2017 Toyota Highlander power train problems
72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2017 Toyota Highlander — 27% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“About a few weeks back we started noticing a whining noise while accelerating. For safety reason we are not using the truck for long distance driving. Yes, the problem was able to reproduce by an independent mechanic and confirmed. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer or any other. There are…”
filed Sep 9, 2026
“I had been shopping, as I attempted to increase speed, my car wouldn't respond. I smelled something burning and I switched lanes because I needed a safe place to stop. I turned onto [XXX] in Pembroke (I think) and still had no forward (or backward) movement. The lower gears (D5 & D4 ) DID NOT show…”
filed Aug 20, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Highlander years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Highlander | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 Highlander | 20 | 11% |
| 2022 Highlander | 51 | 21% |
| 2021 Highlander | 219 | 43% |
| 2020 Highlander | 125 | 40% |
| 2019 Highlander | 194 | 40% |
| 2018 Highlander | 65 | 25% |
| 2016 Highlander | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 Highlander | 7 | 4% |
| 2014 Highlander | 8 | 6% |
| 2013 Highlander | 11 | 5% |
| 2012 Highlander | 7 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Toyota Highlander
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.