2011 Toyota Highlander

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2015· STRUCTURE

  THE GLASS ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IS OFF THE RAILS AND WOULD COME OFF THE WINDOW AT AN ANGLE WHEN ITS BEING RAISED. CURRENTLY WE CANNOT ROLL THE WINDOW GLASS UP AND DOWN. SIMILAR SYMPTONS ARE BEING SEEN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW NOW . I HAVE OWNED CARS IN THE PAST AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I AM SEEING THIS KIND OF AN ISSUE AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO CONSIDER THIS AS A QUALITY ISSUE. WHEN I GO ONLINE, I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE USERS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUE WITH TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AND IT SURPRISES ME THAT A COMPANY LIKE TOYOTA WONT DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE CUSTOMER.

• 12/28/2015· STRUCTURE

  I PRESSED THE REAR HATCH BUTTON TO CLOSE IT FROM DRIVER'S SEAT, HATCH ARM BROKE AND SPEWED PLASTIC AND METAL PARTS WHILE PARKED, ONTO MALL PARKING LOT. TOYOTA STATES "ROD HAS FALLEN OFF OF MOTOR CONNECT...T-SB-0038-15 POWER BACK DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY...BIG GAP ON DRIVER SIDE HINGE FOR BACK HATCH."TOYOTA SOLD ME $2299 SERVICE CONTRACT W/PORTFOLIO ELITE PROTECTION PLAN WHICH SAYS WILL NOT COVER IT. DIAGNOSIS FROM TOYOTA IN UPLOADED FILE.

• 12/26/2018· STEERING

  INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ISSUES. HAD ONE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY A YEAR OR TWO AFTER PURCHASE. INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ISSUES RETURNED IN THE LAST YEAR. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WANTS $500 TO REPLACE A SHAFT THEY KNOW HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR YEARS LEADING UP TO THIS MODEL. THIS IS THE PRIMARY VEHICLE FOR MY WIFE AND CHILDREN. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THERE SAFETY WITH THIS MATTER. THIS ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO. THIS ISSUE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO COME TO THE POINT OF SOMEONE GETTING INJURED OR DYING TO HAVE THIS MATTER ADDRESSED.

• 12/26/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  HEATER/AC ASSEMBLY IS LEAKING ONTO A CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE DASH WHICH I BELIEVE THE THE AIRBAG MODULE AND SOAKING THE FRONT DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS CARPETS AND PADDING. CHECKED FOR BLOCKAGE IN DRAIN TUBE. NONE, USED COMPRESSED AIR TO BLOW OUT DRAIN TUBE JUST IN CASE. DID NOT SOLVE ISSUE. REMOVED PASSENGERS SIDE PANEL AND FOUND THAT THE FACTORY SEAM OF THE AC/HEATER ASSEMBLY WAS LEAKING WATER WHEN THE AC IS ON. (I HAVE VIDEO) THE DESIGN OF THE ASSEMBLY IS POOR IN THAT THE SEAM SPLITS THE ASSEMBLY LEFT AND RIGHT RATHER THAN TOP AND BOTTOM. REPAIR OF THE UNIT WOULD HAVE REQUIRED COMPLETE REMOVAL OF DASH, STEERING, ETC. TO SOLVE THIS, I PLACED 3M GLASS SETTING BUTYL TAPE OVER THE SEAM SUCH THAT THE SEAM IN THE UNIT WAS SEALED ABOVE THE CONDENSATION DRAIN. THIS RESOLVED THE ISSUE.

• 12/23/2014· STRUCTURE

  THE AUTO LIFTGATE FOR THE REAR DOOR WOULD NOT GO UP AND DOWN. TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH A SERVICE BULLETIN HAS GONE OUT FOR THIS DEFECT! *TR

• 12/22/2013· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  SUN VISOR WILL NO LONGER GO UP ALL THE WAY. IT IS STUCK PARTIALLY UP AND HAS RESISTANCE. IT IS NOW ONLY DOWN AND BLOCKING MY VIEW OF DRIVING. *TR

• 12/18/2018· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL, IT MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE. THE NOISE GREW LOUDER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

• 12/18/2014· STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  THE AUTOMATIC LATCH OF THE LIFTGATE STARTED TO FAIL. THE LIFTGATE NOT LONGER OPENS AUTOMATICALLY. I WAS TOLD IT IS PROBABLY THE MOTOR AND THE PARTS COST ALONE IS OVER $1,200. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS AND AM DOING WITHOUT THAT FEATURE, BUT ANNOYED! *TR

