Most common 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander problems
Share of the 42 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Grand Highlander complaints by model year
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander recalls (3)
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX350, RX500 Hybrid, TX500 Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 2, 2026.
Power train › Axle assembly
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX Plug-In Hybrid, TX Hybrid, TX, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Grand Highlander vehicles. The rear axle carriers may have been manufactured with insufficient material strength and could break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle carrier sub-assembly code, and replace the sub-assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2026.
Back over prevention › Display function
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander:
Road debris/rocks damaging the heat exchangers
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.
What 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander owners say
Body & structure
My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum has an issue that is commonly referred to as "cabin boom". It occurs at approximately 30mph going over bumps or rough patches in the road. When it occurs it creates a droning noise that amplifies the bump or rough surface you drove over and also creates a cabin pressure similar to flying on an airplane. This issue has caused significant ear pressure and headaches from driving my brand new vehicle. As a chronic migraine sufferer, this is unacceptable when you commute 25 miles to and from work. The issue has been reproduced by the Toyota dealership and they are currently in a waiting phase of next steps from Toyota corporate engineers on how to fix the issue, however there is no timeline on a resolution. Considering this has been an issue for over two years I find it unacceptable. …
About two months after purchasing my new 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, I noticed the air conditioning had stopped cooling. I did not notice any impact, so I do not know exactly when the damage occurred. I drive normally on public roads and do not go off road. The vehicle had approximately 7000 miles when the problem was found. There were no warning lights or messages. The only symptom was the AC blowing warm air, which I first noticed around September 25, 2026. Tansky Sawmill Toyota in Dublin, Ohio inspected the vehicle on [date] and found the AC condenser had been punctured by a rock or road debris. The dealer classified it as road damage and declined warranty coverage. The repair cost $2005.03. The damaged part is / is not available for inspection. I have the repair order and photos of the damage. …
Engine & cooling
Failed System: Fuel Injector Failure (?) at high speeds, under load (uphill), causing an immediate and life threatening loss of power. While traveling on the highway, going up mountainous areas, the vehicle loses power and shakes violently. During multiple repairs/visits, the dealerships state that it is the failure of fuel injectors. They are replaced, and it happens again with the same explanation. Safety: Three times my family has lost power at 70mph while traveling uphill surrounded by many cars. The last event ended in a a scary and close interaction with an 18 wheel truck that was unable to stop as we lost power. Dealer Confirmation: The dealer has confirmed, on two separate occasions, that the fuel injectors needed replaced. The vehicle has 3,000 miles on it. At 2,000 miles, damage was found to the fuel injectors. They were replaced and the car was placed back in my possession. …
During normal highway driving, a small road rock/debris entered through the front grille and damaged the radiator/heat exchanger. The damage caused coolant to leak, and the vehicle subsequently lost propulsion and became disabled. I had to stop driving the vehicle and have it inspected and repaired by a Toyota dealer. The Toyota dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the radiator/heat exchanger was damaged by an outside object and was leaking. The dealer indicated that rocks or road debris can cause this type of damage. The total repair cost was approximately $1,350. I am concerned that the large openings in the front grille allow ordinary road debris to reach the radiator/heat exchanger, which is not adequately protected. …
Fuel & propulsion system
Failed System: Fuel Injector Failure (?) at high speeds, under load (uphill), causing an immediate and life threatening loss of power. While traveling on the highway, going up mountainous areas, the vehicle loses power and shakes violently. During multiple repairs/visits, the dealerships state that it is the failure of fuel injectors. They are replaced, and it happens again with the same explanation. Safety: Three times my family has lost power at 70mph while traveling uphill surrounded by many cars. The last event ended in a a scary and close interaction with an 18 wheel truck that was unable to stop as we lost power. Dealer Confirmation: The dealer has confirmed, on two separate occasions, that the fuel injectors needed replaced. The vehicle has 3,000 miles on it. At 2,000 miles, damage was found to the fuel injectors. They were replaced and the car was placed back in my possession. …
Design flaw of front grille of vehicle causing major damage. Due to the large gaps in front grille, the vehicle is susceptible to rock damage to the coolant system. Under normal highway driving, coolant started to leak and immediate power loss put my wife at risk. She was unable to accelerate to maintain speed while on a busy highway. There are no immediate signs for damage since any small rock can pass through the grille and create multiple punctures. You don't know something is wrong until symptomatic and then your placed at risk and also others around you.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 37 / 34 / 36 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | AWD | 36 / 32 / 34 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo hybrid | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 26 / 27 / 27 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander a good car?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2026 Grand Highlander rates average: 36% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Grand Highlander at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
The body & structure — 10 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the engine & cooling (7) and fuel & propulsion system (5).
How many recalls does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, the most recent from September 17, 2026 (arm). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 10,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.