2026 Toyota Grand Highlander body problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Body · TX

Rear moonroof glass shattered spontaneously, no object impact

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Body, Electrical · TX

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving the right rear passenger door of my 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, which has approximately 11,000 miles. My [XXX] daughter attempted to exit the vehicle from the rear passenger seat but was unable to open the door from inside. I immediately attempted to open the door from outside to assist her, but the exterior handle also failed to release the door. After approximately seven attempts, the door finally opened. This is extremely concerning because my child was effectively trapped inside the vehicle, and I was unable to open the door to assist her. In the event of an accident, vehicle fire, or other emergency, this malfunction could prevent passengers from escaping or delay emergency responders. I have since discovered reports from other Toyota Grand Highlander owners describing similar failures, including the same right rear passenger door refusing to open from either side. My vehicle is nearly new, with only 11,000 miles, and I am concerned that this may indicate a defective door latch, lock actuator, or related mechanism. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether this is a broader safety defect affecting Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles. A passenger door should reliably open when properly unlocked, especially when a child is inside. This malfunction presents a serious potential risk to occupant safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Body · OH

About two months after purchasing my new 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, I noticed the air conditioning had stopped cooling. I did not notice any impact, so I do not know exactly when the damage occurred. I drive normally on public roads and do not go off road. The vehicle had approximately 7000 miles when the problem was found. There were no warning lights or messages. The only symptom was the AC blowing warm air, which I first noticed around September 25, 2026. Tansky Sawmill Toyota in Dublin, Ohio inspected the vehicle on [date] and found the AC condenser had been punctured by a rock or road debris. The dealer classified it as road damage and declined warranty coverage. The repair cost $2005.03. The damaged part is / is not available for inspection. I have the repair order and photos of the damage. The Grand Highlander's grille has large openings with no protective screen in front of the heat exchangers, so ordinary road debris can strike them directly. In my case the condenser was hit, but the radiator and hybrid inverter radiator sit in the same exposed area, and damage to those can cause coolant loss and loss of propulsion while driving. That puts drivers and others on the road at risk. I believe this is a design defect and ask that my complaint be considered as part of Defect Petition DP26006.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Body · IL

The front grill by design has bigger holes with potential of rock hitting radiator . I have seen very small damage to radiator more like superficial. A bigger rock could damage the radiator

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Body, Engine · CA

road debris entered into front grill though the holes in grill adn damaged condensor fins causing vehicle to loose propulsion. Vehicle would not travel over 25 mph after the incidnet. This is safety issue as vehicle slowed from 55MPH to 25MPH rather abruptly on highway. Multiple lamps came on dash at time of incident and were reatained untill fixed (non warranty repair)

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Body · GA

My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum has an issue that is commonly referred to as "cabin boom". It occurs at approximately 30mph going over bumps or rough patches in the road. When it occurs it creates a droning noise that amplifies the bump or rough surface you drove over and also creates a cabin pressure similar to flying on an airplane. This issue has caused significant ear pressure and headaches from driving my brand new vehicle. As a chronic migraine sufferer, this is unacceptable when you commute 25 miles to and from work. The issue has been reproduced by the Toyota dealership and they are currently in a waiting phase of next steps from Toyota corporate engineers on how to fix the issue, however there is no timeline on a resolution. Considering this has been an issue for over two years I find it unacceptable. They have added sound proofing materials around the spare tire and that didn't help the issue at all. This has apparently been an issue since the first Grand Highlander model was released, however it seems to not affect all of them but does affect across all trim levels.My dealership just got two brand new Grand Highlanders in this past week, and they make the same exact sound. I'm hoping with more reports of the issue Toyota will actually address it because I know of many other owners who have this problem. Other owners have taken these same steps over the past two years with no results. Please help make Toyota recognize and figure this out.

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Body · VA

Front bumper grille too large. I see lots of bugs stuck on top of radiator. Very exposed for rocks to enter and damage cooling systems.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Body · TX

My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander exhibits abnormal fluttering/vibration of the hood at speeds above approximately 25 mph. I have identified that this is the same defect documented in Toyota's own Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0111-24 (issued December 4, 2024), which addresses this condition on 2024 model year Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles, with the same complaint widely reported by 2025 model year owners as well. Despite this being a known, documented Toyota defect for three consecutive model years, I have been unable to get it resolved through Toyota's official channels: I contacted Toyota's PATT Lab (Parts and Technical Assistance) regarding the vibration under Dealership Task Number DC261970283. PATT Lab informed me that other 2026 model year vehicles exhibit the same condition, characterized it as "intended behavior," and closed the task without applying the known TSB remedy. I was directed to Toyota Brand Engagement for further assistance. This was opened as Case Number 260722000822. Toyota Brand Engagement stated they are not mechanics and that the issue must be resolved at the dealership level, but has provided no directive or authorization to the dealership to perform the known TSB repair. As a result, I am caught in a loop between Toyota corporate departments, none of which will authorize or perform the fix that Toyota's own engineering team has already documented and issued a bulletin for. My vehicle has a known manufacturing/design defect that Toyota has acknowledged in writing for prior model years, yet I am being told simultaneously that it is "normal" and that it's a dealership matter — while no dealership has been given authorization to apply the remedy. Requested Action: I am requesting that Toyota Motor Sales, USA be required to apply the existing Technical Service Bulletin remedy (or its 2026 model year equivalent) to my vehicle at no cost, consistent with how this defect has already been addressed for 2024 and 2025 mod

Filed May 10, 2026 · Body · NJ

While i was closing the trunk Did press area below my license plate to close the trunk, and got a dent below the license playe. Looks like very poor quality of steel being used

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Body · TX

While driving at approximately 20-25 mph, the panoramic sunroof glass of my vehicle suddenly shattered without any warning. There was no impact from road debris, no visible chip, and no prior damage to the glass. The glass appeared to explode outward, creating a loud noise and causing shattered glass to fall inside the vehicle. This created a dangerous situation that could have led to driver distraction or injury. Safety Concern: This incident poses a serious safety risk. Sudden shattering of the sunroof while driving can: Distract the driver and lead to loss of control Cause injury from falling or flying glass Create hazardous driving conditions, especially at highway speeds Dealer Response: I reported the issue to a Toyota dealership, but they denied warranty coverage, stating it was not covered without providing evidence of impact damage. Additional Notes: There was no visible point of impact, which suggests a possible stress fracture or manufacturing defect rather than external damage. Request: I request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue as a potential defect, as spontaneous sunroof glass failure while driving presents a significant safety hazard.