2024 TOYOTA Highlander Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Ours has pulsing brakes and brakes feeling "off" at low speeds, potentially due to the interaction of regenerative and conventional braking. The brake pedal will also suddenly jolt the car forward when switching between braking systems. The system is unsafe.

Sep 11, 2025

There are many times over the course of the past few months where I am braking and the car lurches forward at least a few inches before coming to a complete stop. It feels as if it is being rear ended at a slow rate of speed. I have not been able to identify any pattern in this problem. It happens when I am braking to slow down at a faster rate of speed or when I need to come to a complete stop at a stop light or sign. This is very dangerous as I fear that one day when I need to brake I will not be able to and will hit something as the car keeps moving several inches after braking sometimes. I have brought the car to the service department at the dealership and they have told me that it is normal and there is nothing that they can do about it as they were unable to replicate it. However, that makes sense as it does not happen all of the time, but rather inconsistently. There have been no warning lamps or messages and the dealership has confirmed that there are none showing up when they check it on their end.

Aug 30, 2025

Brakes "let go" for a second or so when using. I have noticed this when coming to a stop sign at low speeds and especially if road surface is uneven. It does not happen all the time but it is very scary to suddenly lose the brakes! This puts others at risk because the car briefly speeds up when the brakes let go. It has happened at least twenty times while driving this SUV, most recently today. Please issue a recall for this!

Jun 13, 2025

Brakes do not engage sometimes until brake is almost to floor. This has happened to the 3 people who have driven it and almost caused an accident. In fact the warning flashes on dashboard. Brakes have almost failed and yes, it is available upon request. Our safety was at risk because all 3 of us almost hit the person in front of us. The problem has not been reproduced by the 2 service places I went. Neither of them drove it. The first Toyota service center checked the OBD2 scanner and it showed no problems. The second place did not check anything and said they would when I come back for my 15,000 oil change. The brakes were inspected by the first service center but they did not drive it. I bought the Highlander Hybrid brand new and it started immediately. I traded in the exact same vehicle that was a 2019 Highlander Hybrid Platinum and it did not have this problem. The suv had a PCS that does show on dashboard but that is because the brake isn’t engaging and you are so close to hitting someone. Normally you apply pressure to the brakes to start slowing down and it does. But in some cases the brake has been applied and nothing happens. It finally does engage after the brake is almost completely down. I don’t know if that is the safety system braking or the brake actually working. Because at that point the PCS warning is on the screen. Also the first service center entered my complaint into a database.

May 11, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

I purchased a brand new 2024 Toyota Highlander Limited on [XXX]. On September 12th, we were going on our first road trip with our [XXX] son to Wilmington, NC (~209 miles from where we live). I bought this car as it was bigger and with a newborn wanted to feel safe. Approximately 15 miles out, as I was gassing the car on the highway, the speed limit was slowly dropping. After I released the gas, there was a slight jolt and then I was able to safely pull over on the side of the highway. To say I felt unsafe with cars flying by going 70 mph and the car slowing down out of my control with a newborn in the car is an understatement. With less than 300 miles on the car, Toyota of Wilmington confirmed it was a faulty transmission. In addition to the poor quality and safety concern, customer service and the disconnect between areas - dealership, corporate, and financial when trying to get any resolution has been ridiculous. When I asked my sales rep if the issue was a concern he informed me my gear was probably wrong and assured me I would be fine making it back to Charlotte. When I called Toyota of Wilmington, despite me telling them I was there for the weekend and needed to get home Sunday they said they could see me the following Thursday, despite the issue at hand. It wasn't until I told them it was undriveable after trying to drive again and had it towed there that they magically fit us in. I am now a month without a car, given a smaller size rental car with no ETA on being able to get a new one and unable to get in touch with anyone in Financial to discuss the car payment they are still billing me for. This was our first and last Toyota we will purchase. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 07, 2024

I was driving on the highway when I heard a very loud bang. I felt like the car had been hit by something and immediately looked for a large truck around me. With such a loud noise I figured something that loud had to be kicked up by something large. No trucks were around me of any size. Just a few cars. I looked at all my windows to see if I had a crack. Nothing. I assumed whatever hit me must have hit the car and not glass. Once I pulled over I walked the perimeter of the car and found nothing. With how loud it was I knew something must have happened. I assumed maybe it hit underneath and turned my car back on to see if any malfunction lights came on. All was good so I continued to drive. I could hear a wind noise like a window was open but no windows were. A loud air sounding noise with a broken glass like noise as of I had a hole in my car made me pull over again. This time I looked at the roof which I didn’t the first time. I was shocked to find a huge hole in my sunroof. Fortunately I had my shade cover closed or all that glass would have potentially fallen on me while driving on the highway. I drove at a low speed with my hazards on to get me home where I parked my car in the garage where it sits. I did notice that the remaining glass shards point outward as if something exploded from my car. If something hit the car wouldn’t the glass point inward? Is there an issue with sunroofs? I am seeing some stories online but no recalls.

