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2024 Toyota Highlander Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ryan Davis
2024 Toyota Highlander Report

Overall Score

6.6/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Service Brakes are the primary ownership risk; inspect for inconsistent engagement and potential failure.
  • The electrical system, including instrument clusters and rearview cameras, has been subject to numerous recalls and complaints.
  • A high recall count (162) indicates potential for ongoing issues and associated repair costs.
  • Despite safety strengths, the overall reliability profile warrants a cautious approach for used buyers.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2024 Toyota Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Highlander presents a mixed bag for used-car shoppers. While it boasts a top overall safety rating of 5 from NHTSA, its reliability is a significant concern, earning a 'Below Average' verdict. This is underscored by a high number of recalls (162) and customer complaints, particularly regarding the service brakes and electrical system. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and prioritize thorough inspections. The Highlander offers a respectable 24 MPG combined, but the high recall count suggests potential for future repair costs.

Critical Failure Risk

Complaints include brake pedal going to the floor, inconsistent engagement, and sudden lurching forward. Some reports indicate warped rotors at relatively low mileage.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$1,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls162
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

34
Service Brakes7
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
24
MPG
City
21
MPG
Highway
28
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

5.3/ 10

Practicality

4.9/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing safety ratings and fuel efficiency who are willing to undertake rigorous pre-purchase inspections and accept a higher risk of mechanical issues.

+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Risk-averse buyers or those seeking a trouble-free ownership experience.

+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2024 Toyota Highlander Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2024 Toyota Highlander.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
7
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
24

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See the full 2024 Toyota Highlander buyer report before you decide

Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Braking System

Most reported

Usage: 7 reports

2. Electrical System

Usage: 3 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Tire Rotation (Parts: Tire Rotation) - Brake Inspection (Parts: Brake Fluid Level Check) - Wiper Blade Inspection (Parts: Wiper Blades) - Floor Mat Check (Parts: Driver's Floor Mat)

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
162 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2024 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2024 Toyota Highlander is 5.3/10. Reliability score is 5.3/10. NHTSA recalls: 162. Owner complaints: 34.

How practical is the 2024 Toyota Highlander for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 4.9/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 24 MPG. Seating capacity is 7.

What is the overall score for the 2024 Toyota Highlander?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2024 Toyota Highlander is 6.6/10. Overall score is 6.6/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.5/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 4.9/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2024 Toyota Highlander?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Tire Rotation (Parts: Tire Rotation) - Brake Inspection (Parts: Brake Fluid Level Check) - Wiper Blade Inspection (Parts: Wiper Blades) - Floor Mat Check (Parts: Driver's Floor Mat) at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $1,200 - $1,800. Repair prediction highlight: Brake System (typical at 30,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $400 • Max: $800).

What engine is in the 2024 Toyota Highlander?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 2.4.

What transmission does the 2024 Toyota Highlander use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2024 Toyota Highlander, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2024 Toyota Highlander?▾

EPA combined estimate is 24 MPG.

What kind of powertrain does the 2024 Toyota Highlander use?▾

Powertrain classification is Hybrid (HEV).

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2024 Toyota Highlander?▾

16 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2024 Toyota Highlander?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2024 Toyota Highlander, seating capacity is 7.

What body style is the 2024 Toyota Highlander?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2024 Toyota Highlander, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2024 Toyota Highlander use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2024 Toyota Highlander, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2024 Toyota Highlander?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Is the 2024 Toyota Highlander good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 2/10. This guide provides tuning and modification insights for the 2024 Toyota Highlander (US market).

What are the most common service brakes problems on the 2024 Toyota Highlander?▾

Top complaint category: service brakes (7 reports, 20.6% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2024 Toyota Highlander?▾

This model year has 162 official safety campaigns listed.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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