2023 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems
NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How engine ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 164 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2023 Toyota Highlander overview page.
What owners report
“We live on a farm so the fact there is rodents is no surprise. However strangest thing is the knock sensor harness has been chewed…”NHTSA complaint 11661996 — filed 05/19/2025
“Thereâs a noticeable lag in the engine, especially when starting or turning. Sometimes, itâs almost a full second, which is quite alarming. When I asked…”NHTSA complaint 11658736 — filed 05/04/2025
“Acceleration Issues, engine lag, poor response time and bucking when accelerated is pressed. Dangerous to drive not enough power to merge with traffic and hesitates…”NHTSA complaint 11623355 — filed 11/03/2024
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have engine problems?
Engine is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2023 Toyota Highlander: 27 of 164 complaints on file (16.5%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have in total?
164 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 11 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, 11 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's engine category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
