2026 Toyota Highlander recalls & problems
The 2026 Toyota Highlander has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 4 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is back over prevention (1 complaint).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2026 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SUV N/A AWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
2026 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV HEV AWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT Hybrid
| City / highway | 35 / 34 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $1,900/year to fuel
Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid
| City / highway | 35 / 35 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $1,900/year to fuel
Highlander AWD
| City / highway | 21 / 28 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Back over prevention Sensing system › Camera | 1 | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | — |
| Power train | 1 | — |
| Engine | 1 | — |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | — |
| Seats | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Oct 5, 2026Seats
The foam seat cushion has failed on my 2026 Highlander. The seat causes me to sit canted towards the driver's door. The vehicle only has 11,000 mi on it and although Toyota has denied my claim to get it repaired, their service director today acknowledged that there was undue wear and tear on the seat foam. Toyota brand engagement refuses to acknowledge that they are denying my claim in writing despite me asking multiple times. The separation of the foam gives me concern that the airbag deployment will not be successful or will be erratic as well as the fact that I may not be positioned properly as I should be in the event of a collision. - May 5, 2026Fuel/propulsion system
The vehicle has a strong gas smell especially after using the car and coming to a complete stop. The gas smell comes from the gas tank. Tried putting less gas and still the problem persists. - Aug 29, 2026Visibility/wiper
I own a 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum purchased new. The vehicle has repeatedly exhibited hesitation, shuddering, jerking, and abnormal vibration during acceleration from a stop and the transition from electric propulsion to the gasoline engine. When accelerating from a stop, there can be a noticeable hesitation after pressing the accelerator before the vehicle responds. As the gasoline engine engages, the vehicle sometimes shudders or jerks before accelerating normally. I have also experienced vibration and lurching when the gasoline engine engages or disengages. At times, the condition appears more noticeable with the air conditioning operating. I am concerned this presents a… - May 1, 2026Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
The rear back up camera is grainy the blue lines are digitized and shaky during the day everything is very blurry during the night you cannot see anything really the quality is extremely poor There are also no dynamic turning lines at all and the camera settings buttons are not present
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.