RoadVitals

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
33
Latest Sep 19, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine622.2%
  • Fuel system311.1%
  • Driver assistance311.1%
  • Visibility27.4%
  • Electrical13.7%
  • Brakes13.7%
  • Other / unspecified13.7%
  • Powertrain (other)13.7%
  • Airbags13.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 31, 2026

road debris entered into front grill though the holes in grill adn damaged condensor fins causing vehicle to loose propulsion. Vehicle would not travel over 25 mph after the incidnet. This is safety issue as vehicle slowed from 55MPH to 25MPH rather abruptly on highway. Multiple lamps came on dash at time of incident and were reatained untill fixed (non warranty repair)

NHTSA ID 11759168 · filed Aug 24, 2026
All 8 reports naming body & structure →

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 28, 2026

road debris entered into front grill though the holes in grill adn damaged condensor fins causing vehicle to loose propulsion. Vehicle would not travel over 25 mph after the incidnet. This is safety issue as vehicle slowed from 55MPH to 25MPH rather abruptly on highway. Multiple lamps came on dash at time of incident and were reatained untill fixed (non warranty repair)

NHTSA ID 11759168 · filed Aug 24, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 14, 2026

road debris entered into front grill though the holes in grill adn damaged condensor fins causing vehicle to loose propulsion. Vehicle would not travel over 25 mph after the incidnet. This is safety issue as vehicle slowed from 55MPH to 25MPH rather abruptly on highway. Multiple lamps came on dash at time of incident and were reatained untill fixed (non warranty repair)

NHTSA ID 11759168 · filed Aug 24, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While stopped waiting to takeoff (turn into a road or area), during takeoff acceleration, the car will sometimes have a dead pedal and slow or stop acceleration leaving you a sitting duck in an intersection or road.

NHTSA ID 11759653 · filed Aug 26, 2026

When I went to turn the car on last Tuesday (3/24.2026), the entire digital dashboard was black. I tried restarting the car a few times with no resolution. Thankfully, the infotainment screen and heads up display (HUD) were on and working fine. If it was not for the HUD, I would of had no idea what my speed was driving home. However, I was unable to see my gas level or other safety features which is concerning. Once I got the car home about 15 minutes later, we turned the car off and back on and everything was fine. So far, everything has been working normally ever since. I did take a picture of the black screen as you can see for proof. Please reach out if you need more information.

NHTSA ID 11727530 · filed Mar 27, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I haven’t had no accident in my car

NHTSA ID 11750959 · filed Jul 16, 2026

2nd time ac system stoppped working with 6000. Miles on it after 3rd time same problem it will be under lemon law

NHTSA ID 11739160 · filed May 20, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

When I went to turn the car on last Tuesday (3/24.2026), the entire digital dashboard was black. I tried restarting the car a few times with no resolution. Thankfully, the infotainment screen and heads up display (HUD) were on and working fine. If it was not for the HUD, I would of had no idea what my speed was driving home. However, I was unable to see my gas level or other safety features which is concerning. Once I got the car home about 15 minutes later, we turned the car off and back on and everything was fine. So far, everything has been working normally ever since. I did take a picture of the black screen as you can see for proof. Please reach out if you need more information.

NHTSA ID 11727530 · filed Mar 27, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The Electronic Park Brake (EPB) fails to release when the car is shifted into gear. The park brake dashboard light remains on, and the brake does not release. The problem is intermittent but has occurred multiple times in the first 2 months and 2,000 miles of owning the newly purchased vehicle. The vehicle was purchased in Nov 2025, and in Jan 2026 it was taken to the authorized Toyota service center at the Toyota dealership where it was purchased to have this issue repaired. But Toyota refused to replace any parts. Multiple photographs of the brake failure were provided to the Toyota service center, but they will not replace any parts or do any repairs related to the issue unless they can replicate the intermittent failure while the car is at the service center garage.

NHTSA ID 11713179 · filed Jan 25, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Car vibrates at high speeds. Dealers idea of fixing is to "overinflate tires, drive for 45 minutes and then let hang on lift"

NHTSA ID 11732329 · filed Apr 20, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 3, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 15, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .