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ProblemsByVin File / 2017-TOYOTA-HIGHLANDER NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2017 · Toyota

Toyota Highlander problems

258 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2017 Highlander?
Avoid — the powertrain

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
68 reports · fails ~26,641 mi · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
42 reports · fails ~34,469 mi · avg $850
severe
engine
22 reports · fails ~43,913 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
visibility
15 reports · fails ~15,139 mi · avg $350
severe
brakes
11 reports · fails ~14,606 mi · avg $450
moderate
airbags
9 reports · fails ~17,400 mi · avg $1,100
severe
fuel system
8 reports · fails ~88,167 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
body
6 reports · fails ~46,500 mi · avg $1,500
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2017 Highlander's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2017 Highlander?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2017 Highlander · fuel system
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Toyota highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v682000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer autonation Toyota located at 18700 studebaker rd,…
2017 Highlander · seatbelts Injury
The driver's seatbelt is not ergonomically placed, and reaching up, back and pulling forward with my left arm to attach the seatbelt has damaged my left shoulder (severe tendinitis and a partially torn rotator cuff). To date physical therapy has not resolved the issue and I must…
2017 Highlander · powertrain
While driving up the I-5 grapevine at 72 MPH the car suddenly slowed without any warning to under 20 MPH. The check engine light turned on and the dash said AWD system disengaged or error or some similar message and to take to the dealer. I was barely able to accelerate to get…
12/29/2017 · at 7,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11057498.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2017 Highlander · powertrain
Automatic transmission failed/quit working at a stop light in cheyenne, wyoming 28 december 2018 with only 25,000 miles on the vehicle. I had it towed back to the dealership for repairs.
12/28/2018 · at 25,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11163830.0 · see powertrain pattern →
View all 258 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2017 Toyota Highlander? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 17V520000 August 23, 2017

Gulf States Toyota, Inc

The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GST will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly torque the fasteners, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 17R3.

Common questions

Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2017 Toyota Highlander?

On the NHTSA data, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 68 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 13,000–39,000 mi; Electrical system: 42 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 25,000–41,000 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2017 Toyota Highlander?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 68 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 26,641 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 26,641 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Toyota Highlander has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Toyota Highlander?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 258 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Toyota/Highlander. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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