2004 TOYOTA Highlander Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
285
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
POWER TRAIN
52 complaints
TRANSMISSION JUMPS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. *TR
Aug 01, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SMELL OF BURNING OIL WAS EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION OIL BEARING SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,250. UPDATED 08/08/2012 *JS
Jul 03, 2012
SINCE I PURCHASED MY 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER V6 IT HAS VERY ROUGH SHIFTS. THE TRANSMISSIONS SEEMS TO HESITATE AND LAG WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE DURING NORMAL DRIVING SPEEDS, (I FEEL LIKE I AM ON A CARNIVAL RIDE). I HAVE HAD IT TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP IN FLORIDA & THEY ALL SAY THE SAME THING ("THAT THIS MODEL DRIVES LIKE THAT" & IT'S THE WAY YOU DRIVE") FUNNY THOUGH WHEN THE MECHANIC DROVE IT, WITH ME IN THE CAR HE SAID THAT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. THE UNDERWRITERS IN SERVICE THINK BECAUSE I'M A WOMEN, IT'S THE WAY I DRIVE. I LOVE MY CAR BUT, THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA & FIXED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *JS
Jun 19, 2012
HESITATION DURING AUTO TRANSMISSION GEAR CHANGES. ENGINE REVS VERY HIGH THEN CHANGES GEARS. *TR
Apr 02, 2012
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2004 6 CYL AWD - LAST MAY SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM BACK OF THE CAR. MADE IT TO A TOYOTA DEALER AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. TOOK 4 DAYS AND OVER $1200 TO FIX. THIS WEEK, NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF THE CAR. CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE DRIVE SHAFT - SO FAR OUT OF ALIGNMENT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED? JUST HAD IT AT THE SAME DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE 3 WEEKS AGO - SAID NOTHING. THIS WILL COST $1300. SEARCHING INTERNET AND FINDING I'M NOT ALONE, BUT NO RECALL. WHAT GIVES WITH THESE CARS? *TR
Jun 23, 2011
+ 47 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
29 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. UPON APPLYING MINIMAL PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, A DUMPSTER, AND ALMOST STRUCK A GROUP OF CHILDREN BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED AND WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE PAIN TO THE NECK AND BACK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V112000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Nov 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AN OAK TREE. THE CONTACT WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AND TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED KNEE, BACK, SHOULDER, AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND LATER DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR
Apr 25, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AS A RESULT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V112000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
May 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED KNEE, CHEST AND ARM INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 12-05-13 *BF
Sep 13, 2013
ON FEBRUARY, 18, 2011 AT APPPROXIMATELY 1:30 P.M. I GOT INTO MY 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, WHICH WAS PARKED IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT AT 1 MEETINGHOUSE RD. IN CHELMSFORD, MA. I TURNED THE KEY ON, STARTED THE CAR, AND PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AS I TOUCHED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITH MY RIGHT FOOT, THE CAR ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AT A SPEED THAT DID NOT CORRESPOND WITH THE PRESSURE I HAD PUT ON THE PEDAL. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO BACK OUT IN A COUNTERCLOCKWISE DIRECTION, AND WITHIN NO MORE THAN 4 SECONDS, THE CAR CRASHED INTO A BUILDING APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET FROM WHERE THE CAR WAS INITIALLY PARKED. THE CAR WAS TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE TO MY EFFORTS TO BRAKE SUBSEQUENT TO THIS SUDDEN AND INEXPLICABLE ACCELERATION. I'M LUCKY I WASN'T KILLED, BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *TR
Mar 21, 2011
+ 24 more complaints for this component
STEERING
28 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE REQUIRED GREATER EFFORT TO STEER. WHILE STEERING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE STAFF ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 123,000.
Jul 07, 2016
WITH NO WARNING OR PRIOR INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM, THE STEERING RACK AND PINION BROKE MAKING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY UN-STEERABLE. TOYOTA REPAIR FOUND THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP BELT WAS BROKEN AND THE PUMP HAD LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A FREEWAY THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS AND IT WAS JUST FORTUNATE THAT THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON ONE OF THE FEW STRAIGHT STRETCHES AND IT WAS POSSIBLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD SURFACE. *TR
Oct 11, 2012
THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR WENT ON RANDOMLY DURING DRIVING, THE TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON, CAUSING ENGINE SPEED SLOW DOWN AND SLUGGISH ON ROAD, IT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. I DROVE SLOWLY TO THE DEALER, IT COSTS OVER $600.00 TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AT TOYOTA. *TR
Nov 07, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN AND THE FAILURE WAS RECREATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000. UPDATED 5/2/11 *CN
Mar 28, 2011
2004 HIGHLANDER - STEERING FAILED ON MAJOR SHOPPING ROAD TODAY. HEARD ONLY A HISSING SOUND IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITH A LARGE PLUME OF DARK SMOKE OUT THE TAIL PIPE. ENGINE DID NOT QUIT BUT WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO PULL WHEEL HARD RIGHT TO TURN INTO PARKING LOT. AI/C STAYED ON, DID NOT OVERHEAT, TIMING BELT JUST CHANGED, NO LEAKING FLUIDS BUT MOST OF ALL NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CHECK ENGINE LITE CAME ON. HAD PROBLEM LAST MONTH WITH A/C WHICH WAS FIXED. WHAT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE DRIVING AT 65 ON HIGHWAY AND LOSES ABILITY TO STEER ... INSTANT DEATH TO DRIVER AND PERHAPS MANY OTHERS. BEEN A TOYOTA FAN FOR 30 YEARS BUT THIS COUPLED WITH OTHER MAJOR RECALLS SERIOUSLY FRIGHTENS ME TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN. CAR WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA DEALER WHO HAS MAINTAINED THE CAR SINCE 2004. AWAITING OUTCOME OF INVESTIGATION. POSTED 8-9-10. *TR
Aug 10, 2010
+ 23 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
17 complaints
I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE MOONROOF. WHEN I OPENED UP THE MOONROOF SHADE THE MOONROOF WAS GONE. THE MOONROOF HAD BEEN RIPPED AWAY FROM THE GLUE AND FLEW UP INTO THE AIR. *TR
Dec 07, 2013
SUN VISOR (DRIVER SIDE) FELL DOWN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH A SPEED OF ABOUT 65MPH.. IT BLOCKED MY VIEW. THANK GOD I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE PLACE. THE VISOR IS HOLDING IN PLACE BY A RUBBER BAND AND A STICK BUT THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN MY CAR IS PARK THE HEAT INSIDE THE CAR MELTS THE RUBBER BAND AND THE VISOR FALLS OVER AGAIN. I TALKED TO TOYOTA DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY IS OVER AND THAT THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO BUY A NEW VISOR FOR ABOUT $500 (+ INSTALLATION FEES AND EXTRA ELECTRONIC MIRROR CABLE). TOYOTA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, IT IS A DRIVING HAZARD. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. *TR
Oct 03, 2012
DRIVER SUN VISOR DEFECT HAS CAUSED NUMEROUS SAFETY ISSUES AND NEAR ACCIDENTS. VISOR WILL NOT REMAIN UP WHILE DRIVING IN 2004 TOYATA HIGHLANDER. *TT
Jun 20, 2011
2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER......DRIVER SUN VISOR DOES NOT STAY UP. BLOCKS VISION. TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX AT THEIR EXPENSE. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP. *TR
Apr 19, 2011
HEATER CONTROL BOARD THAT ADJUSTS HOT AND COLD ON 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS MALFUNCTIONED. ADJUSTMENT FOR HOT AND COLD NO LONGER WORKS. WILL GO FROM HOT TO COLD AND VICE VERSA SIMPLY BY DRIVING THE VEHICLE. WENT ON MANY FORUMS AND IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WILL THE 2004. SAME PROBLEM WITH MANY PEOPLE. TOOK INTO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE PART IS 749.00 AND WOULD BE ABOUT $1000.00 TO REPAIR WITH LABOR. HAVE HAD NUMEROUS RECALLS WITH TOYOTA AND BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE ANOTHER. DON'T THINK THE CONSUMERS SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR FAULTY EQUIPMENT. INITIALLY THOUGHT THE VEHICLE JUST WARMED UP SLOWLY BUT NOW BELIEVE THIS WAS THE BEGINNING OF A MORE COMPLEX PROBLEM WITH HEATER BOARD. CANNOT GET HEAT TO WORK PROPERLY ALL THE TIME. HAVE TO TAKE OFF KNOW FOR HOT/COLD AND WIGGLE THE STICK FOR THE KNOB TO GET ANY HEAT AND SELDOM DOES IT STAY HOT FOR LONG. HAVE NOT GOTTEN FIXED YET BUT BELIEVE I WILL HAVE TO SINCE I LIVE IN A COLD WEATHER CLIMATE. *TR
Dec 11, 2010
+ 12 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
16 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED A LEAK FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHO STATED THAT THE LEAKING FLUID WAS ANTIFREEZE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ADVISED THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS AND THREADS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE, DUE TO POOR MANUFACTURING AND CHEAP MATERIAL OF THE HEAD BOLTS UNDER THE ENGINE. COOLANT WAS LEAKING AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. UPDATED 11/29/12 UPDATED 11/27/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THIS MALFUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE AND OVER HEAT RESULTING IN A PERSON BEING STRANDED. UPDATED 12/10/2012 *JS
Aug 27, 2012
COOLANT LOSS DUE TO STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. NO SMOKE OR HEAT OR WARNING ON DASH. HAVE TO CHANGE ENGINE BLOCK COSTING $6,000 FOR PARTS AND REPAIR. DEALER NOT RESPONDING. ALWAYS HAVE RECEIVED MAINTENANCE WITH THE SAME DEALER/SERVICE CENTER. *TR
Mar 02, 2012
MY CAR STARTED HEATING UP AS I ACCELERATED ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I SAW THE DIAL GOING INTO THE RED ZONE. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS TOWED AT MY EXPENSE TO HILLTOP RICHMOND TOYOTA. I WAS TOLD THAT AFTERNOON THAT THE HEAD GASKET AND THE WATER PUMP BOTH BLEW OUT. I NOW HAVE A $2,500 REPAIR ON MY HANDS. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS I FOUND THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO MANY TOYOTA OWNERS AND THAT WAS VERIFIED BY THE DEALERSHIP PERSON AS WELL. TOYOTA IS USING BOLTS THAT STRIP WHICH CAUSE THE HEAD GASKET TO FAIL. THERE ARE ALSO SEVERAL REPORTS ABOUT A FOAM PIECE IN THE BLOCK THAT ALSO FAILS AS IT IS FAULTY AS WELL. *TR
Feb 05, 2012
COOLANT LOSS DUE TO STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. ENGINE OVER HEATED. NO HEAT.*TR
Feb 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CYLINDER BEHIND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING AND THAT SHE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE HER WITH ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.
