# Toyota Highlander traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 32 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (11) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 32 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Toyota Highlander (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (11). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Toyota Highlander traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 2 | 197 | 1% | | 2016 | 5 | 117 | 4% | | 2017 | 5 | 275 | 2% | | 2018 | 4 | 279 | 1% | | 2019 | 11 | 514 | 2% | | 2020 | 1 | 332 | 0% | | 2022 | 3 | 272 | 1% | | 2023 | 1 | 198 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota Highlander recalls related to the traction control light **[22V239000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V239000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2022-04-13): Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota Highlander owners report - "Maybe there was more water layer under the right side of the car, and the Electronic Stability Control tried to hold car on the straight line, or camera detect water on the windshield as an obstacle and applied breaks from time to time, which might case warped rotors. To my understanding it has to be warranty issue,..." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Highlander, complaint filed 2025 - "r 2022 Toyota Highlander was involved in a motor vehicle incident wherein the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and front airbags may not have functioned as expected." -- owner of a 2022 Toyota Highlander, complaint filed 2025 - "The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V239000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable..." -- owner of a 2020 Toyota Highlander, complaint filed 2022 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Highlander traction control light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (22V239000) covering 2020-2022 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota Highlander years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2019 Highlander model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 11 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Highlander with the traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### How do I check if my Toyota Highlander has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota Highlander warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-highlander): 15 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-highlander): 24 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-highlander): 72 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-highlander): 150 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-highlander): 13 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-highlander): 35 complaints ## Traction control light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints ## Toyota Highlander - [Toyota Highlander specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-highlander) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-highlander Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.