NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Safety Ratings
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 16 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander presents one of the stronger safety profiles in the large-SUV segment, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, which places it in the Exceptional band. This high score is underpinned by a 5-star overall NHTSA crash result and a perfect avoidance-tech score.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander ranks 66 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 16 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 66 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
The 2026 Grand Highlander achieves an Exceptional rating in MotorCaliber's safety assessment, with a Safety Index score of 90 out of 100. A 5-star overall crash rating was awarded, supported by a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact protection. Frontal crash tests yielded a 4-star rating, and the vehicle also received 4 stars for rollover resistance, with a 17 percent rollover risk. This two-point improvement over the 2025 model's 88/100 score moves the vehicle into a higher safety band, reflecting significant gains. The Grand Highlander's avoidance technology suite contributes a full 10 out of 10 points to its Safety Index, with standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Its defect record, assessed at 19 out of 20 points, reflects a single recall for this model year. This recall is part of a wider multi-brand campaign addressing back-over prevention display functionality. Crash protection accounts for 61 out of a possible 70 points in the overall index. This year's data profile represents the strongest performance for the Grand Highlander under MotorCaliber's methodology.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact protection is a highlight, earning a perfect 5-star result. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each rated 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk is calculated at 17 percent, with dynamic tip testing concluding in a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21683
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander have any recalls?
One recall has been issued for this model year. The campaign covers back-over prevention and display function, affecting certain 2022 through 2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with the relevant system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data for this campaign. Shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM26V598000
Risk: A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TA19 and 26LA09.
Reported 2026-09-17
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY26V437000
Risk: A broken rear axle carrier can cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle carrier sub-assembly code, and replace the sub-assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB13, 26TA13, 26LB08, and 26LA08.
Reported 2026-07-08
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION25V744000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Reported 2025-10-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
Sixteen complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The top components cited in unverified allegations are Unknown or Other with 6 reports, Engine with 3, and Structure with 3. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
A back-over prevention display function recall has been issued for this model year. Given that this is a current model year vehicle, prospective buyers should verify with NHTSA's recall lookup tool that the necessary remedy has been completed, as open recalls transfer with the vehicle regardless of ownership history.
- The 2026 Safety Index of 90/100 Exceptional represents a band-crossing improvement over the 2025 model year score of 88/100 Strong, the largest year-over-year gain in the Grand Highlander's recent index history.
- NHTSA's crash tests produced a 5-star overall and a perfect 5-star side-impact result for this model year, while frontal and rollover protection each scored 4 stars, making side protection the standout result.
- One active recall exists for this model year covering back-over prevention display function across a broad multi-brand campaign; buyers should verify VIN-specific remedy status through NHTSA before finalizing a purchase.
- Sixteen unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA, with the largest share attributed to Unknown or Other and Engine categories, and zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among those reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander places
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Toyota Grand Highlander safety questions
Was the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 16 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Grand Highlander years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21683), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Grand Highlander 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 66 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.