2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Problems

Vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate when accelerator pedal is depressed after stopping. Vehicle may move extremely slowly for several seconds and then suddenly regain power. This has occurred while entering/intersecting traffic and has resulted in near-collision situations. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

My vehicle has a recurrent issue with failing front axle assemblies. The vehicle experienced rotational clicking and had both from axle assemblies replaced around 20,000 miles. Around 40,000 miles the clicking returned and toyota has refused to replace the failing axles again. I currently am at 63,000 miles and I won an arbitration case regarding the axles. The arbitration decision ordered toyota to replace the axles and determined that the parts were defective and covered under warranty. Toyota breached the arbitration and refused to replace the defective axles as ordered in a legally binding arbitration. Rotational clicking is more apparent at low ambient temperatures. A metallic grinding is more apparent at high ambient temperatures. I have had several drive train skips, a sensation of drive train parts slipping and slamming together. Toyota knowingly put defective parts back on my car during the 20,000 mile repair. Toyota release a technical service bulletin T-SB-0082-24 in sep of 2024. It stated that they redesigned the axle to fix the problem. The tsb said to put the original part number on instead of the updated, fixed part number. I received the old, broken part number when my repair was done in 2025. There is a new bulletin T-SB-0028-26 release in april 2026 for the same issue and it states that the previous bulletin is obsolete. The new bulletin states that the correct part number is the new part number not the old one. Additionally, the tsb indicates toyota changed to the new part number with a vin cutoff sometime in 2024. The fixed part number was changed at the production line level in 2024 yet I received the old, known defective part. These are drive axles and a failure can lead to loss of control and a serious accident. A full investigation and recall of this part should be conducted.

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while at a stoplight and attempting to drive forward, while making a left turn, the vehicle experienced a momentary unintended acceleration and lurched forward. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,544.

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate immediately while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle then accelerated and lurched forward while entering traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate when accelerator pedal is depressed after stopping. Vehicle may move extremely slowly for several seconds and then suddenly regain power. This has occurred while entering/intersecting traffic and has resulted in near-collision situations. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

I've had consistent issues with the vehicle accelerating and shifting. These include sluggish acceleration, loss of power and sputtering when we've come to a complete stop and starting to move again. We've almost been hit by other vehicles at least over 20 times because the vehicle has failed to accelerate when pulling into a roadway. The car hesitates during acceleration regardless of how much I push the gas. Once it starts to go, it feels as though the car can't shift from 1st to 2nd gear, The RPMs get extremely high while the car is going 25-40 mph and remain there for a few seconds up to ~20 seconds. I am fearful of getting t-boned when my car hesitates while turning at an intersection, going through an intersection or pulling out from a parking lot. I have been stuck in several intersections when traffic was coming toward me, but thankfully those cars had patience and avoided us. I've also found that this issue always happens when the hybrid battery shows that it only has a charge of 3 bars. It seems that the engine, transmission and hybrid battery don't know how to communicate when the battery charge gets that low. This has been happening since Dec 2023 when I bought the vehicle and the dealer has never been able to duplicate or find any error code, they are refusing to fix a known issue when many others are experiencing the same issue. There are Toyota Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) out there regarding this problem but my dealer told me they won't do anything as it could label my vehicle a lemon. This is creating an unnecessary safety risk for me and my family.

On February 25, 2025, I took my car into Freeman Toyota dealership in Santa Rosa for a recall on the airbags (24TA09 SAFETY (NONCOMPLIANCE) RECALL 24TA09(Remedy Notice) - Certain 2024 Model Year GrandHighlander and Grand Highlander HV - Curtain ShieldAirbags May Not Deploy As Intended). In the labor notes, they claimed to have performed the recall - 1. PERFORMED THE 24TA09 AND REPLACED BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HAND CSA ASSEMBLIES. OP CODE: 24TA09R1.3.1 HRS. However, on June 24, 2025, the Toyota was involved in a collision with a deer. The autobody shop confirmed that the airbag sensors went off, but the airbags did not deploy. A claim was filed with my insurance company, and the airbags have been replaced by the autobody shop. The vehicle did not get back to the dealership.

