be distracting and uncomfortable. These complaints highlight potential safety and comfort concerns for prospective buyers.
Owner complaints6
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2024 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues with the braking system, particularly a sensation of pulsing or inconsistent braking at low speeds, which some attribute to the interaction between regenerative and conventional braking. Multiple complaints describe the car lurching forward unexpectedly when brakes are applied, with some owners experiencing a temporary loss of braking effectiveness until the pedal is nearly fully depressed. Additionally, unintended braking while reversing and a hopping sensation when stopped are noted by some drivers. These issues often occur without warning lights or error messages, and service centers have struggled to replicate the problems. Safety implications include potential near-misses and the risk of accidents, as several owners express concerns about the vehicle failing to stop as intended.
Owner complaints6
STEERING
Owners report a recurring issue with the 2024 Toyota Highlander's steering system, specifically related to the CV axles. Complaints frequently mention a clicking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, with some noting the noise becomes more pronounced over time and mileage, particularly around 30,000 to 47,000 miles. Multiple owners describe having CV axles replaced, sometimes multiple times, yet the noise persists. While some owners express concern about potential safety risks if the CV joint fails, there are no reports of crashes or loss of vehicle control directly linked to this issue. This information may be useful for used car buyers considering the model, as they might encounter similar symptoms.
Owner complaints5
ENGINE
Owners report issues with the 2024 Toyota Highlander's engine, primarily involving acceleration hesitation and shifting difficulties. Multiple complaints describe a delay or lack of power when accelerating from a stop, with some noting high engine revs at low speeds. Additionally, there are reports of hybrid system malfunctions linked to debris damage through the front grill, affecting internal components like the radiator and condenser. These problems are noted as early as 2,300 miles, with some owners experiencing significant engine damage, including cylinder disintegration. No crashes or loss of control are mentioned, but the described issues could impact vehicle performance and reliability.
