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2017
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

EPA MPG: 28 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2017 Highlander Hybrid has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2017 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"air bag malfunction"

Anonymous, TN (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

"Had to replace lift back struts for $1,100."

Anonymous, VA (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

"Two problems: 1) Rear liftgate actuator's failed in the winter. Replaced in April. 2) Corroding wheel rims leaking for last 12-18 months. Replaced all rims to resolve problem in January."

Anonymous, IL (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)
Pipes

"When the dealership installed the towbar that was designed for my vehicle it took over the mounting bracket area that supported the exhaust pipe. This problem has not been corrected."

Anonymous A., FL (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)
Load more

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"right back up warning is stuck on. goes off with nothing behind the car all the time"

Anonymous, SC (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

""stopped working at 70,000 miles. Never worked all that well.""

Anonymous A., WA (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"problems always pairing phone. connection. car and phone overriding each other. phone map not on screen. car navigator not accurate often"

Anonymous, SC (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

"System broke completely"

Anonymous A., WA (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)
Load more

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"Original battery finally failed."

Anonymous, NE (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

""It was old, and had never been replaced, only serviced.""

Anonymous, WA (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering

""Steering wheel was squeaking when turned. At first visit to dealership, they lubricated the shaft but noise got worse. New visit to dealership reveals that they had to change the steering column sub assembly, the steering wheel motor assembly, steering locks. They also found out they had to change the axle shaft on the driver side due to a bushing failing, letting water in, which created rust and swelling. Fortunately both these were covered by my extended warranty, otherwise it would have cost me thousands of dollars""

Anonymous A., MA (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Sunroof

""In November 2021, with fully closed sunroof, water came out of left passenger seat belt assembly located on left side of car. Seat belt was soaked. I noticed that the left rubber gasket had shrunk/perished. On 05/17/2022, I notified my car dealership of the gasket condition and water infiltration. We could also hear loud wind and could see the sky from the middle left corner of the sunroof (which happens with cold and rainy weather when rubber is stiffer and shrunk). Dealer cleared the drain channels (which were not the source of the problem) and could not duplicate issue. Sunroof gasket is completely cooked, dry and brittle, and missing about in length compared to the other side. Previous dealership said that to replace the seal, the entire sunroom assembly would have to be removed, costly thousands of dollars. They suggested going to a bodyshop and ask them to apply silicone on the seal. This has not been done. As of 04/25/2025, wind noises continue to worsen but there not been new water leaks.""

Anonymous A., MA (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

EV Battery

Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

What Owners Say

Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

""Last Friday, car wouldn't start, showed a warning light that hybrid system was not functioning. Had car towed to dealership and had both batteries replaced in the same day.""

Anonymous, WA (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"The axle broke. I kept hearing a "tink" sound with slow starts/stops, turning, and speed humps so I had them check it out - turns out it was a broken axle."

Anonymous, CO (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Head gasket

"Leaking gasket replaced"

Anonymous, (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"i don't actually know if it was the compressor or another AC problem. Just AC stopped working."

Anonymous A., CA (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"The engine had to be pulled to replace a leaking gasket. The expense ran into thousands of dollars. It seems that ever time I take the vehicle in for service they seem to point out expensive repairs."

Anonymous, (2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6 hybrid)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

2017 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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03
04
05
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07
08*
09
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11*
12
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15
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20*
21
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25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Electric Motor
EV Battery
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
EQUIPMENT
Aug 23, 2017
The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V520000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1121
Hide Recall Details
TIRES
May 02, 2017
A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V295000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 409
Hide Recall Details
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