2025 TOYOTA Grand Highlander Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

While driving at approximately 50 MPH with no other vehicles around, there was a loud bang and then the sound of air. We identified that the panoramic sunroof had exploded. We pulled over immediately and took photos of the sunroof which at that time was shattered but intact. There was a clear bulge upward and no sign of impact from an outside force. We then continued driving to our home approximately another 40 miles, during that drive shards of glass flew onto the roadway leaving a hole in the sunroof of approximately 10-12 inches. We brought the vehicle to Toyota dealership for a warranty repair. Toyota refuses to cover under warranty, stating outside influence. I am confident there was no outside influence causing the glass to explode. The vehicle is a 2025 Grand Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited with approximately 9000 miles on it, the incident happened on Nov 2nd. 2025 around noon. Weather was mild, 50-60 degrees F, no precipitation or severe winds.

Nov 17, 2025

There is a coolant leak in the hybrid radiator caused by a puncture. When taken to the dealer, they said a rock must have punctured it. The dealer currently has the part. Me, my husband, and 2 children were driving on I-5 when the car stopped accelerating and a "hybrid malfucntion" code and "engine malfunction" code started flashing. Prior to this, there were no warnings. I was thankfully able to full over safely, but we were stuck on the side of I-5 for at least an hour waiting for a tow. I am reading online that this is an issue with the car and seems to be a design flaw. The gaps in the grill are too large, and there is no mesh or anything else behind the grill to protect the front end of the car.

Nov 04, 2025

Sun roof shattered unprovoked in 2 month old vehicle while driving slowly in parking lot. We didn't know what happened at first but then opened interior lining and the shattered glass fell into the cabin; nobody was hurt. when we took this to dealership, we were told this wasn't under warrantee and we had to get it fixed independently. I filed a complaint with Toyota Care but they denied covering cost to fix the shattered sun roof. We did not have the shattered sun roof inspected by anybody else but it has been fixed by glass shop.

Oct 16, 2025

I am told my 2025 Grand Highlander has a hole in the AC Condenser from "road debris" according to a Toyota dealership leading to no air conditioning. I've never taken the car off-roading. A simple google search shows that others are having this issue and are buying extra netting to protect it from happening again. I'm told I need to pay $1,800 to have this fixed when I haven't even had the car for a year. This seems like a design flaw that needs to be addressed.

Aug 28, 2025

Apparently, a rock flew into the front grill striking the radiator (which is located directly behind the grill) and put a hole in it. This caused fluid to leak and fortunately during a routine maintenance check (my first service) on 8/15/25, it was discovered. The car was deemed not safe to drive until repairs were made. I submitted it to my insurance company and they inspected it and verified the issue. The radiator was replaced by Toyota at the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. They said they heard of a few cases, but I went online and discovered several vehicles that had this happen. Apparently the grill on the new highlanders is the issue - it has wide openings and the radiator is directly behind it. I am purchasing a bra and some mesh to place behind the grill in order to prevent another incident. No warning lights or indicators came on and the dealership said it would've eventually when it got hot enough. Fortunately, most of my driving was local after the incident occurred so the vehicle didn't have time to overheat. I am thankful it was discovered before I was stranded.

Aug 20, 2025

+ 2 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

4 complaints

On 11/02/2025 with the cruise at 55mph all glass closed. Heater on with no vehicles around, the sunroof exploded. It pushed up from the inside. With less than 9k miles on the vehicle. It took my dealer 8 days to look at it then Toyota denied the warranty. Then Quoted me over $2,100 to replace. This vehicle isn't safe to drive as told to me from the dealer.

Nov 11, 2025

I am writing to report a serious issue with my 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ), purchased on [XXX] from Hillside Toyota . I have noticed water leaking from the top of the windshield, dripping onto the steering wheel and dashboard, particularly during rain or after a car wash. This issue began on [XXX] and I saw couple of times under these conditions, posing a potential safety hazard due to driver distraction and possible damage to electrical components. I have taken the vehicle to Hillside Toyota on 05/05/25 and 07/21/25 where they inspected the vehicle but could not identify the source of the leak” or “attempted a repair, but the issue persists. This issue is concerning, as it affects the safety and functionality of my vehicle, which has only 1184 miles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jul 30, 2025

Hood on 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vibrates/flutters due to poorly designed aluminum construction. Very distracting and causes drivers to take eyes off the road. Toyota has issued T-SB-0111-24 for the 2024 Grand Highlander for this specific issue but my dealership told me that it doesn't apply to the 2025 but the hood part number is the same for both years. The constant vibration could eventually "work harden" the thin metal and ultimatlly allow the hood to break off the vehicle. Check out the old Jimmy Stewart movie when the constant vibration made the tail break off the airplane.

