The Toyota Grand Highlander spans 2024–2026 with 8 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2024, 2025, 2026 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2026, 2025, 2024. It delivers up to 36 mpg combined and 5-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Toyota Grand Highlander is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2024 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Toyota Grand Highlander VIN — every digit explained
Every Toyota Grand Highlander carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Toyota and the country it was built in (real Toyota codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Grand Highlander.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJT2 · JT3 · JT4 · JT5 · JT6 · JT8
- USA4T1 · 4T3 · 4T4 · 58A · 5TB · 5TD
- Canada2T1 · 2T2 · 2T3
- Mexico3TM · 3TY
- TurkeyNMT
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Grand Highlander, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Toyota Grand Highlander have?
The Toyota Grand Highlander has 8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2024–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander recalls 1
Back Over Prevention:display Function
What's wrong. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. 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."
Risk. A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander recalls 3
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX500 Hybrid, Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2025-2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Lexus TX350 vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk. A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 26, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB04, 26LA04, 26TB07, and 26TA07.
Back Over Prevention:display Function
What's wrong. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. 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."
Risk. A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
What's wrong. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. 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.
Risk. An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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 letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander recalls 4
Back Over Prevention:display Function
What's wrong. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. 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."
Risk. A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
What's wrong. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. 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.
Risk. An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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 letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Equipment:other:labels
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 accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk. A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
Air Bags:side/window:curtain
What's wrong. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Lexus TX350, TX500 Hybrid, and TX550 Hybrid+ vehicles. The driver and passenger side curtain air bags may not unroll as intended and could partially deploy outside of an open window. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk. An improper deployment of the side curtain air bag can reduce occupant protection during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will replace the driver and passenger curtain shield air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB09/24TA09 and Lexus' numbers are 24LB05/24LA05.
Best and worst years for the Toyota Grand Highlander
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 3 tracked years, the worst years are 2024, 2025, 2026 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2026, 2025, 2024.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Grand Highlander | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2025 Grand Highlander | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2026 Grand Highlander | Engine | Avoid |
What are the most common Toyota Grand Highlander problems?
The most-reported Toyota Grand Highlander problems are Seats (6 reports), Engine (39 reports) and Wheels (1 reports) — out of 265 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Toyota Grand Highlander specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Toyota Grand Highlander window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Toyota Grand Highlander cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Grand Highlander holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Toyota Grand Highlander tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Toyota Grand Highlander get?
The Toyota Grand Highlander returns up to 36 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,750/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (2.4L 4-cyl) gets 24 mpg combined and costs about $2,600/yr to fuel, emitting 371 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10) — about $2,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Grand Highlander | 21 | 28 | $2,600 | 371 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2025 Grand Highlander | 21 | 28 | $2,600 | 371 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2024 Grand Highlander | 21 | 28 | $2,600 | 371 | 7/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl |
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid) gets 36 mpg combined and costs about $1,750/yr to fuel, emitting 246 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 7/10) — that's about $2,250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Grand Highlander | 37 | 34 | $1,750 | 246 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2025 Grand Highlander | 37 | 34 | $1,750 | 246 | 6/10 | 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2024 Grand Highlander | 37 | 34 | $1,750 | 246 | 7/10 | 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Grand Highlander stacks up against the most fuel-efficient SUVs, or calculate this Grand Highlander's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Toyota Grand Highlander have? Power & range
The Toyota Grand Highlander is offered with 2 powertrains — 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.4L · 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | FWD | Regular |
| Hybrid | 2.5L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Toyota Grand Highlander tow? Towing & payload
As an SUV, the Toyota Grand Highlander is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Grand Highlander's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Toyota Grand Highlander cost to own?
A used Toyota Grand Highlander sells for a median of about $39,950 for a 2024 — most listed between $37,000 and $45,999, from 20 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Grand Highlander | $37,000–$45,999 | 10 | |
| 2001 Grand Highlander | $20,000–$24,900 | 7 | |
| 2000 Grand Highlander | $11,000–$26,995 | 3 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Grand Highlander is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Toyota Grand Highlander holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Grand Highlander loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $8,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Grand Highlander ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Toyota Grand Highlander to insure?
A Toyota Grand Highlander costs about $1,287 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 11% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (90, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Grand Highlander's HLDI loss index. See Toyota insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Toyota Grand Highlander safe?
The Toyota Grand Highlander earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Grand Highlander | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2025 Grand Highlander | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars and SUVs.
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How many miles does a Toyota Grand Highlander last?
A well-maintained Toyota Grand Highlander typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Toyota Grand Highlander’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Grand Highlander’s VIN free →All Toyota Grand Highlander model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Toyota Grand Highlander — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Grand Highlander | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2025 Grand Highlander | 3 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2024 Grand Highlander | 4 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Grand Highlander?
By owner-complaint volume, 2024, 2025, 2026 drew the most reports. 2026, 2025, 2024 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Grand Highlander have?
8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2024–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Grand Highlander get?
Up to 36 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the Grand Highlander safe?
The Grand Highlander earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a Grand Highlander last?
A well-maintained Grand Highlander typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Grand Highlander reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Grand Highlander is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Toyota Grand Highlander warranty?
New Toyota models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Toyota dealer.
Where is the Toyota Grand Highlander made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Grand Highlander's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Toyota may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Grand Highlander have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.