Model year guide

2025 Toyota Highlander

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2025 Toyota Highlander is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 28 on record.

2025 Toyota Highlander — representative photo
Representative photo

2025 Toyota Highlander at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints10
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined24–25 mpg

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

2025 Toyota Highlander recalls 4

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.

Seat Belts:rear/other:anchorage NHTSA Campaign #25V872000 · manufacturer #25TA16 · 17/12/2025

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.

Fix: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.

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.

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel NHTSA Campaign #25V595000 · manufacturer #See Part 573 Report · 11/09/2025

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…

Fix: 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 le…

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.

2025 Toyota Highlander common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

2025 Toyota Highlander 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 2025 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2025 Toyota Highlander MPG & running costs

Combined24–25 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,750
EPA size classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopOn some versions
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2025 Toyota Highlander costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,750
Fuel only$13,750
Per mile$0.18

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.

Dimensions & weight

Length
194.9 in
Width
76.0 in
Height
68.1 in
Wheelbase
112.2 in
Curb weight
4,123–4,553 lb
Front track
65.4 in
Rear track
65.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2025 Toyota Highlander — ranges cover the 5 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 36

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 36.

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

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

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 air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

Bulletin T-SB-0058-23 Rev1 · Electrical System · Jun 2025

To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are only to be used when requested b…

Bulletin T-TT-0779-25 · Electrical System · Apr 2025

To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are only to be used when requested b…

Bulletin T-TT-0779-25 · Electrical System · Apr 2025

The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased and can never be reused. Another feature, Add/Remove Key, is also a…

Bulletin T-SB-0013-24 Rev1 · Electrical System · Feb 2025

Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulle…

Bulletin T-SB-0021-25 · Engine · Feb 2025

Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulle…

Bulletin T-SB-0021-25 · Engine · Feb 2025

The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased and can never be reused. Another feature, Add/Remove Key, is also a…

Bulletin T-SB-0013-24 Rev1 · Electrical System · Feb 2025

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

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. 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

Issue: On a small number of vehicles, the bolt that secures the third-row center seat belt anchor to the roof may not have been installed properly. As a result, the seat belt could loosen or detach in a crash. Safety Risk: A seat belt that detaches in a crash could increase the risk of injury. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Toyota advises that you shouldn't tran…

Transport Canada #2025694 · Dec 2025

Visual System

Issue: Under certain conditions, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to freeze or not to display. If this happens, the rearview image may not display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a panorami…

Transport Canada #2025594 · Oct 2025

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

2025 Toyota Highlander vehicles on record

Other Toyota Highlander model years

2025 Toyota Highlander — frequently asked questions

Does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. 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 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, service brakes, forward collision avoidance.

What is the 2025 Toyota Highlander safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2025 Toyota Highlander an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2025 Toyota Highlander get?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander has U.S. EPA estimates of 24–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

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