Electrical System Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 2

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the digital instrument panel went blank and showed a white screen. The contact was unable to see critical safety information and warning lights during the failure. The contact stated that the screen was white for over twenty minutes. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,500.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Upon expiration of the sos subscription the dcm creates a loud feedback noise that goes through the passengers speaker and is causing hearing loss every time the vehicle is turned on. Has been documented many times on reddit from other owners of 2019 Highlanders.

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Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Highlander xse approximate mileage: 92,000 location: boerne, TX (texas hill country) ? ?? summary of the problem: my vehicle experienced serious electrical failure after heavy rainfall in the texas hill country, where catastrophic flooding recently occurred. At a red light, the dashboard began flashing, power windows stopped working, and the electronic parking brake would not disengage. I was nearly rear-ended with my children in the car because the vehicle temporarily lost responsiveness. ? ?? pattern of issue: this problem only occurs after rain. Once the vehicle dries out, the systems return to normal. Toyota tested the battery and alternator and found no faults. The dealership and Toyota corporate have been notified, but they have so far refused to approve a goodwill repair or perform deeper inspection for water intrusion into the fuse box, firewall harness, or body control module (bcm). ? ?? suspected cause: I believe there is water intrusion due to a design flaw, likely through the windshield cowl or firewall. Other Highlander xse owners have reported nearly identical symptoms following rain exposure. Toyota has issued service bulletins in the past about water reaching electrical components in other models. ? ?? safety concern: this is a serious safety issue. A near-crash involving my children occurred. If Toyota does not resolve this issue and it leads to an accident, I will hold them fully accountable. I am reporting this so it can be formally investigated and linked with similar complaints.

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I think there is odometer fraud by this company selling this car. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2012 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

After getting gas, the vehicle will not start. It will crank and crank but not turn over, like it is starving for gas. Then after 10-15 minutes it will start barely and to keep it running I have to floor the accelerator. Any other time it starts just fine. There are also no codes causing a check engine light.

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the liftgate had failed to open or to close intermittently. The contact stated that the liftgate made an abnormal grinding sound while opening and would open 3-inch at a time while the contact continuously pressed the power liftgate button manually. The contact stated that the dealer had reset the liftgate; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Formal complaint to NHTSA – 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 national highway traffic safety administration 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.

When I start the Highlander, there is a loud (hurts your ears) feedback noise through the speakers, and the red and green lights near the sos button flash multiple times. This happens intermittently, and when it doesn't happen the sos button only flashes red/green once. My wife, the primary driver of the car, has slowly developed tinnitus and this is the only loud, ear piercing, noises she have been exposed to. This noise can also bring on extreme headaches. I can't imagine the damage it could do to a child. We have tried to get this fixed at the mechanic and Toyota says the part is backordered. When we go to Toyota they state they have not heard of the issue. When we search the internet it is easy to find threads of this same issue on the same model, Toyota seems to be hiding this is a known issue.

Car is shaking heavily when stopped. Several misfires while engaging the brakes. Mechanic is telling me that he has seen many vehicles of this model with faulty purge valves.

Radio head unit keeps resetting. While using navigation. Disturbing driving. Something it will continually loop resetting. Can not determine consistent cause. Would like a free replacement and or upgrade including navigation.

My SUV is having issues with the tires air and also the sensors are not working properly.

1- most of the time my rear hatch will not close unless you use the inside button - cost 1,198. 10 to repair. 2- my car started making a whining noise on acceleration. Took it Toyota and they said that I need to replace my transmission that it has an internal failure. Of course my warranty was of no use b/c it stopped at 100,000 miles. At the time of the inspection I was at 104,000. To get a new transmission it will be 7,425. 60 (not including the labor). I really wish the dealership could have been honest about this year model transmissions failing. I would have passed on this car.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Complaint regarding dcm module failure in 2019 Toyota Highlander platinum our 2019 Toyota Highlander platinum is experiencing severe audio system malfunctions, beyond simple bluetooth and connectivity failures. The vehicle sporadically emits an extremely loud screeching feedback sound upon startup and at unpredictable times while driving. This deafening noise is highly distracting to the driver, posing a significant safety risk. Toyota has been aware of this issue for years and documented it in technical service bulletin t-sb-0112-20, which identifies the faulty vehicle assembly locations. However, despite widespread reports from owners and the high cost of repairs, Toyota has failed to issue a recall. Given the clear safety hazards associated with this defect, I firmly believe Toyota should recall affected Highlanders and provide immediate replacements for the defective dcm module. Owners should not be forced to cover costly repairs for a known issue that compromises driver safety.

The dictation had stopped working, can not longer send messages while driving.

