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Buying a used 2023 Toyota Highlander? Check these 9 recalls first
The 2023 Highlander carries a heavy recall load for a recent model year: nine campaigns, five rated high, including two separate driver's airbag deactivation issues tied to steering wiring, two tire load-rating errors (one specific to the Blackout Package), and second-row seat backs that may not lock. None carry stop-driving or park-outside warnings. NHTSA lists 179 unverified owner complaints with 12 crashes and 12 injuries; structure, engine, and power train are the largest identifiable areas.
Before you buy
- Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
- Run the VIN through NHTSA or a dealer to confirm both airbag wiring recalls were completed.
- Check whether it is a Blackout Package and that the tires match the door-jamb load rating.
- Fold and latch both second-row seat backs, and check the bumper cover and weight capacity label.
- Open recalls are repaired free at any Toyota dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.
Recalls covering the 2023 Toyota Highlander
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota and Lexus steering wiring can disable driver's airbag | Steering | high |
| Toyota Highlander Blackout Package tires rated too weak | Tires | high |
| Toyota Highlander sold with tires rated too weak | Tires | high |
| Toyota and Lexus vehicles may have disabled driver's airbag | Steering | high |
| Toyota Highlander second-row seat backs may not lock | Seats | high |
| Toyota Highlander front bumper cover can loosen or fall off | Structure | medium |
| Toyota and Lexus dashboard may not show speed or warnings | Electrical System | medium |
| Toyota, Lexus and Subaru rearview camera may freeze | Back Over Prevention | medium |
| Toyota accessory weight label may show wrong numbers | Equipment | low |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
179 complaints filed for this model year, including 12 mentioning a crash, 0 a fire and 12 injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 32 | Yes |
| Engine | 28 | None found |
| Power Train | 20 | None found |
| Brakes | 18 | None found |
| Fuel System | 16 | None found |
| Seats | 13 | Yes |