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Toyota · Known Issues

2025 Toyota Highlander Problems: 4 Known Issues

2025 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Toyota Highlander has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Cluster Fails to Show Speedometer and Brake/Tire Pressure Warnings After Start (Recall 25V595000) and Third-Row Center Seat Belt Roof Anchor Installed at the Wrong Angle (Recall 25V872000) ($0-$0 repair). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Highlander Safety/Recalls2
  • Highlander Electrical1
  • Highlander Engine1
  • Recalls10
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls2
  • Electrical1
  • Engine1
  • Recalls10
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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On the 2024-2025 Toyota Highlander, on certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles the roof anchor for the third-row center seat belt was installed at an incorrect angle during assembly. A shoulder-belt anchor that sits at the wrong angle can let the webbing load improperly in a crash, so the belt may not restrain the third-row center occupant as designed — a meaningful risk on a three-row family vehicle where that seat is often used by a child. This is an XU70 assembly defect and is separate from the second-row seat-back latch recall and from the load-capacity label recall already documented for this generation.

This issue also affects: Toyota Avalon

Common Symptoms

  • Third-row center shoulder belt sits at an odd angle across the occupant
  • Belt webbing twists or rubs at the roof anchor
  • Belt retracts poorly or binds in the anchor
  • No warning light — defect is visual/structural only

How to Fix

Free recall remedy under NHTSA 25V872000 — dealers inspect the third-row center belt roof anchor and correct or replace the installation at no charge. Owners should verify the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and avoid seating a passenger in the third-row center position until the inspection is done.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander, nHTSA recall 25V744000 applies to 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander models equipped with the Panoramic View Monitor. Toyota reports a software error capable of freezing the rearview camera image or blanking the display entirely when the driver shifts into reverse. Since a required rear image is not shown, the Highlander does not comply with FMVSS 111, "Rear Visibility." Toyota's stated consequence is that a rearview camera failing to display an image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle and increases the risk of a crash - a real concern on a three-row family SUV with a long rear overhang. The 1,024,407 units NHTSA cites is the campaign-wide total across all makes and models involved.

Common Symptoms

  • Frozen rearview camera image in reverse
  • Blank display when backing up
  • Panoramic View Monitor rear view does not appear

How to Fix

Have a Toyota dealer install the updated parking assist software - the repair is free and is the complete remedy for this recall (Toyota numbers 25TB13 and 25LB06). Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Check your Highlander's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander, 2023-2025 Highlanders are among the vehicles named in NHTSA recall 25V595000. Toyota reports an error in the instrument panel software that occurs at vehicle startup; when it happens, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed along with the brake system and tire pressure warning lights. For a family three-row like the Highlander this matters twice over: you lose your speed reference, and you also lose the two telltales that would warn you about a brake system fault or a low tire before a long drive. NHTSA's stated consequence is that a display not showing critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury. The 591,377-vehicle figure quoted for this recall is the total for the entire campaign across all affected Toyota and Lexus models, not a Highlander-specific count.

Common Symptoms

  • No vehicle speed shown on the instrument panel after starting the vehicle
  • Brake system warning light missing from the display
  • Tire pressure warning light missing from the display

How to Fix

Free of charge. Non-PHEV Highlanders receive an over-the-air instrument panel software update from Toyota; a dealer can apply the update if the OTA does not complete. Toyota mailed the first owner letters December 5, 2025, and because the recall is phased, further letters are anticipated in May 2026. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your Highlander is covered and whether the fix has already been performed. Toyota customer service: 1-800-331-4331 (campaign numbers 25TB08 and 25TA08).

