Is the 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID reliable?

The 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID has 7 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (1 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): EQUIPMENT, TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID?

The 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID gets 28 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1714. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID is approximately $1,652/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID has 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 9. The most common issue is engine problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: i experienced issues right after buying car new. car unable to read sid card, gsp not working, multi-media screen white wash (white) and unable to read, keeps trying to restart 'bluetooth', auto wiper system does not work, seat belt warning system does not always work, forward collision button on st. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

ENGINE

2 complaints

29%

• I EXPERIENCED ISSUES RIGHT AFTER BUYING CAR NEW. CAR UNABLE TO READ SID CARD, GSP NOT WORKING, MULTI-MEDIA SCREEN WHITE WASH (WHITE) AND UNABLE TO READ, KEEPS TRYING TO RESTART 'BLUETOOTH', AUTO WIPER SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK, SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK, FORWARD COLLISION BUTTON ON ST
• TOTAL SYSTEM FAILURE. SEE DETAILED ATTACHED DOCUMENT.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I EXPERIENCED ISSUES RIGHT AFTER BUYING CAR NEW. CAR UNABLE TO READ SID CARD, GSP NOT WORKING, MULTI-MEDIA SCREEN WHITE WASH (WHITE) AND UNABLE TO READ, KEEPS TRYING TO RESTART 'BLUETOOTH', AUTO WIPER SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK, SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK, FORWARD COLLISION BUTTON ON ST”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

EQUIPMENT23/08/2017

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.

Risk: The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GST will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly torque the fasteners, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 17R3.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,715

Per month

$143

Per mile

14.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,652

Full coverage / month

$138

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1652

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2017 HIGHLANDER HYBRID, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 7 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I EXPERIENCED ISSUES RIGHT AFTER BUYING CAR NEW. CAR UNABLE TO READ SID CARD, GSP NOT WORKING, MULTI-MEDIA SCREEN WHITE WASH (WHITE) AND UNABLE TO READ, KEEPS TRYING TO RESTART 'BLUETOOTH', AUTO WIPER SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK, SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK, FORWARD COLLISION BUTTON ON ST
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I EXPERIENCED ISSUES RIGHT AFTER BUYING CAR NEW. CAR UNABLE TO READ SID CARD, GSP NOT WORKING, MULTI-MEDIA SCREEN WHITE WASH (WHITE) AND UNABLE TO READ, KEEPS TRYING TO RESTART 'BLUETOOTH', AUTO WIPER SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK, SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK, FORWARD COLLISION BUTTON ON ST
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: I EXPERIENCED ISSUES RIGHT AFTER BUYING CAR NEW. CAR UNABLE TO READ SID CARD, GSP NOT WORKING, MULTI-MEDIA SCREEN WHITE WASH (WHITE) AND UNABLE TO READ, KEEPS TRYING TO RESTART 'BLUETOOTH', AUTO WIPER SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK, SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK, FORWARD COLLISION BUTTON ON ST
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS: TOTAL SYSTEM FAILURE. SEE DETAILED ATTACHED DOCUMENT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)