2026 TOYOTA GRAND HIGHLANDER Complaints

Windshield has experienced multiple cracks/chips at extremely low mileage. Initial crack occurred before 1,000 miles and originated at the upper edge of the windshield. Crack has propagated from the top to the bottom. Multiple additional star cracks have developed. I am concerned about possible windshield/glass, installation, or structural issue. I previously owned a Highlander for over 10 years and did not have any issues of this and I live in the same area. I had one crack that entire time. I currently have 9000 miles with the long crack +3 additional star shape cracks. One occurred from a very small rock that hit and the other I never even heard one hit it.

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a commercial lawnmower that fell from a truck. The driver's seat air bag deployed in a downward position, and the other air bags failed to deploy. The driver and the front passenger sustained cuts on their necks from their seat belts and received medical treatment. The driver also received trigger point injections for pain management. The vehicle was towed to Car Craft, where it was repaired. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance company. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was opened, and the manufacturer requested an additional 30 days to release Event Data Recorder (EDR) information. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

My 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE has a recurring gasoline smell near the rear driver’s side after long trips or when parked with the engine idling. The source of the odor and the specific component involved are unknown. I am concerned about a possible fuel or vapor leak and the potential fire risk to myself and my passengers.

After starting the vehicle and coming to a conplete stop the vehicle will hesitate upon new acceleration. The hesitation causes a lag in the vehicle and it then will jerk or jolt while shifting. The vehicle will Rev up in a low gear and not shift correctly. This causes a safety issue especially when going into traffic. I have not taken it to the dealer as of yet, but I will be. This is an intermittent issue, so i fear toyota will say they cannot replicate the issue. There were no warning lamps when the event happens.

The weather seal on the moonroof is coming off the moon roof surround and this is causing water and air to leak inside the passenger cabin.

The front grill by design has bigger holes with potential of rock hitting radiator . I have seen very small damage to radiator more like superficial. A bigger rock could damage the radiator

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a potential safety defect involving the front grille design of my 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited. Fortunately, my vehicle has not experienced any damage or mechanical failure related to the grille at this time. However, after examining the design of the front grille and the components located directly behind it, I have serious concerns that the relatively large grille openings may allow rocks and other road debris to pass through and strike critical cooling components, including the radiator and other heat exchangers. My concern is particularly related to the potential consequences of such an impact. If road debris were to damage a cooling component, it could result in coolant loss, overheating, warning messages, reduced vehicle performance, or potentially loss of propulsion. If this occurred while traveling at highway speeds, it could create a significant safety risk for the vehicle occupants as well as other motorists. I understand that NHTSA is currently reviewing concerns regarding the front grille design of 2024–2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles. I would like my vehicle and this concern to be included in NHTSA’s review. I believe this issue warrants further evaluation because the concern exists even before an actual failure occurs. A safety defect should ideally be identified and addressed before owners experience a failure that could potentially create a hazardous situation while driving. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether the front grille provides adequate protection for the critical cooling components behind it and determine whether Toyota should provide a protective screen, revised grille design, or another corrective measure. Again, I want to emphasize that I am reporting this as a potential safety defect. My vehicle has not suffered damage or experienced a failure at this time. I am submitting this complaint proactively because I believe the design presents a foreseeable risk

Small object came through the front grill and put a hole in AC condensing unit. Grill does not protect from small road objects.

While stopped waiting to takeoff (turn into a road or area), during takeoff acceleration, the car will sometimes have a dead pedal and slow or stop acceleration leaving you a sitting duck in an intersection or road.

road debris entered into front grill though the holes in grill adn damaged condensor fins causing vehicle to loose propulsion. Vehicle would not travel over 25 mph after the incidnet. This is safety issue as vehicle slowed from 55MPH to 25MPH rather abruptly on highway. Multiple lamps came on dash at time of incident and were reatained untill fixed (non warranty repair)