Common Problems with the
2023 Toyota Highlander

On Highlander AWD-i models, the high-voltage cable that delivers electrical power from the front hybrid inverter to the rear axle motor exposes its connector terminal housing to wheel spray, road salt, and dirt under the vehicle. Over British winters, galvanic corrosion degrades the braided shielding and terminal seal, resulting in AM radio static, hybrid system fault warnings, and loss of rear electric all-wheel drive.

On certain Highlander models built between 2021 and 2023, the internal return spring within the second-row seatback recliners was improperly manufactured. The locking teeth may not engage completely when adjusting the seat position, creating a risk that the seatback unlatches and collapses forward or backward under heavy braking or during a collision, leading to an official DVSA safety recall.

The 12.3-inch central multimedia touchscreen display can suffer from operating system software lockups, sluggish touch response, and random disconnection of wired or wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In some instances, the system takes up to 20 seconds to boot on vehicle start, delaying reverse camera and parking sensor graphics.