NHTSA Defect Petition: Road Debris/rocks Damaging the Heat Exchangers in Toyota Grand Highlander (DP26-006)

DP26-006 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Toyota Grand Highlander?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated July 20, 2026.

The Petition requests an investigation of road debris / rocks damaging the heat exchangers in model year (MY) 2024-2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles.

The Petition contends that the Grand Highlander's front-end grill has large, open apertures and no protective screen between the grill and the vehicle's heat exchangers.

The Petition further alleges that as a result, during normal driving, the damage to heat exchangers results in coolant leakage and sudden loss of propulsion.

The Petitioner cites thirteen (13) complaints received by ODI alleging this failure, which, when added to the petitioner's own complaint, bring the total under consideration at this time to fourteen (14).

ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition and conduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552.

This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition.

The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11754975.

What is a defect petition review?

Defect Petition is a review of a petition, usually filed by an owner, asking NHTSA to open a defect investigation. NHTSA decides whether to grant or deny it.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Not yet. The investigation is still open, and NHTSA has not listed a recall from it. Investigations can take months. If your vehicle already has the problem, document every dealer visit now.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Toyota Grand Highlander owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 349 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2026 Lexus TX Steering Arm Recall (26V598)
• 2026 Lexus TX Axle Recall (26V437)
• 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra Label Recall (26V179)
• 2023-2025 Subaru Solterra Backup Camera Display Recall (25V744)
• 2023-2024 Toyota Venza Instrument Cluster Recall (25V595)
• 2023 Toyota GR Supra Label Recall (24V548)
• 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Curtain Air Bag Recall (24V461)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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