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Overview
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has major issues with many of its components and systems including the airbags, transmission, electrical system, structure, and brakes (NHTSA). While it’s a brand new model, sitting between the smaller Highlander and larger Sequoia, it features its own style and technology. Yet, many new drivers are finding significant flaws, common with recently-released models until the bugs get worked out. This is why it’s often recommended to avoid the first model in a lineup.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Complaint Summary
Complaint Category
Number of Complaints
Unknown Or Other
29
29
Air Bags
24
24
Power Train
20
20
Fuel/propulsion System
11
11
Structure:body
11
11
Vehicle Speed Control
11
11
Engine
9
9
Electrical System
7
7
Suspension
7
7
Visibility/wiper
4
4
Transmission
Transmission hesitation: When many drivers accelerate at low speeds or after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle hesitates and doesn’t pick up power. Some owners report that when it starts to accelerate it feels as if it is going to stall, but then it revs up higher than it should. Many say that it happens often, while others say it is an occasional issue. Either way, it is a significant safety risk.
Noisy transmission: The transmission makes clunking or clicking noises when drivers turn the steering wheel. Consumer reports say the issue lies with faulty CV axles. Even though Toyota has corrected this problem on newer vehicles, they did not issue a bulletin or recall for those affected.
Electrical System
Malfunctioning center console display: The display stops working, sometimes as soon as the day after the new SUV is picked up. Drivers have reported the system reboots or only shows one display, such as the rearview camera. For others, the display works, but it has a cloudy appearance to it. Either way, the defects become a distraction that can lead to an accident.
Warning lights illuminated: The warning lights are designed to tell when there’s a problem with a vital system, yet Grand Highlander drivers find faulty warnings that lead to uneasiness when deciding whether to drive.
Cruise control doesn’t activate: During the warning lights problem, the cruise control fails to work as it should. While this may be a simple nuisance for some, it just adds to the defects that a brand-new vehicle costing nearly 50k shouldn’t exhibit.
Digital Key fails to work: Drivers are struggling to get the digital key working. It often requires the user to place the key fob directly on the start button when it works at all.
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Airbags
Airbags don’t deploy: A June 2024 stop sale and recall confirms consumer complaints that there is a problem with deployment if front windows are down. Toyota states that about 145,00 U.S. vehicles are implicated.
Recall repair parts are not available: Months after the airbag recall, owners report that the parts needed to do the recall repair are not available. This is a major safety issue.
Structural
Shattering moonroof: Toyota is now dealing with defective sunroof glass, with owners reporting the moonroof shatters for no reason. Drivers are hearing a loud bang, similar to a gunshot, and the moonroof shatters into tons of pieces, leading to potential injury.
Vibrating hood: Drivers report that the hood of the Grand Highlander vibrates with varying intensity depending on the road surface.
Vibrating door: The same sounds can be heard from the door, with a loud vibration occurring when driving over a rough road surface.
Dancing side mirrors: When the stereo is playing, the side mirrors often shake with the music. As the glass vibrates, it becomes difficult to use the mirrors to see what’s behind or alongside the SUV.
Hot hood support rod: When going under the hood to check fluids or perform maintenance, drivers find the hood support rod gets so hot that it can quickly cause dangerous burns. Injuries have occurred, proving that Toyota hasn’t put enough care into this build.
Brakes
Soft brakes: Drivers report that the brakes feel soft when the pedal is pushed down. In some cases, it can feel that the brakes aren’t going to grab at all.
Too much travel: There’s a lot of play and travel in the brake pedal, making it difficult to stop the large SUV as soon as it should. This problem could lead to potential accidents.
Recalls
By September 2024, Toyota had issued two recalls that affected the 2024 Grand Highlander. One relates to an issue with an incorrect weight capacity label that might result in overloading. The other is due to curtain airbags not deploying properly. It states, “The driver and passenger side curtain airbags may not unroll as intended and could partially deploy outside of an open window.” This, of course, can reduce occupant protection during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What If You Have Recurring Problems?
If you’re facing recurring safety issues or persistent problems with your vehicle, you may have bought a lemon. Negotiating with the manufacturer can be tough. At Lemberg Law, we specialize in lemon law cases and have successfully secured buybacks, trade-ins, and replacements for our clients.
Contact us via our Helpline or online for a free case evaluation. Remember, manufacturers like Toyota are obligated to cover legal costs for lemon law cases. Trust Lemberg Law to fight for your rights and achieve a fair resolution.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