• 12/17/2022· STEERING

  Clicking in steering column light comes on dash for power steering then hard to make turn then well go back off then able to make turns with ease again

• 12/17/2014· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR SPRING BROKE PREVENTING THE VISOR FROM EITHER FOLDING BACK UP OR COMING DOWN COMPLETELY, CAUSING A VISIBILITY PROBLEM AND A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

• 12/17/2014· SERVICE BRAKES

  I WAS DRIVING IN THE SIERRA NEVADA WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING SEVERELY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON DOWNWARD SLOPES. I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE DISCS OVERHEATING. FOR THE REMAINED OF THE TRIP I USED THE GEARSHIFT TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR WHEN DRIVING ALONG DOWNWARD SLOPING ROADS BY SELECTING 2ND GEAR IN THE AUTOMATIC GEARSHIFT. BY AVOIDING USE OF THE BRAKES, I AVOIDED THE VIBRATION AND WAS ABLE TO GET HOME SAFELY. I SUBSEQUENTLY BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICAL STAFF CONFIRMED THAT THE BRAKE DISCS SHOWED SIGNS OF OVERHEATING AND REPLACED THEM UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT SOLVE THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM: UNDERSIZED DISCS, UNABLE TO DISSIPATE THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE BRAKES WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS PRESENTED ITSELF AGAIN AT APPROXIMATELY 19,000 MILES, DURING ANOTHER TRIP IN THE COASTAL HILLS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA. PLEASE, CONSIDER THIS A SEVERE PROBLEM, POTENTIALLY REQUIRING A RECALL: THE SEVERE VIBRATIONS CAUSED BY THE BRAKES ON A DOWNWARD SLOPING MOUNTAIN ROAD, ESPECIALLY WITH WET OR SNOWY ROADS, COULD EASILY MAKE THE VEHICLE TO SLIP OUT OF CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH. *TR

• 12/17/2014· SERVICE BRAKES

  I WAS DRIVING IN THE COASTAL HILLS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING SEVERELY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON DOWNWARD SLOPES. I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE DISCS OVERHEATING. FOR THE REMAINED OF THE TRIP I USED THE GEARSHIFT TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR WHEN DRIVING ALONG DOWNWARD SLOPING ROADS BY SELECTING 2ND GEAR IN THE AUTOMATIC GEARSHIFT. BY AVOIDING USE OF THE BRAKES, I AVOIDED THE VIBRATION AND WAS ABLE TO GET HOME SAFELY. I SUBSEQUENTLY BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICAL STAFF CONFIRMED THAT THE BRAKE DISCS SHOWED SIGNS OF OVERHEATING BUT DID NOT REPLACE THEM UNDER WARRANTY. THIS SAME PROBLEM PRESENTED ITSELF EARLIER, TOO, AT APPROXIMATELY 15,000 MILES, DURING A TRIP IN THE SIERRA NEVADA. ON THIS PREVIOUS INCIDENT, WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE BRAKE DISKS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM WAS NOT ADDRESSED: THE UNDERSIZED DISCS BEING UNABLE TO DISSIPATE THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE BRAKES WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL. PLEASE, CONSIDER THIS A SEVERE PROBLEM, POTENTIALLY REQUIRING A RECALL: THE SEVERE VIBRATIONS CAUSED BY THE BRAKES ON A DOWNWARD SLOPING MOUNTAIN ROAD, ESPECIALLY WITH WET OR SNOWY ROADS, COULD EASILY MAKE THE VEHICLE TO SLIP OUT OF CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH. *TR

• 12/16/2012· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  LEFT SIDE SUN VISOR FAILED, VISOR DROPS DOWN IN FRONT OF DRIVER. *TR

• 12/15/2015· STRUCTURE

  REAR LIFT GATE STOPPED OPENING AND CLOSING WITH BUTTON ON DASH. HYDRAULIC ARM POPPED OFF. WAS ABLE TO REATTACH, BUT TOYOTA DEALER SAID IT WOULD KEEP HAPPENING BECAUSE THE HINGES OF THE DOOR WERE SEPARATING FROM THE DOOR AND TO GET THAT REPAIRED I WOULD NEED TO SEND IT TO THE BODY SHOP. THE ARM HAS SINCE SNAPPED IN HALF AND THE DOOR CAN ONLY BE OPENED/CLOSED MANUALLY, BUT TOYOTA WARNED ME THAT THE HINGES WILL CONTINUE TO BEND. I AM FEARFUL AS I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND DO NOT TRUST THE DOOR TO BE SAFE. TOYOTA DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR AT THEIR EXPENSE EVEN THOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN LAWSUITS AND ARE SO MANY DOCUMENTED CASES.