Jul 16, 2024

Driving the interstate at 75 mph, my sunroof spontaneously shattered covering us with shards of glass. Toyota dealership and insurance said a rock must have hit but there were no other vehicles near us. Was not covered under warranty, so insurance adjuster approved new sunroof install and repaint roof for over $3,000. The loud explosion and subsequent broken glass could have caused major accident as well as blindness. We feel an investigation into glass quality should be done. In my opinion, vehicles shouldn’t even have sunroofs.

Mar 31, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

When the AC system is turned on, the idle increases from 740rpm to 760rpm. It engages the torque converter in the automatic transmission causing the car to move forward on its own. This makes it difficult, whether you are in traffic or at a stop light where there are vehicles stopped infront of you. The driver has to press hard on the brake pedal to keep it from moving forward. The local Toyota dealership (Hendrick service manager and two service technicians) said it was fine. Toyota Brand Engagement sent Eric who is their corporate regional engineer to inspect the car. He said it was fine. I have spoke with Toyota Brand Engagement several times and at various levels who all say it functions fine as the idle is within limits. I asked Toyota for an idle specification sheet but no one (the local Toyota Dealership, Engineer from Toyota Brand Engagement, or CEO office of Toyota Brand Engagement) is able to produce an idle specification sheet for the vehicle. They continue to state it is normal. Toyota Executive Office Case XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Dec 11, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

On or about Oct, 3rd, 2025 , my vehicle experienced the 'Check Engine' light and all the warning lights lit up, the hybrid system failed to engage, the vehicle would say “park somewhere safe /take to dealer” . I immediately took the vehicle to the authorized Toyota dealership, Wonderies Toyota Alhambra , for diagnosis. They said they could not find anything, reset the sensors, and told us to come back if the problem persisted, and one hour later the system lights lit up again. We returned the same day and the dealership informed me that the issue is a severe corrosion of the underbody wiring harness , specifically citing external damage or 'spillage' as the cause. The estimated cost for a complete replacement of the wiring harness is approximately $6- 7,000.00. I contend that this corrosion is not the result of customer spillage but rather a manufacturing defect related to inadequate design, covering, or routing of the wiring harness, which makes it highly susceptible to road hazards, moisture, and environmental contaminants. Crucially, this issue appears to be covered under the Toyota Limited Service Campaign (LSC) related to wiring harness deterioration (LSC25TD01 / LSC-J02). Toyota states my vehicle is not covered however Toyotas own website states the Highlander HV 2024 has been added recently in Sep.2025 . I request that NHTSA review my case in light of this known issue to determine if the defect presents an unreasonable risk to safety and to urge Toyota to properly remedy this problem under the terms of the applicable coverage or warranty enhancement. I formally request that Toyota honor the spirit of the Limited Service Campaign LSC25TD01 and cover the full cost of the replacement wiring harness and labor. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 24, 2025

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

UNKNOWN - 2024 Toyota Highlander makes a drumming or hooting sound when driving over normal to slightly rough roads. It is not related to expansion joints in the road. 1st dealer said it was a rt. wheel bearing, changed it and it did not work. He then said it was in all Toyota's with 20" wheels. I paid to change tires and wheel to no avail. 2nd dealer said it was normal even though mechanic heard the noise. His supervisor said it was fine and they would do nothing to try to isolate the noise. Noise is very obvious.

Oct 19, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

>While exiting a highway my vehicle surged forward crashing into the vehicle in front of me.Engaging the brake, my car smashed into the van again. I had no control over the forward momentum of the car. >Both the driver & I were in danger of injury >The problem has not been addressed as my damaged car is being repaired >The vehicle has not been inspected >I was given no warning that the incident was forthcoming

Oct 15, 2025

Crash: 1

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

My driver side rear door handle comes off when I open the door. I am having the dealership look into this on 8/28/2025.

Aug 26, 2025

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

While slowing down, the vehicle will suddenly lunge forward, as if It hit a patch of ice and then slow again. This started happening around 30,000 miles. The dealer said this is because of a transition between hydraulic braking and regenerative braking and is "NORMAL". This did not start until 30k miles. I have owned 4 hybrid vehicles and only this one does this. Upon reading and studying online, there was a bulletin for an earlier generation of this type of problem. Clearly, it is an issue as I am not the only one with this problem.

Aug 10, 2025

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

when I attempt to accelerate from a stop, or slowly rolling, there is a 2-3 second delay, sometimes longer, prior to the vehicle moving forward. during the delay, when accelerator is pressed, the engine does not rev, nothing happens at all. it's scary. the highlander has less than 9k miles on it. this has been happening more and more frequently. I have contacted toyota, they have yet to provide a response or solution for this safety issue.

