2025 TOYOTA Grand Highlander

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

2RecallsNHTSA Verified25ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander faces notable reliability concerns, particularly due to issues with its electrical system and back-over prevention features. With a significant number of complaints and premature failures within the first 20,000 miles, potential buyers should approach with caution.

Key Factor:Electrical system vulnerabilities

📋Why This Matters

The presence of recalls related to the electrical system and back-over prevention in the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander raises serious safety considerations for owners and prospective buyers alike. The failure of critical instruments important for vehicle operation and safety can compromise driver confidence and safety on the road. Furthermore, the fact that both recalls pertain to software errors signals a potential oversight in quality assurance at Toyota during this model year, an issue that could tarnish the brand’s reputation for reliability.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Acceleration Issues
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
    📝
    Summary: Historically, Toyota has cultivated a strong reputation for producing dependable vehicles; however, recent developments regarding the Grand Highlander's electrical systems introduce a troubling trend. Compared to previous models known for their reliability, this year's iteration appears less favorable, suggesting a departure from Toyota's esteemed engineering legacy.
Critical Component: Acceleration Issues

Safety & Reliability Score

83/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-1.25
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2025 TOYOTA Grand Highlander

Model Year2025
MakeTOYOTA
ModelGrand Highlander
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan25
NEWProduction
Jan25
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar25
ISSUEFirst Report
Nov25
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

5 complaints (20% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 25 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
2(8%)
🟡Medium
4(16%)
🟢Low
19(76%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

The peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates that many owners may encounter problems shortly after purchase—well before routine maintenance is typically due. This underscores the necessity for prospective buyers to scrutinize vehicle histories and for current owners to remain vigilant about any signs of malfunction early in their ownership.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 4 of 25 complaints (16% coverage)
0-20k
4 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMBACK OVER PREVENTION

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electrical System

Issue: Instrument panel failure to display critical information like speed or brake warnings.

✅

Monitor instrument panel behavior closely; report any failures immediately.

🔍

Confirm if recall repairs have been completed before purchase.

Campaign:NHTSA Campaign Numbers: not specified
2

Back Over Prevention System

Issue: Rearview camera freezing or showing a blank screen when reversing, compromising visibility.

✅

Ensure rearview camera functionality prior to every drive; seek software updates as necessary.

🔍

Check whether rearview camera functionality has been verified or updated during service visits.

Campaign:NHTSA Campaign Numbers: not specified
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your TOYOTA dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 25V595000

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.

Consequence

An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument panel software 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. 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.

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Campaign: 25V744000

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."

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.

Remedy

Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 16, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. 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.

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

25 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2025 Grand Highlander.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Acceleration Issues20%
Warning20%
Leak16%
Shatter12%
Stall8%
Explode8%
Crack8%
Check Engine Light8%
Body/Interior🔶 Medium
CHILD SEAT

The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander with an Evenflo Revolve 360 Slim car seat, Model Number: 36812470A, Manufactured Date: December 12, 2022, installed in the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25C010000 (Child Seat). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the child secured in the car seat, the contact became aware that there was an object in the child’s mouth. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and removed a foam piece from the child's mouth. The contact inspected the car seat and became aware that the foam was from the headrest. Medical attention was not needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure, but the contact stated that the manufacturer mailed tape to cover the exposed areas of the car seat.

Dec 16, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Shortly after powering on the GHHM vehicle, driving a short distance, coming to a stop and depressing the accelerator the vehicle does not accelerate as though no power is getting to the drive train. This does not often happen but has always happened when the EV battery level is 3 bars or less and the vehicle is in its Normal mode (as opposed to Sport or ECO). This acceleration failure event lasts for a few seconds. No warning indicators are displayed prior to, during or after this happens. The dealer checked the vehicle on 30AUG2025, was not able to reproduce, but applied a firmware update TSB-0040-25, which has not solved the problem. Took it back to dealer on 14OCT2025, but the dealer was again not able to reproduce the problem. It poses a safety risk when attempting to cross intersections or entering round-abouts and the vehicle can only move at a coasting speed instead of the expected normal acceleration.