Feb 10, 2011
+ 11 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
14 complaints
MY TRAC OFF LIGHTS, ENGINE AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I WAS DRIVING TO WORK. I WORK FAR FROM HOME SO I TOOK IT TO THE VALVOLINE NEAR MY JOB TO CHECK THE OIL. I DIDN'T WANT TO DRIVE MY CAR HOME IF THERE WAS NO OIL. THEY CHECKED THE OIL, UNDERNEATH MY CAR AND SAID EVERYTHINGWAS FINE AND TO TAKE TO MY MECHANIC TO CHECK THE ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO KEPT IT FOR 4 DAYS AND SAID ITS THE OIL SLUGE AND HE WAS TRYING TO SAVE THE ENGINE. MY MECHANIC SAID THEY HAD A LEXUS IN THE WEEK BEFORE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM IN 2002, AND TOYOTA ONLY CONTACTEDTHE ORIGINAL OWNERS NOT ALL PEOPLE WHO HAD REGISTERED CARS. I BOUGHT THIS SECOND HAND THROUGH CAR MAX IN 2010 AND THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED THEN. MY CAR HAS 145,000.00.
Feb 12, 2017
THE OUTER RING OF THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY HAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE INNER RING CAUSING DAMAGE TO ALL SYSTEM AND CAN AFFECT STEERING. THIS ALREADY HAS A RECALL FOR MY MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR, BUT NOT FOR MY VIN NUMBER. IT SEEMS STRANGE THAT THIS EXACT SAME THING THAT HAS THE RECALL AFFECTS MY CAR, BUT REPAIR IS NOT COVERED. SHOULD RECALL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE OTHER VIN NUMBERS??
Sep 13, 2016
WE HAVE A VEHICLE WITH A 2.4LITER/4 CYLINGER ENGINE THAT IS LOOSING OIL AT A RATE OF 1QRT PER 1000 MILES AND NOW THERE IS A COOLANT LEAK COMING FROM THE GASKET SEAL BETWEEN THE ENGINE BLOCK AND HEAD. THERE IS NO GUAGE THAT TELLS YOU HOW MUCH OIL IS MISSING UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE AND THE ENGINE STARTS TO OVER HEAT. BOTH THE OIL AND COOLANT IS LEAKING ON ROADS, PARKING LOTS AND DRIVEWAYS, WHAT WE HAVE FOUND IS THAT THE BOLTS THAT ARE NEAREST THE LEAK ARE STRIPPED, THEY EITHER STRIPPED IN ASSEMBLY OR FLAILED DO TO OVERHEATING OF THE BLOCK DO TO THE ENGINE BLOCK NOT HAVING SUFFICIENT COOLING BECAUSE OF A HEAVY FOAM PAD THAT RESTRICTS AIR FLOE AROUND THE ENGINE CAUSING THE HEAD TO FLEX AND LEAK AT THE GASKET SEAL BASED ON ONLINE COMPLAINTS THERE ARE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OWNERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. SEEMS THAT SOME OF THESE ENGINES ARE HAVING SUCCESS BY DRILLING, TAPPING AND INSERTING NEW COILS INTO THE ALUMINUM BLOCK, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. IT SEEMS THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE. THE MOST COMMON SUGGESTED REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE MOTOR AND WE ASSUME THAT THEY PROBLEM WILL HAPPEN AGAIN SINCE THEY HAVE REDESIGNED THE PROBLEM.. REPLACEMENT IS AT THE OWNERS COST FOR MATERIALS AND LABOR AT APPROX $6,000-$8,000.
Sep 26, 2015
WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 60-65 MPH WHEN ENGINE BEGAN OVER HEATING. PULL OVER RADIATOR WAS LOW. PUT ANTIFREEZE IN DROVE HOME CHECK WAS ALLOW AGAIN. THE NEXT CALLED TOYOTA DEALER, WITH OUT EVEN LOOKING THEY SAID YOU PROBABLY HAVE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. BUT WHEN WE TEAR IT DOWN AND IF THE HEAD BOLTS ARE STRIPPED OUT IT WILL COST UPWARDS OF 2000.00. SO NOW I HAVE THE CAR IN AN INDEPENDENT SHOP. I'M OUT ALMOST 800.00 NOW, AND THE CARS STILL NOT FIXED. I BELIEVE TOYOTA KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM LONG BEFORE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THE HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN 2001-2006 MODELS.I THINK THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *TR
May 05, 2015
MY CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING AT 140K MILES. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HAD THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT REPLACED. THE CAR OVERHEATED AGAIN A WEEK LATER. TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. WHEN HE WENT TO REPLACE THE GASKET HE FOUND THAT THREE HEAD BOLTS WERE STRIPPED ON THE BLOCK. THE CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS SEPARATING FROM LOWER PART OF ENGINE BLOCK CAUSED A COOLANT LEAK. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING ERROR. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN BY THE SOLE OWNER. HAD OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 MILES AND NEVER HAD AN ISSUE BEFORE NOW. PLEASE PLACE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT. THIS IS NOT THE OWNERS FAULT, NOR SHOULD IT BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Feb 04, 2015
+ 9 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
13 complaints
BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL AND FILTER REPLACEMENT. AS DEALERS NORMALLY DO, THEY ALSO DID SPOT CHECKS ON BRAKES, HOSES, ETC. THE TWO FRONT WHEELS HAD BEEN REMOVED SUPPOSEDLY TO CHECK THE WEAR ON THE BRAKE PADS. AS THE MECHANIC WAS REINSTALLING THE WHEELS, TWO OF THE LUGS BROKE OFF. THE SERVICE REP SHOWED ME ONE AS HE EXPLAINED WHY THE OIL AND FILTER JOB WAS TAKING MUCH LONGER THAN EXPECTED. I STUDIED THE FRACTURE FACE AND SAW TYPICAL FATIGUE FAILURE WITH ORIGIN AND PROGRESSION FEATURES. IT WAS QUITE EVIDENT THE PROBLEM STARTED MUCH EARLIER THAN TODAY. I ONLY SAW ONE BROKEN LUG, BUT THE SERVICE REP SAID THAT THERE WERE TWO LUGS THAT BROKE PREMATURELY WHEN THEY WERE REINSTALLING ONE WHEEL. THIS CONCERNS ME SO I AM GIVING THIS INFORMATION TO NHTSA. I HAVE TAKEN CLOSE-UP PICTURES OF THE FRACTURE FACE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THEM SUBMITTED. TO BE SAFE, I AM HAVING ALL THE FRONT WHEEL LUGS REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE. AGREED, THIS ISN'T NECESSARILY A TOYOTA PROBLEM. IT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY OVERTORQUE WHEN I HAD THE TIRES REPLACED. IF IT IS A TOYOTA PROBLEM, YOU'LL HAVE OTHER REPORTS SIMILAR TO MINE. (I AM A RETIRED SR. QUALITY ENGINEER FAMILIAR WITH ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION, FAILURE MODES, METALLURGY, METALLOGRAPHY, MACHINING PRACTICES, THREADS, ETC.) *TR
Feb 01, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY BEGAN TO VEER OFF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE THEN SUDDENLY SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED INTO A RAVINE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWICE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK AND WAS ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TWO DAYS. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACTS INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE CRASH, AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE AND THE LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 01/14/11*LJ
Nov 02, 2010
CABIN BRAKE ASSEMBLY BRACKET BENDS WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES DURING (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) EMERGENCY STOPPING. THIS MOVEMENT CAUSES THE EDGE OF THE BRAKE PIVOT BOLT TO HANG ON THE UPPER BRAKE ASSEMBLY, LOCKING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND PREVENTING THE BRAKE FROM DISENGAGING. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THIS DOES OCCUR, LOSS OF ADEQUATE BRAKE LEVERAGE AND/OR SUDDEN CHANGE IN PROXIMITY OF THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR MAY PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM APPLYING THE BRAKES TO THEIR INTENDED CAPACITY. THIS IS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN DURING AN ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE SITUATION WHEN ADEQUATE FOOT PRESSURE FAILS TO ENGAGE THE VEHICLE'S ABS. THIS DIRECTLY LEADS TO INCREASED DANGER OF INJURY/FATALITY TO DRIVERS, PASSENGERS, OCCUPANTS OF OTHER VEHICLES, AND PEDESTRIANS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO ADDRESS THIS DEFECT. DEALER REFUSED TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY DEFECT AT NO COST TO CUSTOMER. *TR
May 20, 2010
ONE WEEK AGO, WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WOULD HAPPEN. I SCHEDULED A APPOINTMENT WITH GOODYEAR TO HAVE MY BRAKES CHECKED. 2 DAYS BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT DATE, I ALSO HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. I FREAKED OUT AND WENT STRAIGHT TO GOODYEAR FOR THE REPAIR. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RUBBER ON THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD BEEN EATEN AWAY BY THE BRAKE FLUID AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE WAS A RECALL IN 2001 FOR THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE A 2004 HIGHLANDER. *TR
Jan 18, 2008
I PURCHASED A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4DR 4WD 4ECT AS A PREVIOUSLY OWNED VEHICLE WITH A PREVIOUSLY OWNED VEHICLE WARRANTY. AFTER OWNING AND USING THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW MONTHS WHILE DRIVING IN A TRAFFIC SITUATION, THE RIGHT SIDE REAR BRAKE SUDDENLY LOCKED UP INTERMITTENTLY ACCOMPANIED BY SWERVING, BY PANEL VSC LIGHT FLASHES AND AN AUDIBLE WARNING. THIS SITUATION FORTUNATELY OCCURRED NEAR OUR RESIDENCE ON DRY PAVEMENT. BY DRIVING VERY SLOWLY WE MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION. IT WAS THEN TOWED TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND THE FOLLOWING DIAGNOSIS OR SIMILAR WAS PROVIDED: CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE VSC LIGHTS ARE COMING ON AND THE BRAKES ARE LOCKING UP, YAW RATE SENSOR IS OUT OF CALIBRATION. RECALIBRATED YAW RATE SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO US AS REPAIRED. THE PRECISE SAME VSC FAILURE SITUATION OCCURRED ON OCTOBER 11TH OF THIS YEAR AND AGAIN WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN IN A REASONABLY SAFE LOCATION AND DRIVING UNDER GOOD ROAD CONDITION WHEN IT HAPPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP AND TOWED AGAIN TO THE DEALER FACILITY FOR ANALYSIS AND REPAIR. WE RECEIVED THE DIAGNOSIS: ?ELECTRICAL REPAIR, CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE VSC LIGHTS ARE COMING ON, AND THE BRAKES ARE LOCKING UP, YAW RATE SENSOR IS OUT OF CALIBRATION. RECALIBRATED YAW RATE SENSOR?. I WAS TOLD BY TELEPHONE THAT ?THE PREVIOUS REPAIR LASTED TWO YEARS?. ANY REASONABLE PERSON WOULD CONSIDER THAT THE POTENTIAL USEFUL LIFE OF THIS VEHICLE SHOULD EXCEED TWO ADDITIONAL YEARS. FURTHERMORE, THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY REOCCUR IMMEDIATELY. AFTER BEING TOLD IT WAS TEST DRIVEN AND PRONOUNCED SAFE TO DRIVE I THINK THAT THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION WAITING FOR ANOTHER EVENT TO OCCUR AND THAT AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT FROM ANOTHER INSTANCE OF THE VSC SYSTEM FAILURE. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT PROPERLY LOCATED OR PROPERLY REPAIRED IN EACH OF THE TWO OCCURRENCES. A PROPER REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FIRST EVENT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE SECOND. *TR
Oct 30, 2007
+ 8 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
10 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT NOTICED CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE IN BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT LENSES. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT LENSES HAD MELTED AND EXHIBITED A BUBBLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
May 06, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE WAS BROUGHT TO HIS ATTENTION BY ANOTHER DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
Apr 19, 2011
