NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 207 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 4 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH24 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander receives a 3.4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 207 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 4 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports with a median failure point at 20,000 miles (IQR: 18,00025,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $1,400 – $3,800 .

Toyota Grand Highlander PlatformToyota Grand Highlander Series
DLC Port: Driver side lower knee panel above dead pedal

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
3.4 / 10

46 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
207

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
4

4 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Grand Highlander Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity87% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

52
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):20,000 milesIQR: 18,00025,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756305 • Filed: 08/11/2026

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 situati...

ODI #11754520 • Filed: 08/03/2026Odometer: 20,000 mi

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....

ODI #11753270 • Filed: 07/28/2026

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, occasionally there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the f...

#2 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity82% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

46
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):9,528 milesIQR: 2,26621,066 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756305 • Filed: 08/11/2026

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 situati...

ODI #11752231 • Filed: 07/22/2026Odometer: 34,000 mi

I own a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid MAX with approximately 34,000 miles. The vehicle has experienced repeated delayed or absent acceleration from a complete stop, creating a serious risk when entering traffic. Before the most recent repair, I reported intermit...

ODI #11750786 • Filed: 07/16/2026

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 ve...

#3 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity84% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

38
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):46,350 milesIQR: 39,27559,288 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11748006 • Filed: 07/02/2026Odometer: 45,700 mi

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 almo...

ODI #11739699 • Filed: 05/23/2026

On ..., 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...

ODI #11736129 • Filed: 05/06/2026Odometer: 47,000 mi

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 h...

#4 STEERING & SUSPENSIONMedium Severity68% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

33
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):5,000 milesIQR: 5,00020,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11753270 • Filed: 07/28/2026

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, occasionally there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the f...

ODI #11748006 • Filed: 07/02/2026Odometer: 45,700 mi

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 almo...

ODI #11734470 • Filed: 04/29/2026

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 — vehicl...

#5 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYMedium Severity80% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

32
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):20,000 milesIQR: 18,37858,075 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11750786 • Filed: 07/16/2026

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 ve...

ODI #11746510 • Filed: 06/25/2026Odometer: 16,755 mi

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 instructe...

ODI #11745922 • Filed: 06/23/2026

Vehicle: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max The vehicle intermittently experiences a severe hesitation and shudder during acceleration from approximately 0-40 mph. The condition occurs only under specific circumstances: -The vehicle has been parked long enough for the eng...

#6 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity73% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

22
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):39,850 milesIQR: 36,92542,775 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11754401 • Filed: 08/03/2026

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 f...

ODI #11753688 • Filed: 07/30/2026

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...

ODI #11752231 • Filed: 07/22/2026Odometer: 34,000 mi

I own a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid MAX with approximately 34,000 miles. The vehicle has experienced repeated delayed or absent acceleration from a complete stop, creating a serious risk when entering traffic. Before the most recent repair, I reported intermit...

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONMedium Severity66% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

10
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):8,500 milesIQR: 8,5008,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756482 • Filed: 08/12/2026

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact believed that the odor was caused by a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to ...

ODI #11668306 • Filed: 06/21/2025Odometer: 8,500 mi

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? UNKNOWN How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle stalling and not accelerating after coming to a complete stop. Vehicle decelerating and hesitating when e...

ODI #11649434 • Filed: 03/20/2025

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact was unable to fill the fuel tank completely. The contact stated that the fuel tank had a 17-gallon capacity; however, the contact was only able to get more than 10 gallons into the tank. Additionally, the contact sta...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (4)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #24V461000Reported: 20/06/2024

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Lexus TX350, TX500 Hybrid, and TX550 Hybrid+ vehicles. The driver and passenger side curtain air bags may not unroll as intended and could partially deploy outside of an open window. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Safety Consequence: An improper deployment of the side curtain air bag can reduce occupant protection during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger curtain shield air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB09/24TA09 and Lexus' numbers are 24LB05/24LA05.
NHTSA Campaign #24V548000Reported: 23/07/2024

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Safety Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
NHTSA Campaign #25V595000Reported: 11/09/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.

Safety Consequence: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
NHTSA Campaign #25V744000Reported: 30/10/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Summary: 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. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Before purchasing a used 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Is the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander a reliable used car?

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander earns a 3.4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 207 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander?

The leading complaint category is Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports, with a median failure point around 20,000 miles (IQR: 18,00025,000 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander?

Yes, the NHTSA records 4 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.