• 12/15/2014· STRUCTURE

  THE OPEN REAR AUTOMATIC DOOR FAILED, IMMEDIATELY CLOSING ON MY WIFE'S BACK AS SHE WAS REMOVING A BAG FROM THE REAR CARGO AREA. THE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAME DOWN HARD. AS THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, TOYOTA WOULD NOT REPLACE AT THEIR COST. *TR

• 12/13/2022· STEERING

  In the last 30 days, the steering has begun to feel "loose", as if I am driving on ice. At first it was barely perceptable. There has been more "play" in the steering. During the last 2 days, the car is now making a thud when I am steering right. I have an appointment for a mechanic to look at it. The car is a 2011 Highlander, AWD, with 89,000 miles on it. I feel the steering issue could be very dangerous at some point.

• 12/13/2011· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT HER DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BARN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES BUT THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND SIDES. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND CALLED TO THE SCENE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO CENTER FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO FILED A CLAIM ON BEHALF OF THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

• 12/11/2019· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

  DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR I WAS HEADING HOME WITH MY KIDS (5 Y.O. AND 7 Y.O.) WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOST POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE CARE ROLLED LONG ENOUGH TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE SPOT WITH MY CHILDREN AND CALL FOR A TOW. LIGHTS THAT CAME ON CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, CHECK 4WD SYSTEM, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT TOYOTA OF CERRITOS I WAS INFORMED THAT THE MASTER MECHANIC HAD TO PLACE A TICKET WITH TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY TO FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE DUE TO ALL THE CODES THAT WERE LOGGED AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC. TOYOTA MOTOR INFORMED MECHANIC IT WAS HYBRID INVERTER FAILURE. THIS COULD OF BEEN A HORRIBLE SITUATION HAD I BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTION LIKE IT DID ON THE EVENING OF 11/05/2019.

• 12/11/2019· AIR BAGSCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AROUND A CORNER AND WENT INTO A SMALL EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE T-BONED THE CENTER BARRIER OF THE FREEWAY. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MOST OF THE FRONT END WAS CRASHED IN AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE ENGINE AND RADIATOR WERE PUSHED FAR BACK FROM THEIR ORIGINAL POSITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY THEN BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONSENSUS WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

• 12/08/2022· STEERING

  The power steering is clunky, locks in position when backing out of a parking spot, is clunky and unreliable at slow speeds. I can feel the steering column get far tighter feeling when turning at slow speed (3-10 mph)

• 12/07/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THE BACK-UP CAMERA HAS STARTED SHOWN MORE OF THE BUMPER... IT HAS STARTED POINTING MORE TO IT. THE CAMERA DID NOT SEE LOOSE. BUT I SEE THE MORE BUMPER ON THE SCREEN. WHEN I CONTACTED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I PURCHASED INCLUDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IN 2011. I WAS TOLD THAT I STILL HAVE TO PAY THE DIAGNOSIS FEE $89.99 + TAX.

• 12/05/2014· STRUCTURE

  POWER BACK DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY, BROKEN AT 43,326 MILES AFTER THE 36 MONTHS OR 36,000 MILES. *TR

• 12/04/2018· STEERING

  CLUNKING OR TAPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT THAT CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. DIAGNOSED BY TOYOTA AS "STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BINDING." THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2008-2013 HIGHLANDER. ADVISED BY TOYOTA MECHANIC THAT IT DOESN'T NEED TO BE FIXED UNLESS I PREFER IT NOT TO KNOCK OR CLUNK WHEN TURNING.

• 12/04/2012· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4WD: SYSTEM CHECK PANEL INDICATING THE REAR GLASS DOOR IS OPEN, WHEN IT'S NOT. CONTINUAL CHIME INDICATING DOOR IS OPEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH TURNING DOME LIGHT OFF AND ON. BAD DOOR SENSOR FAULTY ELECTRICAL DOOR SWITCH. *TR

• 12/03/2019· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN CRUISE CONTROL AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING SPEEDOMETER READINGS. REPORTED ABS BRAKE MALFUNCTION, BRAKE MALFUNCTION. OVER THE NEXT 45 MINUTES WHILE IN ROUTE TO A TOYOTA DEALER VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY LOST POWER STEERING AND SPEEDOMETER READINGS. ALL MALFUNCTIONS HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING.

