2017 Toyota Highlander · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 25owner reports
- 34,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 10, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
113 of the 267 complaints on this car are about the engine. 25 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 25 reports
Misfire on other Highlander years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Toyota Highlander, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Highlander
Unintended and uncontrolled acceleration. Closed mar 1, 2011, led to recall 11V-112.
Engine seizure. Closed jun 20, 2002.
None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 11,980 and 66,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 9 service bulletins or notices for the 2017 Toyota Highlander that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2017 ? 2019 model year Highlander HV vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ? P0301 ? Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected ? P0302 ? Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected ? P0303 ? Cylinder 3 Misfire ...
Customer Support Program Bulletin: Toyota has received reports indicating potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination, in the subject ...
Some 2014 ? 2018 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following conditions.
Region Email: Toyota has received reports about potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination, in the subject vehicles that are equipped ...
5 more on the 2017 Toyota Highlander page.
What owners wrote
“After getting gas, the vehicle will not start. It will crank and crank but not turn over, like it is starving for gas. Then after 10-15 minutes it will start barely and to keep it running I have to floor the accelerator. Any other time it starts just fine. There are also no codes causing a check engine light.”
Filed Jul 14, 2025
“Car is shaking heavily when stopped. Several misfires while engaging the brakes. Mechanic is telling me that he has seen many vehicles of this model with faulty purge valves.”
Filed Jun 19, 2025
“Car wonât start after getting gas. Check engine like comes off and on. Rough stopping and getting up to speed. When issue with getting to speed on highway put us in dangers way. Not being able to start vehicle multiple times for long period concerning and frightening for family.”
Filed Aug 3, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 25 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 48 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 29 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 25 reports