2026 Toyota Grand Highlander recalls and problems

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander has 3 safety recalls and 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
57
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander recalls

Recall 26V-598: Steering

Reported Sep 17, 2026 · 617 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX350, RX500 Hybrid, TX500 Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.

Risk: A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TA19 and 26LA09.

Recall 26V-437: Power Train

Reported Jul 8, 2026 · 5,408 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX Plug-In Hybrid, TX Hybrid, TX, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Grand Highlander vehicles. The rear axle carriers may have been manufactured with insufficient material strength and could break.

Risk: A broken rear axle carrier can cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle carrier sub-assembly code, and replace the sub-assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB13, 26TA13, 26LB08, and 26LA08.

Recall 25V-744: Back Over Prevention

Reported Oct 30, 2025 · 1,024,407 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other19
Structure11
Engine9
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Forward Collision Avoidance4
Power Train4
Service Brakes3
Electrical System3
Visibility/Wiper3
Seats3
Lane Departure2
Vehicle Speed Control2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 10
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 1
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hood — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Nov 11, 2026
A rock or large insect went through the massive openings on the car’s front grille and went through the condenser destroying the air conditioning system in the car. This issue was confirmed by the insurance adjuster and a Toyota dealership and local repair shop. Both confirmed the issue was likely due to the large openings in the grille. The part is not available for inspection, as it has been replaced by a Toyota dealership, however Toyota did not consider this warranty work and I had to pay for the repair out of pocket even though the car was less than a year old.
Steering · reported Nov 9, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint for a severe steering/drivetrain defect causing dynamic alignment deflection, unexpected braking feedback, and a vehicle control hazard on my 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (16k miles). The vehicle has a severe rotational grumbling noise under low acceleration and right after letting off the brake. On braking, a violent mechanical "thunking" noise occurs in the front chassis. The brakes also exhibit a distinct physical grinding sensation through the pedal under normal stops, despite a formal inspection confirming pads, rotors, and calipers are free of defects. The…
Engine · reported Nov 9, 2026
I was traveling while on cruise with the max distance set between another vehicle and I. A rock popped up and managed to propel itself through the poorly designed and inadequately designed grill and into my condenser. I am apart of many Highlander support groups and this seems to be an issue with a lot of people. They have to take it upon themselves to install a mesh to prevent road debris entering through their grill. This could have been a significant safety issue had it been my radiator. Now I am out $2,000 due to faulty design on Highlander grill and I haven’t even made my first car…
Visibility/Wiper · reported Nov 9, 2026
On September 10th 2026 a cracked windshield was replaced by PAULY TOYOTA in Crystal Lake. The re installed windshield is unsafe/defective. I reported the problem to the dealership and TOYOTA corporate. I went back to the dealership 3 times, they cleaned the windshield and stated it was my washer fluid and after refilling with shop washer fluid its all good. Then they said it is the outside influence. It was also inspected by certified, independent glass company that confirmed that the windshield is defective and needs to be replaced because its unsafe. THe corporate officially refused to…
Unknown or Other · reported Nov 5, 2026
Experiencing a cabin boom. Low frequency noise and car is changing cabin pressure. Happening when going slower and over bumps or imperfections in the road. Causing severe ear pain to the point the car is not drivable. Toyota saying it is known and normal for the vehicle and will not fix it.

Other Toyota Grand Highlander years

Compare all Toyota Grand Highlander years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: 26V-598 (steering), 26V-437 (power train), 25V-744 (back over prevention). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (19 reports), followed by structure (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.