Since I got his vehicle I satated to the Toyota that having the breaks problem and dash is not working properly and blind spot is not working on time.

With 22k miles on vehicle, car won’t start due to brake power low fault. Battery was replaced in attempt to rectify problem with no success, vehicle will need to be towed in for repair.

The navigation display unit failed in my 21 Toyota Highlander. It randomly flashes causing a driving distraction as it attempts to reboot, but then fails to turn on.

Liftgate malfunction.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

[xxx] dear staff there are other people complaining of engine misfire also [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Dear staff, after several payments made for diagnostics I feel like I should commit suicide maybe because of this Toyota I can not afford to pay diagnostics every single day to hear the same story over and over I understand there is a engine check light, I need it repaired please instead of having to pay diagnostic fees which advance autoparts doesnt even charge and Toyota takes $172 diagnostic fees when they can not even themselves rule out the problem in their engineering or manufacturing please look out for similar issues, engine problems in 2gr-fks engines as more people experiencing issues will confirm its Toyota's fault they should either shut down their manufacturing in japan or bring back the standards of japanese automotives.

On February 16, 2025 the vehicle was parked. The temperatures that day were in single digits. After approximately 1 1/2 hours the 12v system was drained. The driver panel was blank and the vehicle did not respond to any attempt to start. This vehicle had a similar incident the prior year, also in extreme cold conditions. During that incident the vehicle was towed to the dealership. They recharge the 12v system and did not find any problems once the faults were cleared. For the February incident, an attempt was made to jump start the vehicle. After the jump start the driver panel was active, but the vehicle reported a hybrid system malfunction and would not start the engine. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership. Attached is the report from service team. Problem #1. Under cold weather conditions this vehicle will drain the 12v system leaving the driver stranded in dangerous weather. Problem #2. The jump start procedure leaves the ecu exposed to severe damage. This leaves the vehicle inoperable.

We live on a farm so the fact there is rodents is no surprise. However strangest thing is the knock sensor harness has been chewed completely off two times in last two months. . When this happens it causes power loss. With the extra shielding the wire has tells me it gives off a low frequency that would irritate most animals and me at this point since the part is never available. If it actually gives off a frequency, it is absolutely unnecessary and a complete nuisance.

When starting the vehicle, and extremely loud feedback noise is emitted from the front right speaker. This happens intermittently. Sometimes it's every 5th time you start it, and sometimes every 29th start. This started happening after the dealer-provided sos safety subscription expired. The noise is extremely loud and very disturbing especially for individuals like our daughter who has special needs. I would not be surprised if it is damaging our hearing. It would likely be especially harmful to children! it has been confirmed by the dealer and is currently back at the shop whule they are further investigating the cause.

I was in a school line waiting for my children. I went to hit the gas to move and the car said “maintenance required” and then flashed other warning lights “low power steering fluid and engine light. ” then the car turned off and screens were flashing. I tried to restart the car but the steering column was locked and brake pedal was locked. I checked all fluids and they were full. I had someone jump the car and it turned back on. I figured maybe a bad battery. Had aaa come look at the car and all diagnostic testing was normal. Next day, car does it again in the middle of an intersection.

My car has integrated carplay installed for mapping. When used wirelessly with all mapping services (apple maps, waze, goole maps) my car will appear in fields, the wrong streets, in houses. I will be given directions to turn on streets that are not where I physically am. First I worked with apple customer care for over 15 hours. They have determined it is not an apple issue. They believe it is an issue with the gnss module in the car. I took the car twice to the dealerships service departments. The first service department did not duplicate this issue. They told me I had to plug the phone in to not have the problem. My vehicle is bluetooth, it works wirelessly! the second dealership told me they didn't need to duplicate the issue because I was the second car in for service that day for the same problem. Their solution is for me to plug my phone in for correct mapping. This sometimes works, but only is I do it in a specific order after starting the car - start the car, let it boot up the radio/entertainment/integrated map, unplug the cable, replug the cable, then plug my phone it. This is all with a bluetooth enabled car. I have requested for the dealership to test the gnss module or replace it and they have not. They have said they are waiting for the investigation. Meanwhile, I drive around and my car is given directions through backyards and fields. It is a hazard! this all started when the car was three days old.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The contact's wife owns 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 70 mph, the vehicle shut off as the "maintenance required visit your dealer" warning message appeared on the instrument. While in a frantic state, the contact wife managed to restart the vehicle and immediately pull of to the shoulder. Despite the failure, the contact's wife managed to drive the vehicle back home. The contact also mentioned that prior to the failure, a similar warning light appeared on the instrument which disrupted the contact's usage of the vehicle's gps feature. The contact called the local dealer and made an appointment. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

As the electronic back hitch was closing, I pressed the start engine button and the vehicle dashboard lit up but would not start. Then I pressed the button again and it said the ignition is on. Pressed again to shut off. Vehicle made a bunch of clicking noises but would not start. Disconnected battery to “re boot” electrical system… but a charger on battery and then the vehicle started. But the ! and check engine light was now on… saying take to your dealer… check awd. Drove vehicle at lunch time… and warning light and check engine light just went off! so weird!.

