Powertrain complaints and recalls from NHTSA
Summary
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has 13 NHTSA powertrain complaints and 0 powertrain-related recalls.
13
Complaints
0
Recalls
0
Injuries Reported
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 9, 2026
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 10, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Delayed acceleration, jerking shifting between gears and whining noise |
| Dec 26, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transfer case blew out when I stopped at a red-light, within the first 3 years of original owner... |
| Oct 21, 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | On 10/21 the vehicle accelerated on its own. At a stoplight behind another automobile, when I only s... |
| Aug 5, 2024 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | From a stop or slow roll (0-10 mph), significant hesitation is experienced after pushing the gas. T... |
| Jun 1, 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Acceleration Issues, engine lag, poor response time and bucking when accelerated is pressed. Dangero... |
| Mar 25, 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | When 87 octane fuel is put into the vehicle, the 2023 highlander is sluggish to start and make jump ... |
| Sep 4, 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | My new Highlander has had issues that I can describe as "power surging" when accelerating from a sto... |
| Aug 1, 2023 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Vehicle is sluggish and will not accelerate from a dead stop for several seconds. The gas pedal ofte... |
| Jul 29, 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE with 2.4 Turbo hesitates for an unacceptable period of time when accelera... |
| Jul 20, 2023 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | There is a significant hesitation / stuttering when the gas pedal is pressed (i.e. the vehicle doesn... |
| Jul 17, 2023 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Dealership Technician says he noticed the hesit... |
| Jun 15, 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Upon acceleration, car hesitates then surges. Started after approximately 2000 miles. Occurs most fr... |
| Mar 31, 2023 | POWER TRAIN | Almost since purchase this vehicle has emitted a shudder when driving. The loss of power has affecte... |