NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
The 2025 Toyota Highlander scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 7 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, despite its strong crash-test performance, is affected by three active recall campaigns. These recalls temper an otherwise robust showing in the federal safety data. The vehicle achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, positioning it in the Strong band, indicating a well-supported safety profile for its segment.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received an overall 5-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Toyota Highlander ranks 90 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 | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 7 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 90 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The 2025 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Highlander Hybrid in safety terms. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed to 88 out of 100 from 81 out of 100 for the 2024 model year, a 7-point gain within the same Strong band. That movement is driven by a near-perfect crash protection subscore of 61 out of 70 and a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record subscore of 17 out of 20 is the one area holding the vehicle below elite territory, directly tied to the three active recall campaigns. The seat belt anchorage recall is notable because it is specific to the 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, not a broad multi-brand sweep, suggesting a model-specific manufacturing concern. The instrument cluster recall spans a wide Toyota lineup but still requires individual VIN verification. Seven reported complaints is a low figure for a vehicle of this sales volume, and none allege crash, fire, injury, or death.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with its side-impact protection demonstrating the strongest performance, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash and rollover resistance received 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model stands at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test confirming a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20271
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses rear seat belt anchorage on 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second targets backup camera display function across a broad range of 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra models. The third involves the instrument cluster and electrical system on select 2023-2025 Toyota models including the Highlander. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available campaign data, but owners should verify 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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
Seven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. Alleged problem areas include Unknown Or Other, Visibility, Vehicle Speed Control, Forward Collision Avoidance, Engine And Engine Cooling, and Service Brakes. These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been confirmed as defects.
7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
Shoppers for a used 2025 Highlander Hybrid should prioritize reviewing the vehicle's recall status. Three recall campaigns have been issued, and all may still have open remedies. It is crucial to confirm in writing that each necessary repair has been completed by a Toyota dealership at no cost before purchase.
- The Safety Index rose 7 points year over year, from 81 in 2024 to 88 in 2025, the largest single-year gain visible in the Highlander's recent history on this index.
- A seat belt anchorage recall is specific to 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles, making VIN verification especially important for used buyers of this exact model year.
- The avoidance technology subscore is a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this trim configuration.
- One of the seven reported complaints alleges a concern with Forward Collision Avoidance, a system that contributes directly to the vehicle's top avoidance-tech subscore, though the allegation remains unverified by NHTSA.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Toyota Highlander places
The 2025 Toyota Highlander qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Toyota Highlander safety questions
Was the 2025 Toyota Highlander crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Toyota Highlander, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 2025 Toyota Highlander crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Toyota Highlander have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 7 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Toyota 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 Highlander years
Rivals in SUV (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20271), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Highlander 2025.
- 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 90 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.