2017 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 252 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2017 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2017 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2017 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Toyota Highlander SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Toyota Highlander has 252 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 252
- Crash-related complaints
- 17
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Toyota Highlander?
The 2017 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2017 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, electrical, and engine systems. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited model year coverage.
- Transmission/Drivetrain complaints are the most numerous among reported components.
- Electrical faults and engine problems also account for a significant share of complaints.
- Uncategorized issues represent a notable portion, indicating potential reporting ambiguity.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported component concern.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported component concern.
- Engine problems are the third most reported component concern.
All 2017 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 65 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 49 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 46 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 45 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 29 | 5 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 4 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 6 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Carry Handle | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Shell | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Base | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
In January during an oil change i was advised that my Toyota had a timing cover leak which is a costly repair. At this time my car was at 148k. i researched it recently and found that it could be dangerous to drive with this leak that Toyota did not advise me about after i had se…
On April 5, 2026, my 2017 Toyota Highlander was involved in a side‑impact (T‑bone) collision on the front & rear passenger side. I was seated in the front passenger seat. The impact was hard enough that my insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. During the crash, I s…
The radar cruise control system on my 2017 Toyota Highlander is not functioning properly and creates a safety hazard. When initially setting the radar cruise control, the system works as expected. I can accelerate to a desired speed, press the “set” control, and the vehicle maint…
Power training went out I-70 in warren county mo where all the construction is. It put my 4 autistic kids in danger. No insurance looked at the vehicle. However a mechanic did look and diagnosed it which look over a week for. Kaizen auto in wentzville mo diagnosed it
The component that has been deemed in need of replacement is the UA80 8-speed transmission. It is available for inspection as of today's date, April 1, 2026. My and my family's safety has been put at risk of the transmission failing, especially at highway speeds. The problem was …
Purchased a brand new 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 9 years ago. I followed all recommended maintenance and service schedules from the manufacturer. There has always been a faint whine noise present during acceleration. In December of 2023 and about 112,000 miles the transmission be…
March 5th purchased a battery from Autozone Z net Fit Match that caused cascading electrical and life -safety risk while traveling from hewitt, TX to Washington DC for our families spring break trip including 4 minor children. Component: 12-Volt Battery / Electrical System / Powe…
My husband and I were driving down the highway when the front part of our sun roof shattered.
Transmission failed in May 2025, around 95,000 miles. Had to have entire transmission replaced. Shop said metal filings were found in the fluids, leading to the breakdown and need for full replacement. No other warning lights or lamps indicated a problem. A high pitched whining n…
Transmission yes it’s available for inspection rite now on vacation on a very steep hill the transmission quit pulling at the top of the hill in the middle of a very narrow street and we had to ease backwards down to a place on the hill to turn around and get to level ground all …
Purchased my 2017 Highlander in June of 2017. At 4912 miles noticed the transmission was slipping. Contacted the dealership and was told from an employee that in his 20 plus years he had never had a transmission do that. Took it to the dealership and it was the transmission. It w…
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 not…
I had problems in gear shift the car when start moving it’s go very slow it’s need about 1 minute to change the shift. The Toyota dealership recommended me to change the transmission with the cost $11,000
-- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? This report is regarding a premature transmission failure in our 2017 Toyota Highlander equipped with the UA80F 8-speed automatic transmission. Our highlander is currently stuck…
I own a 2017 Toyota Highlander with 6 cylinders (engine model 2GR-FKS). It has 107,000 miles. I brought it to my dealer for inspection and service, and noted that it was making a whirring/whining sound upon acceleration. There were no warning messages on the dashboard to alert me…
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 …
Vehicle shurtter cause toque converter issue with all Toyota Highlander
Was on drive from work in 2017 toyota highlander XLE. Noticed low whining sound coming from transmission. Made appointment with toyota dealership. They identified transmission whine as requiring full replacement and projected to fail soon. Vehicle mileage was at 116k miles…
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 …
The paint on the hood is flaking off. There is no reason other than the paint being defective for this to happen in this manner. We just noticed it today. 11/14/25
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Toyota Highlander.
2017 Toyota Highlander Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 252 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (65 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (49 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (46 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Toyota Highlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 17 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 252 total complaints. 26 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2017 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.