• 12/03/2018· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS OR GOING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STEVE LANDERS TOYOTA (10825 COLONEL GLENN RD, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72204, (501) 568-5800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IN THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,396.

• 12/02/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  When driving approximately 20-30mph multiple warning lights illuminated on dash along with Brake Malfunction warning on information display. Did not notice any issues with braking and no fluid loss / leaks noted. Codes stored were C1241 (Low or High Power Supply Voltage), C1253 (Pump Motor Relay), and C1391 (Abnormal Leak of ACC Press). Noticed that ABS pump would run 2-5 seconds every 1-5 minutes. Original part number 44510-48080. Research shows multiple Toyota “Warranty Extensions” on multiple models using same/similar components.

• 12/02/2013· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR NO LONGER STAYS UP...IT FALLS DOWN HALFWAY WHICH IS BLOCKING MY VISION. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY CONCERN. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED FOR A COST OF $318.00. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND TOYOTA SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR NOT POSTING A RECALL ON SOMETHING SO DANGEROUS WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS. *TR

• 12/02/2013· VISIBILITY

  THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP ANY LONGER. IT HANGS HALF WAY DOWN BLOCKING MY VISION WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

• 12/01/2021· STEERING,VISIBILITY

  The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the intermediate steering shaft was making an abnormal knocking noise while turning to the left or the right. Additionally, the driver’s side window failed to roll up or down because it was off track. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

• 11/28/2014· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR SPRING IS BROKE SO THAT VISOR BLOCKS DRIVER'S VISION CAUSING POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. STAYS IN PARTIALLY DOWN POSITION. CONTACTED DEALER AND TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE. THERE WERE OVER 300 SUN VISORS ON BACK ORDER WITH NO DELIVERY PROMISE DATE AS PRODUCTION OF VISOR HAS BEEN HALTED. THERE ARE NO REPAIRS. INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT 17 OF THE 66 COMPLAINTS IN DATA BASE FOR HIGHLANDER ARE SUN VISOR ISSUES. TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE SAYS NO RECALLS, SERVICE BULLETINS. DEALER WANTS OVER $300 TO REPAIR, IF HE COULD GET A VISOR. THIS CLEARLY A GENERIC ISSUE WITH SAFETY IMPLICATIONS! *TR

• 11/27/2020· ENGINE

  ENGINE OIL COOLER HOSE "LEAKING". TOYOTA DID ISSUE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, BUT WAS NEVER CHECKED DURING REGULAR DEALER SERVICING AS PART OF THE HOSES. CONDITION IS ON THE 3.5L TOYOTA/LEXUS ENGINE AND CAN BE SEEN IN THIS VIDEO:HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=67S7Y90OTIY NEW PART NUMBER IS 15767-31020 WITH GASKETS 15185-0P010 AND 11496-31010.

• 11/26/2025· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  1. The 3.5L V6 Engine (2GR-FE) failed due to the subsequent loss of lubrication caused by the rupture of the Oil Cooler Pipe (Rubber component), a manufacturing defect known under TSB T-SB-0201-11 (ZE2 Program). The failed engine is currently available for inspection by request at the independent service center before it is disposed of. 2. The defect causes a sudden and severe loss of engine oil. This creates a high probability of the engine seizing (losing all power) while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion and placing occupants at severe risk of collision. 3. The failure was confirmed, not reproduced. The vehicle was initially diagnosed with misfire codes (P0300, P0301). New spark plugs and ignition coils were installed in an attempt to resolve the issue. As the misfire persisted, the mechanic performed a compression test, confirming catastrophic zero compression failure in cylinders 1 and 2. Professional diagnostics then revealed critical codes: P1603 (ECM Malfunction), P1604 (Startability Malfunction), and P1605 (Rough Idling). These codes confirm a severe internal engine issue, consistent with permanent damage sustained during the oil loss event caused by the ZE2 pipe defect in July 2024. 4. No, not physically inspected by the manufacturer. The manufacturer (Toyota Executive Office Case Manager) was provided with certified documentation of the failure, including the photo of the faulty pipe, maintenance records during our ownership, and the dealership purchase statement for the replacement part. Toyota refused to authorize a physical diagnostic inspection of the failed engine at a dealership before denying goodwill assistance. 5.Yes. The initial lubrication loss event on July 4, 2024, was preceded by a message displayed on the dashboard (followed by a second failure event in October 2025 indicated by a flashing Check Engine light and the Traction Control light).