Vehicle Safety Complaint — 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander My 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has experienced multiple serious defects, including two official recalls: • 25TA08 — instrument cluster failure • 24TA09 — airbag defect This week, the instrument display failed completely, making it impossible to view speed or system warnings. I’ve been unable to work since then, causing financial hardship for my family. Earlier, I also had to replace the entire drive shaft at my own expense (~$2,500), which is highly unusual for a new vehicle. These repeated issues raise serious concerns about safety and reliability. I’ve submitted a formal complaint to Toyota Brand Engagement Center, and it has been acknowledged and assigned to a Case Manager. The dealer is still searching for a suitable loaner vehicle that meets my work requirements. Given the severity and recurrence of these defects, I request that NHTSA investigate this pattern and consider whether the vehicle qualifies for buyback or replacement under applicable consumer protection standards. • VIN: [XXX] • Mileage: 96150 miles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate when accelerator pedal is depressed after stopping. Vehicle may move extremely slowly for several seconds and then suddenly regain power. This has occurred while entering/intersecting traffic and has resulted in near-collision situations. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

I've had consistent issues with the vehicle accelerating and shifting. These include sluggish acceleration, loss of power and sputtering when we've come to a complete stop and starting to move again. We've almost been hit by other vehicles at least over 20 times because the vehicle has failed to accelerate when pulling into a roadway. The car hesitates during acceleration regardless of how much I push the gas. Once it starts to go, it feels as though the car can't shift from 1st to 2nd gear, The RPMs get extremely high while the car is going 25-40 mph and remain there for a few seconds up to ~20 seconds. I am fearful of getting t-boned when my car hesitates while turning at an intersection, going through an intersection or pulling out from a parking lot. I have been stuck in several intersections when traffic was coming toward me, but thankfully those cars had patience and avoided us. I've also found that this issue always happens when the hybrid battery shows that it only has a charge of 3 bars. It seems that the engine, transmission and hybrid battery don't know how to communicate when the battery charge gets that low. This has been happening since Dec 2023 when I bought the vehicle and the dealer has never been able to duplicate or find any error code, they are refusing to fix a known issue when many others are experiencing the same issue. There are Toyota Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) out there regarding this problem but my dealer told me they won't do anything as it could label my vehicle a lemon. This is creating an unnecessary safety risk for me and my family.

While driving my 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD at highway speed with only 16,755 miles on the vehicle, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared, including warnings related to the engine, hybrid system, AWD system, and other vehicle functions. The vehicle instructed me to pull over immediately and significantly reduced power output, making it difficult to maintain highway speed and safely maneuver through traffic. I was able to reach the shoulder and had the vehicle towed to a Toyota dealership. The dealer diagnosed a punctured radiator caused by a rock or similar road debris that allegedly passed through the front grille and struck the radiator. The dealer confirmed that coolant loss from the puncture triggered the vehicle's protective reduced-power mode. This failure created a significant safety risk. A sudden loss of power while traveling at highway speed increases the risk of rear-end collisions and other accidents, particularly in heavy traffic where drivers may not expect a vehicle to rapidly decelerate. There were no warning lights, messages, leaks, drivability concerns, or other symptoms before the incident. All warnings appeared suddenly at the time of failure. Toyota has declined warranty coverage, classifying the damage as a road hazard. However, I believe this may indicate a design defect. I have identified numerous reports from other GH owners describing nearly identical failures involving rocks penetrating the radiator through the front grille, often at relatively low mileage. These reports suggest the radiator may be inadequately protected from ordinary roadway debris. My concern is not simply radiator damage, but that a small piece of road debris encountered during normal driving can disable a critical component and cause the vehicle to enter a severe reduced-power mode at highway speed. I request that NHTSA investigate whether the front grille and radiator protection design of the Grand Highlander creates an unreasonable safety risk

While traveling at highway speed on I-75 northbound, the vehicle experienced a complete and total loss of electrical power. and propulsion. The following conditions were present simultaneously: - Complete loss of propulsion - Inability to shift transmission to neutral — vehicle could not be moved out of the active traffic lane - Complete loss of hazard lights — no ability to warn approaching traffic - Vehicle remained stranded in active highway traffic for approximately 15 minutes - Electrical power spontaneously restored after approximately 15 minutes - Vehicle was then driven off the interstate under its own power That was a life-threatening event. My wife and I could have been struck from behind by highway traffic with no warning lights, no ability to move the vehicle, and no way to signal distress. DEALER VISIT 1 — SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2026 Dealer: Sarasota Toyota, Sarasota, Florida Complaint presented: Complete electrical shutdown on I-75 the previous day as described above Action taken by dealer: Performed recall repair for black screen issue Outcome: Vehicle returned to customer same day Post-repair symptom: Low voltage warning appeared on drive home from Sarasota Toyota Saturday afternoon Note: Dealer did not perform full electrical diagnostic. Dealer did not flag battery failure. Dealer did not retain vehicle for further investigation despite being informed of complete highway electrical shutdown the previous day. DEALER VISIT 2 — MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2026 Dealer: Germain Toyota of Naples, Naples, Florida Complaint presented: Complete electrical failure on I-75, low voltage warning after Sarasota repair, battery failure Findings: Battery confirmed dead. Alternator confirmed functioning normally. Dealer assessment: Condition described as unusual. Case escalated to Toyota Field Technical Specialist. Current status: Vehicle retained at Germain Toyota of Naples. Rental vehicle provided to customer.

