2017 Toyota Highlander Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- Powertrain Issues: The most frequent complaints revolve around the power train, engine, and fuel/propulsion systems, indicating potential weaknesses in these critical areas. [cite: 4, 7]
- Transmission Concerns: The 8-speed automatic transmission has been a source of significant trouble, with reports of rough shifting, whining noises, delayed acceleration, and even complete failure, sometimes at very low mileage. [cite: 3, 5, 14, 18, 23, 25, 39]
- Electrical System Faults: Numerous electrical system complaints include battery drain, intermittent power loss, and issues with the infotainment system, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in the vehicle's electronics. [cite: 7, 15, 17]
- Fuel Pump Recall: A significant recall affects the fuel pump, with the potential for sudden engine stalling, posing a safety risk. [cite: 1, 26, 33]
2017 Toyota Highlander
Critical Failure Risk
The 8-speed automatic transmission is prone to issues like rough or delayed shifting, whining noises, and complete failure, sometimes as early as 39,000 miles. This can lead to sudden power loss.
Early detection can help you avoid a $3,000-$10,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing space and comfort for family transport.
+3 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Shoppers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2017 Toyota Highlander Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2017 Toyota Highlander.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 7
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- EPA Combined MPG
- 22
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Most Common Issues
1. Powertrain
Most reportedUsage: 53 reports
2. Electrical System
Usage: 45 reports
First Service Interval
- Tire Rotation - Inspect and Adjust All Fluid Levels - Visually Inspect Brake Linings, Drums, Brake Pads, and Discs - Check Wiper Blades
Est. shop cost: $100 - $200
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FAQ
Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2017 Toyota Highlander is 7.4/10. Reliability score is 7.4/10. NHTSA recalls: 6. Owner complaints: 334.
How practical is the 2017 Toyota Highlander for daily use?
Practicality score is 4.6/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 22 MPG. Seating capacity is 7.
What is the overall score for the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2017 Toyota Highlander is 7.1/10. Overall score is 7.1/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.0/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 4.6/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2017 Toyota Highlander?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Tire Rotation - Inspect and Adjust All Fluid Levels - Visually Inspect Brake Linings, Drums, Brake Pads, and Discs - Check Wiper Blades at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $462 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Transmission (typical at 39,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $3,000 • Max: $10,000).
What is the MSRP range for the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
Base MSRP is $30,630.
What engine is in the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
Engine specs list 4 • 2.7.
What transmission does the 2017 Toyota Highlander use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Toyota Highlander, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
EPA combined estimate is 22 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
13 standard and 1 optional driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
How many people fit in a 2017 Toyota Highlander?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Toyota Highlander, seating capacity is 7.
What drivetrain does the 2017 Toyota Highlander use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Toyota Highlander, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2017 Toyota Highlander, while a practical family SUV, presents significant challenges for performance tuning due to documented reliabili...
What are the most common power train problems on the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
Top complaint category: power train (53 reports, 15.9% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
This model year has 6 official safety campaigns listed.