THE LENSES OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS/HIGH BEAMS HAVE DEVELOPED WHITE, OVAL-SHAPED BUBBLING/MELTING MARKS OF APPROXIMATELY 0.5 TO 0.75 INCHES IN DIAMETER, IN THE CENTER OF THE LENSES, DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE LAMPS. I FIRST NOTICED THIS IN DECEMBER 2010 JUST PRIOR TO CHANGING THE ORIGINAL LAMPS (THEREFORE THE REPLACEMENT LAMPS DID NOT CAUSE THIS PROBLEM). I REPORTED THIS TO TOYOTA, CASE NUMBER 1012071480. TOYOTA TOLD ME TO TAKE THIS UP WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF A DEALER. AT THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS INITIALLY QUOTED A PRICE OF $988 TO REPLACE THE ASSEMBLIES. AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HIS FOLLOW-UP WITH TOYOTA, THE PRICE WAS LOWERED TO $396 TO PAY ONLY FOR LABOR, PARTS TO BE PROVIDED AT NO CHARGE. I OPTED TO NOT HAVE THIS DONE FOR THIS PRICE. POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUES: 1) DAMAGED/MELTING LENSES COULD IMPACT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HIGH BEAMS AND/OR THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS; 2) HEAT THAT IS HOT ENOUGH TO DAMAGE/MELT THE LENSES COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD; 3) DAMAGED/MELTING LENSES COULD BE AN INDICATION OF AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I HAVE DIGITAL PHOTOS TAKEN IN DECEMBER 2010 SHOWING THE DAMAGED/MELTING LENSES THAT I HAVE PROVIDED TO TOYOTA AND WOULD BE PLEASED TO PROVIDE TO NHTSA. I HAVE ALSO RETAINED THE ORIGINAL LAMPS, AND THE CAR STILL HAS THE DAMAGED/MELTED LENSES. *TR
Apr 13, 2011
RECENTLY DISCOVERED TWO WHITE MELTED BUMPS IN THE EXACT CENTER OF THE HEADLAMP CASING WHERE THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP BEAMS PASS THROUGH THE PLASTIC. HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE JULY 2010 AND THE INCIDENT OCCURED DURING A 19 HOUR DRIVE, MOST OF WHICH TOOK PLACE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT TURNED ON UNTIL SUNSET. CONCERNED THAT FACTORY LIGHTS ARE HOT ENOUGH TO MELT THE PLASTIC THAT IS FACTORY INSTALLED. OBVIOUS DEFECT, COULD CAUSE FIRE. IMPAIRED VISION AT NIGHT ALSO A RESULT AS PLASTIC IS NOW PERMANENTLY DAMAGED. ALSO CONCERNED THAT ISSUE COULD WORSEN AND HOLE COULD APPEAR, CAUSING RAIN AND ELEMENTS TO COME IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH LIGHTING SYSTEM. ANOTHER OBVIOUS DANGER. DISENGAGING DAYTIME LIGHTS IS NOT AN OPTION, NO CONTROL OVER OVERHEATING OTHER TO TURN ON HEADLIGHTS 100% OF TIME. ALSO CONCERNED WITH THIS SOLUTION, AS DEFECT COULD POTENTIALLY BE SIMILAR IN THESE AS WELL. ATTEMPTED TO HAVE DEALER LOOK AT PROBLEM, HOWEVER WARRANTLY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, FOUND SEVERAL SIMILAR INSTANCES ON MODELS RANGING FROM 2004-2007. FEEL STRONGLY THAT ISSUE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS PASSENGER SAFTEY IS AT RISK.
Nov 12, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY OVERHEAT AND MELT WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE BULB BECOMING EXTREMELY HOT AND MELTING THE HEAD LIGHT LENS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
May 25, 2010
+ 5 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaints
THE PASSENGER SIDE IN THE REAR WINDOWS ARE DEFECTIVE. THEY WILL NOT POWER UP OR DOWN THE WINDOWS IN THE BACK OF SUV. ALSO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IS NOW NOT OPERATING UP OR DOWN. THE POWER WINDOW PARTS HAVE FAILED TWO YEARS AGO, AND NOW IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS 2004 SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE OTHER RECALLS ON NEWER MODELS.
Jul 13, 2016
WHEN DRIVING THE HEATER OR THE AIR WILL JUST COME ON, USUALLY WHEN YOU WOULD DRIVE OVER A ROUGH SPOT IN THE STREET.USUALLY THE AIR WILL COME ON IN THE WINTER AND THE HEATER WILL COME ON IN SUMMER.CALL TOYOTA THEY SAID COST ABOUT 800.00. I HAD IT FIX BY AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE.IT STILL COST ME 370.00. THEN I GO ON LINE AND OUT THERE'S HUNDREDS IF NOT LOTS MORE PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.I THINK SINCE THERE IS SO MANY PEOPLE THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA SHOULD REIMBURSE US AT LEAST PARTLY. *TR
May 05, 2015
THE CABIN TEMPERATURE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE TEMPERATURE WILL CHANGE DRASTICALLY WITHOUT ANY ADJUSTMENT TO THE CONTROLS. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE CONTROL ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF CLOSE TO $900. *KB
Aug 02, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE SIGNAL LIGHTS ALSO INCLUDE THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE WHICH COINCIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE NON-FUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNALS, AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED VIA EMAIL BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Oct 04, 2010
THE HEAT WOULD NOT ALWAYS WORK. IT WOULD BLOW COLD AIR. SOMETIMES I COULD MOVE THE KNOB AROUND AND IT WOULD COME BACK ON BUT IT DIDN'T ALWAYS WORK LIKE THAT. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND CAME UP WITH MORE THAN A DOZEN PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY DEALER SAID THE PART WAS OVER $600 TO REPLACE, THEN ON TOP OF THAT, THE DECAL WAS GOING TO COST ANOTHER $30. ONE OF THE GOOGLE SEARCHES HAD A FIX FOR IT. IT INVOLVED REMOVING THE GLOVEBOX AND PULLING THE CIRCUIT BOARD OUT. THEY SAID THERE WOULD PROBABLY BE A WIRE THAT WAS BROKEN OFF AND SURE ENOUGH THERE WAS. MY HUSBAND SOLDERED IT BACK ON, PUT THE BOAR BACK IN, AND IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM NOW. *TR
Feb 16, 2009
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
8 complaints
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 15 MPH ON A CITY STREETAND THE VSC INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STARTED BREAKING ON ITS OWN. A LOUD SCRAPPING SOUND WAS HEARD. IT WAS ABOUT 70DEGREES AND SUNNY AND THE CAR THOUGHT I WAS GOING DOWN A SLIPPERY SLOPE. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE. EVERY TIME I GOT ABOVE 8-10 MPH THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THE CARE WOULD START BREAKING BECOMING UNABLE TO DRIVE.
Apr 10, 2016
IN FEB 2005 WHILE DOING ABOUT 30 MPH THE VSC LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED BRAKING, ON IT'S OWN, TO THE RIGHT MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. THE CAR DISPLAYED NO CODES AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD CALIBRATED THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. WE HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS UNTIL MAR 24, 2016. THIS TIME THE VSC INDICATOR CAME ON AT ABOUT 40 MPH. IF I SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 20 MPH THE INDICATOR WOULD GO OFF. WE WERE ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME BUT THE CAR BRAKED, ON IT'S OWN, SEVERAL TIMES. WE HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE TOYOTA DEALER. I'M AFRAID THAT THE EXPENSE TO REPAIR IT MAY COME CLOSE TO WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH. NHTSA NEEDS TO WAKE UP AND INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME. THIS PROBLEM COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT OCCURRS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE CAR BRAKES ON IT'S OWN AT 75 MPH.
Mar 29, 2016
TRACTION CONTROL CAME ON DURING NORMAL DRIVING
Nov 08, 2015
SUMMARY: ON DEC. 30, 2009, I EXPERIENCED A MALFUNCTION IN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM OF MY 2004 4CYL FWD TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SUV. THE MALFUNCTION IS EXACTLY OF THE NATURE DESCRIBED IN THE SUMMARY OF FINDINGS FOLLOWING AN ODI INVESTIGATION OF MALFUNCTIONS IN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS OF 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA VEHICLES(NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V176000, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA09006). COMPLAINT: THE MALFUNCTION IN MY HIGHLANDER OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED FORWARD AT VERY LOW SPEED AFTER HAVING BEEN BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE SUBSEQUENTLY HESITATED AND SURGED DURING ACCELERATION AND THE BRAKES WERE AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED AND RELEASED AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE EXPERIENCING A SKID. UNLIKE THE COMPLAINTS CONSIDERED IN THE ODI INVESTIGATION, HOWEVER, THE MALFUNCTION IN MY HIGHLANDER DID NOT SELF-CORRECT. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED THE FOLLOWING DAY AT ACTON TOYOTA IN LITTLETON, MA, WHERE THE MALFUNCTION WAS CORRECTED BY RESETTING THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY AFTER THE COMPUTER WAS RESET. SINCE ACTON TOYOTA WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY A CAUSE FOR THE MALFUNCTION IN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM, I HAD THEM REPLACE THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR AS A PRECAUTIION ON JANUARY 6, 2010. ACTION: BASED UPON MY EXPERIENCE, I THINK THAT A RECALL OF 2004 4CYL FWD HIGHLANDERS SIMILAR TO THAT FOR 2003 SEQUOIAS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN.
Nov 05, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY OUT OF CONTROL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REDUCE SPEED TO 35 MPH TO GAIN CONTROL OF STABILITY. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE STABILITY CONTROL MODULE COMPUTER WAS OFF BALANCE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL FAILED AGAIN IN 2008. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 9,000.
Apr 28, 2010
+ 3 more complaints for this component
TIRES
8 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LTX M/S2 TIRES, SIZE: P225/75/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE THREAD SEPARATED FROM THE BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Sep 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK DYNAPRO HT TIRE, SIZE: P225-70-16T, AND DOT NUMBER: 7ADHUH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE DEFLATED. THE CONTACT ADDED AIR TO THE TIRE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE TIRE BELT WAS SEPARATED AND BUBBLING. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,995.
Apr 14, 2014
OUR SUV STARTED SERIOUSLY SKIDDING ON THE ROAD SURFACE WHILE DRIVING, CHECK THE TREAD AND FOUND INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF TIRES EDGES BALD, AND CENTER OF TIRE ALSO POOR TREAD. SO FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND FAMILY I HAD ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED. *TR
Oct 21, 2007
I HAD A TIRE GO VERY NEARLY FLAT AND THE LOW TIRE INDICATOR ON MY 04 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER NEVER ILLUMINATED. A PASSING MOTORIST MADE ME AWARE OF THE TIRE CONDITION. I BARELY WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO A STATION WITHOUT RUINING THE ALMOST NEW TIRE. I HAD JUST CAME INTO TOWN, AND WAS PREVIOUSLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH 2 ELDERLY PASSENGERS BESIDES MYSELF. MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER HERE IN MCKINNEY TX SAID THAT TOYOTA TECH SUPPORT SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. EVEN THOUGH I HAD JUST DRIVEN ABOUT 5 MILES TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH ONE TIRE PURPOSELY UNDER INFLATED BY 10 POUNDS TO PROVE TO THEM THAT IT WAS NOT WORKING, THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT, EXCEPT TO VERIFY THAT THERE IS NO CODES SET IN THE COMPUTER! *JB
Dec 09, 2006
DURING REGULAR MAINTENANCE IN MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4X4 2004 WITH A 20000 MILES, THE DEALERSHIP INFORM ME THAT THE TIRES NEED TO BE REPLACE AND TOLD ME THAT WARRANTY DOES NOT INCLUDE TIRES. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT TIRES SHOULD HOLD MORE THEN 15000 MILES. THE TIRES ARE BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/T 687. *NM
Aug 22, 2006
+ 3 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
7 complaints
The passenger airbag occupancy sensor in my car has stopped sensing a passenger has been stuck on "OFF" for the past 2-6 months (I believe) even when an adult is sitting in the seat. I don't know exactly when this problem began because there was never any warning light or error message which is a massive safety oversight since I could have been in accident with no knowledge that it wasn't working properly. The car is currently at the dealership and they are telling me it's $1300 to replace the sensor and that there is no way to bypass the sensor and just have it "ON" for the safety of my passenger. There is already a recall for this same system in newer Highlanders, but why is there no support for older Highlanders?
