2023 Toyota Highlander: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2023 Toyota Highlander: 9 recalls, 185 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
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Recalls
9 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Steering Vehicle recall #23V480000 · 2023 · 152,927 vehicles
What's wrong: An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly May be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #23V720000 · 2023 · 750,795 vehicles
What's wrong: During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover May result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Why it matters: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024.
Tires Vehicle recall #24V419000 · 2024 · 4,869 vehicles
What's wrong: Gulf states Toyota, Inc. (gst) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year highlander l and highlander le vehicles equipped with the blackout package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "tire selection and rims."
Why it matters: Tires with an insufficient load rating May be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Gst will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024.
Tires Vehicle recall #24V452000 · 2024 · 4,763 vehicles
What's wrong: The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's gross axle weight rating (gawr) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "tire selection and rims."
Why it matters: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Set will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024.
Equipment Vehicle recall #24V548000 · 2024 · 33,848 vehicles
What's wrong: Gulf states Toyota, Inc. (gst) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 gr supra, 2024 4 runner, corolla, grand highlander, grand highlander hybrid, land cruiser hybrid, tacoma, tacoma hybrid, 2023-2024 bz4x, corolla cross hybrid, gr corolla, gr86, highlander, highlander hybrid, prius, prius prime, sequoia hybrid, tundra, tundra hybrid, venza hybrid, 2023-2025 crown, and 2025 camry hybrid vehicles equipped with gst…
Why it matters: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value May be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Gst will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024.
Airbags, Steering Vehicle recall #25V040000 · 2025 · 1,716 vehicles
What's wrong: An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly May be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025.
Electrical Vehicle recall #25V595000 · 2025 · 591,377 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (ota) 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. Additional…
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V744000 · 2025 · 1,024,407 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026.
Seats Vehicle recall #26V128000 · 2026 · 686,588 vehicles
What's wrong: The second-row seat backs May fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Why it matters: A seat back that fails to lock May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (39): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5), stalls / loses power (3).
- Body & structure (32): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Engine (28): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (20): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (9), noise or vibration (4).
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has 185 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 28 Highlander model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 205). Complaints peaked in 2026 (60 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 31,812 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (261 complaints, 5 recalls), 2024 (43 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2023 Toyota Highlander.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recalls for the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2023 Toyota Highlander problems?
Owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (39), body & structure (32), engine (28).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Toyota Highlander get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2023 Toyota Highlander repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.