When making turns under acceleration at various speeds, there is a noticeable clunk noise from the front section of the vehicle. The sound can be described as a coil that is being compressed/decompressed and creates the noise. The noise is heard when loading and unloading the steering wheel during a turn.

My car suddenly shook violently while at complete stop at a stop light. Also, the brake feels weird at times when slowing down.

It was noted that the drivers door weather strip deteriorated even though the car is less than 3 years old/ 47,000 miles. The dealer and the Toyota customer care said it is likely related to external factors and not covered under warranty. I keep the car in a garage. We have had other cars that are well over 10 years old but do/did not have this problem. This can potentially lead to damage of other components. I see on the internet that other owners of this car have encountered this same issue . There have been 3 safety recalls on this model, related to air bag, instrument panel and rear view camera. These have been fixed. There have been at least 5 Toyota technical service bulletins ( TSBs) published on this model. These were fixed after I brought it up with the dealer/ manufacturer. I was not contacted by the manufacturer proactively. TSB 0017-24 : hesitation felt while accelerating from stop. A software update was performed. TSB 0060-25 : Fuel level logic enhancement. A software update was made. TSB 0028-25 : Shudder sensation at stop. A software update was performed. ​T-SB-0082-24: CV axle issue: it was fixed T-SB-0111-24: vibrating hood.I notice the issue but did not fix it since the fix involves placing a foam under the hood, which may not fix the underlying issue and might cause other issues. I believe these issues are related to the manufacturing oversight and especially more frequent because it is a first year model .

Driving at low speeds through my neighborhood, when going on any bumpy road there is a terrible low bass noise. similar to a sub woofer very low bass. it is very annoying and distracting.

On [XXX], while driving my 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander at approximately 45-50 mph on a gusty, high-wind day, the rear panoramic moonroof/sunroof panel blew out and shattered completely without warning. The failure occurred as I rolled up the vehicle windows during the wind gust. Rapid window closure created a sudden spike in cabin air pressure — a documented pressure differential mechanism — that forced the moonroof glass outward until it shattered. There was no external impact of any kind. The glass, which is not laminated safety glass, scattered throughout the interior with occupants present. Component is available for inspection. This failure is consistent with NHTSA Investigation PE13-035 (Kia Sorento panoramic sunroof spontaneous breakage), in which ODI found glass shattering while in motion to be a safety hazard warranting engineering analysis. The same pressure-based failure mechanism applies here. This is a documented pattern on this specific model. Lemberg Law [XXX] ) analysis of NHTSA complaint data confirms spontaneous sunroof shattering among the top defects on both 2024 and 2025 Grand Highlanders, with Toyota denying warranty claims by alleging "outside influence" — disputed by owners and attorneys alike. No recall currently exists for this component. The rear seat directly below this glass is a primary location for child safety seats. Non-laminated glass shattering over rear occupants — including infants — represents an acute and unacceptable injury risk. I request NHTSA open a formal defect investigation into the panoramic moonroof/sunroof glass on 2024-2025 Toyota Grand Highlanders and evaluate whether a safety recall is warranted. I have photographs and have notified Toyota Motor North America in writing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The defroster on the vehicle does not work properly. When starting the car and the window is frosting, the drivers side of the front window defrosts normally but the right side does not defrost properly and it lags by 15-20 minutes. You cannot operate the vehicle safely with your entire passenger side frosted over. I reported this to Toyota as well as dealer and they are advising that it is working normally. I have pictures that show that the passenger side does not defrost properly, it was reproduced by the dealer, and Toyota's thermal imaging scan confirms lack of heat on the far side. However, Toyota is standing by that it is working as designed despite their testing showing it isn't working properly.

