2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Visibility/Wiper (1) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1) · Fuel/Propulsion System (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (2)
Equipment 2017-08-23 · campaign 17V520000 · 1,121 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Tires:temporary/Emergency Spare Tire 2017-05-02 · campaign 17V295000 · 409 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Service bulletins (103)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-02-13 · T-SB-0009-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on ni-mh high voltage (hv) batteries. this bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year repair manual while performing a rescue charge. the grx-5100 should be used wherever the repair manual ref
Engine 2026-02-13 · T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
obsolete notice february 13, 2026: this bulletin is now obsolete. please see t-sb-0009-26.
Unknown Or Other 2026-01-07 · T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2005 – 2026 toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. the purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures
Electrical System 2025-08-20 · T-TT-0790-25 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using bluetooth hands free. this is caused by the phone hands free volume being too low.
Electrical System 2025-06-13 · T-SB-0058-23 Rev1 · Service Campaign
the air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. the procedures outlined in this service bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
Service Brakes 2025-01-30 · 24TE05 · Warranty Program/Extension
although the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies are covered by toyota’s new vehicle limited warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to certain internal mal
Showing the 6 most recent of 103 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2021-06-29 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 55,000 mi“the contact owns a 2017 toyota highlander hybrid. the contact stated while driving 35 mph, the brake power low, stop at a safe place warning message was displayed. the contact stated that shortly after several warning lights were illuminated, the brake pedal was depressed and was firm. the contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, and the vehic…”
2017-08-15 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 2,900 mi“total system failure. see detailed attached document.…”
2017-04-09 · Visibility/Wiper · 10 mi“i experienced issues right after buying car new. car unable to read sid card, gsp not working, multi-media screen white wash (white) and unable to read, keeps trying to restart 'bluetooth', auto wiper system does not work, seat belt warning system does not always work, forward collision button on steering work does not work, blind spot warning does…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.