One problem related to engine rattling and whining sounds has been reported for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2017 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2017 Highlander.
On August 10th 2018, I was driving my 2017 Highlander with 17,000 miles on a major highway in California when I accelerated hard to pass other vehicles. Suddenly the Highlander lost all power with all the bells and whistles sounding. The orange triangular warning/check engine lights came on with the all wheel drive system failure flashing needing immediate service. I was able the get to the side of the highway without getting killed and turned the car off. After a minute I was able to restart the car and all the warning lights reset. This was the second time this happened. First time this happened the Highlander had only 4,000 miles on it and was under the same circumstances. I was trying to pass. When I took it to the dealership in reno nv they said all the error codes were not captured and they had not heard of this issue despite many complaints on the internet as well as this site? I was told there was nothing they could do without an error code. They suggested the next time it happens, do not restart the car and have it towed the a dealership to try and recapture an error code. I filed a claim with Toyota corp but they lead me to think that they don't investigate incidents like this unless there are numerous complaints. I have advised my family of this dangerous condition with the Highlander and if any one gets hurt or killed please sue the heck out of them. This is a very dangerous symptom with the Highlander that is going to get somebody killed and Toyota doesn't seem to care.