2017 Toyota Highlander: engine failure

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IN

Formal Complaint to the federal safety agency – Summary I am submitting this formal complaint regarding repeated mechanical and electrical failures involving my 2017 Toyota Highlander, purchased as a Toyota Gold-Certified vehicle with an extended Platinum Warranty. Despite strictly following Toyota’s maintenance guidelines and using only certified dealerships for all services, the vehicle has become inoperable multiple times, requiring five separate tows and resulting in repair costs exceeding $10,000. In June 2025, a Toyota dealership replaced the engine after diagnosing a warped head due to water pump failure. Following this, the vehicle began experiencing repeated charging system failures and electrical malfunctions. Multiple components—including the alternator, battery, and sensors—were replaced at another Toyota dealership based on ongoing issues, but the problems persisted. On September 2, 2025, a Toyota technician identified a missing ground wire nut as the likely root cause of these electrical failures. He confirmed the issue originated during the engine installation and that the unsecured ground caused system malfunctions. After repairs, the vehicle was again returned with a loud engine knocking noise, later traced to an improperly secured component from a prior repair. These events have raised significant concerns for the safety of myself and my family. Improper installation of major components and misdiagnosis by certified service providers have led to hazardous driving conditions, unexpected vehicle shutdowns, and unnecessary costs. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this matter for potential safety defects related to improper engine installation, grounding failures, and faulty electrical diagnosis by certified Toyota service centers. Documentation, invoices, and repair records are available upon request. Thank you for your attention to this critical safety issue.

Filed Sep 1, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · 106,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while his wife was driving inside the parking lot of a gas station, the steering wheel seized and then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated that a bystander assisted with jumpstarting the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby Walmart and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact purchased and replaced the battery. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Filed Jan 12, 2021 · Fuel system · 10,000 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 toyota highlander.the contact stated while driving 60 MPH,when multiple warning lights began to illuminate and the vehicle seized.the contact was able restart the ignition and drive away.the vehicle was taken to local dealer lia toyota of rockland (618 ny-303, blauvelt, ny 10913:(845) 367-4219),where it was diagnosed with needing the mac sensor plug to be replaced.the vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure.the vehicle was taken back to lia toyota of rockland and was diagnosed with needing "unknown recall" to be completed. Repairs were completed.the contact stated on 2/27/2020, while driving 55 MPH,when the vehicle seized.the contact attempted to glide to the right side of the road when another vehicle rear ended him.the airbags did not deploy.the contact sustained injured on his back column and seek medical attention at a near hospital.a police report was filed.the vehicle was taken rivera toyota service & parts center(255 kisco ave, mt kisco, ny 10549:(866) 982-4310),where it was diagnosed with needing unknown sensor to be replaced.the vehicle was repaired.the contact stated when attempting to park on the side of the road but the steering wheel seized and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle and he drove over a large branch,which detached the rear bumper.the airbags did not deploy.the contact stated he did not have any injuries or seek medical attention. No police report was filed.the contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was taken back rivera toyota service & parts center and was informed the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v682000 (fuel system, gasoline),however,the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer had made aware of the issue.VIN tool confirms parts not available.the failure mileage was approximately 10,000. *recall related.

Filed Apr 24, 2019 · Engine · 15,966 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 toyota highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving various speeds. The coffee cup icon displayed on the instrument panel during the failure. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to hudson toyota (599 routes 440 south, jersey city, nj, 07305, (201) 201-5483). The dealer inspected the vehicle, replaced the engine oil, replaced the filters, and rotated the tires. The dealer informed the contact that a metal fragment was located in the motor area; however, the dealer was unable to remove the metal object that was located in the motor. The dealer concluded that there was an electrical failure. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 15,966.

Filed May 2, 2018 · Electrical · 25,000 miles · VA

While driving on interstate on cruise control at 75 MPH, without warning, alerts went off and vehicle slowed to about 40 MPH and would not let me go any faster. The awd failure alert sign came on as did system engine failure alert came on. I was able drive at that slow speed for approximately 4 miles on interstate ramp with flashers on. My son advised me to turn engine off for one minute and restart, which it did without alerts. Then able to drive the 2o miles home. Next day took it dealership where it's been going on 3 rd day. Extremely bad possible outcome could have occurred on the interstate being rear-ended or if had been trying to pass someone or vice verse. Car presently at dealership so do not have VIN. Or actual mules