Why does my 2023+ Toyota Highlander 2.4 turbo hesitate from a stop?

Short answer: Hesitation from a stop on the 2023 Highlander 2.4 turbo is common enough that Toyota issued an engine software bulletin (T-SB-0087-23). Ask the dealer to apply it. Some turbo lag is normal.

Symptom: A pause or lag when you press the gas from a stop, then a surge, or uneven acceleration at low speed.

What to check first

1. Note whether it hesitates only from a full stop or also when rolling.
2. Ask the dealer to check whether T-SB-0087-23 (ECM reprogram) applies and has been done.
3. Try different drive modes and tell the dealer what changes.
4. Get codes read if a warning light is on.

Likely causes

1. Engine computer calibration. Toyota issued bulletin T-SB-0087-23 for hesitation or uneven acceleration from a stop on the 2023 Highlander 2.4T. The fix is an engine computer reprogram, covered under the emissions warranty.
2. Turbo lag and throttle tuning. Some delay is normal with a small turbo engine. Owners say drive mode and throttle style change how much you feel it.
3. Other faults if a warning light is on. If a check-engine light comes with it, have the codes read.

What it usually costs

The software update is covered under the emissions warranty. There's usually no charge.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Usually safe, but a lag pulling into traffic can surprise you. Get the update done and leave extra room at intersections until then.

DIY or shop?

Not DIY. The ECM reprogram is dealer work.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists these recalls touching this area of the Toyota Highlander: 23V480000 (2023-2023 model years, steering:column); 23V720000 (2023-2023 model years, structure:body:bumpers); 25V040000 (2023-2023 model years, steering:column); 25V595000 (2023-2025 model years, electrical system: instrument cluster/panel). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 69 keyword-matched complaints for Toyota Highlander 2023–2025 (of 244 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-07; keywords: hesitat, accelerat, lag, turbo, power, stall). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 2023 Highlander TSB issued for hesitation and acceleration issued (T-SB-0087-23) on Reddit r/ToyotaHighlander, owners shared that Toyota had released T-SB-0087-23 for 2.4T hesitation from a stop.
• In Turbo lag 24' highlander on Reddit r/ToyotaHighlander, a 2024 Highlander owner described turbo lag when pulling away.
• In 2.4 Turbo - any issues this far? on Reddit r/ToyotaHighlander, owners compared notes on the 2.4 turbo's early reliability.
• In New 2.4 l Turbo engine issues any on Reddit r/ToyotaHighlander, someone asked whether the new 2.4L turbo has shown problems.

Quick tip

Ask for the bulletin by number. It's an easy, free fix and many owners say it helps.

Vehicle focus: Toyota Highlander fourth generation (2023–2025) with the 2.4L turbo (T24A-FTS). Hybrids use a different setup.

Safety / mechanic note

Hesitation when pulling into traffic can cause a crash. Verify with a mechanic.