2025 Toyota Highlander VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2025 Toyota Highlander has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 40 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (11), Power Train (9), Structure (4).
Highlander reliability snapshot
76/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$489
Avg annual repair cost vs $573 category avg
#7/26
Ranking in midsize SUVs · better than 73% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Toyota Highlander before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Unknown Or Other11
Power Train9
Structure4
Fuel Propulsion System3
Electrical System2
Back Over Prevention1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2025 Toyota Highlander
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Inspect front axle for defects and ensure part availability
☐Test brakes for delayed response or failure
☐Check sunroof for signs of stress or potential explosion
☐Verify fuel gauge accuracy and refueling capacity
☐Inspect radiator and AC condenser for damage from road debris
☐Test transmission for smooth shifting and acceleration
☐Check for hood vibration at highway speeds
☐Ensure back over prevention and adaptive cruise control systems function properly
What owners reported
2025 Toyota Highlander owner complaints in detail
Owner complaints11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report several recurring issues with the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Complaints frequently mention vulnerabilities in the AC condenser and radiator due to road debris, resulting in refrigerant leaks and coolant leaks, respectively, often leading to expensive repairs. Panoramic sunroof explosions are also noted, occurring without apparent external impact, with some incidents resulting in shattered glass falling into the cabin. Additionally, some owners describe issues with the turn signal switch binding due to adhesive failure, impacting vehicle control. These problems typically arise in vehicles with less than 10,000 miles, and while no crashes are reported, the potential for compromised safety is a concern for prospective buyers.
Owner complaints9
POWER TRAIN
Owners report several power train issues with the 2025 Toyota Highlander, primarily involving the front axle and transmission. Complaints frequently mention defective front left axles with delays in part availability, leading to significant inconvenience and safety concerns. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with acceleration, including failure to accelerate from a stop and rough shifting, often requiring the vehicle to be restarted. These issues typically occur at low mileage, often before 20,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control when the vehicle fails to accelerate as expected, posing risks in traffic situations such as crossing intersections or merging.
Owner complaints4
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2025 Toyota Highlander report several structural issues, with the most frequent being hood vibration and sunroof problems. Multiple complaints describe the hood vibrating or fluttering, particularly at highway speeds, which distracts drivers and could potentially lead to structural fatigue. Additionally, one owner mentions a sunroof that exploded while driving at 55 mph, and another reports water leaking from the windshield area, causing distraction and potential damage to electronic components. These issues are noted at low mileages, with one vehicle having less than 9,000 miles and another with only 1,184 miles. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the problems cited could pose safety risks, particularly due to driver distraction and potential structural failure.
Owner complaints3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report recurring issues with the 2025 Toyota Highlander's fuel gauge and fuel capacity readings. Complaints frequently mention that the fuel gauge inaccurately indicates the tank is near empty when there are still several gallons remaining, with the vehicle only accepting 11-14 gallons upon refueling despite a stated capacity of over 17 gallons. This discrepancy leads to reduced driving range, with owners experiencing approximately 350-365 miles per tank instead of the expected 460+ miles. While no direct safety implications such as crashes or fires are reported, this issue is noted as a significant inconvenience, requiring more frequent refueling stops. Buyers should be aware of this persistent issue as it affects the vehicle's operational efficiency and convenience.
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2025 Toyota Highlander report issues related to the service brakes, with symptoms including brake failure and delayed braking action. The first complaint describes a complete brake failure where the pedal needs to be pressed to the floor, accompanied by multiple warning lights, occurring at approximately 16,000 miles. The second complaint notes a momentary delay in braking during light applications, occurring intermittently and without warning lights, at around 15,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as both issues could result in accidents if they occur in proximity to other vehicles or pedestrians. These complaints suggest potential concerns with brake reliability in models with similar mileage.
Owner complaints2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report issues with the electrical system of the 2025 Toyota Highlander, particularly related to missing wire connectors for the puddle lamps and malfunctions in the back over prevention and adaptive cruise control systems. Complaints frequently mention missing wire connectors on both driver and passenger doors, though this is not linked to safety concerns. Another common issue involves the failure of the back over prevention system to provide a tone alert, despite displaying an image, and an intermittent message indicating that the Adaptive Cruise Control is unavailable. These problems are noted around the 10,000-mile mark, with one owner experiencing automatic braking system activation without driver input. No crashes or loss of control have been reported, but the issues may require dealer attention for resolution.
2025 Highlander recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2025 Highlander. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 25V872000Dec 17, 2025
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.
Consequence: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V744000Oct 30, 2025
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."
Consequence: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 25V595000Sep 11, 2025
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
Consequence: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the instrument panel software for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Used-market value
2025 Toyota Highlander resale snapshot
71.1%estimated value retained after 5 years
720listings in the model-level benchmark
$35,342median asking price from 60 listings
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
Reliability verdict for the 2025 Toyota Highlander
With an 85/100 score against an 82/100 segment average, the 2025 Toyota Highlander rates above average for reliability. As year six of its current generation, the data points to a relatively stable model-year profile rather than an outlier in either direction.
Complaints are not confined to a single system. They cluster most in “unknown or other” and the powertrain, with smaller but present representation in structure, fuel/propulsion, and service brakes, suggesting a spread of reported concerns across multiple areas. Recall activity is elevated, which adds some buyer-facing complexity even with an above-average score.
Overall, the data supports an above-average reliability outlook with moderate overall buyer risk.
What you get in a 2025 Toyota Highlander report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2025 Toyota Highlander now
Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.
2025 Toyota Highlander — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander reliable?
With an 85/100 score against an 82/100 segment average, the 2025 Toyota Highlander rates above average for reliability. As year six of its current generation, the data points to a relatively stable model-year profile rather than an outlier in either direction.
How many recalls does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2025 Toyota Highlander problems?
The most-reported 2025 Toyota Highlander problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (11), Power Train (9), Structure (4).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2025 Toyota Highlander?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2025 Toyota Highlander, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
