Model year guide

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 271 on record.

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — representative photo
Representative photo

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints9
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined36 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid recalls 6

Seats:mid/rear Assembly:recliner NHTSA Campaign #26V128000 · manufacturer #26TB06 / 26TA06 · 05/03/2026

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.

Fix: 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.

Back Over Prevention:display Function NHTSA Campaign #25V744000 · manufacturer #25TB13/25LB06/WRE25 · 30/10/2025

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 Fe…

Fix: 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.

Steering:column NHTSA Campaign #25V040000 · manufacturer #25TA02/25LA02 · 29/01/2025

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 NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the …

Fix: 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.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #24V548000 · manufacturer #24R2 · 23/07/2024

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 accessor…

Fix: 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.

Structure:body:bumpers NHTSA Campaign #23V720000 · manufacturer #23TB12 / 23TA12 · 26/10/2023

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.

Fix: 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.

Steering:column NHTSA Campaign #23V480000 · manufacturer #23TA08/ 23LA02 · 12/07/2023

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…

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 16.4% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid MPG & running costs

Combined36 mpg
City36 mpg
Highway35 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,850
EPA size classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S6)
Engine start-stopYes
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,750 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$9,250
Fuel only$9,250
Per mile$0.12

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 117

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 117.

OBSOLETE NOTICE August 20, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0051-26.

Bulletin T-SB-0110-20 Rev2 · Engine · Aug 2026

Some 2020 – 2026 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a water leak from the roof rack attachment clips. This may be caused by the sealant in the roof channel obstructing the proper seating position for the clip gasket.

Bulletin T-SB-0040-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jun 2026

Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing ext…

Bulletin 22TE09 · Electrical System · May 2026

Some 2020 – 2024 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody air conditioner tube and accessory assembly. The anti-corrosion materi…

Bulletin T-SB-0021-26 · Electrical System · Mar 2026

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.

Bulletin T-SB-0104-21 Rev2 · Engine · Feb 2026

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 · Jan 2026

Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing ext…

Bulletin 22TE09 · Electrical System · Jan 2026

Some 2020 – 2023 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or closing. A modified PBD unit assembly is available to address these con…

Bulletin T-SB-0086-25 · Structure · Nov 2025

A new head unit software update is available for 2022 – 2025 model year Tundra, and Tundra Hybrid; 2023 – 2025 model year Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Mirai, and Sequoia Hybrid vehicles equipped with Toyota Multimedia ver…

Bulletin T-SB-0083-25 · Electrical System · Nov 2025

The subject vehicles are equipped with a rear motor unit and an HV Floor Under Wire that provide high voltage to operate the motor. Mud, water, or road salt could potentially enter the HV Floor Underwire connector housing and could cause corrosion over time. E…

Bulletin 25TD01 · Electrical System · Sep 2025

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the HIGHLANDER HYBRID FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 5

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for the second-row seats may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the seatback(s) may not lock in position and could move in a crash. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall No. 2026-101. Safety Risk: A seatback that moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Action: To reduce the saf…

Transport Canada #2026427 · Sep 2026

Seats And Restraints

This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-427. Issue: On certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for the second-row seats may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the seatback(s) may not lock in position and could move in a crash. Safety Risk: A seatback that moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Action: To reduce the sa…

Transport Canada #2026101 · Mar 2026

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, the steering wheel spiral cable assembly could disconnect. If this happens, the airbag (SRS) warning lamp would turn on, and the driver-front airbag wouldn't work in a crash. This may also cause the horn or other steering wheel-mounted controls not to work properly. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2023-386. Vehicles that were r…

Transport Canada #2025242 · May 2025

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the front lower bumper cover may not be attached properly. As a result, if there is a minor impact to the front bumper, the lower bumper cover, engine under cover, and the fender liners could separate from the vehicle while driving. Safety Risk: Parts that detach from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash.…

Transport Canada #2023574 · Oct 2023

Airbag

This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2025-242. Issue: On certain vehicles, the steering wheel spiral cable assembly could disconnect. If this happens, the airbag (SRS) warning lamp would turn on, and the driver-front airbag wouldn't work in a crash. This may also cause the horn or other steering wheel-mounted controls not to work properly. Safety Risk: An air…

Transport Canada #2023386 · Jul 2023

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander , also known as the Toyota Kluger in some markets, is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles on record

Other Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — frequently asked questions

Does the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Across all 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, seats, vehicle speed control.

What is the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a U.S. EPA estimate of 36 mpg combined (36 city / 35 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.