Nov 22, 2025Open
Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving at approximately 50 MPH with no other vehicles around, there was a loud bang and then the sound of air. We identified that the panoramic sunroof had exploded. We pulled over immediately and took photos of the sunroof which at that time was shattered but intact. There was a clear bulge upward and no sign of impact from an outside force. We then continued driving to our home approximately another 40 miles, during that drive shards of glass flew onto the roadway leaving a hole in the sunroof of approximately 10-12 inches. We brought the vehicle to Toyota dealership for a warranty repair. Toyota refuses to cover under warranty, stating outside influence. I am confident there was no outside influence causing the glass to explode. The vehicle is a 2025 Grand Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited with approximately 9000 miles on it, the incident happened on Nov 2nd. 2025 around noon. Weather was mild, 50-60 degrees F, no precipitation or severe winds.

Nov 17, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Inconsistently but on numerous occasions, this vehicle has experienced harsh shifting, hesitation, or jerking during low-speed acceleration (e.g., 20-40 mph) or gear engagement. This was a known and reported issue with the 2024 model for which Toyota provided a fix. They have not provided one for the 2025 models. This issue is a safety risk while driving because with the surge you feel you must quickly let off the pedal, and with the hesitation you let off the brake indicating you will move forward yet the vehicle doesn’t accelerate.

Nov 14, 2025Open
Body/Interior⚠️ High
STRUCTURE

On 11/02/2025 with the cruise at 55mph all glass closed. Heater on with no vehicles around, the sunroof exploded. It pushed up from the inside. With less than 9k miles on the vehicle. It took my dealer 8 days to look at it then Toyota denied the warranty. Then Quoted me over $2,100 to replace. This vehicle isn't safe to drive as told to me from the dealer.

Nov 11, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There is a coolant leak in the hybrid radiator caused by a puncture. When taken to the dealer, they said a rock must have punctured it. The dealer currently has the part. Me, my husband, and 2 children were driving on I-5 when the car stopped accelerating and a "hybrid malfucntion" code and "engine malfunction" code started flashing. Prior to this, there were no warnings. I was thankfully able to full over safely, but we were stuck on the side of I-5 for at least an hour waiting for a tow. I am reading online that this is an issue with the car and seems to be a design flaw. The gaps in the grill are too large, and there is no mesh or anything else behind the grill to protect the front end of the car.

Nov 4, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

Poor acceleration from 0 to 40. Vehicle will start shuttering at a dead stop. The engine has shut off once with this issue. It happened around 4800 miles.

Oct 28, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sun roof shattered unprovoked in 2 month old vehicle while driving slowly in parking lot. We didn't know what happened at first but then opened interior lining and the shattered glass fell into the cabin; nobody was hurt. when we took this to dealership, we were told this wasn't under warrantee and we had to get it fixed independently. I filed a complaint with Toyota Care but they denied covering cost to fix the shattered sun roof. We did not have the shattered sun roof inspected by anybody else but it has been fixed by glass shop.

Oct 16, 2025Open
Visibility🔵 Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield is prone to cracks and chips. Experienced multiple chips/cracks going at various speeds with precaution to other vehicles.

Sep 9, 2025Under Review
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am told my 2025 Grand Highlander has a hole in the AC Condenser from "road debris" according to a Toyota dealership leading to no air conditioning. I've never taken the car off-roading. A simple google search shows that others are having this issue and are buying extra netting to protect it from happening again. I'm told I need to pay $1,800 to have this fixed when I haven't even had the car for a year. This seems like a design flaw that needs to be addressed.

Aug 28, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common issues reported with the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander?'

'Common issues reported include electrical faults affecting the instrument cluster and problems with back-over prevention systems due to software glitches. Owners have noted these issues can lead to safety concerns as vital driving information may be obscured.'

'How does the mileage affect reliability in newer Toyota models?'

'For newer models like the 2025 Grand Highlander, warranty claims often present themselves within initial ownership miles (0-20k). Therefore, ensuring thorough inspections within this range is critical as defects can arise unexpectedly early in a vehicle's life cycle.'

📊Year-over-Year Context

📈Improving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2025 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2024 issues. Recall frequency decreased 50%.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 2 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your TOYOTA dealer.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in TOYOTA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
  • This specific Grand Highlander year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.