Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Toyota Highlander
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is a reliable option, but not without its issues. Pay attention to potential fuel pump and electrical problems in aftermarket windshields, and confirm that proper maintenance has been performed. Roof rail attachments and spare tire pressure require special attention as these have been identified as recall items.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Toyota Highlander has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 272 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V682000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18E107000 Water May Enter Windshield Wire Harness NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V520000 Improperly Torqued Roof Rails Fastener NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V295000 Spare Tire Air Pressure may be Incorrect NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 78 complaints
- Unknown or Other 53 complaints
- Engine 47 complaints
- Electrical System 46 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 28 complaints
- Service Brakes 28 complaints
Of the 272 complaints on file, 18 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 272 complaints, owners report 26 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Fuel pump failure risk
How to check: Inspect records for recall repair on fuel pump
ECM risk from windshield leaks
How to check: Check for aftermarket windshield and inspect for leaks
Loose roof rail attachments
How to check: Examine roof rail stability and fasteners
Brake system complaints
How to check: Test brakes for smooth, consistent stopping
Power train issues reported
How to check: Look for delayed engagement or shifting issues
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for unusual noise or rough idle
Red flag: Loud knocking or stalling
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard for warning lights
Red flag: Check engine light stays on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Listen for transmission shifts
Red flag: Hard shifts or erratic behavior
- 04
Steady speed
What to check: Check for vehicle pulling to one side
Red flag: Constant steering adjustments needed
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth, powerful acceleration
Red flag: Hesitation or engine stutter
- 06
Braking
What to check: Test for smooth, noise-free stopping
Red flag: Grinding noise or vibrations
- 07
Final idle
What to check: Observe for any overheating signs
Red flag: Temperature gauge in red zone
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel pump recall been serviced?
- Is the windshield original or replaced?
- Have the roof rails been checked?
- What maintenance has been done recently?
- Are there any known mechanical issues?
- How often was oil changed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Accident history
- Title and registration
- Warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Toyota Highlander at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Toyota Highlander? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.