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander T24A-FTS, the 2.4-litre turbocharged T24A-FTS that replaced the V6 in the 2023 Highlander produces a distinct low-speed driveability complaint that the 2GR-FKS cars do not have: the vehicle surges and bucks under light and part throttle, typically between about 20 and 45 mph and in the 1,200-2,000 rpm lugging range, with a hesitation on tip-in followed by an abrupt catch-up. It is the single largest owner-reported complaint on the fourth-generation turbo cars and fills multi-hundred-post threads on ToyotaNation. The root of it is calibration: the engine runs an 11:1 compression ratio and is tuned by Toyota for 87 octane regular fuel, where the same T24A-FTS in Lexus applications is specified on 91 octane and draws far fewer complaints. Toyota issued a powertrain ECU recalibration bulletin (T-SB-0087-23); owners consistently report the surging clears immediately after the reflash. Does not apply to the 2GR-FKS V6 or to the hybrid.

Common Symptoms

  • Surging and bucking under light throttle at 20-45 mph
  • Hesitation on tip-in followed by a sudden surge
  • Jerking at low rpm in higher gears
  • Sensation of the transmission hunting or the lockup clutch cycling
  • Improves noticeably on 91 octane fuel

How to Fix

Have the dealer apply the powertrain ECU recalibration in Toyota TSB T-SB-0087-23 — it is a software flash, performed free under the powertrain warranty, and owners report it resolves the surging on the same visit. If the surging persists after the flash, running higher-octane (91) fuel measurably reduces it, since the engine's compression ratio is really premium-fuel territory. Rule out the usual mechanical suspects (spark plugs, a slipping torque-converter lockup schedule, a dirty MAF) only after the calibration is confirmed applied.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $250

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls10 recalls

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.

Campaign #25V59500011/09/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #25V74400030/10/2025

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.

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Other Toyota Models

Toyota RAV460Toyota Corolla54Toyota Camry54Toyota 4Runner47Toyota Tacoma46Toyota Sienna32

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Toyota Highlander has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Cluster Fails to Show Speedometer and Brake/Tire Pressure Warnings After Start (Recall 25V595000), Third-Row Center Seat Belt Roof Anchor Installed at the Wrong Angle (Recall 25V872000), Rearview Camera May Freeze or Show a Blank Screen in Reverse (Recall 25V744000). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Cluster Fails to Show Speedometer and Brake/Tire Pressure Warnings After Start (Recall 25V595000) and Third-Row Center Seat Belt Roof Anchor Installed at the Wrong Angle (Recall 25V872000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Highlander problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Highlander issues range from $0 to $250, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander Cluster Fails to Show Speedometer and Brake/Tire Pressure Warnings After Start (Recall 25V595000)?

2023-2025 Highlanders are among the vehicles named in NHTSA recall 25V595000. Toyota reports an error in the instrument panel software that occurs at vehicle startup; when it happens, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed along with the brake system and tire pres… Severity: high.

What is the 2024-2025 Toyota Highlander Third-Row Center Seat Belt Roof Anchor Installed at the Wrong Angle (Recall 25V872000)?

On certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles the roof anchor for the third-row center seat belt was installed at an incorrect angle during assembly. A shoulder-belt anchor that sits at the wrong angle can let the webbing load improperly in a crash, so the belt m… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #25V87200017/12/2025

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.

Campaign #26V12800005/03/2026

TIRES

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #24V41900006/06/2024

+ 5 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander Rearview Camera May Freeze or Show a Blank Screen in Reverse (Recall 25V744000)?

NHTSA recall 25V744000 applies to 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander models equipped with the Panoramic View Monitor. Toyota reports a software error capable of freezing the rearview camera image or blanking the display entirely when the driver shifts into reverse. Since a required rear… Severity: medium.

What is the 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander T24A-FTS 2.4L Turbo Surging, Bucking and Hesitation Under Light Throttle (TSB T-SB-0087-23)?

The 2.4-litre turbocharged T24A-FTS that replaced the V6 in the 2023 Highlander produces a distinct low-speed driveability complaint that the 2GR-FKS cars do not have: the vehicle surges and bucks under light and part throttle, typically between about 20 and 45 mph and in the 1,2… Repairs typically run $0-$250. Severity: medium.