2017 Toyota Highlander recalls and problems

The 2017 Toyota Highlander has 3 safety recalls and 272 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
272
Crashes / fires
18 / 2
Injuries / deaths
26 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2017 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2017 Toyota Highlander recalls

Recall 20V-682: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

Recall 17V-520: Equipment

Reported Aug 23, 2017 · 1,121 vehicles affected · Gulf States Toyota, Inc.

Problem: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.

Risk: The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GST will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly torque the fasteners, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 17R3.

Recall 17V-295: Tires

Reported May 2, 2017 · 409 vehicles affected · Gulf States Toyota, Inc.

Problem: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

Risk: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.

2017 Toyota Highlander problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train78
Unknown or Other53
Engine47
Electrical System46
Fuel/Propulsion System28
Service Brakes28
Vehicle Speed Control13
Visibility/Wiper12
Air Bags9
Fuel System, Gasoline9
Structure8
Wheels6

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 8
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 1
  • Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
  • Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2017 Toyota Highlander complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Nov 1, 2026
The UA80 Transmission whine began around 120000 miles, this transmission is from the same [XXX] plant that the ZJC CSP has been issued out of but they claim my vin doesn’t fall into the margin of VIN numbers that are covered. On XXX the Toyota service center of Dan Cava Toyota world in [XXX] stated they were sure the transmission would give out any time and they were sorry they couldn’t help and that many people have this issue and they are sure it’s the same cause as the ones that were affected by this CSP it just wasn’t added into the margin of VIN numbers that Toyota decided they…
Power Train · reported Oct 20, 2026
Transmission whining, rough shifts at lower gears. Dealership says my car doesn't fall under the secondary csp even though it has the same symptoms.
Power Train · reported Oct 8, 2026
Transmission failure after whining noise, taken to Toyota multiple times with no diagnosis. Today was informed the transmission is failing by another mechanic. 193,000 miles.
Power Train · reported Oct 5, 2026
2017 UA80F AWD Toyota Highlander Transmission Failure at 145,000 miles with regular maintenance. Starts off delayed shifting and jerking when accelerating, accompanied with faint whistle/whirring sound from under the dash. with Transmission falls under the Toyota Customer Support Program ZJC TSB 016018. my VIN did not fall in their ViN Database “range”. Multiple reports on same issue posted online from other Highlander and Sienna models who were also denied free coverage, free replacement, or free repair as stated in Customer Support Program and quoted over 15,000 for repair. This is an…
Power Train · reported Oct 3, 2026
Our Toyota Highlander XLE which has 137000 miles on it has the very well documented "whine" issue with the UA80 transmission. This "whine" issue/failure has resulted in at least two TSB's to be generated by Toyota and is considered the beginning stages of a total transmission failure. It impacts 2017 through at least 2022.The symptoms (whine sound/grinding sound/DTC codes/rough operation/unexpected slippage) are identical in all years. Toyota covered a small subset of the total number of failures suggesting an improperly installed "washer" was at fault. The online community impacted by this…

Other Toyota Highlander years

Compare all Toyota Highlander years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Toyota Highlander: 20V-682 (fuel system, gasoline), 17V-520 (equipment), 17V-295 (tires). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Toyota Highlander?

Owners report power train problems most often (78 reports), followed by unknown or other (53). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.