Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is generally reliable but has some important issues to address. Significant recalls include problems with the seat belt anchor, instrument panel, and back-up camera software. Ensure these are fixed before purchasing.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2025 Toyota Highlander has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 10 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 #25V872000 Incorrectly Installed Third Row Seat Belt Anchor NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V744000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V595000 Instrument Panel Failure NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 3 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 2 complaints
- Service Brakes 2 complaints
- Unknown or Other 2 complaints
- Electrical System 1 complaint
- Engine and Engine Cooling 1 complaint
Of the 10 complaints on file, 2 report a crash; across all 10 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Incorrect seat belt angle
How to check: Inspect third-row center seat belt anchor angle.
Rearview camera may freeze
How to check: Test rearview camera function while reversing.
Instrument panel startup error
How to check: Check for errors in instrument panel info.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Start engine, listen for unusual noises.
Red flag: Knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check instrument panel for error messages.
Red flag: Error messages displayed
- 03
Reversing
What to check: Rearview camera clarity and response time.
Red flag: Camera freezing or blank
- 04
City driving
What to check: Check seat belt fit and function.
Red flag: Loose or non-clicking belts
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Smoothness and responsiveness of acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or lag in response
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Any persistent warning lights?
- Has the instrument panel caused issues?
- How responsive is the rearview camera?
- Issues with seat belts in the back?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Proof of recall repairs
- Full service history
- Vehicle title
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2025 Toyota Highlander at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2025 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.