Feb 16, 2024
THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR TWO DAYS NOW. THERE IS A BUZZING LIKE SOMETHING IS MALFUNCTIONING ON MY PASSENGER SIDE COMING FROM THE DASH I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO PEP BOYS AND THEY SAID THAT MY AIR BAG IS MALFUNCTIONING. IS RESULT OF THIS MY JOB WON'T LET ME DRIVE PATIENTS BECAUSE OF THE DANGER. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE FIXED. I KNOW FOR A FACT IT'S THE AIRBAG BECAUSE TOYOTA TOLD WHEN I BROUGHT IT THERE BECAUSE PEP BOYS TOLD GO TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO CONFIRM AND IT WAS!. THIS HAPPENS IN MOTION AND A LITTLE WHILE IN MOTION. WHEN IT IS HUMID OUTSIDE THE BUZZING IS EVEN WORSER TO WHERE THE SIDE PANEL VY DRIVERS LEFT LEG VIBRATE.
Jun 02, 2016
CAR IN MOTION @45 MILES AN HOUR AT 8AM 12/29/14. DRIVER LOST CONSCIOUSNESS DUE TO MEDICAL EVENT, WHICH RESULTED IN AUTO RUNNING OFF ROAD AFTER HITTING CURB AND SIDEWALK, THEN HITTING A ROADSIDE FENCE AT AN ESTIMATED 45 MPH. THE CAR THEN ROLLED AND LANDED ON ROOF. DRIVER WAS SEAT-BELTED. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE COLLISION. DRIVER SUFFERED TRAUMA TO HEAD AND OTHER INJURIES. CAR WAS RATED BY INSURER AS COMPLETELY TOTALED.
Jan 21, 2016
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND SWERVED TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A LARGE PILLAR ON AN OVERPASS AND BOUNCED OFF OF IT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE ALSO CRASHED INTO A SECOND PILLAR. THE DRIVER SUFFERED NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE MASSIVE IMPACT OF THE CRASH. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR MUST BE STRUCK IN A SPECIFIC AREA FOR THE DEPLOYMENT TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,498.
Feb 17, 2010
2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AIRBAGS NOT WORKING. *TR
Jan 19, 2009
+ 2 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
7 complaints
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front bumper inadvertently detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the front lower bumper covers had been attached with mounting tabs and that the bumper assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Oct 27, 2023
MY HIGHLANDER WAS INVOLVED IN A TOTAL LOSS CRASH BACK IN 2007, AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY PAID OUT A TOTAL LOSS CLAIM AND TOOK THE SALVAGE. I HAVE REPEATEDLY UPDATED TOYOTA THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED, YET THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO SEND RECALL NOTICES FOR THE PSAT 4 YEARS. PLEASE MAKE THEM STOP !! *TR
Mar 03, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REVERSING FROM HER DRIVEWAY AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEEDS OF 1 MPH, THE FRONT BUMPER FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE COMPONENTS THAT HELD THE BUMPER TO THE VEHICLE WERE ALSO BROKEN. SHE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO REFERRED HER TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HER BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,658.
Jun 01, 2010
I WANTED TO OPEN MY SUNROOF. I STARTED TO SLIDE BACK AND GOT STUCK. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A REPAIR SHOP JUST TO HAVE THEM CLOSE IT. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THIS WAS 8TH ONE THAT WHERE THE SUNROOF BROKE. THEY HAD TO DISCONNECT THE SUNROOF JUST TO CLOSE IT. *TR
Jun 16, 2008
OWNER STATED THAT WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP HE TEST DROVE A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE OWNER FOUND THAT THE MEASUREMENTS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE NOT THE SAME IN EACH VEHICLE THAT WAS TEST DRIVEN. *AK
Feb 18, 2005
+ 2 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
7 complaints
INTERMITTENT LOSS OF AC WHEN HITS BUMPS. ON 06/23/11 I TOOK IN MY WIFE'S 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER TO ALAMO TOYOTA WHERE THEY CHARGE ME $92.72 TO TIGHTEN OR AS THEY PUT IT RETORQUE BOLTS BEHIND AC PANEL IN WHICH LOOKING AT IT NOW THERE ARE NO BOLTS BEHIND PANEL THERE IS ONE UNDERNEATH THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL KNOB AND SCREW ON THE SIDE . THEY TIGHTEN THAT NUT DOWN ON THE CONTROL/TEMP KNOB AND WHAT IT DID IT PULLED AWAY THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND MADE CONTACT WITH THE THREE CONDUCTOR ON THAT RIBBON CABLE BEHIND THE KNOB. WHICH WAS A QUICK FIX WHICH ESSENTIALLY STOPPED WORKING (THEY BROKE OFF ) . I TAKE IT IN AGAIN TO ALAMO TOYOTA AND NOW THEY SAY ITS MY COMPRESSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR $1460.00 PLUS TAX I HAD ALREADY READ THE ONLINE FIX , I EXPLAIN TO THEM AND SHOWED THEM PICTURES OF THE ONLINE FIX. THEY SAID ITS THE COMPRESSOR. SO I CAME HOME TOOK IT APART AND FOUND TWO OF THE WIRE ON THE RIBBON CABLE BROKEN OFF .I INSTALLED THREE NEW WIRE BY SOLDERING THEM REPLACING THE RIBBON CABLE. AC IS WORKING AGAIN THANKS TO THE THAT ONE PERSON THAT PUT THOSE PICTURES ONLINE OF THE FIX THIS PERSON HE SAVED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE. I THANK HIM, AND I WILL NEVER DEAL WITH TOYOTA AGAIN I ALSO OWN A TUNDRA AND AS SOON AS I CAN I WILL TRADE BOTH IN FOR SOMETHING OTHER THEN TOYOTA. THEY ARE PART OF AMERICAN GREED. *JS
May 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WOULD INVOLUNTARILY SWITCH FROM BLOWING COOL AIR TO HOT AIR WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONTROL BOARD FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON DUE TO THE WIRING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN AND THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
May 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE AIR CONDITIONING, HEAT, DEFROST AND THE RADIO TO FAIL. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE AN EXPLANATION OF WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Feb 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, HEAT BEGAN BLOWING FROM THE VENTILATION AS OPPOSED TO COLD AIR. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 03/07/11*LJ UPDATED 07/18/11
Feb 08, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAT DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK IN THE VEHICLE. SHE MUST TOGGLE WITH THE KNOBS IN ORDER FOR THE HEAT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. OFTENTIMES WHEN THE HEATING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED, IT WOULD BLOW COLD AIR. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED, IT WOULD PRODUCE WARM AIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A CONSISTENT FAILURE WITH THE HIGHLANDER, BUT NO REPAIRS COULD BE MADE DUE TO WARRANTY STIPULATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION OR COMPLAINTS PERTAINING TO THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 57,000.
Jan 22, 2009
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE FABRIC MATERIAL STRAP BECAME FRAYED AND SHREDDED AT THE BUCKLE LOCATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (ATLANTIC TOYOTA IN LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS) AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *JS
Sep 08, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT AND WOULD ALSO INTERMITTENTLY SEIZE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 1/7/15*CN UPDATED 06/3/2015 *JS
Dec 02, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT OR UNLATCH INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jan 07, 2014
MY 7 YEAR OLD GOT TRAPPED IN THE SEATBELT AND HE HAD TO BE CUT OUT. HE WAS SITTING IN HIS HIGH BACK BOOSTER WITH THE SEATBELT PULLED OVER AND BUCKLED. BEFORE UNBUCKLING, HE PUT HIS HEAD THROUGH AND UNDER THE SHOULDER BELT PORTION. AFTER DISENGAGING THE BUCKLE, THE BELT STARTED TO RETRACT, AND GOT CAUGHT ON THE ARMREST OF THE BOOSTER SEAT AND STARTED TIGHTENING AROUND MY CHILD. EVERYTIME HE WIGGLED OR MOVED TO GET OUT, IT TIGHTENED FURTHER TO THE POINT WHERE HE WAS HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING. THERE WAS NO WAY TO MANUALLY LOOSEN THE BELT AS IT CONSTRICTED AROUND HIM FURTHER AND FURTHER LIKE A BOA CONSTRICTOR. I HAD TO SCREAM FOR HELP AT THE CAR WASH I WAS AT AND THE WORKERS BROUGHT SCISSORS TO CUT THE BELT AND GET HIM OUT. *TR
Jul 05, 2012
THERE WAS A SEAT BELT LOCKING REEL FAILURE THAT HAD OCCURRED IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT IN A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE. *SC *JB
Feb 16, 2005
VISIBILITY/WIPER
5 complaints
HEAT DOESN'T WORK AND A/C INTERMITTENTLY BLOWS COLD OR HOT. WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS WILL FOG UP IN BAD WEATHER AND WITHOUT HEAT I CAN'T DEFOG THEM FORCING ME TO PULL OVER AND MANUALLY WIPE THE FOG OFF EVERY FEW MINUTES.
Dec 04, 2015
DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE IN THE UP POSITION AND DROPS DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY. *TR
Aug 18, 2014
THE DRIVER SUN VISOR KEEPS DROPPING FROM IT'S KEPT POSITION AND BLOCKS THE DRIVERS VIEW. THIS ALMOST CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS WITH MYSELF AND THEN MY WIFE. THE SUDDEN DROPPING OF THE VISOR IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER HIGHLANDER OWNERS AND THEY HAVE SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR
Nov 27, 2013
AS I'M DRIVING THE SUN VISOR FALLS DOWN BLOCKING MY VISION. THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS A DEFECT IN THIS ITEM AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Nov 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE WEATHER WAS HOT OUTSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR FELL DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE, BUT IT WAS CONSIDERED USAGE AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 89,559.
