I would imagine it's a bug either in the infotainment system or electronic controls (steering wheel?). You can reach out to them anyway as they may check to see if there is a firmware update they can do as first step.

 

I have a non hybrid XLE and everytime I shut the radio off, it comes right back on without another push of the button. Really do not understand that, Toyota. Maybe, the system has to stay on so they can track you.

 

maybe a canbus setting for that, lots of critical systems channel though the headunit

 

I have a 2024 Highlander Hybrid XLE, new, less than 700 miles. I rarely use the radio while driving. Every few days, the radio will turn on by itself while I am driving.

Obviously, I can't take it to the dealer for this because a tech is not going to drive it for a few days, hoping to catch and diagnose the problem.

Any thoughts on this issue?

Sometimes mine works just the opposite; car is turned off with the radio on. Upon restart the radio will be off and either require a manual turn on or all of a sudden about a minute later turn on without a manual button push.

Appears to be an issue with the booting process and the timing and order that housekeeping functions occur, i.e. timing of the sequence for booting the intro screen, sign into auto android via bluetooth, searching last radio station or audio albums from USB port......and to complicate it further video switching entering Reverse of Forward changing screens from backup view, automatic 7 second front/overhead reviews, and last switching to AA/Google maps......and then lastly turning on the amplifier for radio, mp3, etc. If I wait after starting for the boot cycle to finish before entering a gear and changing multiple screens it seems get the last on/off state of the radio/usb correct.