2023 Toyota Highlander engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 11, 2026CABrakesEngine

   Ongoing severe engine surge after coasting while braking lightly during moderate downhill drives on pavement. It happens consistently with different drivers at speeds between 25 to 45 mph. The surge can cause the vehicle to lurch forward enough to move the vehicle forward suddenly, and rapidly to other cars ahead. This is an unpredictable issue, but occurs multiple times daily. Very concerning for everyone at risk in the vehicle. This issue was presented to several Toyota…

   NHTSA complaint #11763643 · source
2. Filed May 6, 202659,000 miMOCrashEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, pulling into an uphill driveway, the vehicle had independently accelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that she was not able to depressed in time and had crashed into the left side of the house, causing damage to the front driver-side bumper and quarter panel. The contact stated that the accident caused property damage to the garage…

   NHTSA complaint #11736031 · source
3. Filed Jun 27, 2025ILCrash1 injuredTowedBody & StructureBrakesEngine

   weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until…

   NHTSA complaint #11669632 · source
4. Filed May 19, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngine

   We live on a farm so the fact there is rodents is no surprise. However strangest thing is the knock sensor harness has been chewed completely off two times in last two months.. when this happens it causes power loss. With the extra shielding the wire has tells me it gives off a low frequency that would irritate most animals and me at this point since the part is never available. If it actually gives off a frequency, it is absolutely unnecessary and a complete nuisance.

   NHTSA complaint #11661996 · source
5. Filed May 4, 2025ILBody & StructureEngine

   There’s a noticeable lag in the engine, especially when starting or turning. Sometimes, it’s almost a full second, which is quite alarming. When I asked the mechanics at a few dealerships about this, they all said it’s normal for these new “Green” type engines with four cylinders and a turbo. However, I feel that the turbo is functioning poorly as the mileage increases. I’ve owned the car for almost three years and it only has 20k miles! Another issue is the wind noise. At…

   NHTSA complaint #11658736 · source
6. Filed Nov 3, 2024AZEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Acceleration Issues, engine lag, poor response time and bucking when accelerated is pressed. Dangerous to drive not enough power to merge with traffic and hesitates to go at stop lights. Bought as a family suv and don’t feel safe with them in the car. RPMs jump when at idle. The car struggles to shift gears especially 2nd gear. Does not preform well under normal circumstances not sure how this car would ever be able to tow anything. I feel very mislead by Toyota and its…

   NHTSA complaint #11623355 · source
7. Filed Oct 31, 2024OHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   On 10/21 the vehicle accelerated on its own. At a stoplight behind another automobile, when I only slightly lifted my foot from the brake, the car lurched forward and the auto safety stop system lit up. I never touched the accelerator pedal. I pushed back down on the brake. This was not the first time this happened.

   NHTSA complaint #11623015 · source
8. Filed Sep 12, 2024CAEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The vehicle has erratic acceleration. It will either be extremely slow and jerky or it will jump forward with great speed and force. This is dangerous and may cause an accident. You have no control when it comes to acceleration whether you are leaving a stop light or trying to avoid an accident.

   NHTSA complaint #11614162 · source
9. Filed Aug 15, 2024OHEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   From a stop or slow roll (0-10 mph), significant hesitation is experienced after pushing the gas. The engine will not respond for a few moments and then all of a sudden it will take off in a jerking manner. Note that this is experienced when the engine auto start/stop is deactivated, so it is not from the delay of the engine starting when activated. This hesitation causes a near miss safety situation in many normal driving activities, but the highest risk is when turning…

   NHTSA complaint #11608712 · source
10. Filed Jul 21, 2024MOEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

    When 87 fuel is put into the vehicle, the 2023 highlander is jerky/has hesitation, RPMs jump around. Trying to slow down to a yield then go again it jerks and almost feels like engine is cutting out. Seems worse when car is being driven on warm day with a/c on or under a “load”. Very dangerous in intersections. Current fix is to put 93 octane in the vehicle to remedy the issue. Putting 93 octane fuel in the vehicle does help. All of these issues pose a risk to the car…

    NHTSA complaint #11603659 · source
11. Filed Jul 3, 2024SCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    When 87 octane fuel is put into the vehicle, the 2023 highlander is sluggish to start and make jump at times as well. After reading other complaints online, the current fix was putting 93 octane in the vehicle to remedy the issue. Putting 93 octane fuel in the vehicle does help although the vehicle jumps around RPM's when going from ECO mode to normal. All of these issues pose a risk to the car jumping from a start to cause a rear-end accident. I've complained to the dealer…

    NHTSA complaint #11598542 · source
12. Filed Nov 3, 2023CAEngine

    The vehicle surges and hesitates when pressing on the gas. Several times I push on the gas and nothing really happens. Slow to move. Other times I push on the gas and it “bucks”. Like the turbo kicked in to max power all of a sudden. Almost lost control of the car a couple times. Once was on a mountain road. I am hesitant to drive it and even more so to let anyone else drive it. For fear of them losing control and running off the road because it becomes impossible to handle…

    NHTSA complaint #11553489 · 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