What are the most common problems with the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

The primary ownership concern is the documented 'dead pedal' or loss of acceleration complaint, which requires thorough pre-purchase inspection.

How many recalls does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander currently has 158 recalls on file. Review the full recall report to see affected components and available remedies.

Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander a good buy used?

Verdict: Proceed with caution. The primary ownership concern is the documented 'dead pedal' or loss of acceleration complaint, which requires thorough pre-purchase inspection. A high recall count (158) for electronic systems, including the instrument cluster and rearview camera, necessitates verifying that all manufacturer remedies have been applied. Despite a high recall volume, the vehicle achieves a strong overall NHTSA safety rating of 5 stars. Average fuel economy of 24 MPG combined contributes to reasonable running costs, but potential repair costs associated with electronic systems should be considered. The public reliability verdict is 'Average', underscoring the importance of a detailed mechanical assessment before purchase. Always verify service history, open recalls, and maintenance records before purchasing.

What maintenance costs should I expect for the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Refer to the maintenance cost guide for interval schedules, DIY difficulty ratings, and typical repair cost ranges for the 2025 Toyota Highlander.

2025 Toyota Highlander Report

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

Updated May 30, 2026Daniel Wilson

Overall Score

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

The primary ownership concern is the documented 'dead pedal' or loss of acceleration complaint, which requires thorough pre-purchase inspection.
A high recall count (158) for electronic systems, including the instrument cluster and rearview camera, necessitates verifying that all manufacturer remedies have been applied.
Despite a high recall volume, the vehicle achieves a strong overall NHTSA safety rating of 5 stars.
Average fuel economy of 24 MPG combined contributes to reasonable running costs, but potential repair costs associated with electronic systems should be considered.

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Overview

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander presents a mixed bag for used-car shoppers. While it boasts a top overall safety rating of 5 stars from NHTSA, its reliability record is marked by a high number of recalls, particularly concerning critical electronic systems like the instrument cluster and rearview camera. These recalls, totaling 158, often involve software updates to address non-displaying warning lights or camera functionality. A significant, though isolated, complaint details a 'dead pedal' or loss of acceleration, a serious drivability concern. Despite these issues, its average fuel economy of 24 MPG combined and a generally average public reliability score suggest that well-maintained examples can still be a practical choice, provided potential buyers are aware of the key inspection points.

Critical Failure Risk

Recalls indicate potential software glitches causing the instrument cluster to display blank screens or fail to show critical information like speed and warning lights. This can lead to a driver's unawareness of vehicle conditions.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$2,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls158

Service Bulletins0

Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

Seat Belts1

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency

Combined

MPG

City

MPG

Highway

MPG

Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

Practicality

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Pragmatic buyers prioritizing safety ratings and fuel efficiency.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a completely trouble-free ownership experience.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2025 Toyota Highlander Reliability Analysis

Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type: Regular
Seating Capacity: 8
Transmission: Automatic
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style: Suv
EPA Combined MPG: 24

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Most Common Issues

1. Seats

Most reported

Usage: 1 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (Severe Use) (Parts: Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Brake Inspection - Fluid Inspection

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 (7 service intervals)

Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context

Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it

Full specs and trim-level context

158 recall campaign details & remedy notes

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FAQ

Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander reliable?

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 Toyota Highlander is 5.0/10. Reliability score is 5.0/10. NHTSA recalls: 158. Owner complaints: 2.

How practical is the 2025 Toyota Highlander for daily use?

Practicality score is 5.7/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 24 MPG. Seating capacity is 8. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 453 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 Toyota Highlander is 6.9/10. Overall score is 6.9/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 9.0/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.7/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Severe Use) (Parts: Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Brake Inspection - Fluid Inspection at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $450 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Instrument Cluster (typical at 30,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $300 • Max: $1,000).

What engine is in the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Engine specs list 4 • 2.4.

What transmission does the 2025 Toyota Highlander use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Toyota Highlander, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

EPA combined estimate is 24 MPG.

What kind of powertrain does the 2025 Toyota Highlander use?

Powertrain classification is Hybrid (HEV).

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

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

How many people fit in a 2025 Toyota Highlander?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Toyota Highlander, seating capacity is 8.

What body style is the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Toyota Highlander, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2025 Toyota Highlander use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Toyota Highlander, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

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

Is the 2025 Toyota Highlander good for tuning?

Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a family-oriented SUV prioritizing comfort, fuel economy, and safety. Its 2.

What are the most common seat belts problems on the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Top complaint category: seat belts (1 reports, 50% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

This model year has 158 official safety campaigns listed.