Aug 06, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

My car was parked in the driveway with the engine running. The engine was then turned off from outside the vehicle using the start/stop button. Once the engine stopped, the car moved backward down the sloped driveway and struck a pickup truck that was parallel parked on the street. I then entered the vehicle and attempted to shift into drive, but a warning appeared indicating the hybrid system was off and instructing me to put the car in park. Multiple attempts were made to drive the car forward, but instead, it was driving in reverse. The car would not move forward for approximately five minutes. I eventually turned the engine off and restarted it after a couple of minutes. After restarting, I was able to drive the car off the street.

May 09, 2025

Crash: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? THE CAR SMELLS OF GASOLINE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. THE SMELL TRAVELS IN THE CAR AND MAKES ME SMELL LIKE GAS AND ALSO THROUGH THE AIRV ENTS WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE. I DO NOT OVERFILL THE GAS TANK. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? WE ARE INHALING GASOLINE SMELLS ALL THE TIME AND IT IS UNSAFE Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO THE DEALER AND THE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SAY THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM BUT THEY DO SMELL THE GAS Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR HAVE LOOKED AT IT Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO WARNING LIGHTS HAVE APPEARED DURING THE TIMES WE SMELL THE GAS

Apr 22, 2025

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

Strong smell of fuel after a hot day. This is a new vehicle purchased new on 2024. No warning lights On dashboard. After reading a few threads about the same situation on newer highlanders it seems like it's being ignored.

Apr 12, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

I was driving on road going speed limit during the day, came around a curve, vehicle was stopped, slammed on brakes and turned wheel but still hit rear of vehicle. No collision warning or auto brakes engaged.

Feb 10, 2025

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

My car has integrated CarPlay installed for mapping. When used wirelessly with all mapping services (Apple Maps, Waze, Goole Maps) my car will appear in fields, the wrong streets, in houses. I will be given directions to turn on streets that are not where I physically am. First I worked with Apple Customer Care for over 15 hours. They have determined it is not an Apple issue. They believe it is an issue with the GNSS module in the car. I took the car twice to the dealerships service departments. The first service department did not duplicate this issue. They told me I had to plug the phone in to not have the problem. My vehicle is bluetooth, it works wirelessly! The second dealership told me they didn't need to duplicate the issue because I was the second car in for service that day for the same problem. Their solution is for me to plug my phone in for correct mapping. This sometimes works, but only is I do it in a specific order after starting the car - start the car, let it boot up the radio/entertainment/integrated map, unplug the cable, replug the cable, then plug my phone it. This is all with a bluetooth enabled car. I have requested for the dealership to test the GNSS module or replace it and they have not. They have said they are waiting for the investigation. meanwhile, I drive around and my car is given directions through backyards and fields. It is a hazard! This all started when the car was three days old.

Jan 08, 2025

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle's cabin coming from the rear of the vehicle near the fuel tank. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vent valve remained open causing fuel to leak from the fuel tank and as a result the fuel cap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure persisted. The failure was intermittent. The contact stated that the odor was extremely strong, causing the driver to sustain headaches. The fire department issued a letter with a statement that there was a fume odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a different unknown dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000.

Aug 08, 2024

Injuries: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I was in the drive thru at a fast food restaurant and after I placed my order I was about 5 cars from the pay window. As I went forward where there was a curve I stopped and then when the car in front of me moved forward to the pay window I let up on the brake and accelated slowly. When I put my foot on the brake pedal it went to the floor and the car would not stop. I served to the right of the car in front of me ( I did not hit it) and rolled to the parking space to the right. The car hit the curb and bounced up a little and hit the sign and then rolled backwards and I swerved the car so as to not hit the cars in line. I tried to put the car in drive but it wouldn't go. I then put the car into park which stopped the car with a jerk. After a few minutes I turned the car off as the brakes had not come back. I sat in the driveway blocking it. As I sat there I checked the screen for any error messages or warnings and saw none. After about 10 or 15 minutes I tried the pedal again and got pressure. I was able to start the car and pulled it into the parking spot. I then called Totota roadside service and had the car towed to my house. Today as instructed by Toyota service they sent a tow truck to my house to tow it to the dealership service department. The service manager checked something and said nothing showed up but would have the tech check everything out.

Jun 03, 2024

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while placing groceries in the trunk, the lift gate violently fell on her head. While in the trunk, the liftgate came down, and her cousin was able to stop the liftgate from closing on the contact. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had a continuous headache and dizziness, and it was determined that she had a concussion when medical attention was provided at the emergency room. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

May 02, 2024

Injuries: 1

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

When driving at highway speeds (over 40mph) the driver side mirror excessively shakes/vibrates, negatively impacting visibility.

Mar 31, 2024

⭐

4.2/5.0

45 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2024 TOYOTA Highlander have?

The 2024 TOYOTA Highlander currently has 23 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 2024 TOYOTA Highlander?

The most common problems reported for the 2024 TOYOTA 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 2024 TOYOTA Highlander problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2024 TOYOTA Highlander comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.