I am submitting this complaint regarding the federal safety agency Safety Recall 26V128 involving my 2023 Toyota Highlander Limited. The recall concerns the second-row seat recliner assemblies, which may not fully lock after adjustment. Toyota states that an unsecured seatback may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash and that dealers will replace the return springs with improved ones at no cost. I brought my vehicle to Larry H. Miller Toyota on June 12, 2026 specifically for this safety recall. The dealership has had possession of my vehicle continuously since that date. As of November 8, 2026, nearly five months later, the recall repair has still not been completed and I remain without my vehicle. I am particularly concerned because Toyota's updated September 9, 2026 recall notice stated that owners in the expanded recall population would be notified by late September 2026. I have still not received this notification or a completed recall repair. Toyota's VIN-specific recall lookup continues to show “Safety Recall 26TA06 (Interim Notice 26TB06)” and “Remedy Not Available,” which appears inconsistent with Toyota's public recall information describing the remedy and stating that owners would be notified by late September. I contacted Toyota corporate regarding the unresolved recall. Toyota's Dispute Resolution department denied my request for assistance based on my expired New Vehicle Warranty. However, my concern is an unresolved federal safety recall, not a routine warranty repair. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate why my vehicle has remained at the dealership for nearly five months without the recall being completed, why I have not received the notification Toyota stated would be sent by late September, and why Toyota's VIN-specific system still states “Remedy Not Available.” Please let me know what documentation you need so I can work on getting this together.
The worst 2023 Toyota Highlander problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body32
- Engine28
- Seats23
- Brakes21
- Transmission20
- Fuel system17
- Electrical13
- Airbags12
- Driver assistance11
- Acceleration9
- Tires5
- Visibility5
- Seat belts4
- Wheels4
- Locks3
- Steering2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2023 Toyota Highlander
Hesitation 21Jerking 10No deployment 7Brake failure 5Check engine light 5
Recalls 9
Seats: mid/rear assembly: recliner
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Recall number 26V128000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: display function
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Recall number 25V744000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Recall number 25V595000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver clockspring/spiral cassette
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous the federal safety agency recall number 23V‑480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
Recall number 25V040000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1‑800‑444‑1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
Recall number 24V548000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is wrong
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1‑866‑405‑4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
Recall number 24V452000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1‑800‑444‑1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
Recall number 24V419000 · Recall details
Structure: body: bumpers
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
- Risk
- A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Recall number 23V720000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver clockspring/spiral cassette
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Recall number 23V480000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2023 Toyota Highlander 131
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P042000 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold...
- Water leak from the roof rack attachment clips
- Condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody...
- Condition in which a musty odor is present
- Condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or...
- A new head unit software update is available for 2022 – 2025 model year Tundra, and Tundra Hybrid; 2023 –...
- Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle...
- A new head unit software update is available for 2023 model year Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid,...
- The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air...
- To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to...
2023 Toyota Highlander fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl Hybrid | AWD | 35 | 34-35 | 35 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-22 | 28-29 | 24-25 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | AWD | 21 | 28 | 24 |
What 2023 Toyota Highlander owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 25V595000 (Electrical System) and 26V128000 (Seats); however, the parts to complete the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the recall repairs. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The vehicle remained at the dealer for approximately six months. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer opened a case regarding the failure.
During the past three years, I have experienced approximately 4–5 incidents in which the vehicle unexpectedly surged forward while I was lightly pressing the brake pedal to slow down, particularly when driving downhill or approaching a stop sign. During these incidents: •The vehicle unexpectedly increased speed instead of slowing down. •A red BRAKE warning light appeared on the dashboard. •I had to apply substantially greater pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Fortunately, no accident has occurred, but this is a serious and recurring safety concern. I requested that Toyota investigate whether my 2023 vehicle has a related brake-control system defect. They ended up with the conclusion of not being able to duplicate the incident. Because this problem has occurred repeatedly and involves unexpected vehicle movement while braking, I consider it a serious safety defect.
Recall has not been fixed in a timely manner.
While depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking force, followed by a momentary forward surge/lunge before the friction brakes engaged.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the parts required for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for another recall repair but was not serviced for the subject recall. The dealer confirmed that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide a remedy for the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the issue.
Brake lag with loss of brakes during transition from regenerative to hydraulic friction braking. The vehicle braking system cuts out causing the vehicle to freely move forward which has caused near rear-end collisions with other vehicles, and loss of brakes at stop signs and crosswalks. The vehicle has been inspected four times at local dealership between June 1 and October 6, 2026. Brakes have been bled and recalibrated, actuator assembly has been replaced, and defect persists. Dealership has not been able to replicate the problem during their limited time with the vehicle. There are no warning lamps or messages and no other symptoms prior to each failure. Began noticing issue in May 2026. The issue appears to be similar to what is described in T-SB-0059-23 for the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrids (and Siennas) which is titled "Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement" where there is a brake lag and momentary loss of braking sensation, and forward lurch/surge. Toyota has not issued a repair solution for the 2023 Highlander Hybrid, so there is no software calibration solution.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Compare the 2023 Toyota Highlander
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2023 Toyota Highlander
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Owners have filed 192 complaints about the 2023 Toyota Highlander, close to a typical Highlander model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
Body and structure, with 32 complaints. Next is engine (28).
How many recalls does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have?
9 recalls, covering seats, back over prevention and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2023 Toyota Highlander body?
Yes, 1 recall: 23V720000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Toyota Highlander have the most body problems?
The Toyota Highlander model years with the most body complaints are 2021 (52 complaints), 2022 (43 complaints) and 2014 (32 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Toyota Highlander get?
Official estimates for the 2023 Toyota Highlander range from 24 to 35 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, AWD) gets 35 city and 34-35 highway.
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