2017 Toyota Highlander engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026OHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission failure after whining noise, taken to Toyota multiple times with no diagnosis. Today was informed the transmission is failing by another mechanic. 193,000 miles.

   NHTSA complaint #11769850 · source
2. Filed Aug 27, 2026COEngine

   My 2017 Toyota Highlander, VIN [XXX], has just under 85,000 miles. I was notified at the dealership (Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood Colorado) who inspected the vehicle yesterday that the vehicle has developed a timing cover oil leak on the passenger side. After further research I learned this is caused by premature failure of the factory applied FIPG sealant at the timing cover’s T junction. This is well documented as a known, widespread defect in the V6 engine used across…

   NHTSA complaint #11760032 · source
3. Filed Aug 20, 2026NHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I had been shopping, as I attempted to increase speed, my car wouldn't respond. I smelled something burning and I switched lanes because I needed a safe place to stop. I turned onto [XXX] in Pembroke (I think) and still had no forward (or backward) movement. The lower gears (D5 & D4 ) DID NOT show on the dashboard indicator. I called my husband and he came to me. Then we called AAA and had the car towed to Chichester Car Care. They couldn't fix my car. I then had it towed…

   NHTSA complaint #11758343 · source
4. Filed Jun 15, 2026NYCrashEngineOther / Unknown

   bought the car in 2018 and ever since it makes a rttling noise, Toyota says it is the hybrid system engaigeing, hybrid cars are not supposed to make noise.

   NHTSA complaint #11744157 · source
5. Filed Jun 3, 2026151,000 miTXEngine

   The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the spark plugs needed replaced. The spark plugs were replaced by an independent mechanic, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who retrieved diagnostic trouble codes P11F0 (Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance) and P0305 (Misfire In…

   NHTSA complaint #11741892 · source
6. Filed Jan 15, 202695,402 miOREngine

   The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer informed the contact that the rear main seal was leaking and needed to be resealed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,402.

   NHTSA complaint #11711253 · source
7. Filed Dec 23, 2025MNEngine

   I drive a 2017 Toyota Highlander and am having issues with the transmission. The issues and poor craftsmanship on the UA80 8-speed transmissions. Toyota offered Technical Service Bulletins T-SB-0160-18, T-SB-0008-21, and a limited Customer Support Program (CSP ZJC). But very few VINs were included and there are tons of Highlander owners with this transmission facing $10,000+ repair bills for what is supposed to be one of the most reliable cars and car brands on the planet.…

   NHTSA complaint #11706787 · source
8. Filed Nov 20, 202560,000 miILEngine

   The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for service, the contact was informed that the engine was leaking due to a timing chain failure. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be taken apart to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11700516 · source
9. Filed Sep 11, 2025INElectrical SystemEngine

   Formal Complaint to NHTSA – Summary I am submitting this formal complaint regarding repeated mechanical and electrical failures involving my 2017 Toyota Highlander, purchased as a Toyota Gold-Certified vehicle with an extended Platinum Warranty. Despite strictly following Toyota’s maintenance guidelines and using only certified dealerships for all services, the vehicle has become inoperable multiple times, requiring five separate tows and resulting in repair costs exceeding…

   NHTSA complaint #11686749 · source
10. Filed Jul 14, 2025MOElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    After getting gas, the vehicle will not start. It will crank and crank but not turn over, like it is starving for gas. Then after 10-15 minutes it will start barely and to keep it running I have to floor the accelerator. Any other time it starts just fine. There are also no codes causing a check engine light.

    NHTSA complaint #11673285 · source
11. Filed Aug 19, 2024NJEngine

    During the Multi Point Inspection, technician inspected the vehicle. He checked the engine, transmission, and cooling system, topping off all fluids. However, the engine was failing inspection as there was oil underneath the vehicle, which was also seen around the engine, due to an oil leak.

    NHTSA complaint #11609334 · source
12. Filed May 29, 2024NYElectrical SystemEngine

    While accelerating onto highways, my Toyota Highlander suddenly misfires, causing rough engine and a natural response to decelerate instead of continuing to accelerate. The ignition coil was blamed, I replace and then a week later it happens again while trying to accelerate on the highway. Another replacement and then it happens again a third time. There was a known issue under Toyota’s TSB 0148-19, where engine computers were reprogrammed and all coils replaced. My vehicle…

    NHTSA complaint #11591363 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology