2025 Toyota Highlander Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2025 Highlander
5
Vehicle Speed Control complaints Red flag
Test cruise control on the highway and confirm it engages and disengages cleanly. (3 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 3 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Check
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (2 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 2 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (2 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 2 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (1 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 1 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (1 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 1 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
2 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Electrical System Red flag
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Seats Red flag
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2025 Highlander–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2025 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2025 Highlander. The most serious involve Electrical System (25V595000) and Seat Belts (25V872000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2025 Highlander?
The top complaint areas are Vehicle Speed Control (3 complaints) and Service Brakes (2 complaints), out of 10 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2025 Highlander?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Vehicle Speed Control, which drew 3 complaints for this model-year.