Oct 04, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
I NOTICED THAT MY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT/MANUFACTURER PASSENGER-SIDE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHT LENS HAD A BURNT SPOT ON THE INSIDE OF THE LENS (CLEARLY MELTED LENS MATERIAL). I CHECKED THE HEADLIGHT BULB, WHICH IS A FACTORY-INSTALLED KAITO MODEL HB3 LOW-BEAM BULB. THE BULB WAS DISCOLORED BLACK AND SMOKY LOOKING WITH AN OBVIOUS BULGE OF MELTED GLASS IN ONE SIDE OF THE BULB. THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS STILL WORK, BUT THE BULB SEEMINGLY HAS OVERHEATED, MELTING BOTH THE BULB GLASS AND THE INSIDE OF THE LENS ASSEMBLY. *TR
Jul 14, 2014
A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SIGNAL LIGHT (SAFETY ITEM) IS MALFUNCTIONING AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALER (DARCARS), I WAS TOLD I HAVE TO CHANGE THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM (LUXURY ITEM) WHICH CURRENTLY IS WORKING. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THEY HAD TO INTEGRATE THESE TWO FUNCTIONS WHEN ONE IS A SAFETY AND THE OTHER ONE IS LUXURY ITEMS. BESIDES, IT COSTS $6000 + LABOR + TAX TO CHANGE THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. AFTER INTENSIVE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OUT THAT TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM EXCEPT THEY ONLY COVER THE PROBLEM UNDER THE 36,000MILE/3 YEAR WARRANTY. IF THIS WAS A MILEAGE RELATED PROBLEM, I CAN UNDERSTAND EVEN IF TWO NONE RELATED FUNCTIONS ARE INTERLOCKED, BUT THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MILEAGE AND WE CANNOT DRIVE WITHOUT A SIGNAL LIGHT BUT WE CAN WITHOUT A NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THIS PROBLEM STARTED A MONTH AGO AND I HAVE TRIED TO GET A RESPONSE FROM TOYOTA AND THEY ARE NOT GIVING ME ANY RESPONSE REGARDING THIS MATER. *TR
Oct 05, 2010
LENS PLATE COVERS OVER FOG LIGHTS ARE MELTING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. *TR
Nov 16, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND PRESSING TO BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL FAILED TO RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER GROOVE TOYOTA LOCATED AT 5460 S BROADWAY, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113 HOWEVER, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Jan 04, 2021
BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR VERY SLOWLY AND VEHICLE SLOWLY CREEPS FORWARD. MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED WITH NEW. (HISTORY: AT 79000 MILES THE TOYOTA FACTORY RECALL TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER CUP KIT WAS PERFORMED BY TOYOTA DEALER ). *TR
Sep 23, 2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
THE TRANSFER CASE IS LEAKING AFTER ONLY 68000 MILES. THE LEAKING OIL DROPS OVER THE HEATED EXHAUST PIPE WHICH CAUSES FUME IN THE CABIN THROUGH AIR CONDITION AND FAN
Jul 11, 2017
DEALER (GREEN'S TOYOTA, LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY) MAKING RECALL REPAIRS ON MY 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER (RECALL # 06V253000) FAILED TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF NHTSA RECALL, BY REPLACING DEFECTIVE RETAINING CLIPS WITH VELCRO. NO REPLACEMENT CLIPS WERE USED.
Sep 15, 2006
SEATS
2 complaints
BEGAN DRIVING VEHICLE A WEEK AGO, USED TO BE MY WIFE'S VEHICLE. I NOTICED A SQUEAK IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, AND NOTICED IT WIGGLED. I EXAMINED THE MOUNTING BOLTS, AND ALL 4 SEAT BOLTS WERE LOOSE, NOT EVEN FINGER TIGHT. THE ONLY SERVICE PERFORMED ANYWHERE NEAR THE SEAT WAS RECALL WORK ON THE FLOOR MAT RETAINING CLIP AND A SEAL IN THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, BOTH RECALLS WERE DONE SIMULTANEOUSLY AT RUDY LUTHER TOYOTA, 8805 WAYZATA BLVD, GOLDEN VALLEY, MN 55426. RECALL WORK WAS DONE A COUPLE YEARS AGO. I TIGHTENED THE BOLTS WITH MY OWN TOOLS. PASSENGER SEAT BOLTS WERE TIGHT.
Aug 11, 2015
THE HEAD REST ON THE THIRD ROW OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED DOWN. IT WILL NOT STAY UP. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK
Aug 20, 2004
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN PROVIDED WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Jan 05, 2015
I BOUGHT A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN NOVEMBER OF 2003 BECAUSE MY HUSBAND AND I FOUND OUT WE WERE PREGNANT AND NEEDED A BIGGER CAR. THREE MONTHS AND 5000 MILES LATER I HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF A DEFECT IN A CHIP IN THE "MOTHERBOARD." (SOME SENSOR DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE ASC MECHANISM TO FOUL UP.) ANYWAY, ON MONDAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AT 50500 MILES, BUT THIS TIME THE CAUSE WAS A STEERING SENSOR ACTUATOR. OF COURSE, THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I RAISED CANE BECAUSE TWO MAJOR THINGS HAVE CAUSED ME TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH BARELY 50000 MILES ON THE CAR. THEY ARE PAYING FOR THE COST OF THE PARTS BUT THAT'S IT. I TRULY BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE PAID FOR THE ENTIRE ORDEAL, INCLUDING TOWING, LABOR AND RENTAL CAR BECAUSE OF MY INCONVENIENCE AND OBVIOUS DEFECT IN THE CAR. TOYOTA IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY BRAND NAMES OF CARS AND YOU DON'T EXPECT TO DEAL WITH THESE TYPES OF ISSUES WHEN BUYING ONE. I FEEL THAT THEY REALIZE I HAVE A DEFECTIVE CAR AND HAVE DECIDED NOT TO CARE. NOW I DON'T TRUST THE VEHICLE AND WANT TO TRADE IT IN FOR A NON TOYOTA CAR. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION. *JB
Dec 16, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
AS I EXITED THE FREEWAY I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND APPLIED THE BRAKE. THE CAR ACCELERATED AND DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I CROSSED BOTH LANES OF THE STREET AND I TURNED THE CAR TO THE RIGHT. THE WHEELS OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR HIT THE CURB AND THE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR BROKE OFF. THEN, THE CAR WENT OVER THE CURB AND HIT THE STATE SIGN WITH THE LEFT FRONT OF THE CAR. THE CAR GOT STUCK IN DEEP MULCH FROM RECENT LANDSCAPING AND CAME TO A STOP.
Jul 15, 2013
2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ENGINE DIES, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 20 MPH, ENGINE LIGHT AND VSC AND TRAC OFF LIGHTS WERE ON, WOULD SLOW DOWN TO 10 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. *KB THE THROTTLE BODY CONTROL UNIT WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES. JB
Jul 31, 2006
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
WHILE PARALLEL PARKING AND SLOWLY BACKING INTO THE PARKING SPACE, MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BACKWARD CRASHING INTO THE VEHICLE PARKED BEHIND ME. MY VEHICLE CONTINUED ACCELERATING BACKWARD INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE AND PUSHED IT BACK EVEN THOUGH I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD. I THEN PUT MY VEHICLE INTO DRIVE WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, AND IT IMMEDIATELY LUNGED FORWARD CRASHING INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. WHILE CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE FORWARD, WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, MY VEHICLE PUSHED THAT VEHICLE INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. I THEN TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING. ALL FOUR VEHICLES SUSTAINED DAMAGE. THERE WERE NO OCCUPANTS IN THE OTHER PARKED VEHICLES. REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE TOTALED $4,076, PLUS $1,444 FOR A RENTAL CAR. I ALSO RECEIVED A SUMMONS FOR CARELESS DRIVING. I BELIEVE THE ACCIDENT WAS THE RESULT OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM. *TR
Mar 27, 2013
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT, GOING LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR. AS I TURNED INTO THE SPOT, THE CAR LURCHED AHEAD, SO QUICKLY, THAT SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES STILL CAUSED ME TO SLIDE A BIT. I ENDED UP HITTING A CAR PARKED IN THE SPOT IN FRONT OF ME, AND CAUSING $1400 WORTH OF DAMAGE (TO MY FRONT BUMPER AND THE OTHER CARS REAR BUMPER). I HAD A FRIEND IN THE CAR WITH ME WHO VOUCHED FOR THIS. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT BEFORE, AND WAS COMPLETELY BAFFLED BY WHAT HAPPENED. AFTER GOOGLING THIS, I SEE THAT THIS CAR HAS HAD SEVERAL SIMILAR INCIDENTS, AND I AM NOW WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY CAR. I AM UNSURE HOW TO PROCEED, AS I HAVE READ THAT MECHANICS SEEM UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE EVENT THAT OCCURS WHERE IT SEEMS TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY. VERY EMBARRASSING- I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR ACCIDENT BEFORE! *TR
Jul 26, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
2 complaints
2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS 57,000 MILES, SINCE I OWNED THE CAR THE FOLLOWING OCCURS; ON SLIPPERY CONDITIONS THE VCS LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND IT WOULD TAKE A SECOND OR SO FOR BRAKES TO ENGAGE. TODAY ON A DRY PAVEMENT SURFACE (NO RAIN OR SNOW) THE VCS LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON WHEN TRAVELING 20 MILES AN HOUR LOCKING MY BRAKES FOR NO APPARENT REASON MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TRIED DRIVING AGAIN BUT BREAKS IMMEDIATELY LOCKED UP ONCE I HIT 10-15 MILES AN HOUR AND STEERING WHEEL WAS ALSO LOOSE CAUSING DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAD CAR TOWED TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND IT IS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED, TECHNICIAN SAID THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED $500. NOT SURE IF THIS WILL CORRECT THE 1 SECOND GAP IN BREAK ENGAGEMENT ON SLIPPERY SURFACES WHICH HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2004. *TR
Feb 09, 2010
WE WERE TRAVELING IN THE VEHICLE, APPROX. 20-25 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED FOR A FEW SECOND, RELEASED AND THEN ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER, LOCKED AND RELEASED ONCE AGAIN. IT WAS AS IF WE HAD SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, ONLY ON THE RIGHT DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE. WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THE CODES LEAD THE TECHNICIAN TO AN OPEN CIRCUIT ON THE ABS ACTUATOR, HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY COMPANY WOULDN'T FIX OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE 1) THEY COULDN'T REDUPLICATE THE PROBLEM; AND 2) THE PART IN QUESTION IS A SMALL PART WITHIN A $3,500 LARGER PART, OF WHICH THE ENTIRE $3,500 PART WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THEY TOLD US TO WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN TO BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. APPROX. ONE MONTH LATER, THE VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING, HOWEVER, IT WAS ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROX. 70 MPH. THE IMPACT WAS LESS HARD AS THE SPEED WOULDN'T ALLOW THE BRAKE TO FULLY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE WARRANTY AGENT AGAIN DENIED RESOLVING THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE IT IN THEIR PRESENCE AND THE CODES WERE DEEMED INCOMPLETE AND THEREFORE, NO REPAIR. I AM CONCERNED THIS MIGHT CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND/OR DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. *TR
