The 2017 Toyota Highlander is known for its tough exterior and cutting-edge driver assistance systems, as well as a third row that is sufficiently large and above-average fuel efficiency. However, there are still issues with the fuel pump, roof rails, and windshield wires of the 2017 SUV, which have resulted in recalls. The powertrain, brakes, and electrical system were also problematic for customers.
The NHTSA has 131 complaints about the 2017 Toyota Highlander as of late 2021. The same issues are frequently brought up: the automobile won’t start, it stalls when moving, and strange noises are emanating from the engine.
The following are the most typical difficulties, issues, and NHTSA complaints:
- Electrical problems: Twenty complaints are related to electrical problems. Customers have stated that the car would sometimes shut off at random, the engine won’t start, and in one instance, the battery failed after less than three years of ownership and 44,000 miles on the odometer. According to a 2017 Highland owner, “At a red light, the car twice stalled on me. Without any ability to steer, the vehicle twice came dangerously close to being hit from behind.
- Among the 33, hard shifting and quick acceleration “Other reported complaints reference additional difficulties in addition to the ones mentioned in different other categories, such as some owners finding metal shavings and dark muck in the gearbox fluid. A 2017 Highland owner who left the engine running while performing a quick errand inside a residence reported one of the more serious problems after hearing a crash. The vehicle sped up and [crash-landed] into the garage.
- 27 complaints have been filed regarding the powertrain, including problems with the transmission, stalling when driving, and shifting issues. “One 2017 Highland owner stated that after only 25,000 miles, the automatic transmission failed at a stoplight. Many other owners, some of whom confirmed his experience more than once, concurred.” The car has abruptly, without warning, switched to a low-power limp mode three times at 30,000, 40,000, and 42,000 miles while traveling at highway speeds (70 mph), causing a quick deceleration in the middle of high-speed highway traffic.
- 16 complaints have been made about the failure of the service brakes, as well as about their lack of power, difficulty starting, and odd noises. One 2017 Highlander owner reported that he hit the brake pedal in response to unwanted acceleration, but the car kept moving and struck a sign. The identical problem led to a similar accident for another owner. He says, “I attempted stopping immediately after the car in front of us stopped, but the Highlander’s automated collision avoidance kicked in and took control of my brakes, but it still didn’t stop. I ultimately rear-ended the vehicle in front of me.
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How durable is the 2017 Highlander?
What Is the Toyota Highlander’s Lifespan? One of the most durable midsize SUVs on the market, the Toyota Highlander can keep going for up to 300,000 miles after you drive it off the lot.
Which used Highlander year is the best?
The 20082013 edition is most likely the best option. You get more interior room, more features, a more potent engine lineup, better safety ratings, and better crash test results with this generation.
which is more trustworthy Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot?
The information above makes it evident that the Toyota Highlander outperforms the Honda Pilot in every category, including safety features and fuel efficiency. The Highlander is a much better choice if you’re searching for a three-row SUV that is incredibly dependable in this situation.
Are there any 2017 Toyota Highlander recalls?
Engine stalling while driving increases the likelihood of a collision if the fuel pump malfunctions.
Owners will be notified by Toyota, and dealers will upgrade the fuel pump assembly at no additional cost. Owners of particular models were informed that replacement components would be accessible on January 21, 2021. As reparation parts become available, owners of further models will be informed. By the end of March 2021, all affected vehicles should be able to use the remedy parts. Owners can get in touch with Lexus or Toyota customer assistance at 1-800-255-3987 or 1-888-270-9371, respectively. Note: Recall 20V-012 has been expanded by this recall. 20TA02 is Toyota’s reference number for this recall. The recall number for Lexus is 20LA01.
Electrical system
Some aftermarket replacement windshields for Toyota Highlander models from 2014 to 2018 are being recalled by Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda). Water may flow into the wire harness that is attached to the windshields, thus damaging the engine control module of the car (ECM).
Because of the ECM damage, there is a higher chance of an accident if the engine stalls.
Wanda will inform owners, and service facilities will free of charge fix the windshields, check the ECM for damage, and replace it if needed. 2019-01-29 marked the start of the recall. Wanda customer care can be reached at 1-864-281-2760 by owners.
Equipment
Certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles fitted with auxiliary roof rail cross bars are being recalled by Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST). The roof rail fasteners might not be torqued appropriately.
