NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
The 2024 Toyota Highlander scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 39 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieves a strong safety profile, evidenced by a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100. This score represents a notable five-point improvement over the 2023 model's 76. Its robust performance in crash tests and full credit for avoidance technology are key contributors to this assessment. However, seven recalls do temper the overall picture for this model year.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Toyota Highlander ranks 116 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 | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 39 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 116 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
What separates the 2024 Highlander Hybrid from its immediate predecessor is a five-point Safety Index jump, moving from 76 and the Average band in 2023 to 81 and the Strong band here. That shift is driven primarily by strong crash-test execution: a 5-star overall NHTSA rating built on a perfect 5-star side score and supported by 61 out of 70 points in crash protection. The avoidance-tech sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment on this trim. The area that costs points is the defect record sub-score, which lands at 9.75 out of a possible 20, a direct consequence of seven recall campaigns. Those campaigns span a notably wide range of safety-critical systems: seat recliner mechanisms, seat belt anchorages, backup-camera display logic, and instrument-cluster electrical behavior. The 39 reported complaints, with alleged crashes and injuries among them, add texture to the defect picture. This is a year where strong active and passive safety hardware coexists with a meaningful recall footprint that used-market shoppers must address before driving.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Highlander Hybrid achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side protection registered a 5-star rating, while both frontal crash and rollover assessments each earned 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model stands at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" result. All safety categories received a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19453
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover this model year. Components flagged include second-row seat recliner assemblies, third-row seat belt anchorages, a backup-camera display function, the instrument cluster and electrical system, and a labeling issue issued through Gulf States Toyota. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but owners should verify each campaign's remedy status by VIN.
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
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE25V872000
Risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
Reported 2025-12-17
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
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
Thirty-nine unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, including alleged 4 crashes and 5 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (12 reports), Service Brakes (8), and the Electrical System (6). All are unverified allegations, not established facts.
39 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
Seven open or recently issued campaigns define the recall landscape for the 2024 Highlander Hybrid, a critical factor for any prospective owner. These recalls address significant safety components including seat structures, seat belt anchorages, and electrical systems. Prior to purchase, it is imperative to verify that all outstanding campaigns have been remedied by a Toyota dealership.
- The 2024 model year Safety Index of 81 represents a five-point improvement over the 2023 Highlander's score of 76, the largest single-year gain in recent model history for this vehicle.
- Seven recall campaigns are attached to this specific model year, covering second-row seat recliners, third-row seat belt anchorages, backup-camera display function, instrument-cluster electrical behavior, and a distributor-level labeling issue.
- The defect record sub-score of 9.75 out of 20 is the weakest component of the Safety Index for this year, reflecting the breadth of those recall campaigns rather than crash-test performance.
- Thirty-nine unverified complaints reported to NHTSA for this model year include alleged brake and electrical system issues; Service Brakes rank second among reported problem areas with 8 alleged complaints.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Toyota Highlander places
The 2024 Toyota Highlander qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Toyota Highlander safety questions
Was the 2024 Toyota Highlander crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Toyota Highlander, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 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 2024 Toyota Highlander crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Toyota Highlander have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Toyota Highlander. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 39 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 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 (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19453), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Highlander 2024.
- 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 116 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.