Jan 07, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED, THE ENGINE, VSC, AND TRACKING LIGHT BEGAN GOING ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. MARIETTA TOYOTA PERSONNEL TOLD ME THAT THE GAS CAP WAS NOT ON TIGHT ENOUGH AND I SHOULD TIGHTEN IT. CALLS WERE MADE NUMEROUS TIMES TO THEM. SINCE MAY, 2007 THE LIGHTS ARE ON CONSTANTLY AND WILL NOT GO OFF. I KEEP GETTING THE SAME REPLY AND THEY DO NOT SEEM CONCERNED ABOUT IT AT ALL! *TR
Jan 18, 2008
HAVE EXPERIENCED ACCELERATION HESITATION PROBLEM ON 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO TOYOTA WHO INSIST THAT THE CAR IF FINE AND PERFORMING TO THEIR SPECS. ALSO CONTACTED THEIR REGIONAL OFFICE AND WAS TOLD TO PERIODICALLY CHECK WITH THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MAY HAVE BEEN ISSUES, BUT AS OF NOW NOTHING WAS BEING WORKED ON. TOYOTA DID ISSUES A TSB ON A DIFFERENT 2004 MODEL. AS MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR USUALLY WITH CHILDREN I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS HESITATION. *JB
Nov 22, 2004
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
LET ME START BY SAYING I AM A DIE-HARD TOYOTA OWNER, MY CURRENT VEHICLE BEING THE 3RD TOYOTA WE OWN. I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, V6, 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH AWD. THIS VEHICLE HAS A VERY SERIOUS HESITATION PROBLEM WHICH IS DANGEROUS. UPON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR AT SPEED, THERE IS A VERY SERIOUS LAG IN THROTTLE RESPONSE. MANY TIMES LEAVING A STOP OR ACCELERATING FROM A SLOW SPEED I.E. PARKING LOT DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL LAG WITH NO RESPONSE, THEN LURCH & ACCELERATE SUDDENLY. MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, SAFE PASSING, STARTS AT LIGHTS AND SAFE DRIVING IN PARKING LOTS AND AROUND PEDESTRIANS CAN BE HAZARDOUS. THOUSANDS OF OWNERS ACROSS THE NATION ARE AFFECTED BY THIS DEFECT. FROM MY RECENT RESEARCH IT APPARENTLY IS NOT RESTRICTED TO THE HIGHLANDER, BUT AFFECTS MANY TOYOTA VEHICLES WITH "DRIVE BY WIRE" AS OPPOSED TO MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION & THROTTLE LINKAGE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER RIGHT AFTER MY PURCHASE IN NOVEMBER OF 2004 AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG, NOW RECENT RESEARCH TELLS ME THEY WERE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AT THAT TIME. I LOVE TOYOTA BUT THERE METHODS OF DEALING WITH PROBLEMS LIKE THIS IS DECEPTIVE AT BEST AND JUST SHORT OF CRIMINAL AT WORST. PLEASE "GOOGLE" TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HESITATION PROBLEM AND ALSO VISIT TUNDRASOLUTIONS.COM FOR MORE EVIDENCE OF WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. TOYOTA HAS NOT DEVOTED ENOUGH RESOURCES TO THIS PROBLEM OR A PERMANENT FIX WOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN DEVELOPED. PLEASE CONTACT TOYOTA AND URGE THEM TO TAKE CARE OF THIS MATTER WITH ALL THE THOUSANDS OF OWNERS ACROSS THE U.S. THAT ARE HAVING TO DEAL WITH THIS MATTER. I WILL BE FOLLOWING THIS MATTER WITH KEEN INTEREST TO SEE IF ANYTHING IS BEING DONE AND AM ADVISING AAA OF THE ISSUES AS WELL AS MY STATE AND FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES. TOYOTA COMMANDS A PREMIUM PRICE FOR WHAT ARE OTHERWISE EXCEPTIONAL VEHICLES AND THEIR CUSTOMERS AND THE NATIONS DRIVERS DESERVE A BETTER MORE RESPONSIBLE RESPONSE FROM TOYOTA. *NM
Jun 29, 2006
MY 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER MAKES A TERRIBLE HUMMING / MOANING SOUND ON ACCELERATION THAT RESONATES WITHIN THE VEHICLES AND DISTURBS THE DRIVER. THE PROBLEM TYPICALLY OCCURS DURING SPEEDING UP FROM 0 MPH. IT IS TERRIBLY FRUSTRATING THAT A BRAND NEW CAR MAKES SUCH A ANNOYING SOUND. IT IS ALSO HESITATES A LOT DURING 20-40 MPH SPEED RANGE. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND AS IT SUPPOSED TO ON ACCELERATION AND THAT TOO SPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING WITHIN THE CITY. ON CANTACTING THE DEALER AND TOYOTA'S NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE THAY SAID IT IS DESIGNED TO BE LIKE THAT AND THE HESITATION IS A BY-PRODUCT OF COMPUTER CONTROLLED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. CURRENTLY THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS. AM TERRIBLY FRUSTRATED NOW AND PROMISE TO NEVER BUY ANY VEHICLE FROM TOYOTA IN FUTURE. I WOULD ALSO MAKE SURE THAT MY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES DOES NOT GO NEAR A TOYOTA DEALER. I AM DESPERATE IN GETTING RID OF THIS VEHICLE. *AK
Dec 23, 2004
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
ERRONEOUS "REMINDER" FROM TOYOTA STATES THEY PREVIOUSLY SENT AN "OFFICIAL SAFETY RECALL NOTIFICATION" FOR "SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN SSC 40B" RE "CHILD PROTECTION LOCK SYSTEM". WE HAVE RECEIVED NO PREVIOUS NOTICE OF THIS ALLEGED RECALL. I HAVE ALREADY SENT A SEPARATE INQUIRY AND COMPLAINT TO TOYOTA MOTORS, USA ABOUT THIS. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT WE MISSED THE FIRST NOTICE, AND THAT TOYOTA CAN'T KEEP IT STRAIGHT WHO THEY NOTIFIED AND WHO THEY DIDN'T NOTIFY. *JB
Feb 12, 2005
2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WAS INVOLVED IN CRASH. THE DOORS WERE NOT LOCKED WHEN TRAVELING, BUT WERE LOCKED WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP AFTER CRASH. OCCUPANTS COULD NOT GET OUT. THEY COULD NOT TURN OFF KEY. THEY COULD NOT BREAK WINDOWS TO GET OUT, EITHER, NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY KICKED THEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER. IF THERE HAD BEEN A FIRE, THE OCCUPANTS WOULD HAVE DIED.*AK
Dec 21, 2004
AIR BAGS,WHEELS
1 complaint
My car malfunctioned my tire locked up while I was driving on the high way causing me to spin out of control and skid all the way into a guard rail totalled my car out and not one air bag went off
Oct 09, 2024
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH A HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION ZONE MY CAR SUDDENLY BECAME HARD TO STEER, AND MY SPEED BECAME GREATER, TRIED TO (BREAK) DECELERATE THE CAR BEGAN SLIDING OUT OF CONTROL-PLOWING INTO THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION BARRIERS PART LODGED IN FRONT PASSENGER WINDSHIELD. THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE DITCH BECAME AIRBORNE THROUGH A ROD IRON FENCE SHATTERED THE REAR SECOND-ROW RIGHT SIDE WINDOW SPUN OUT , AND CAME TO REST JUST FEET FROM THE SOME PILEINGS. THIS IS THE INFORMATION OF MY DAUGHTER WHOM IS AN OUT OF STATE COLLEGE SENIOR AND VERY SHAKEN UP FROM THIS ORDEAL, THIS HER STATEMENT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. POSSIBLY THE PLACEMENT OF THE 🚧 COULD HAVE BEEN A CONTRIBUTOR, AND THE UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION. VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT USED A YEAR AGO. CAN YOU HELP UP LEARN WHY?
Sep 14, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE TRACTION CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE, VSC, AND BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V499000 (SERVICE BRAKES), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,489.
Apr 07, 2017
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
GAS STATION DID NOT CLOSE HOOD COMPLETELY AND IT BLEW OPEN WHILE TRYING TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY AT JUST OVER 40 MILES PER HOUR.THE SECONDARY SAFETY CATCH DID NOT HOLD OR WORK ! THE HOOD BLEW OPEN AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD AND BENT THE HOOD UP INTO THE ROOF.THE TOPS OF THE FENDERS NEAR THE HINGES WERE ALSO RIPPED UP.
May 27, 2015
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MY VEHICLE IS HAVING AN ISSUE WHERE THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL AND ABS ARE BEING DISABLED. THIS IS THE DEFAULT MODE WHENEVER THERE IS AN ISSUE. IT IS NOW OCCURRING EVERY TIME I START MY CAR. *TR
Nov 20, 2014
AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE NOBODY WAS EVEN IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, WHILE TRAVELING ON A CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY. A CHECK OF THE TOYOTA OWNER'S MANUAL STATED THAT THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM WOULD NOT FUNCTION IF THIS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON FOR NO REASON AT ALL. SINCE WE LIVE NO WHERE NEAR A DEALER, NEAREST DEALER IS 100 MILES AWAY, I LET IT STAY THAT WAY FOR AWHILE. THERE WAS ALSO A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS MODEL, WHERE THE ALWAYS ON DAYLAMPS MELT THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS AND LEAVE A VISIBLE MELTED BUBBLE, THAT THE DEALER REFUSES TO FIX BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T MANUFACTURE THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE VEHICLE YEAR AND MILEAGE IS OUT OF WARRANTY- BUT, WE STILL HAVE THE VEHICLE- THEY SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THEN, MOST RECENTLY, A SHUFFLING SOUND FROM BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL/ BEZEL CLUSTER OCCURRED AND MAKES THE WEIRD SOUND FOR 3 OR SO MINUTES SOMETIMES WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME, ABOUT EVERY 2 TIMES NOW. THE SOUND USED TO MAKE A CLICKING SOUND FOR ONLY 1 MINUTE- SO, IT'S GETTING LOUDER, AND LONGER. WE WERE ALSO TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT THE SUSPENSION/RODS/SHOCKS ARE BAD AND WILL NEED REPLACED- THAT IS AN EXPENSIVE FIX. *TR
Nov 06, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN NORMALLY AND PARKED. WHILE PARKED, OWNER NOTICED SMALL LEAK UNDER FRONT AXLE, INVESTIGATED AND LEAK APPEARED TO BE TRANSMISSION FLUID OR ANTIFREEZE. OWNER DROVE VEHICLE NEXT DAY, PARKED AND NOTICED LEAK WAS LARGER. OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER NEXT MORNING AND WAS TOLD THE HEAD GASKET WAS FAILING. DEALER SAID ALTERNATIVES WERE TO REPAIR HEAD GASKET ($3200+), REPLACE ENGINE OR BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE. OWNER DECLINED REPAIR AND TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO CONFIRMED HEAD GASKET LEAK AND RECOMMENDED EITHER SEALANT ($250) OR HEAD GASKET REPAIR ($1200). OWNER CHOSE SEALANT. ABOUT FOUR DAYS AFTER SEALANT FIX, OWNER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND STOPPED AT A STARBUCKS DRIVE-THROUGH. MINUTES INTO THE WAIT, THE VEHICLES TEMP GAUGE BEGAN TO CLIMB RAPIDLY. OWNER REVVED ENGINE AND TEMP DECLINED. OWNER DROVE VEHICLE HOME AND INSPECTED ENGINE, DISCOVERED COOLANT HAD BEGUN TO SPRAY FROM OVERFLOW RESERVOIR. OWNER LET VEHICLE COOL. NEXT DAY, OWNER DROVE VEHICLE AT MODEST SPEED ACROSS TOWN, WATCHING THE TEMP GAUGE. TEMP WOULD INCREASE INCREMENTALLY, THEN DECLINE, BUT NO OVERHEATING APPEARED. THIRD DAY, OWNER DID SAME, BUT THIS TIME, AS OWNER APPROACHED HIS HOME, THE TEMP GAUGE SHOT TO RED. OWNER PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, OPENED HOOD AND FOUND OVERFLOW RESERVOIR BUBBLING, COOLANT SPRAY AND OVERFLOW ON FRAME. PRIOR TO THESE INCIDENTS, ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO THE OWNER HAD BEEN TOLD BY TOYOTA DEALER THAT A FEW ENGINE MOUNTS WERE CRACKED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT, WHICH WAS DONE. NO OTHER MAJOR REPAIRS OR ISSUES HAVE EXISTED WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS NOT 10 YEARS OLD, ITS 103,500 MILES HAS BEEN GENERALLY LIGHT HIGHWAY AND SHORT-DISTANCE CITY DRIVING. OIL AND OTHER MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN ROUTINELY PERFORMED. *TR
