Own a Toyota Grand Highlander in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Toyota Grand Highlander for model years 2024 to 2027. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Grand Highlander owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 323 owner complaints on file for the Grand Highlander and 5 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (70), engine (52), fuel/propulsion system (47).
Most-Reported Toyota Grand Highlander Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Grand Highlander (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 70 | 21% | |
| Engine | 52 | 16% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 47 | 14% | |
| Air Bags | 33 | 10% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 31 | 9% | |
| Structure | 28 | 8% | |
| Electrical System | 28 | 8% | |
| Suspension | 17 | 5% |
Power Train
70 of the 323 complaints (21%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Engine
52 of the 323 complaints (16%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Fuel/Propulsion System
47 of the 323 complaints (14%) mention the fuel system. Fuel system problems can cause stalling, hard starts and poor mileage. We test fuel delivery and related sensors to find the real cause. See our no-start diagnostics and check engine light diagnostics pages.
Toyota Grand Highlander Complaints by Model Year
The Grand Highlander model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2024, 2025. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 244 | |
| 2025 | 79 |
Toyota Grand Highlander Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Grand Highlander, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Toyota.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Grand Highlander? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Toyota Grand Highlander Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the Grand Highlander in these model years, most often involving equipment, air bags, electrical system. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Equipment (campaign 26V179000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand...
- 2025 recall, Electrical System (campaign 25V595000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota...
- 2025 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 25V744000): 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.
- 2024 recall, Air Bags (campaign 24V461000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Lexus TX350, TX500 Hybrid, and TX550 Hybrid+ vehicles.
- 2024 recall, Equipment (campaign 24V548000): Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla,...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Grand Highlander, 7 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 3 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Toyota Grand Highlander Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Toyota will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Grand Highlander that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Grand Highlander owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Toyota Grand Highlander, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Toyota Grand Highlander Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Toyota Grand Highlander repair service, or choose a service below.
Toyota Grand Highlander FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Toyota Grand Highlander?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Toyota Grand Highlander are power train (70), engine (52), fuel/propulsion system (47). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Grand Highlander model years have the most complaints?
The Grand Highlander model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2024, 2025. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Toyota Grand Highlander?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Toyota Grand Highlander. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Toyota Grand Highlander have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the Toyota Grand Highlander across model years 2024 to 2027. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Toyota Grand Highlander in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Toyota vehicles including the Grand Highlander, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Toyota Grand Highlander?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Toyota Grand Highlander in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Toyota Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.