Upon starting the Highlander, there is a very loud screeching/feedback noise through the speakers- it appears to be coming from the dcm as described y a Toyota representative. . This happens upon stating the car at least once a day and frequency is increasing.

Extremely loud high pitched noise when the vehicle starts. The problem began early October 2024 and has continued. It happens every time the car turns on.

When I start the Highlander, there is a loud (hurts your ears) feedback noise through the speakers. It's so loud you instinctively close your eyes and put your hands on your ears, ignoring whatever you were doing before (like maybe putting the car in gear). It lasts a second or two then stops. It doesn't happen every time, more like every 10 starts. I called Toyota and they said take it to the dealer. I'm still waiting to get their feedback.

Intermittent extremely loud ear-piercing high pitched noise coming from speakers upon starting the vehicle. The volume of the sounds is extremely high, the loudest noise I've ever heard. The sound lasts about 5 seconds. I am concerned for the safety of our hearing, for my family, including our children. It has not been reproduced at the service center because it is intermittent. I have read online where others with the similar year/make/model experienced it and have varying success by re-subscribing to Toyota sos safety connect ($80/year), or replacing the data communication module (dcm). If not uner warranty, this costs thousands of dollars. I have tried re-subscribing to the safety connect but it does not work, and the dealer wants me to pay additionally for them to see why this safety feature is not working in my car. There is no warning before this loud sound presents.

Was stuck in traffic on a highway for about 25 minutes going 0 miles per hour because of an accident about 5 miles away. Then the traffic started to clear and began driving on the road again. About five minutes later, the vehicle lost full drive abilities and the check engine light came on, traction control light on, brake light was on, abs light was on, stability control warning light on, and then on the info screen the vehicle stated, "hybrid system malfunction stop in a safe place, see owner's manual", screen then showed within 2-seconds, "pre-collision system malfunction visit your dealer", then in about 2 additional seconds later the info screen stated, "check engine visit your dealer", then most every waring light turned on, and there was no power for drive with either hybrid or gasoline engine. The vehicle basically came to a sudden halt in the middle of traffic with steering wheel locked and no control. Had to get police involved and a tow to get off the road. Had vehicle towed to a local Toyota dealership and they do not open until Monday at 9am. This incident occurred on Saturday around 3pm.

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 45 minutes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for diagnostic testing. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18e107000 (electrical system, visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.

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[xxx], while driving on a [xxx], my 2021 Highlander platinum unexpectedly shut down without any prior warning or indication of a malfunction. This abrupt failure put my safety, as well as that of my passengers and other motorists, at considerable risk. As a longtime Toyota customer, I have always valued the reputation of Toyota vehicles for their reliability and safety. However, this incident has significantly shaken my confidence in that reputation. I trusted that my vehicle, particularly one as recent as the 2021 Highlander, would perform safely and effectively in all driving conditions. The complete and sudden failure of the vehicle on a busy highway is not only unacceptable, but also alarming. I now find myself questioning whether I can continue to rely on this vehicle or the brand itself. After having the vehicle towed from obstructing a busy lane of traffic, the battery was jump started to get the car running again. I had never had any issues with battery and all regular services had been completed at a Toyota service center, but several codes appeared on the dashboard after this incident advising the vehicle be taken to a dealer. Vehicle was taken to Toyota service center [xxx] for a diagnostic check, but they couldn’t find any error codes or issues with the vehicle. I contacted Toyota to thoroughly investigate this matter and address the underlying issue that caused the shutdown, so that I can regain confidence in its safety and dependability. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The rear hatch of the vehicle started malfunctioning right when the three year manufacture's warranty was expiring on 08/2024 (very convenient). It would only open part way, barely or sometimes not open at all. One instance, my dog's tail got stuck in the hatch and it would not open. I had to force it open and thankfully I am able to do that. January of 2025 I took the car into will's Toyota in twin falls, id (where I purchased it new) and they told me that my option was to replace the hydraulic struts that were $1000 for the service. I took the car in on 10/23/25 due to the issue getting worse to have them replace the hydraulic struts. The dealership said they've had a lot of cars with the same issue. I just do not understand how a company can sell a car and a major part of the car fail conveniently when the warranty is to expire. Oh and I called Toyota customer service to complain and they said they don't keep track of this kind of thing. . .