2023 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2023 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 146 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2023 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2023 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. 5 trims analysed.
2023 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.4% 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 2023 Toyota Highlander has 146 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2023
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 146
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 29
- 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 2023 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Structural Problems
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Structural Problems, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2023 Toyota Highlander?
The 2023 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 2023 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect for any uncategorized issues reported by previous owners.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for structural, engine, and brake system components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect for any uncategorized issues reported by previous owners.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for structural, engine, and brake system components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2023 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 2023 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in uncategorized issues, structural problems, and engine problems. There are 9 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Uncategorized Issues account for the highest number of complaints at 36.
- Structural Problems are the second most reported component with 29 complaints.
- Engine Problems follow with 26 complaints.
- Uncategorized Issues: 36 complaints, the most frequent category.
- Structural Problems: 29 complaints, a recurring theme.
- Engine Problems: 26 complaints, another area of concern.
All 2023 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 36 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 29 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 26 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 7 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 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 2023 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was at a gas station and enter car wash, the machine didnt wash my car and distriy my front right tire
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the…
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 60–65 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of an oncoming vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. In addition, the contact stated that it was a very hard impact on an older m…
I was in an accident today in this vehicle . Upon impact, traffic was suddenly stopped on the highway. The air bags didn’t deploy and the automatic emergency breaks didn’t engage. Impact was so hard three vehicles were Involved.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed t…
2023 Highlander Hybrid braking suddenly changes at low speeds when coming to a stop. Vehicle's brakes work properly (Regenerative and hydraulic combined) until it slows to make a stop or slows in heavy traffic. Suddenly the brake pressure changes and the vehicle "lunges" forward …
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, and driving at an undisclosed speed, the seat belt alarm chimed while the seat belts were properly buckled. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and released and fastened t…
Some times when I request the rear hatch to open is does nothing but most of the time when I depress the close button, it moves less than an inch and then beeps. I have had to depress the button up to 6 times before the hatch closes. The car is only 3 years old as of this month a…
While driving down the highway I went over a bridge joint and my sunroof suddenly exploded sending glass both into and off the back of the vehicle. I was able to find the moment of the explosion on my rear dashcam (saw the falling glass) and checked the front dashcam for any evid…
It takes time to accelerate. The car jerks and shakes before moving
I bought this vehicle new in March 2024. I normally use Apple CarPlay for music and more importantly maps. Approximately 1 year after purchase, I was driving along and all of a sudden a new screen appeared with a keyboard requesting that I sign in with my email address. To clear…
Delayed acceleration, jerking shifting between gears and whining noise
The rear window on my car spontaneously shattered as I was driving. This was in light rain on the freeway. I had turned the rear-window defrost on at the beginning of my 20 minute drive to work in the dark at 5:30AM . When I was almost at my destination, I heard a noise and loo…
My Toyota Highlander 12.3 inch display of the instrument panel may be blank at startup. Operating the vehicle with this display blank reduces the ability to see certain malfunction indicators. This Safety Recall that has been active since September 11, 2025. The problem been ac…
The vehicle's tailgate motor has started to malfunction and is failing prematurely. When opening the tailgate it makes a loud squealing noise. When attempting to close utilizing all automatic features it will stop and beep twice. After multiple attempts the tailgate remains open …
Air bags did not deploy during accident Black box did not record any incident occurred and vehicle was totaled vehicle black box data was downloaded by manufacturer representative accident report was submitted On October 28 2025 a deer ran in front of us and we hit it at approxim…
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel fai…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Emission Recall Remedy not available. 2.3 in display of the instrument panel may be blank at start up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?/operating the vehic…
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was running, the instrument panel was b…
The transfer case blew out when I stopped at a red-light, within the first 3 years of original ownership. Only 65,000 miles on the odometer, mostly from highway driving. The car is now inoperable and repair quotes are prohibitively expensive.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Toyota Highlander.
2023 Toyota Highlander Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Toyota Highlander. 9 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.
2023 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 146 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2023 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 2023 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (36 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (29 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (26 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2023 Toyota Highlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2023 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 146 total complaints. 10 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2023 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is STEERING:COLUMN. 9 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 2023 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2023 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 Uncategorized Issues 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 2023 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.