Jun 24, 2025

The 2024 and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander has excessive hood shaking and vibration at the rear of the vehicle. It is directly under the projection area of the windshield and directs your attention to the movement. At highway speeds the shaking is excessive. Toyota has not been able to find a repair for this issue.

Mar 31, 2025

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

The car only accepts 11-13 gallons of gas when refueling an empty tank despite the advertised 17.2 gallon capacity. I believe this is a fuel gauge or DTE system problem. I’ve seen many many similiar complaints on the forums. Fuel gauge issue could leave drivers stranded on the road.

Aug 21, 2025

Fuel fill-ups averaging 13-14 gallons when vehicle trip computer alerts 0 miles remaining distance to empty. Fuel tank capacity published as 17.8 gallons. Total vehicle range understated, requiring more frequent stops at gas stations to fill. Not a direct safety concern, but a significant nuisance and dealer has stated this is normal and there is no fix for this issue. EPA estimated MPG 26-27, should equate to approximately 460+ miles/tank. Instead experiencing approximately 350-365 miles per full tank of fuel.

Mar 29, 2025

CHILD SEAT

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander with an Evenflo Revolve 360 Slim car seat, Model Number: 36812470A, Manufactured Date: December 12, 2022, installed in the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25C010000 (Child Seat). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the child secured in the car seat, the contact became aware that there was an object in the child’s mouth. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and removed a foam piece from the child's mouth. The contact inspected the car seat and became aware that the foam was from the headrest. Medical attention was not needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure, but the contact stated that the manufacturer mailed tape to cover the exposed areas of the car seat.

Dec 16, 2025

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

Shortly after powering on the GHHM vehicle, driving a short distance, coming to a stop and depressing the accelerator the vehicle does not accelerate as though no power is getting to the drive train. This does not often happen but has always happened when the EV battery level is 3 bars or less and the vehicle is in its Normal mode (as opposed to Sport or ECO). This acceleration failure event lasts for a few seconds. No warning indicators are displayed prior to, during or after this happens. The dealer checked the vehicle on 30AUG2025, was not able to reproduce, but applied a firmware update TSB-0040-25, which has not solved the problem. Took it back to dealer on 14OCT2025, but the dealer was again not able to reproduce the problem. It poses a safety risk when attempting to cross intersections or entering round-abouts and the vehicle can only move at a coasting speed instead of the expected normal acceleration.

Nov 22, 2025

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

Inconsistently but on numerous occasions, this vehicle has experienced harsh shifting, hesitation, or jerking during low-speed acceleration (e.g., 20-40 mph) or gear engagement. This was a known and reported issue with the 2024 model for which Toyota provided a fix. They have not provided one for the 2025 models. This issue is a safety risk while driving because with the surge you feel you must quickly let off the pedal, and with the hesitation you let off the brake indicating you will move forward yet the vehicle doesn’t accelerate.

Nov 14, 2025

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

Poor acceleration from 0 to 40. Vehicle will start shuttering at a dead stop. The engine has shut off once with this issue. It happened around 4800 miles.

Oct 28, 2025

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

Windshield is prone to cracks and chips. Experienced multiple chips/cracks going at various speeds with precaution to other vehicles.

Sep 09, 2025

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

I have experienced intermittent transmission issues. Specifically, the car often fails to shift gracefully from first gear, resulting in rough or hard shifts that are jarring and unsafe, particularly during acceleration or in stop-and-go traffic. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has refused to shift correctly, requiring me to pull over, turn the car completely off, and restart it to restore proper shifting functionality. This issue is not only inconvenient but also poses a significant safety risk, especially when merging into traffic or navigating busy roads. For a vehicle marketed as a reliable and family-friendly SUV, these transmission problems are unacceptable. The transmission issues have significantly undermined my confidence in the vehicle’s safety and reliability, particularly as I rely on it for family transportation. The need to pull over and restart the car to address shifting problems is not only inconvenient but also dangerous in certain driving conditions. Furthermore, the reports of similar issues among other owners indicate that these problems may persist without proper intervention from Toyota.

