Last updated: 2026-10-10
Toyota Grand Highlander Reliability by Year
Toyota Grand Highlander owners report stalling when pulling away and long waits for recall parts on 2024 cars, though its standing stays good.
Toyota Grand Highlander Reliability Overview
A good used midsize SUV, but the record is short, covering only 2024 through 2026. The 2024 has the most history and the most complaints, mainly power that cuts out when pulling away from a stop and a long wait for airbag repairs. Newer years look cleaner, but they have had little time to collect complaints.
Current generation: 1st gen (2024–2023).
Best & Worst Toyota Grand Highlander Years
Best Toyota Grand Highlander Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024 is the pick because it is the only year on the road long enough to judge. Its problems are well documented, so you can ask about them before buying. The 2025 has far fewer complaints and 2026 has none, but both are too new to call better. Choose a 2024 with recall work finished.
Toyota Grand Highlander Years to Avoid
Owners describe power that cuts out when pulling away from a stop, then surges with high revs, with no warning light. Others wait months for airbag repair parts. This year has 7 recalls and by far the most complaints, including a blank instrument cluster and a fuel tank that will not take a full fill.
Toyota Grand Highlander Reliability Score Trend
Toyota Grand Highlander reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 84/100 compared to 69/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2026 | 88/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Newest scored year, with no owner complaints or recalls on file yet and a 5-star crash rating, though that record is still short.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
3 recalls · 33 complaints
Mid-pack among Grand Highlander years, with far fewer complaints and recalls than the 2024, but with power train hesitation and hood flutter reports.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
7 recalls · 171 complaints
The weakest of three scored years, with 7 recalls and owner reports of power cutting out from a stop and a slow airbag recall fix.
Found Your Toyota Grand Highlander? Check Its History
Power train (8) problems come up most in Toyota Grand Highlander owner complaints, and 10 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Toyota Grand Highlander Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Toyota Grand Highlander Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
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Compare Toyota Grand Highlander With Similar SUVs
The Toyota Grand Highlander competes with other midsize suvs such as Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.
Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride
6 years tracked · 1600 complaints
Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot
9 years tracked · 2382 complaints
Grand Highlander vs Ford Explorer
9 years tracked · 2694 complaints
Grand Highlander vs Chevrolet Traverse
9 years tracked · 1417 complaints
Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander
9 years tracked · 1892 complaints
More Toyota Grand Highlander comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best year for the Toyota Grand Highlander?
- The site picks 2024 because it is the only year on the road long enough to judge. It is also the weakest year against the model's own average. The 2025 and 2026 models look cleaner, but they have had little time to collect complaints.
- Is the Toyota Grand Highlander reliable?
- Yes, its standing is good, and well above average among SUVs on the site. The record is short, though. Only 2024 through 2026 are tracked, so there is no long-term data on how these SUVs hold up after many years of use.
- What are the most common Toyota Grand Highlander problems?
- Power train complaints lead, mostly power cutting out when pulling away from a stop. Air bag complaints come next, centered on waits for repairs. Owners also report a blank instrument cluster, a center screen that goes black, and a fuel tank that will not take a full fill.
- Does the Toyota Grand Highlander have fuel tank problems?
- Some owners say it will not take a full fill. They report pumping only about 11 to 12 gallons at empty, against a listed 17.2 gallons. Some also report a strong gasoline smell after driving in hot weather. Repeat dealer visits have not fixed it for them.
- Does the Toyota Grand Highlander have many recalls?
- The 2024 has 7 recalls in federal records, the 2025 has 3, and the 2026 has none. Recalls pile up with time on the road, so the newer years may collect more. Check any specific vehicle's recall status by VIN before you buy.
How we score the Toyota Grand Highlander
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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