Toyota Highlander body and structure problems, 2016–2026
199 of the 2,522 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Highlander 2016–2026 name the body and structure (NHTSA’s “Structure” heading — body panels, frame, roof rails, trim and glass as fitted). The loudest years: 2021 (55), 2022 (46), 2023 (35). Filed under the same heading across these years: 5 manufacturer bulletins, 1 recall campaign. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Toyota Highlander body and structure problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the body and structure | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | — | — | 2 TSBs | the year → |
| 2025 | 0 | — | — | 12 TSBs | the year → |
| 2024 | 5 | 12% | — | 50 TSBs | the year → |
| 2023 | 35 | 18% | — | 58 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2022 | 46 | 17% | 33k | 62 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2021 in depth | 55 | 10% | — | 72 TSBs · 1 recall | the record → |
| 2020 | 32 | 10% | — | 70 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2019 | 13 | 3% | — | 55 TSBs | the year → |
| 2018 | 13 | 5% | — | 77 TSBs | the year → |
| 2017 | 0 | — | — | 83 TSBs | the year → |
| 2016 | 0 | — | — | 93 TSBs | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the body and structure. Nothing here is a rate.
When the body and structure complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2018: 2 · 2019: 8 · 2020: 6 · 2021: 9 · 2022: 10 · 2023: 19 · 2024: 74 · 2025: 37 · 2026: 34
Across the model years, half of the 63 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the body and structure problem between 12,000 and 48,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the body and structure, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that the hatchback failed to open completely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer recommended that the hatchback motor be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V720000 (Structure) and 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the driver’s side of the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle struck a bird and the lower front bumper assembly detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lower bumper assembly. The vehicle was not repaired.
What is on file about the body and structure, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaign filed under this heading, any model year
- 23V720000 HighOct 26, 2023 · 750,795 vehicles
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
5 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- Jun 25, 2026
- Some 2020 – 2026 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a water leak from the roof rack attachment clips. This may be caused by the sealant in the roof channel obstructing the proper seating position for the clip gasket.
- Nov 18, 2025
- Some 2020 – 2023 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or closing. A modified PBD unit assembly is available to address these conditions.
- Dec 6, 2024
- The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint
- Dec 6, 2024
- To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
- Dec 6, 2024
- Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Toyota Highlander
Source: the same files- airbag problems
- fuel system problems
- engine problems
- electrical problems
- transmission and drivetrain problems
- brake problems
Every system, every model year: Toyota Highlander problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Toyota Highlander years have the most body and structure complaints?
2021, 55; 2022, 46; 2023, 35. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2023 (18%).
Is there a recall for the body and structure on the Toyota Highlander?
Yes — one campaign is filed under this heading across these model years: 23V720000 (2023). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do body and structure problems show up on the Toyota Highlander?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 23,161 miles across the model years; half of them between 12,000 and 48,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Structure" heading cover?
Body panels, frame, roof rails, trim and glass as fitted. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.