2024 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2024 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 34 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2024 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2024 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.
2024 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2024 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 2024 Toyota Highlander has 34 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2024
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 34
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- 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 2024 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Brake System, 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 2024 Toyota Highlander?
The 2024 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 2024 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Ask the dealer about any unresolved issues related to Uncategorized Issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and electrical components before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Ask the dealer about any unresolved issues related to Uncategorized Issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and electrical components before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2024 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
Based on 34 consumer complaints for the 2024 Toyota Highlander, issues are most frequently reported under Uncategorized Issues and the Brake System. There are 7 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in drawing firm conclusions.
- Uncategorized Issues account for the highest number of complaints (11).
- Brake System complaints total 8, making it the second most reported component.
- Electrical Faults (5) and Fuel/Propulsion System (4) also appear in the top concerns.
- There are 7 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints for this single model year.
- Uncategorized Issues
- Brake System
- Electrical Faults
All 2024 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | 2 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 8 | 2 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | 1 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 1 | β | β | β |
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 2024 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
BRAKING SYSTEM WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, ESPECIALLY WHEN APPLYING DOWNHILL, TEMPORARILY RELEASES AND ACTS AS THOUGH BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED ANY LONGER FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF A FEW SECONDS THEN REAPPLIES. IT DOES SO THAT IT IS VERY OBVIOUS WITHIN THE CAR. THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THβ¦
Vehicle smells like fuel after engine toggles on and off between the hybrid system. This issue is intermittent, but when it is taken to the dealership they smell the fuel, with no luck duplicating the issue. I have also noticed when the smell is present the vehicle seems to run rβ¦
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a safety defect in my Evenflo Revolve 360 car seat. The white foam headrest component has completely detached due to what appears to be a failure in the original adhesive. This issue occurred despite proper use and adherence to all manβ¦
Safety Recall remedy not fixed in a timely manner
Second row seats not latching when moved forward. Sliced up multiple finger when trying determine what was causing it not to latch. Put in a couple of stitches in 2 finger and bandage up the remaining 2 fingers
My 12.3β display screen goes really dark and I have to restart vehicle to reset.
Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30Β°F), the vehicle consistently experiences a vβ¦
The tires have not βfailed,β but they are dry rotting on both the sidewalls and inside the tread. These came as the OE tires, size is 235/65 R18. This is a daily driven car with almost 30,000 miles on the odometer. There is no reason the tires should be dry rotting. This is a sevβ¦
When I purchased the vehicle I was told I could use Apple CarPlay, or Toyota's Drive Connect. Apple works better so I've always used that. I am used to having to clear Toyota's pop up ads for Drive Connect several times per week, even once per day. Recently Toyota's Drive Conneβ¦
When the engine is running after hours a gasoline smell and vapor exit the tank by the cap.
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the instrument cluster was blinking. The contact expressed that she was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact received the recall notices of NHTSA Campaign Nuβ¦
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 sβ¦
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 βpark somewhere safe /take to dealerβ . I immediately took the vehicle to the authorized Toyota dealership, β¦
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'β¦
>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 addresβ¦
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.
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 pβ¦
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.
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 nβ¦
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 thaβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2024 Toyota Highlander.
2024 Toyota Highlander Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2024 Toyota Highlander. 7 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.
2024 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2024 Toyota Highlander reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 34 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2024 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 2024 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
#1: Uncategorized Issues (11 complaints). #2: Brake System (8 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2024 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2024 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2024 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 34 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2024 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is TIRES. 7 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 2024 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
The 2024 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 2024 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.