NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
The 2023 Toyota Highlander scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 9 recalls, and 162 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Nine recall campaigns significantly impact the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's safety profile, contributing to a defect-record sub-score of only 5/20. Despite strong crash-test results, these recalls pull the overall NHTSA Safety Index down to 76/100, placing the vehicle in the Average band and marking a decline from the prior year.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earns a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Toyota Highlander ranks 123 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 | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 9 |
| Owner complaints | 162 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 123 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
The 2023 Highlander exhibits a concerning shift in its safety profile, with a four-point decrease in the NHTSA Safety Index, landing it at 76/100 in the Average band. This decline from the 2022 model's Strong 80/100 score is largely attributable to the defect record component, which contributed only 5 out of a possible 20 points for the 2023 model year. Nine recall campaigns have been issued, addressing issues from seat recliners and backup camera display logic to instrument cluster electronics and the steering column. In terms of crash protection, the vehicle demonstrates greater strength, earning 61 out of a possible 70 points. This is supported by its 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a No Tip result in dynamic rollover testing. Standard equipment for this model includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, contributing to a full 10/10 score in avoidance technology. The 162 owner complaints reported, while unverified, indicate a range of potential system defects, underscoring the need for close observation of the ongoing recall activity for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a 5-out-of-5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-crash protection was perfect, earning 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The Highlander Hybrid's rollover risk stands at 16 percent, with dynamic tip testing confirming a No Tip result, contributing to its 4-out-of-5-star rollover rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18608
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes, nine recall campaigns cover the 2023 Highlander. Named components include second-row seat recliner assemblies, the backup-camera display function, the instrument cluster and electrical system, the steering column, and vehicle labeling. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER26V128000
Risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Reported 2026-03-05
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V595000
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's cus
Reported 2025-09-11
STEERING:COLUMN25V040000
Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
Reported 2025-01-29
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V548000
Risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
Reported 2024-07-23
TIRES24V452000
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
Reported 2024-06-18
TIRES24V419000
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
Reported 2024-06-06
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS23V720000
Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Reported 2023-10-26
STEERING:COLUMN23V480000
Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Reported 2023-07-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
A total of 162 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged 11 crashes and 11 injuries. Top components cited in these unverified allegations are Unknown Or Other (38 reports), Structure (30), Engine (27), Service Brakes (16), Fuel/Propulsion System (15), and Power Train (15).
162 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
With nine recall campaigns on record, any shopper considering a used 2023 Highlander should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Confirming which remedies have been completed at a dealership is the single most important safety step a used-market buyer can take.
- The Safety Index dropped four points from the 2022 model year (80/100, Strong) to 76/100 (Average) for 2023, with the defect-record sub-score of 5/20 as the primary driver of that decline.
- Nine recall campaigns are on record for this specific model year, covering seat recliner assemblies, backup-camera display function, instrument-cluster electronics, the steering column, and vehicle labeling, an unusually broad spread of systems.
- NHTSA crash testing returned a 5-star overall rating with a perfect 5-star side score; frontal and rollover protection each rated 4 stars, and the dynamic tip test produced a No Tip result with a 16 percent rollover risk figure.
- 162 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with unverified allegations touching Structure, Engine, Service Brakes, and the Fuel/Propulsion System among the most frequently cited components.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Toyota Highlander places
The 2023 Toyota Highlander qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Toyota Highlander safety questions
Was the 2023 Toyota Highlander crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Toyota Highlander, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Toyota Highlander crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Toyota 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 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Toyota Highlander have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 9 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 162 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Toyota Highlander. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Highlander years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18608), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Highlander 2023.
- 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 123 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.