2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated July 20, 2026. The Petition requests an investigation of road debris / rocks damaging the heat exchangers in model year (MY) 2024-2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles. The Petition contends that the Grand Highlander’s front-end grill has large, open apertures and no protective screen between the grill and the vehicle’s heat exchangers. The Petition further alleges that as a result, during normal driving, the damage to heat exchangers results in coolant leakage and sudden loss of propulsion. The Petitioner cites thirteen (13) complaints received by ODI alleging this failure, which, when added to the petitioner’s own complaint, bring the total under consideration at this time to fourteen (14). ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition and conduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11754975.

Windshield has experienced multiple cracks/chips at extremely low mileage. Initial crack occurred before 1,000 miles and originated at the upper edge of the windshield. Crack has propagated from the top to the bottom. Multiple additional star cracks have developed. I am concerned about possible windshield/glass, installation, or structural issue. I previously owned a Highlander for over 10 years and did not have any issues of this and I live in the same area. I had one crack that entire time. I currently have 9000 miles with the long crack +3 additional star shape cracks. One occurred from a very small rock that hit and the other I never even heard one hit it.

NHTSA ID

11765486

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a commercial lawnmower that fell from a truck. The driver's seat air bag deployed in a downward position, and the other air bags failed to deploy. The driver and the front passenger sustained cuts on their necks from their seat belts and received medical treatment. The driver also received trigger point injections for pain management. The vehicle was towed to Car Craft, where it was repaired. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance company. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was opened, and the manufacturer requested an additional 30 days to release Event Data Recorder (EDR) information. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11764343

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

Mileage

10,000 mi

My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE has a recurring gasoline smell near the rear driver’s side after long trips or when parked with the engine idling. The source of the odor and the specific component involved are unknown. I am concerned about a possible fuel or vapor leak and the potential fire risk to myself and my passengers.

NHTSA ID

11764246

Incident

Sep 12, 2026

After starting the vehicle and coming to a conplete stop the vehicle will hesitate upon new acceleration. The hesitation causes a lag in the vehicle and it then will jerk or jolt while shifting. The vehicle will Rev up in a low gear and not shift correctly. This causes a safety issue especially when going into traffic. I have not taken it to the dealer as of yet, but I will be. This is an intermittent issue, so i fear toyota will say they cannot replicate the issue. There were no warning lamps when the event happens.

NHTSA ID

11762019

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

The weather seal on the moonroof is coming off the moon roof surround and this is causing water and air to leak inside the passenger cabin.

NHTSA ID

11761044

Incident

Aug 29, 2026

The front grill by design has bigger holes with potential of rock hitting radiator . I have seen very small damage to radiator more like superficial. A bigger rock could damage the radiator

NHTSA ID

11760986

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a potential safety defect involving the front grille design of my 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited. Fortunately, my vehicle has not experienced any damage or mechanical failure related to the grille at this time. However, after examining the design of the front grille and the components located directly behind it, I have serious concerns that the relatively large grille openings may allow rocks and other road debris to pass through and strike critical cooling components, including the radiator and other heat exchangers. My concern is particularly related to the potential consequences of such an impact. If road debris were to damage a cooling component, it could result in coolant loss, overheating, warning messages, reduced vehicle performance, or potentially loss of propulsion. If this occurred while traveling at highway speeds, it could create a significant safety risk for the vehicle occupants as well as other motorists. I understand that NHTSA is currently reviewing concerns regarding the front grille design of 2024–2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles. I would like my vehicle and this concern to be included in NHTSA’s review. I believe this issue warrants further evaluation because the concern exists even before an actual failure occurs. A safety defect should ideally be identified and addressed before owners experience a failure that could potentially create a hazardous situation while driving. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether the front grille provides adequate protection for the critical cooling components behind it and determine whether Toyota should provide a protective screen, revised grille design, or another corrective measure. Again, I want to emphasize that I am reporting this as a potential safety defect. My vehicle has not suffered damage or experienced a failure at this time. I am submitting this complaint proactively because I believe the design presents a foreseeable risk

NHTSA ID

11760478

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

Small object came through the front grill and put a hole in AC condensing unit. Grill does not protect from small road objects.

NHTSA ID

11759952

Incident

Jun 12, 2026

2026 model year Toyota vehicles are equipped with driver side floor mat retainers to secure the floor mat in the correct position. In addition, some models may also utilize retainers for passenger side and rear seat floor mats. During Pre-Delivery Service (PDS), follow the appropriate Installation Procedure to attach the driver side, and if applicable, the passenger side and rear seatfloor mats to the vehicle carpet using the floor mat retainers.

During the manufacturing process, tires are mounted on the vehicle as matched sets to help reduce conditions such as pulling or drifting. If the wheels are replaced or refinished before vehicle delivery, it is important that the tires remain on the vehicle in the same location and in the same direction of rotation.

Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to maintain vehicle condition. The following guidelines should be performed to minimize vehicle component/part degradation due to extendedvehicle storage conditions. Long-term storage can affect a vehicle’s systems and components. Any problems that are found should be corrected immediately.

A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and service life. These conditions include storage period, temperature, parasitic drain, and battery load. Because of these factors, battery inspection and maintenance are required in order to ensure proper operation and optimal battery life.

Pre-Delivery Service (PDS) is a critical step in satisfying our new car customers. Customer feedback indicates the following areas deserve special attention when performing PDS: • Careful inspection for paint chips/scratches and body dents/dings. • Proper operation of electrical accessories (including interior light, clock, and radio reset). • Interior cleanliness. • Proper function of mechanical systems. The PDS process helps identify potential vehicle concerns before customer delivery. After completing the PDS process, maintain accurate PDS records by ensuring the required documents listed below are completed and recorded in accordance with Toyota Warranty Policy. • GTS+ Health Check • Completed PDS Check Sheet • Battery Charge Test Print Out • GTS+ Tire Pressure Information Customer retention and proper maintenance of vehicles are and have always been a major focus for Toyota. To help remind customers that regular service is essential to the proper maintenance of the vehicle, dealers are required to install a service reminder sticker before delivery. By doing this, customers will be reminded to return to your dealership for service. Your current service reminder sticker may be used. This bulletin contains the PDS procedures that apply specifically to 2026 model year Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles.

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0005-26.