Apr 06, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
LATE LAST YEAR WE NOTICED THAT THE DAYRUNNING PORTION OF THE HEADLAMP COVER HAD MELTED ON THE INSIDE, NEXT TO THE TIP OF THE BULBS ON EACH SIDE. THERE IS NO WAY TO TURN THE DAYRUNNING FEATURE ON OR OFF, IT IS ALWAYS ON. NOT ONLY DOES THIS WEAR DOWN THE BATTERY, WHICH WE'VE ALREADY REPLACED IN ONE YEAR, BUT THE HEADLIGHT COVER CANNOT HANDLE THE HEAT GENERATED FROM CONSTANTLY BEING "ON". WE WOULD LIKE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED AND A DISCOUNT GIVEN ON A NEW SET, SINCE IT ISN'T OUR FAULT, AS IT COULDN'T BE TURNED OFF. HEADLIGHTS ARE EXPENSIVE, AND AT NIGHT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE OUR VISIBILITY IS DRASTICALLY REDUCED- WHERE WE LIVE, THERE ARE DEER AND WINDING HILLY ROADS. IF TOYOTA WON'T DO ANYTHING, WE WILL BE FORCED TO DO THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR OURSELVES, BUT WILL BE VERY, VERY DISAPPOINTED. TOYOTA SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Oct 29, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
RIGHT PASSENGER FRONT ROW WINDOW MOTOR STOPPED WORKING FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS WINDOW WAS RARELY USED SO IT WAS VERY SURPRISING. NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.COST $345.36 TO FIX. WAS FIXED BECAUSE OF FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE IN CASE OF A CRASH. TOYOTA SAYS 2004 IS NOT PART OF CURRENT RECALL FOR WINDOW MOTORS BUT DEFINITELY SEEMS LIKE THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED BECAUSE HAD SAME PROBLEM HAPPEN AGAIN ON THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR ON JULY 09. SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND AGAIN THIS WINDOW BARELY USED. COULD NOT AFFORD TO FIX SO IT IS STUCK IN UP POSITION. HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND HOPING THEY WILL EXPAND RECALL TO 2004 HIGHLANDERS. I HOPE ALL TOYOTA OWNERS WILL REPORT WINDOW MOTOR PROBLEMS AND ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS TO BOTH THE NHTSA AND TOYOTA. *TR
Oct 11, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ON NOVEMBER 14, 2011, I WAS PARKING MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN A VERY FAMILIAR PARKING SPACE AND SUDDENLY MY CAR TOOK ON A LIFE OF ITS OWN AND ACCELERATED, VEERED LEFT, JUMPED LOW SIDEWALK CAR BARRIER, JUMPED CURB, AND HIT A DECORATIVE POLE; BRAKES COULD NOT STOP CAR. IT WENT FROM GENTLY ENTERING A PARKING SPOT WHICH I HAVE OFTEN USED TO FULL THROTTLE SPEED. THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE STRAIGHT FORWARD IT VEERED TO LEFT. *TR
Nov 18, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I TOOK MY 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER V6 TO LONGO TOYOTA FOR BRAKE BOOSTER RECALL IN NOVEMBER 2010. THEY KEPT MY CAR NEARLY 7 WEEKS BEFORE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. A FEW DAYS AFTER PICKING UP MY VEHICLE, WHILE I WAS PARKED DROPPING OFF MY PASSENGER, MOST OF THE CONTROL PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED (BRAKES, ABS, TRAC OFF, VSC, CHECK ENGINE). I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID TO BRING THE CAR BACK. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WERE RUN AND CONCLUDED THAT A CODE WAS STORED BUT IT WAS NOTHING SPECIFIC THAT HAD FAILED. BRAKE SYSTEM WAS BLED. IN JUNE 2011, THE LIGHT CLUSTER ("CHRISTMAS TREE" IS HOW THE DEALER REFERS TO IT) ILLUMINATED AGAIN WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PICK UP MY CAR FROM MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER (BOB SMITH TOYOTA). AGAIN, THE CAR WAS LEFT. AGAIN IT WAS REPORTED TO ME THAT THE SYSTEM HAD STORED A CODE BUT NO SPECIFIC COMPONENT WAS IN FAILURE AND THE BRAKES WERE BLED. APPROXIMATELY, JULY 20, 2011 AND JULY 23, 2011, THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN, ONLY FOUR OF THEM (TRAC OFF, VSC, ABS, BRAKES). I CONTACTED THE TOYOTA DEALER ON TUESDAY, JULY 26 AND WAS FORCING THE ISSUE ON JULY 29, 2011 AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AUGUST 1, 2011. ON JULY 31, 2011, THE SAME FOUR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING AND STAYED ON. I STOPPED, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND EXPERIENCED A VERY SPONGY, SQUISHY BRAKE PEDAL. I CONTACTED TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION TO FURTHER ADDRESS THE CONCERN OF MY VEHICLE NOW BEING UNSAFE AS A RESULT OF THEIR RECALL. TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION WAS VAGUE AND SAID THAT THE MATTER COULD ONLY BE ADDRESSED BY LONGO TOYOTA, THE DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE RECALL, SINCE THE PARTS WARRANTY WOULD ONLY BE WITH THEM. IN CONTACTING BOB SMITH TOYOTA, THE SERVICE ADVISORS SWEARS THAT THE PROBLEM CAN BE RESOLVED BY THEM. IT APPEARS THAT PERFORMING THE RECALL WEAKENED THE INTEGRITY OF MY BRAKE SYSTEM. AS ONE REPRESENTATIVE SAID, "YOU WILL NOT HAVE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO STOP. IT WILL JUST TAKE LONGER." *KB
Aug 01, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
INTERMITTENT LOSS OF A/C AND/OR HEAT AND FINALLY TOTAL LOSS OF A/C ON MY 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. INITIAL FIX WAS TO TIGHTEN THE NUT ON THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL. I FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS INHERENT AFTER GOING TO THE WEB AND LEARNING OF THE MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE ASSEMBLY AND THE QUICK FIX. ESSENTIALLY THE A/C STOPPED WORKING ENTIRELY. I BROUGHT IT TO MY PRIVATE MECHANIC AND HE FOUND THAT THE CABLE FROM THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL TO THE MOTHER BOARD WAS BROKEN. I INQUIRED HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN AND WAS ADVISED THAT WHEN THE NUT ON THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL CAME LOOSE, THE WHOLE UNIT WAS TURNING WHEN I WAS ADJUSTING THE TEMPERATURE, WHICH CAUSED THE CABLE TO BREAK. THE LACK OF A LOCK WASHER OVER THE FLAT WASHER WAS THE CULPRIT THAT ALLOWED THE NUT TO COME LOOSE. BECAUSE THE CABLE FROM THE MOTHERBOARD TO THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL IS HARD WIRED, THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXITMATELY $950.00. NOTE: I HAVE THE ENTIRE FAULTY ASSEMBLY AT HOME, IN THE EVENT YOU REQUIRE TO SEE IT. *KB
Jul 21, 2011
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2004 4 CYL HIGHLANDER, AND I CAN COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THE OTHER COMPLAINERS SITUATION AS I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAPPENED AT AROUND 60K MILES AND THE DEALER SAID IT WOULD COST ABOUT $600. TO FIX. I DIDN'T. I JUST HAD TO PLAY AROUND WITH THE KNOB WHEN I NEED TO USE IT. *TR
Jan 10, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL ON MY 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER KEEPS SWITCHING BY ITSELF FROM HOT TO COLD AND HOT AGAIN. I HAVE TO ACTUALLY TURN THE AC ON EVEN WHEN THE OUTSIDE AIR COMING IN IS MODERATE BECAUSE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL WILL SWITCH BY ITSELF TO HOT AND I CAN'T SWITCH IT OFF. THIS OCCURS EVERY TIME I DRIVE AND MORE SO WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP OR MAKE A TURN. I TURN THE VENT ON FOR OUTSIDE AIR, BUT THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL GETS LOCKED ON TO HOT AND I CAN'T TURN IT OFF. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE SAID THAT IT WOULD COST AROUND $1000.00 TO FIX IT. THEY WANT TO REPLACE THE WHOLE CONTROL UNIT. I HAVE READ VARIOUS FORUMS OF NUMEROUS OWNERS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA NOT LEAVING ENOUGH SLACK IN A RIBBON CABLE WITH 3 CONNECTIONS THAT CONNECT FROM THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO THE CONTROL KNOB. THE WIRES BREAK OFF FROM THE SOLDERING ON THE KNOB. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A KNOWN DEFECT TO ME THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF, BUT CHOOSES TO IGNORE. APPARENTLY A CHEAPER FIX IS TO RE-SOLDER THE CABLE, BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO THAT. I THINK THEY SHOULD BE FIXING THIS FOR FREE. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF TOYOTA IGNORING KNOWN ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLES. *TR
Aug 18, 2010
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE CHECK ENGINE, VSC, TRAC-OFF LIGHTS APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD OF MY 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ON OR AROUND MARCH 7, 2010. ON MARCH 9, I WENT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHOSE TOYOTA DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE INFORMED THEM THAT SINCE THIS VEHICLE HAD UNDER 80,000 MILES - IT WAS STILL COVERED BY MY ORIGINAL WARRANTY. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH SUNRISE TOYOTA, IN OAKDALE, NY WHERE I PURCHASED THIS HIGHLANDER. AFTER SHOWING SUNRISE TOYOTA SERVICE REP: CHARLES SALVATO THE DIAGNOSTIC PRINTOUTS - HE REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS MECHANIC INADVERTENTLY CLEARED THE WARNING LIGHTS. THEY WOULDN'T ACCEPT THE DIAGNOSTIC PRINTOUTS AS PROOF OF A PROBLEM NOR WOULD THEY AGREE TO CHECK-OUT OR RE-RUN THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. AFTER FORMALLY COMPLAINING, I DID HEAR FROM A BOB JOHNSON AT SUNRISE TOYOTA WHO ASK ME TO STOP IN. WHEN I DID STOP BY, I WAS TOLD HE WAS AT AN ALL DAY MEETING. MY DISTINCT FEELING IS THAT THEY ARE HOPING TO LET THE CLOCK RUN OUT (LET THE MILEAGE GO OVER 80,000) SO THAT NOTHING HAS TO BE DONE. I AM ASKING FOR NHTSA'S ASSISTANCE WITH THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY CONCERN. A CONCERN, I FEEL,TOYOTA IS STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. *TR
May 04, 2010
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
1 complaint
2004 HIGHLANDER, HAVING SAME PROBLEMS AS ALL OTHER REPORTED PROBLEMS FOR THIS VEHICLE. HESITATION, STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT, 2 WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENTS, LOUSY ORIGINAL TIRES, BAD SODERING OF HEAT/AIR BOARD LEADING TO NOT WORKING PROPERLY, CAN NOT HAVE BACK WINDOWS DOWN DUE TO NOISE AND VEHICLE SHAKING, HAD REAR WIPER MOTOR REPLACED WITHIN 1ST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. WHILE I DID PURCHASE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, WHICH DID COVER THE COST OF THE WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT, IT DID NOT COVER THE COST OF HAVING TO REPLACE THE TIRES DAMAGED BY THE BAD BEARING - AND TOYOTA DOES NOT CARE. IN THEIR RACE TO BECOME THE NUMBER ONE CAR MAKER, THEY HAVE GIVEN UP ON BEING THE SAFEST, MOST RELIABLE CAR MAKER - AND THEY HAVE CERTAINLY GIVEN UP ON BEING CUSTOMER FRIENDLY. ACCORDING TO SEVERAL TOYOTA DEALERS, THEY DON'T HAVE TO, SINCE THEY CONTINUE TO BE POPULAR SELLING VEHICLES. I AM GETTING NERVOUS AS THE TIME FOR MY WARRANTY COMES DUE TO EXPIRE - AND FOR THE FIRST TIME AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING TRADING IT IN BEFORE THAT HAPPENS. THAT WAS NOT THE INTENT WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, BUT AFTER READING ALL THE PEOPLE HAVING ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS, I AM VERY CONCERNED. *TR
