Last updated: 2026-10-10

Toyota Grand Highlander

Toyota Grand Highlander Years to Avoid

3 scored model years (2024–2026) · model average 79/100

The year to avoid is 2024, mainly because owners report power cutting out when pulling away from a stop and long waits for airbag repairs. It is also the site's pick to buy, since 2025 and 2026 are too new to judge. If you buy one, confirm every recall is done.

Verdict

Avoid
2024 69/100
Buy
2024 69/100
Model average
79/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Toyota Grand Highlander Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Toyota Grand Highlander average of 79/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202469/100Good7171Unknown Or Other (34)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

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.

7 recalls171 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Unknown Or Other (34), Air Bags (27), Power Train (26), Electrical System (14), Fuel Propulsion System (12), Suspension (10)

View full 2024reliability report →

What Are Common Toyota Grand Highlander Problems?

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

42 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2025

2024: Front CV axles pop, click, or knock when turning.

POWER TRAIN

34 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2025

2024: Power cuts out without warning when pulling away from a stop.

AIR BAGS

27 complaints

Most reported in 2024

2024: Most of these reports are about recall 24V461000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2025

2024: The instrument cluster can go blank, so the driver loses the speed and warning displays.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

15 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2025

2024: The fuel tank will not take a full fill.

STRUCTURE

13 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2025

2024: The rear edge of the hood near the windshield flutters at speed.

Best Toyota Grand Highlander Year to Buy Instead

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

2024 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.

Score: 69/100 (Good)7 recalls171 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has 7 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Toyota Grand Highlander Years by Generation

Toyota Grand Highlander Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Toyota Grand Highlander years should I avoid?
Avoid 2024 unless the vehicle checks out. Site analysis puts it well below the model's own average. Owners report power cutting out when pulling away from a stop, and long waits for airbag repairs. It also has the most recalls and complaints.
Which Toyota Grand Highlander years have transmission problems?
The data lists power train complaints, not a confirmed transmission fault, and they are concentrated in 2024. Some owners report hard shifts or limp mode along with the power cutting out. The 2025 has some power train complaints too, but far fewer.
Is the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander a good buy?
It is the site's pick, but with conditions. It is the only year with a real track record, and its problems are known. Confirm all recall work is completed, and test drive it for hesitation when pulling away from a stop.
Is the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander better than the 2024?
It has far fewer complaints and 3 recalls against 7 for the 2024. That is partly because it has had less time on the road. It rates well, but the site does not call it the better year yet.
Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander the most reliable year?
Not enough is known to say. The 2026 has no recalls and no owner complaints, but that mostly reflects how new it is. Complaints build up over time, so judge it again once it has more owners on the road.

How we score every Toyota Grand Highlander model year

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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