2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

As a first-year model, the Grand Highlander's 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system has exhibited various software bugs including random reboots, wireless Apple CarPlay disconnections, and the navigation system losing GPS lock intermittently. The split-screen functionality may freeze, requiring a system restart to recover.

Toyota has released multiple over-the-air software updates to address multimedia system stability. Ensure the vehicle is connected to Wi-Fi for automatic updates, or visit the dealer for the latest firmware installation. A factory reset of the infotainment system may resolve persistent issues but will erase saved settings.

Owners report a clunking or thudding noise from the rear suspension when driving over bumps, expansion joints, and rough pavement. The noise is most pronounced at low speeds and appears to originate from the rear stabilizer bar end links or the multi-link rear suspension bushings. Toyota has acknowledged the issue in early production units.

Toyota issued TSB 0042-24 addressing rear suspension noise on 2024 Grand Highlander. The dealer will inspect and replace the rear stabilizer bar end links with an updated part featuring improved bushing material. The repair is covered under the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Grand Highlanders equipped with the panoramic moonroof exhibit excessive wind noise at highway speeds and a creaking noise from the moonroof assembly over rough roads. The wind noise is caused by improper weather stripping seal compression, while the creaking comes from the moonroof guide rails flexing under body torsion.

Have the dealer inspect the moonroof weather stripping for proper seating and adjust the moonroof panel alignment if necessary. Applying silicone lubricant to the guide rails and weather stripping can reduce creaking. Toyota has not yet issued a formal TSB but dealers are performing adjustments under warranty.

The power-folding third-row seats may fail to fold or unfold completely, stopping midway through the cycle with an accompanying warning beep. The seat motor or hinge mechanism can bind, leaving the seat in an awkward position that blocks cargo access. Some owners report the issue occurring intermittently from the first month of ownership.

The dealer will inspect the third-row seat fold mechanism, lubricate the hinge points, and check the seat motor harness connections. In some cases, the seat fold motor assembly requires replacement. Toyota is tracking this issue and a TSB may be forthcoming. The repair is covered under the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

The automatic engine start-stop system in the non-hybrid Grand Highlander can restart the engine with a noticeable shudder and vibration that is felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal. The restart is particularly jarring in traffic when the vehicle has been stopped for only a few seconds before the driver releases the brake.

Toyota has released an ECU software update to refine the start-stop restart calibration, reducing vibration during engine restart. The system can be manually disabled each drive cycle by pressing the A-off button. There is no permanent disable option from the factory. Aftermarket start-stop eliminator modules are available.