2023 Toyota Highlander: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
First turbo-4 year drops the V6 and its UA80 8-speed; powertrain complaints fall sharply. Minor early-build seat-latch and bumper-trim niggles, otherwise a reliable, well-equipped three-row. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2023 Toyota Highlander ranged from $36,620 to $49,475 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
First turbo-4 year drops the V6 and its UA80 8-speed; powertrain complaints fall sharply. Minor early-build seat-latch and bumper-trim niggles, otherwise a reliable, well-equipped three-row.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/highlander
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/toyota-highlander-buying-guide
Known issues
-
Brake feel can lurch or briefly lose pressure during the regenerative-to-friction braking transition, mostly on hybrid models.
occasional · brake
-
Second-row seat-back latch concerns and inadequate seat support reported on early turbo-era builds.
occasional · body
-
Front bumper assembly and trim detachment reported by some owners.
isolated · body
-
Intermittent gasoline odor and minor fuel-system complaints.
isolated · fuel
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/toyota-highlander-buying-guide
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Roomy, quiet three-row cabin with an upgraded, well-built interior.
- Turbo-4 drops the failure-prone V6/UA80 8-speed combo; markedly fewer powertrain complaints.
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense driver aids and strong crash scores.
- Runs on regular fuel with strong resale value and Toyota longevity.
Cons
- Turbo-4 sounds coarser and feels less refined under hard acceleration than the old V6.
- Third row is tight for adults compared with larger rivals.
- Some early-build brake-feel, seat-latch and trim complaints.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | $36,620 | discontinued | — | — |
| LE | $39,020 | discontinued | — | — |
| XLE | $42,020 | $45,870 | — | — |
| XSE | $43,615 | $47,940 | — | — |
| Limited | $46,275 | $50,325 | — | — |
| Platinum | $49,475 | $53,525 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2023-toyota-highlander-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-highlander-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($36,620). Higher trims started higher (up to $49,475), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2023 loses roughly another 31% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-highlander/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,200–2,300/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/highlander
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/toyota-highlander-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have?
Documented issue patterns include: Brake feel can lurch or briefly lose pressure during the regenerative-to-friction braking transition, mostly on hybrid models; Second-row seat-back latch concerns and inadequate seat support reported on early turbo-era builds; Front bumper assembly and trim detachment reported by some owners; Intermittent gasoline odor and minor fuel-system complaints. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander reliable?
First turbo-4 year drops the V6 and its UA80 8-speed; powertrain complaints fall sharply. Minor early-build seat-latch and bumper-trim niggles, otherwise a reliable, well-equipped three-row.
How much did the 2023 Toyota Highlander cost new?
Between $36,620 and $49,475 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Toyota Highlander expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.