The 2017 Highlander is generally reliable, but the 3.5L V6 has a critical oil consumption defect that can destroy engines, and the 8-speed transmission in non-hybrid models has premature failure issues. Hybrids are significantly more durable.
3.5L V6 Excessive Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Low oil light between changes, burning 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Blue exhaust smoke on cold starts or acceleration, Carbon buildup on intake valves causing rough idle and hesitation, Catastrophic engine failure if oil level drops unnoticed
Fix: Piston ring replacement requires full engine teardown (25-35 hours). Many shops recommend short block or remanufactured engine instead due to labor overlap. Toyota extended warranty to 10yr/150k on some VINs but many 2017s excluded. Oil consumption test required for warranty coverage.
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 shifts, especially when cold, Shuddering or slipping during acceleration from stop, Transmission fault codes P0793 (intermediate shaft speed sensor), Complete loss of forward gears, limp mode
Fix: Internal clutch pack wear and valve body issues. Fluid changes every 30k help but don't prevent it. Rebuild requires 18-24 hours; many opt for remanufactured unit. Oil cooler lines also prone to leaks and should be inspected during service.
Estimated cost: $3,800-6,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Reddish fluid dripping under vehicle near front wheels, Low transmission fluid warning or shifting issues, Lines corrode where they connect to radiator assembly
Fix: Steel lines rust through at fittings. Replace both feed and return lines as a pair (3-4 hours). Sometimes requires radiator removal for access. Check for internal radiator contamination if leak went unnoticed long.
Estimated cost: $600-950
Fuel Pump Failure (Recall 20V-490 Related)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Engine stalls without warning, no restart until cool, Rough running, surging at highway speed, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes P0087, P0089, Non-start condition, cranks but won't fire
Fix: Low-pressure fuel pump inside tank fails due to manufacturing defect. Recall covers some VINs but not all 2017s qualified. Replacement requires tank drop (4-5 hours). Use OEM pump only—aftermarket units fail within 20k miles.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Front Engine Mount / Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration at idle, especially with A/C on, Visible engine movement when revving in Park
Fix: Hydraulic mounts leak fluid and collapse. Front and transmission mounts most common. Replace as pairs for best results (3-4 hours combined). Failure won't strand you but makes vehicle unpleasant to drive.
Estimated cost: $550-850
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup (3.5L V6)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires on cold start, Hesitation or stumble during light acceleration, Check engine light with misfire codes P0300-P0306, Reduced fuel economy and throttle response
Fix: Direct injection engines have no fuel washing intake valves. Requires walnut blasting (6-8 hours) to remove deposits. Preventive: use top-tier fuel, Italian tune-up monthly. Some owners add catch cans but results vary.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Owner tips
Check oil level every 500-1,000 miles on 3.5L V6—consumption issues appear suddenly and destroy engines fast
Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime' claim—extends transmission life significantly
Verify your VIN is included in fuel pump recall 20V-490 and get it done even if no symptoms yet
Have PCV valve and intake cleaned every 50k to reduce carbon buildup on direct injection engines
Avoid extended idling—these engines carbon up worse when not at operating temperature under load
Buy the hybrid if possible—bulletproof drivetrain. Non-hybrid V6 is a gamble on oil consumption; budget $5k-8k for potential engine work or walk away.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 18E107000
2018-11-27
Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).
Consequence: The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.
EQUIPMENT · 17V520000
2017-08-23
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.
Consequence: The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly torque the fasteners, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 17R3.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE · 17V295000
2017-05-02
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Consequence: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
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