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly lurched forward while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive pressure was needed on the brake pedal to prevent the failure. The contact stated that a service appointment was scheduled with the dealer. While conducting independent research, the contact identified Technical Service Bulletin: T-SB-0028-25, which was associated with the vehicle shuddering while at a complete stop, and believed that the failure was associated with the technical service bulletin. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

The rotors started warping around 8K miles

While traveling at highway speed on I-75 northbound, the vehicle experienced a complete and total loss of electrical power. and propulsion. The following conditions were present simultaneously: - Complete loss of propulsion - Inability to shift transmission to neutral — vehicle could not be moved out of the active traffic lane - Complete loss of hazard lights — no ability to warn approaching traffic - Vehicle remained stranded in active highway traffic for approximately 15 minutes - Electrical power spontaneously restored after approximately 15 minutes - Vehicle was then driven off the interstate under its own power That was a life-threatening event. My wife and I could have been struck from behind by highway traffic with no warning lights, no ability to move the vehicle, and no way to signal distress. DEALER VISIT 1 — SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2026 Dealer: Sarasota Toyota, Sarasota, Florida Complaint presented: Complete electrical shutdown on I-75 the previous day as described above Action taken by dealer: Performed recall repair for black screen issue Outcome: Vehicle returned to customer same day Post-repair symptom: Low voltage warning appeared on drive home from Sarasota Toyota Saturday afternoon Note: Dealer did not perform full electrical diagnostic. Dealer did not flag battery failure. Dealer did not retain vehicle for further investigation despite being informed of complete highway electrical shutdown the previous day. DEALER VISIT 2 — MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2026 Dealer: Germain Toyota of Naples, Naples, Florida Complaint presented: Complete electrical failure on I-75, low voltage warning after Sarasota repair, battery failure Findings: Battery confirmed dead. Alternator confirmed functioning normally. Dealer assessment: Condition described as unusual. Case escalated to Toyota Field Technical Specialist. Current status: Vehicle retained at Germain Toyota of Naples. Rental vehicle provided to customer.

Front brakes were worn prematurely and rotors had to be resurfaced multiple times under warranty and once more after warranty. Premature wear would cause shaking in the steering wheel when medium to heavy braking force was applied.

The passenger-side second-row bench seat (60 percent section of the 60/40 split) has a defective seat track/latch assembly that fails in both directions: it seizes completely when it should slide, and it failed to stay latched while the vehicle was in motion. The seat saw almost no use for the first 34 months of ownership (third row kept folded). Within two weeks of its first regular use (XXX, approx. 45,700 miles), it seized completely and could not be moved in either direction. An authorized Toyota dealership in Placerville, CA disassembled the seat and documented in writing that the seat track was twisted and rubbing against the seat frame. The dealer straightened the track rather than replacing it and stated on the invoice that if the seat stopped moving again, both seat tracks should be replaced and the seat frame itself may need replacement or adjustment. After that repair, in approximately mid-June 2026, the bench slid FORWARD on its own as my wife braked for a stoplight, the track failed to remain latched with the vehicle in motion. Two rear-facing infant car seats are installed on this bench, and our toddlers reach the third row through this seat. On XXX (approx. 46,416 miles, 33 days and about 700 miles after the repair), the seat seized again. The vehicle is currently at a second authorized Toyota dealership in [XXX] for diagnosis and is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: a second-row seat that does not remain latched cannot properly restrain occupants or anchored child restraints during hard braking or a crash, and a seized seat blocks third-row access and egress for children, including in an emergency. There were no warning lamps or prior symptoms before either failure. Note: NHTSA recall 26V128 covers 2021-2024 Highlander second-row seats that fail to lock; this Grand Highlander is not included in that campaign but exhibits a similar failure to remain latched. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

3rd row seats do not want to lock into position, there is also broken plastic pieces from the locking mechanism area. Seats do not want to engage or disengage when trying to lay them flat. This had been a reported problem on other highlanders. This has been an issue since we purchased the vehicle in 2024. This is a safety issue because I fear they would fail in a crash.

On the 3rd row left side seat belt has jammed, will not release . You can not pull the seatbelt it has looked , even pulling on it 3 times it does not release.

I have a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander (FWD Gas) with about 37,000 miles and had 2 wheel bearings fail - front right and rear right. I noticed a constant humming noise starting around 20-25 mph that increased with vehicle speed. Thinking it was tire noise, I replaced all 4 tires, and the sound was still present. The dealership first replaced the right front bearing, and when they drove it after the repair, they noticed the sound decreased but did not eliminate the noise, and they further diagnosed a failed rear wheel bearing.