The Toyota Highlander has been a top seller for the automaker for six years. A midsize SUV, it’s fuel efficient and offers buyers all the typical features they need. The 2023 comes with a new turbocharged engine, designed to excite. However, the engine performance delivered is not what many purchasers were expecting. Turbo lag and hesitation during acceleration are reportedly a huge problem. Fuel stench and issues related to front bumper covers detaching have also attracted many complaints.
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Overview
Complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the 2023 Toyota Highlander cover a wide range of systems and components. The most frequently reported issues now involve engine performance, the fuel system, front bumper detachment, and braking.
Our review of recent complaints shows a shift in what owners are experiencing compared to earlier reports. While other concerns remain, many newer filings center on ongoing engine hesitation, fuel system concerns, and problems tied to a major front bumper recall.
2023 Toyota Highlander Complaint Summary
Complaint Category
Number of Complaints
Unknown Or Other
27
27
Engine
26
26
Structure
17
17
Fuel/propulsion System
14
14
Power Train
11
11
Structure:body
11
11
Service Brakes
8
8
Air Bags
7
7
Electrical System
6
6
Vehicle Speed Control
6
6
Engine Hesitation and Acceleration
Engine complaints remain a major concern. Drivers describe hesitation, lag when pressing the accelerator, and unpredictable surges in power. These problems occur during city driving and highway merging, raising safety concerns.
Examples include:
An owner from Arizona who reported “acceleration issues, engine lag, poor response time, and bucking” when the accelerator is pressed.
A Colorado driver who described severe turbo lag, stating it was almost impossible to merge into traffic safely.
An Ohio owner who experienced several near-miss situations because the engine hesitated for a few moments before suddenly jerking forward.
Some dealers have attributed the issue to software but offered no permanent remedy.
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Fuel Odor
Fuel-related complaints range from gasoline odors inside the cabin to visible fuel leaks.
One Texas owner reported that after driving for a while on warm days, the cabin “absolutely reeks of gas” and that fumes can be seen near the filler neck. The smell seeps into the interior and causes headaches and dizziness.
Another owner stated that the odor has caused nausea and that Toyota “doesn’t know how to fix it.” Some dealers have been unable to detect any problem and have sent owners away without repairs.
Front Bumper Recall Problems
A significant number of complaints relate to NHTSA Campaign Number 23V720000, which warns that the front lower bumper cover assembly may detach while driving.
Key issues reported:
Bumper detachment at speed — multiple owners say the bumper came loose or completely detached at highway speeds, sometimes getting lodged under the car and forcing an emergency stop.
Recall remedy delays — months after receiving recall notices, many owners report no repair parts or official fix available. Some have been on waiting lists for more than half a year.
Dealership responses — some drivers were told the recall was “not life-threatening” or that they would need to use insurance for related damage. Others say their calls for repair appointments went unanswered.
Safety risks — owners worry that a loose bumper could strike another vehicle, cause the driver to lose control, or create dangerous road debris
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
Brake-related complaints continue to be serious. Issues include premature rotor wear, brake pedal softness, and sudden surging forward during braking.
One owner reported warped rotors at just 25,000 miles, causing severe vibration during downhill braking. Another described repeated brake system warnings and failures within the first months of ownership.
A driver from Minnesota stated that the vehicle surges forward as if the brakes briefly release, nearly causing a rear-end collision. In Wisconsin, an owner of a 2023 Highlander Hybrid reported daily brake pressure loss when driving downhill or parking, with no fix available.
What If You Have Recurring Problems?
If you are concerned that your 2023 Toyota Highland might be a lemon for any reason, you are welcome to contact Lemberg Law for free advice. Typically, a vehicle may be defined in law as being a lemon when problems recur or affect the value or use of a car.
Lemberg Law has negotiated settlements for many lemon owners, and we may be able to do the same for you. The law says the automaker must pay the legal fees for lemon law cases, which is why it won’t cost you anything. All you have to do is call our Helpline or fill out a contact form.
About the Author:
Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."
