Are Grand Highlanders Being Sold? | Sales Restart Now

Yes, dealers are resuming sales of the Grand Highlander as Toyota distributes the remedy for the side curtain airbag recall that caused the halt.

If you tried to buy a Toyota Grand Highlander recently, you likely hit a wall. Dealership lots were empty, or the specific model you wanted was sitting on the lot but legally marked as “unsellable.” This was due to a significant stop-sale order issued by Toyota in mid-2024.

The situation caused frustration for thousands of buyers ready to sign papers. However, the freeze is lifting. Toyota has engineered a fix for the safety compliance issue, and inventory is slowly moving again. Understanding the current status helps you decide whether to head to the dealership today or wait for inventory levels to stabilize.

This guide covers the current availability, the specifics of the safety fix, and what you need to know before signing a contract. We also detail how to check specific Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) if you are buying used or from private sellers.

Understanding The Recent Stop-Sale Order

Toyota paused sales for a specific reason. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) flagged a potential issue with the side curtain shield airbag. The regulation requires that side airbags keep occupants inside the vehicle during a crash, even if the windows are rolled down.

Tests showed that on the Grand Highlander and its luxury cousin, the Lexus TX, the driver’s side curtain airbag might not deploy exactly as intended if the driver’s window was down. A portion of the airbag could protrude outside the window frame. While this sounds technical, it failed federal safety standard FMVSS 226.

Toyota reacted immediately by issuing a stop-sale. This is different from a standard recall where you buy the car and fix it later. A stop-sale prevents the dealer from handing over the keys to a new car until the repair is done. This left thousands of units stranded at the factory in Princeton, Indiana, and on dealer lots across North America.

This halt affected virtually all 2024 Grand Highlander models, including gas, Hybrid, and Hybrid MAX powertrains. It was a blanket freeze that halted momentum for one of Toyota’s most popular new SUVs.

The Approved Fix And Repair Process

Engineers have developed a remedy. The fix does not require replacing the entire airbag system. Instead, technicians install a newly designed retention bracket (or shim) near the headliner. This bracket ensures the airbag stays inside the cabin during deployment, regardless of window position.

Dealers began receiving the parts and instructions in late 2024. The repair process is relatively quick for a trained technician, but the logistics are heavy. Dealerships must prioritize:

• Fixing customer cars — Vehicles already on the road owned by drivers.
• Clearing sold inventory — Cars that buyers put deposits on months ago.
• Unlocking lot inventory — Unsold units sitting on the lot.

Because of this hierarchy, you might see a Grand Highlander on the lot that you still cannot buy immediately. The dealer must perform the recall work before the transaction closes. You should ask the sales manager specifically if the “remedy” has been applied to the unit you are eyeing.

Are Grand Highlanders Being Sold At Full Capacity Yet?

While the doors are open, the flow is not yet a flood. Are Grand Highlanders being sold at the volume we saw in early 2024? Not quite yet. Production lines were paused for months during the investigation.

It takes time to ramp a massive manufacturing plant back up to full speed. Toyota is shipping new units that already have the fix installed from the factory. These are the easiest to buy because they require no dealer intervention. However, the backlog of orders is substantial.

If you walk into a dealership today, you might face two scenarios:

• Scenario A: You find a unit on the lot. It likely needs the recall fix. You can sign papers, but you might wait days or weeks for the service department to get the part and clear the car for delivery.
• Scenario B: You order a fresh allocation. This unit comes from the factory with the fix. The wait time depends on shipping logistics and the production queue.

The “full capacity” sales pace will likely return as the backlog of existing owners gets cleared. Dealers are eager to move these units, so communication regarding timelines should be transparent.

Grand Highlander Sales Status And Recall Updates

When shopping for high-demand vehicles like this three-row SUV, timing is money. You need to verify the status of the specific VIN you want. General statements about the model don’t always apply to the specific car in front of you.

We recommend using the official NHTSA recall lookup tool or Toyota’s own recall checker. You simply punch in the VIN. If the status says “Remedy Available” but “Incomplete,” the dealer can fix it, but they need the parts. If it says “Remedy Not Available,” do not sign a contract for immediate delivery.

For the Grand Highlander, the status shifted from “Remedy Not Available” to “Available” in late 2024. This shift is the green light that allows sales to resume. If a dealer tells you they cannot sell a car yet, it means their service department has not received the specific parts allocation for that vehicle.

Impact on Hybrid vs. Gas Models

The airbag design is shared across the platform. This means the stop-sale did not discriminate between the fuel-efficient Hybrid and the powerful Hybrid MAX. Both were grounded.

Supply for Hybrids was already tight before the recall. Now, with the production pause, the scarcity of Hybrid models is even more acute. You may find gas models sitting on lots sooner than Hybrids simply because demand for the electrified version is higher.

Buying Strategy During The Relaunch

Navigating a post-recall market requires patience. Prices might remain firm because inventory is artificially low. Dealers have held these cars for months, paying floor plan interest, and demand remains high.

Here is how to approach a purchase right now:

• Verify the fix — Ask for proof that the recall work is complete before you schedule pickup.
• Check production dates — Look at the door jamb sticker. A production date of late 2024 usually means the car was built post-fix.
• Negotiate cautiously — While inventory is low, dealers want to clear out “aged” units (cars that sat for months). You might have leverage on a 2024 model that has been sitting since June.

If you are trading in a vehicle, ensure your appraisal is current. The used car market shifts weekly. Do not rely on a trade-in value given to you three months ago when the stop-sale began.

Does The Stop-Sale Affect Used Models?

This is a critical distinction. Federal law prohibits dealers from selling new cars with open recalls. The law is slightly different for used cars depending on the state, but most reputable franchise dealers will not retail a used car with an open safety recall due to liability.

