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.
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 6/11/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2025 Toyota Highlander.