Aug 25, 2025

ENGINE

1 complaint

The vehicle suddenly gave several warnings of “check engine visit your dealer”, “Hybrid system malfunction”, “AWD system malfunction 2WD activated” and “System malfunction visit your dealer.” The vehicle was bought new 4 weeks prior. Took it to the dealership and the technician said there was coolant all over the engine compartment and there was a leak somewhere. After inspection he told us that a small rock hit the radiator and caused damage. Told to replace the radiator and flush the system and it was not covered under warranty. After research was done, it was found there was a forum with hundreds of not thousands of people with the same issue. This has been an issue with the new OEM front grill not protecting the radiator and leaving it susceptible to be damaged easily. Toyota Corporate was called and said they were aware of the issue for some time. Even the Technician told us this is a common issue with this vehicle. Also if you place something inside the grill to protect the radiator, it will void the warranty.

Jul 14, 2025

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

The vehicle was in PARK and the IGN was in the ON/RUN position and the air conditioning was on. There was no one in the driver's seat but there was an occupant sitting buckled in the front passenger seat. The passenger heard a sound (possibly the ICE turning on) and he felt the vehicle move forward about five inches. He became worried about his safety and pressed the IGN button in order to turn the vehicle off. It could have pushed itself into other cars in the parking lot or pedestrians. A report was made to the local police department on the same day. This occurred in a retail parking lot. Video footage cannot be obtained as a police officer or insurance company must request it. I have not seen a check engine light nor any message prompts and it has not been inspected by a dealership.

Jul 11, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

Missing the wire connector for the puddle lamp installation? although not a safety issue, would like to bring this to attention; wire connectors (and wires) missing on both driver and passenger doors? Not sure if this was a factory oversight, or an error in original wiring diagram of Toyota? If so, there could be other wires missing in the vehicle as well. Hopefully Toyota will look into this and propose a fix for their customers. Thank you

Jun 28, 2025

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety hazard and design flaw with the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. While driving on a two-lane highway, our vehicle suddenly lost power and warning lights appeared on the dashboard. We were forced to exit the highway immediately (we were less than 0.5 miles to an exit). Shortly after pulling onto the off-ramp, the vehicle entered limp mode, significantly limiting its ability to function - all assist systems deactivated amd the car has a significant decrease in power. We were able to drive approximately half a mile to a nearby gas station, where we called for a tow. This situation left us vulnerable on a busy roadway, placing both us and other drivers at risk. The Toyota dealership diagnosed the issue as damage to the hybrid inverter radiator, allegedly caused by a rock or piece of debris entering through the front grille. We were told this was not covered under warranty, and to make matters worse, the necessary part is currently on backorder for three weeks to three months—leaving the vehicle undriveable. A significant concern is the design of the front grille, which has large, open gaps that allow ordinary road debris to enter the engine compartment. This leaves critical components like the hybrid inverter radiator exposed and vulnerable, even under standard driving conditions. After researching, I discovered numerous similar reports from other Toyota hybrid owners—including those with Grand Highlanders, Highlander Hybrids, RAV4 Hybrids, and Prius models—who have experienced the exact same issue. In nearly every case, drivers were told it was due to external damage and denied warranty coverage. This presents a clear and growing safety issue: 1. Sudden power loss on a highway or arterial road increases the risk of collision. 2. A critical hybrid system component is inadequately

Jun 23, 2025

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

When going over rough or uneven roads, the car produces a strong low-frequency resonance, like a bass-heavy "boom". This causes a very uncomfortable feeling of pressure changing in my ears, gives me a headache and ear pain whenever I drive in local roads, which is the majority of driving in my area. This causes me to need to pull over and stop the car frequently to readjust my hearing. I've found many reports from others of the same issue but Toyota have not acknowledged it or found a solution.

Jun 19, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention system failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the image was visible; however, there was no tone alert. Additionally, there was a message indicating that the Adaptive Cruise Control was unavailable and to see the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the automatic braking system had independently activated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was replaced two weeks prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Jun 03, 2025

⭐

4.3/5.0

46 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2025 TOYOTA Grand Highlander have?

The 2025 TOYOTA Grand Highlander currently has 25 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2025 TOYOTA Grand Highlander?

The most common problems reported for the 2025 TOYOTA Grand Highlander are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2025 TOYOTA Grand Highlander problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2025 TOYOTA Grand Highlander comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.