If you are looking at a “Certified Pre-Owned” (CPO) Toyota, it must have the fix completed. Toyota cannot certify a vehicle with an open recall. Therefore, are Grand Highlanders being sold in the used market? Yes, but only if the previous owner had the recall performed or the dealer did it upon trade-in.

Private sellers are not bound by the same federal laws as franchise dealers. If you buy from a private individual, the responsibility falls on you to check the VIN and get the recall done. The repair is free, but the hassle falls on your shoulders.

Production Delays And Future Inventory

The Princeton, Indiana plant is a powerhouse, but stopping and starting a line is complex. Toyota has signaled that they are prioritizing the highest volume trims to get stock back to dealers.

You might see an abundance of XLE and Limited trims before you see Platinum or specific color combinations. If you are rigid on color or trim, be prepared to wait. The pipeline was dry for months. Filling it back up takes time.

Ordering a 2025 model might be the smoother path if you are not in a rush. The 2025 model year production will integrate the airbag bracket standard, meaning those units will never be flagged for this specific recall. They will arrive ready to drive.

Alternatives If You Cannot Wait

If you need a three-row family hauler this week and cannot find a fixed Grand Highlander, you have options. The segment is competitive.

• Toyota Sienna — It offers similar passenger space and hybrid efficiency without the current stop-sale baggage, though supply is also tight.
• Honda Pilot — A direct competitor with a V6 engine and a usable third row. Inventory is generally healthy.
• Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade — These twins dominate the segment for features and value. They are readily available on most lots.

However, the Grand Highlander offers class-leading third-row space for adults, which is its main selling point. If you fit adults in the back often, waiting for the Toyota is likely worth the trouble.

Checking Your Order Status

Many buyers placed deposits back in May or June 2024. If you are in this boat, call your salesperson. Ask for the “ETA” (Estimated Time of Arrival) and the “Processing Status.”

Cars that were stuck at the factory (port hold) are being released in waves. Toyota generally fixes cars in the order they were built or ordered, but logistics can vary by region. A car sitting at a railhead in Texas might get fixed sooner than one stuck in a back lot in Indiana simply due to parts distribution.

Do not cancel your deposit unless you have a backup plan. You likely have price protection or a place in line that you will lose if you walk away now.

Safety Ratings After The Fix

A major concern for buyers is whether the fix changes the safety rating. The answer is no. The fix brings the vehicle into compliance with federal standards. It restores the safety level the vehicle was designed to have.

The Grand Highlander performs well in crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and NHTSA tests are rigorous. The recall was a proactive measure to ensure compliance with a very specific rollover/window-down scenario. With the bracket installed, the curtain airbag functions as designed.

Buying a post-recall vehicle is safe. In fact, it shows the system works. A flaw was found, production stopped, a fix was engineered, and safety was prioritized over sales volume.

Price Implications Of The Shortage

Economics 101 applies here. Supply dropped to zero for months while demand built up. When sales resume, dealers hold the cards.

Expect fewer discounts below MSRP. During the stop-sale, dealers couldn’t make money on these units. Now that they can, they will try to recoup lost time. You might see “Market Adjustment” markups return in some metro areas.

To combat this, expand your search radius. Look at dealerships in rural areas or smaller towns. They may have less foot traffic and be more willing to sell at MSRP just to move the metal. Also, watch for Toyota financing incentives. Sometimes the manufacturer offers special rates to jumpstart sales after a freeze.

Key Takeaways: Are Grand Highlanders Being Sold?

➤ Sales have officially resumed at dealerships as the safety remedy is applied.

➤ New factory units arrive pre-fixed; lot inventory requires dealer repair.

➤ The stop-sale covered gas, Hybrid, and Hybrid MAX powertrains equally.

➤ Verify the VIN status to ensure the “Remedy” is marked complete.

➤ Prices may remain high due to the backlog of demand from the pause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Grand Highlander recall fix permanent?

Yes. The installation of the retention bracket is a permanent solution approved by the NHTSA. It is not a temporary patch. Once installed, the vehicle meets all safety standards for side curtain airbag deployment, and no further action is required from the owner regarding this specific issue.

Can I sell my Grand Highlander if I haven’t done the recall?

You can sell it privately, but you must disclose the open recall to the buyer. However, services like CarMax or dealership trade-ins might refuse to buy the car or significantly lower the offer until the recall work is verified and completed, as they cannot legally retail it until fixed.

How long does the repair take at the dealership?

The actual labor time for the technician is relatively short, often under two hours. However, you should expect to leave the vehicle for the day. Dealers schedule these in blocks, and appointment availability depends entirely on how many parts they have in stock that week.

Did this stop-sale affect the Lexus TX as well?

Yes. The Lexus TX shares the same platform and manufacturing line as the Grand Highlander. It faced the exact same non-compliance issue regarding the curtain airbag. Sales for the Lexus TX have also resumed following the distribution of the same retention bracket fix.

Will 2025 models have this problem?

No. Toyota adjusted the manufacturing process for the 2025 model year. All units built after the production restart date include the retention bracket or updated design from the factory. You do not need to worry about checking the recall status on a newly built 2025 model.

Wrapping It Up – Are Grand Highlanders Being Sold?

The long wait is over. The question “are Grand Highlanders being sold?” finally has a positive answer. Dealerships are clearing their backlogs, fixing inventory, and handing over keys. While the stop-sale was a headache for Toyota and buyers alike, it ensures that the vehicle you put your family in meets strict federal safety standards.

If you are in the market, check the VIN, be patient with the dealer service department, and move quickly when you find a unit that is ready to go. The Grand Highlander remains a top contender in its class, and with the safety hurdle cleared, it is ready for the road again.