The roof rails could become a driving hazard and perhaps separate from the car, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Owners will be notified by GST, and dealers will examine and correctly tighten the fasteners at no cost to the customer. Recall commenced on September 29, 2017. Owners can call 1-800-444-1074 to speak with GST customer service. This recall’s GST number is 17R3.
Tires: Temporary/emergency spare tire
Certain 2017 4Runner, 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna, and Yaris cars are being recalled by Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States). The air pressure in the spare tire was not set to the level recommended on the tire pressure label.
A spare tire that is not properly inflated may not function as intended, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
Gulf States will inform owners, and dealers will check the spare tires and, if necessary, free of charge change their air pressure. Recall started on June 15, 2017. Gulf States customer service can be reached at 1-800-444-1074 by owners. The Toyota recall number is 17R2.
Do Toyota Highlanders have issues with their transmissions?
In order to enable you to drive at the correct speed, the gearbox transfers power from the motor to your wheels.
Given that the transmission must convert the exact quantity of power for the required speed,
There is a timing chain on the 2017 Toyota Highlander, right?
All 2021 Toyota Highlander models include an interference engine and timing chain. Check out the information in the table below.
The Toyota Highlander is a dependable SUV, right?
The Toyota Highlander has a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it seventh out of 26 midsize SUVs. It has cheaper ownership costs than the national average due to the $489 average annual repair cost. When compared to all other vehicles, the frequency and severity of repairs are both about average.
Reliability of secondhand Toyota Highlanders?
Which Toyota Highlander models are the best ones to buy right now given the variety they come in? Consumer Reports gives the years 2013, 2015, and 2020 good reliability ratings. These SUVs also have strong safety ratings to protect drivers.
Are Toyota Highlanders still worth anything?
The Highlander received higher ratings than other well-liked cars like the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent. KBB data indicates that the Highlander keeps 60.2% of its value 36 months after purchase. It still retains 46.3% of its value after 60 months.
Why do Toyota Highlanders have problems?
Although both buyers and critics gave the 2020 Highlander redesign a generally positive review, it had a few dependability issues. There have been rumors that the gasoline tank on the 2020 model is defective. In particular, reports stated that they were unable to fill the tank to its 17.1 gallon maximum capacity.
Which vehiclethe Limited or XLEis preferable?
When comparing the Toyota Highlander XLE and Limited trims, it’s obvious that the Limited comes standard with a lot more high-end amenities, but the XLE delivers a lot of its own conveniences for approximately $4,000 less. LED headlights are among the XLE’s standard features.
What is the Highlander’s Lexus equivalent?
The Lexus RX 350L and Toyota Highlander are two of the most well-liked SUVs on the market. The Lexus RX 350 has far more expensive materials and a sportier ride, but the Highlander is one of the best options for a three-row SUV. These cars are somewhat different from one another.
Cabin Space
Highlander: At 194.9 inches, the new 2020 Highlander is 4.7 inches longer than its more capable off-road sibling, the 4Runner. Even though their widths are nearly identical, the new Highlander sits three inches lower than the 4Runner. The Highlander is, it may be said, even more like a car than before. The Highlander makes better use of its interior space because it is built on the new TNGA unibody chassis.
The headroom is 39.9 inches without the panoramic moonroof and 39.4 inches with the optional glass roof. Without the sunroof, there is 37.1 inches of headroom in the second row and 38.4 inches with it. In any configuration, the third row offers 36.1 inches of headroom. In terms of legroom, the first two seats have enough of it. Even the tallest passengers can easily fit in the first two rows thanks to its 40.4 and 41.0 inch widths. However, the third row is a little congested at 27.7 inches.
4Runner: Despite standing a solid 71.5 inches tall and measuring 190 inches in length, the 4Runner lacks a tiny bit of headroom and shoulder room compared to its car-based predecessor. The truck-like structure, which utilizes robust but space-consuming suspension components, is partly to blame for this.
Comparing the 4Runner to its slightly bigger unibody sister, both vehicles offer comparable amounts of headroom. To be exact, 39.3 inches in the front and 38.6 inches in the back. Although it does manage to reclaim some space in the third row, which offers two inches more legroom than the Highlander, the legroom in the middle seat is noticeably shorter at 32.9 inches due to the body on frame structure.
Conclusion: The Toyota Highlander is larger than the 4Runner and has significantly more space inside for passengers. The way they are built is primarily to blame for this. The 4Runner is a body on frame, in contrast to the Highlander’s unibody design. As a result, the 4Runner sits on top of its frame as opposed to the Highlander, which means the cabin’s available area is immediately reduced.