Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2023 Toyota Highlander
The 2023 Toyota Highlander is generally reliable but has reported issues, particularly with seat locks, rear camera display, and steering column. Check these areas thoroughly during inspection and test drive for potential problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 189 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 #26V128000 Second-Row Seat Backs May Fail to Lock NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V744000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V595000 Instrument Panel Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V040000 Driver's Air Bag May Not Deploy/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V548000 Incorrect Weight Capacity Label/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V452000 Tires with Insufficient Load Rating/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V419000 Insufficient Load Rating on Tires/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V720000 Front Bumper Assembly May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V480000 Driver's Air Bag May Not Deploy/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Unknown or Other 39 complaints
- Structure 32 complaints
- Engine 28 complaints
- Seats 21 complaints
- Power Train 20 complaints
- Service Brakes 20 complaints
Of the 189 complaints on file, 12 report a crash; across all 189 complaints, owners report 12 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Seat recliner doesn't lock
How to check: Attempt to lock second-row seat backs in place.
Rearview camera may freeze
How to check: Engage reverse and check camera display.
Faulty spiral cable connection
How to check: Ensure steering responsiveness is consistent.
Instrument panel software error
How to check: Monitor for warning lights at startup.
Bumper cover detachment
How to check: Inspect bumper cover for secure attachment.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for any warning lights on the dash.
Red flag: Persistent error codes or lights
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe any abnormal sounds from the engine.
Red flag: Loud knocking or hissing
- 03
First acceleration
What to check: Monitor the acceleration response and smoothness.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking motion
- 04
Steering test
What to check: Steering should be smooth and responsive.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering
- 05
Braking
What to check: Feel for smooth and efficient braking action.
Red flag: Vibration or insufficient braking
- 06
Parking
What to check: Engage reverse and check rearview camera.
Red flag: Camera freeze or blank screen
- 07
Final idle
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from HVAC system.
Red flag: Loud fan or strange odors
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering column been serviced?
- Have the seat backs been repaired?
- Any recent issues with the instrument panel?
- Has the rearview camera been updated?
- Are there any recalls pending on this vehicle?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Previous owner history
- Accident reports
- Warranty details
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2023 Toyota Highlander at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2023 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.