Dealer visit checklist
2024 Toyota Highlander checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2024 Toyota Highlander problems to check
- Hesitant or jerky transmission behavior reported at low speeds, particularly in stop-and-go traffic with the 8-speed automatic
- Infotainment system responsiveness complaints, including occasional freezes with the standard 8-inch and upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Wind and road noise intrusion at highway speeds noted by owners, especially from the A-pillar and door seals
- Fuel economy in real-world driving often comes in 1-2 MPG below the EPA-rated 21 city/29 highway, particularly with full passenger loads
- Third-row access remains tight for adults, and some owners report the power liftgate strut losing strength within the first two years
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- TIRES: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- TIRES: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system.
- SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
- SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $36,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away