Some 2020 – 2024 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody air conditioner tube and accessory assembly. The anti-corrosion material has been updated to reduce the possibility of this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Toyota Highlander electrical problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 12 electrical complaints filed for the 2023 Toyota Highlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
A new head unit software update is available for 2022 – 2025 model year Tundra, and Tundra Hybrid; 2023 – 2025 model year Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Mirai, and Sequoia Hybrid vehicles equipped with Toyota Multimedia versions earlier than version 2230.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing extended coverage under this Customer Support Program for repairs related to excessive corrosion to the wire harness connections at the Rear Motor Generator. Excessive corrosion can cause AM Radio Static during certain drive cycles, or the vehicle may not start.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A new head unit software update is available for 2023 model year Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and Mirai vehicles equipped with Toyota Multimedia (earlier than version 2170). This software update includes the following improvements: •User Profile. •User interface. •Cloud navigation. •Intelligent assistant voice recognition. •Bug fixes.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The biggest issue here is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster going blank or white at startup, while driving, or during operation—which prevents owners from seeing speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, and critical safety information. This has triggered NHTSA recall campaign 25V595000 (Electrical System) since September 2025, but Toyota says no repair parts are available yet. Some owners have had the blank screen for months with no remedy in sight.
Beyond the cluster, owners report a power liftgate that operates intermittently with grinding sounds and opens only a few inches at a time, refusing to respond to button presses. A handful of owners also describe repetitive check engine lights and secondary brake failure warnings that keep coming back even after dealer service attempts to fix them.
Acceleration hesitation is another complaint—the vehicle hesitates unpredictably during merging and crossing traffic, especially dangerous since the diagnostic system doesn't flag a problem. One owner reports the knock sensor harness was chewed through by rodents twice in two months, each time causing power loss, with no available replacement parts. One owner also received the vehicle with only one key fob instead of two and was charged $400 for a replacement after months of Toyota missing promised delivery dates.
Same Toyota Highlander electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument Panel Display Blank/Inoperable
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster goes blank or displays a white screen at startup, while driving, or intermittently during operation, preventing display of critical safety information and warning lights.
When: At startup, while driving, or intermittently. Reported at 28,500 miles, 120,000 miles, 149,000 miles, and 200,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Display goes blank at startup; Screen displays white instead of normal gauges; Display fails while driving at various speeds; Unable to see warning lights and critical safety information; Screen remains blank or white for extended periods (over 20 minutes reported)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 25V595000
Repairs/costs cited: Repair parts not yet available as of February 2026. Dealers attempted reset with no success in some cases. Some vehicles unable to be diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Safety Recall Campaign 25V595000 (Electrical System) active since September 11, 2025. Toyota has acknowledged the issue but stated no remedy is currently available as of February 17, 2026.
Power Liftgate Malfunction
Power liftgate fails to open or close properly, operating intermittently with abnormal grinding sounds and opening only 3 inches at a time despite continuous button presses.
When: Approximately 28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate fails to open or close intermittently; Abnormal grinding sound while opening; Opens only 3 inches at a time despite continuous button pressing; Failure persists after dealer reset
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reset attempted but failure persisted. Cause of failure could not be determined by dealer. Vehicle not repaired.
Check Engine Light and Secondary Brake Failure Recurrence
Check engine light and secondary brake failure warning activate repeatedly despite dealer inspection and repair attempts.
When: Since purchase in April 2023, fourth occurrence reported
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Secondary brake failure warning displays; Repeated failures after dealer repair attempts
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Secondary Brake Failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspected and attempted repairs twice. Vehicle returning to dealer third time for same issue.
Engine Hesitation and Acceleration Lag
Vehicle hesitates unpredictably during light to moderate acceleration across all driving modes, with inconsistent throttle response that does not trigger diagnostic codes.
When: Intermittent, affecting normal and emergency driving situations
Symptoms owners cite: Unpredictable hesitation during light to moderate acceleration; Occurs in Sport, Normal, and Eco driving modes; Inconsistent gas pedal response—sometimes responsive, sometimes delayed; Vehicle stutters and lags during acceleration and constant speed; Dangerous during traffic crossing from stop or slow speed; Engine almost completely dies after putting vehicle in park
Repairs/costs cited: Certified mechanic verified problem but vehicle systems report no fault. No repair performed.
Knock Sensor Harness Damage by Rodents
Knock sensor harness chewed through by rodents twice within two months, causing power loss. Owner suspects shielding emits low frequency irritating to animals.
When: Two occurrences within two-month period
Symptoms owners cite: Knock sensor harness completely chewed off; Power loss when harness damaged; Repeated damage despite repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Part never available for replacement. Owner notes shielded wire suggests low-frequency emission.
Missing Second Key Fob at Purchase
Vehicle delivered with only one key fob instead of promised two. Multiple delays in delivery of second key, ultimately requiring owner to purchase replacement for $400.20.
When: Initial delivery in 2023, with delays through mid-2024
Symptoms owners cite: Only one key fob provided at purchase; Multiple missed delivery promises (June 2024, July 2024, August 2024); Dealer communication unclear about availability
Repairs/costs cited: Owner purchased replacement key fob from Burien, Washington dealer for $400.20 to resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota promised to send second key fob but failed to deliver on multiple stated dates.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the liftgate had failed to open or to close intermittently. The contact stated that the liftgate made an abnormal grinding sound while opening and would open 3-inch at a time while the contact continuously pressed the power liftgate button manually. The contact stated that the dealer had reset the liftgate; however, the failure…
The car lags, stutters, and hesitates on acceleration and in consistent speed situations. Sometimes doesn't respond quickly to gas pedal and sometimes it does. It is very unpredictable and unsafe. I never know which response I will get. Has also almost completely died after putting the car in park.
Had electrical trouble with your 2023 Toyota Highlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 105,300 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Toyota/Highlander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.