Jun 08, 2009
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WIFE WAS DRIVING ON CLEAN DRY ROAD. SUDDENLY, THE VCS LIGHT AND TRACTION LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE ALARM SOUNDING CAME ON AS WELL. CAR SUDDENLY BRAKED, BRAKES MADE A GRINDING SOUND, AND CAR JERKED TO THE RIGHT. TRIED TO DRIVE FORWARD AND IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 10MPH. IF THE CAR DID, THE ABOVE HAPPENED AGAIN. CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE, AND WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THE SITUATION WAS VERY DANGEROUS, AS THE BEHAVIOR OF THE CAR, NOT CONTROLLED BY MY WIFE, THE DRIVER, COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. TURNS OUT, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR WENT ON THE CAR. FIRST...THE CAR ONLY HAS 53K MILES ON IT. THIS IS NOT A 'WEAR AND TEAR' PART. THIS PART SHOULD NEVER GO WITH ONLY THIS MANY MILES ON IT. GARBAGE. SECOND, THE FAILURE OF THIS PART CAUSES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE ROAD, AS ONCE IT GOES, THE DRIVER BASICALLY HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR UNTIL IT SLOWS DOWN TO UNDER 10 MILES AN HOUR. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT, FOCUS ON THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC, AND ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS AND DOCUMENTED CASES OF THIS SAME PROBLEM HAPPENING ON TOYOTA VEHICLES. THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PART FOR $700. RIP OFF. *TR
Feb 25, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE CAR'S VSC (VEHICLE SKID CONTROL) SYSTEM ACTIVATED ON A DRY STRAIGHT ROAD. THE BRAKES WENT ON AND REDUCED THE SPEED TO ABOUT 5MPH, MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE. GLAD THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN IN TRAFFIC. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF, AND RESTARTED, AND I COULD GET IT TO ABOUT 10MPH, AND THEN IT WOULD APPLY THE BRAKES QUICKLY AND REDUCED POWER NO-MATTER WHAT THE THROTTLE POSITION WAS, AND THE CAR WAS LIMITED TO ABOUT 5MPH. ONCE THIS HAPPENED THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO BE DRIVEN, UNLESS THE FUSES FOR THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ARE REMOVED. I DID THIS JUST TO GET IT TO THE DEALER... IT HAD BUZZERS AND WARNING LIGHTS GOING OFF. THE DEALER LOOKED AT IT AND THOUGHT THAT IT WAS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE & VSC "ECU", WHICH WAS GOING TO COST $2,400, BUT THERE COULD BE EXTRA SENSORS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TOO. THIS SEEMED VERY EXCESSIVE SO I DIDN'T HAVE THE WORK DONE. NOW THE CAR IS SITTING. I'VE HEARD THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THIS BUT I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND IT. I'VE HEARD THAT IT CAN BE THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR, OR THE WHEEL ROTATIONS SENSORS, OR THE G-CENTER (ACCELEROMETER). EACH ONE IS SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS APIECE. A FAILURE IN THE SKID CONTROL SYSTEM SHOULD JUST STOP WORKING AND NOT CAUSE THE BRAKES TO BE SLAMMED ON, LEAVING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE. AND THE REPAIR COST SHOULD NOT BE $2,500 TO OVER $4,000. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. *TR
Dec 24, 2008
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
VSC SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND STARTED APPLYING BRAKES WHEN THE AUTO WAS ON DRY ROADS. SYSTEM HAS NO DISCONNECT SWITCH IN ORDER TO DISABLE SYSTEM. DROVE AUTO HOME AT ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR BECAUSE SYSTEM WOULD NOT DIS-ENGAGE. THE AUTO ONLY HAS 25,000 MILES. HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE AT 4,000 MILES. *TR
Mar 13, 2008
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 25-40 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING SIGNAL ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES PULSATED. THE TRAFFIC CONTROL LIGHT SHOULD HAVE ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS WHEEL SLIPPAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING DRY ROAD CONDITIONS AND ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,700. UPDATED 03/10/08. *LJTHE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED WORKING.
Nov 09, 2007
WHEELS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAD A FLAT TIRE ON MY 2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. MY HUSBAND AND I WERE GOING THROUGH THE TIRE REPLACEMENT STEPS AND HAD THE VEHICLE JACKED WITH THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED JACK. AFTER REMOVING THE LUG NUTS, I WENT TO REMOVE THE FLAT TIRE FROM THE WHEEL STUDS. THE JACK POPPED OUT OF PLACE AND BENT, AND IS NOW UNUSABLE. WE HAD TO FIND A HEAVY DUTY JACK TO LIFT THE VEHICLE TO GET THE TIRE OFF AND PUT THE SPARE TIRE ON. SPARE WAS PLACED AND PROPERLY TIGHTENED. NOW, THERE IS A SCRAPING SOUND WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED. I HAD FLAT FIXED AND WHEN TIRE COMPANY REMOVED SPARE, ONE WHEEL STUD FOR FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BROKE OFF. TIRE COMPANY SAYS THEY'VE SEEN THIS NUMEROUS TIMES WITH HIGHLANDERS; THE INTEGRITY AND/OR MACHINING OF THE WHEEL STUD APPEARS DEFECTIVE. *JB
Mar 09, 2006
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE TRANSMISSION MOMENTARILY HESITATES BEFORE PROPERLY SELECTING THE CORRECT GEAR TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC RESET THE SOFTWARE THREE TIMES, BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE REPRESENTATIVE DROVE THE VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCED THE HESITATION AND EXPLAINED, THIS IS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN AND THE VEHICLE IS FREE-WHEELING. THE REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CONTACT THE ENGINEERS AND TRY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 03/17/06. *JB
Jan 25, 2006
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
IDENTICAL TO COMPLAINT #10114548 MY EVENT HAPPENED JANUARY 6, 2005 WITH LESS THAN 10,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. NOW, AT 35,750 MILES, I HAVE O2 SENSOR PROBLEMS ON A ROUTINE BASIS(3RD SENSOR ON ORDER FROM DEALER RIGHT NOW). I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THESE PROBLEMS WILL CONTINUE PAST WARRANTY, I HAVE LITTLE FAITH IN THIS VEHICLES SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE -EVERY DAY I CROSS MY FINGERS THAT NOTHING ELSE GOES "BRAKES" WHILE DRIVING WITH MY 2 SMALL CHILDREN. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *NM
Jan 02, 2006
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ELECTRONICS GET CONFUSED AT STREET SPEEDS, NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE, ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING A LEFT ACROSS TRAFFIC. I HAVE BEEN NEARLY T-BONED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. I TALKED TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ABOUT A YEAR AGO, AND THE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT HE WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND EXPECTS TOYOTA TO COME UP WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. RECENTLY, I LEFT A MESSAGE WITH THE SAME TECHNICIAN ASKING WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE, AND I RECEIVED NO REPLY. IT IS EXTREMELY SCARY TO FIND THIS 'DEAD SPOT' IN ACCELERATION. THIS IS OUR FOURTH TOYOTA, AND MIGHT BE THE LAST IF TOYOTA DOES NOT ADDRESS THIS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *JB
Dec 06, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SLOT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE LURCHING INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND REPROGRAMMED THE ECU. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. *AK
Nov 14, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES
1 complaint
INDICATOR LIGHTS ON DASH SAY CONTACT YOUR DEALER. ONE IS THE TIRE PRESSURE AND THE OTHER IS THE ENGINE. HAVE CARRIED TO DEALER 3 TIMES AND STILL OCCURS. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO PICKUP TOMORROW AND CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT. ONLY LISTED LAST DATE
Jul 13, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
2004 HIGHLANDER HAS BAD THROTTLE SURGE PROBLEM .....DEALER DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO.....SAYS IT IS NORMAL????? THERE IS DEFINITLY A PROBLEM.....JUST READ SOME OF THE INTERNET SITES ON THIS AND YOU WILL SEE....
May 02, 2005
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
1 complaint
ON 3/17/05 I DROVE MY TOYOTA 2004 HIGHLANDER, 2,025 MILEAGE, ONTO A MAIN STREET AT ABOUT 5 MPH. A BEEPING SOUNDED, THE SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT BLINKED SLIGHTLY, AND HORRIBLE CRUNCHING AND CLANGING SOUNDS OCCURED UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IT FELT LIKE THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP. I TRIED TO SLOWLY RESUME DRIVING SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE CAR WAS INOPERABLE AND THE DEALER SENT A TOW TRUCK. THEY SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITHIN THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH INTERACTS WITH THE YAW AND STEERING ANGLE SENSORS, AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THERE IS ALSO SUPPOSE TO BE A G-SENSOR ACCORDING TO TOYOTA'S WEB SITE GLOSSARY. (THE DEALER NEVER HEARD OF THE G-SENSOR). THEY SAID IT WAS A BAD STEERING ANGLE SENSOR AND HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND SINCE I'VE ONLY DRIVEN IT A FEW MILES, I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S OKAY. WHAT IF THE REPLACEMENT SENSOR IS ALSO BAD? I OFTEN DRIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS ALONE, AND AM EXTREMELY WORRIED ABOUT IT. I AM RETIRED AND BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY, RELYING ON TOYOTA'S EXPERTISE, OR SO I THOUGHT! THE VSC SITUATION IS VERY SERIOUS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. I NOW WISH I HAD BOUGHT A HONDA PILOT. *AK
Mar 23, 2005
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2004 TOYOTA Highlander have?
The 2004 TOYOTA Highlander currently has 285 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2004 TOYOTA Highlander?
The most common problems reported for the 2004 TOYOTA Highlander are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2004 TOYOTA Highlander problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2004 TOYOTA Highlander comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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