• 11/17/2014· SERVICE BRAKES

  BOTH FRONT INNER BRAKESPADS COMPLETELY WARNED OUT DAMAGING BOTH ROTORS BADLY, SOME METAL PIECES FOUND ON FLOOR BROKE LOOSE FROM BOTH FRONT ROTORS. OUTSIDE PADS HAS 60% THICKNESS LEFT ON IT. ENDED UP CHANGING BOTH FRONT ROTORS AND PADS COSTING $375. MECHANIC SAID THIS MAY BE A RESULT OF A FAULTY BRAKE SYSTEM. TALK TO TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE WITHOUT ANY SOLUTION OR RESPONSE. *TR

• 11/15/2013· ENGINE

  CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS WHERE I CAN SEND A DETAILED REPORT OF ISSUE. TOO LARGE FOR SPACE PROVIDED. THANK YOU *TR

• 11/12/2018· STEERING

  RUIDOS O GOLPES EN LA CAA DEL GUIA DE DIRECCION CUANDO GIRO A LA IZQUIERDA O DERECHA. MI VEHICULO COMENZO CON ESTOS RUIDOS A UN POCO MAS DE LAS 3600 MILLAS DE GARANTIA Y TOYOTA NO TOMO NINGUNA ACCION. VIVO EN PUERTO RICO Y MI DIRECCION ES P. O. BOX 1909, BARCELONETA PUERTO RICO 00617, MUCHAS GRACIAS...

• 11/11/2013· SEAT BELTS

  FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT STOCK. DO NOT RELEASE. IT CANNOT BE USE. TOYOTA CARE CENTER SAID IS OUT OF GUARANTY AND I HAVE TO PAY JUST TO VERIFY IT. WHAT ABOUT SAFETY? *TR

• 11/10/2016· VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY DRIVER SIDE VISOR LOST ALL TENSION. I HAD TO EITHER HOLD IT UP OR TIE IT OUT OF THE WAY. I HAD IT REPLACED AT LOWE TOYOTA IN WARNER ROBINS, GA FOR $199.87. I WOULD NOT EXPECT A VISOR TO TEAR UP EVEN FOR A 2011 MODEL. IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDED TO BE FIXED. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE VISORS AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACING THEM. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 11/10/2013· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  DRIVERS SIDE VISOR IS BROKEN & WILL NOT STAY UP! ONLY REMEDY FROM TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IS TO PAY FOR ANOTHER (PROBABLY DEFECTIVE) VISOR (PARTS & INSTALLATION). THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD & TOYOTA NEEDS TO BE PROFESSIONAL ENOUGH TO FIX THIS PROBLEM (WITHOUT CHARGING THEIR CUSTOMERS)! I'M EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS LACK OF QUALITY FROM TOYOTA. *TR

• 11/10/2011· STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  PURCHASED MY 2011 HIGHLANDER IN MARCH, & IT HAD 7000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I STARTED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY, PUT IT IN DRIVE, AND STARTED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY. PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES AND SEEMED NOT TO HAVE POWER STEERING. THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH CAME ON, AND THE SCREEN SAID BRAKE MALFUNCTION CONTACT DEALER IMMEDIATELY. THERE WERE NO BRAKES, I FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY, THE CAR STARTED, THE DASH LIGHTS WERE STILL LIT UP, AND I GUESS THE COMPUTER SEEMED TO "RESET". I PULLED BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY & HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALER HAS HAD IT FOR OVER TWO WEEKS, AND THE INCIDENT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CANNOT FIND A SINGLE THING WRONG WITH IT. THEY CAN, HOWEVER, SEE THAT THERE WAS AN "INCIDENT" WITH THE BRAKES ON THAT DATE BY THE COMPUTER READING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I AM GOING TO BE GETTING THIS CAR BACK, AND THAT IT IS FINE. EVERYONE SAY A PRAYER FOR MYSELF AND MY 3 KIDS THAT ARE IN IT, & HOPE THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN IN THESE MOUNTAINS THAT I LIVE! *TR

• 11/08/2010· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE NEW HEADLIGHT DESIGN ON THE 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER CAUSES THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS TO APPEAR AS IF THERE IS A VISOR ON THE LIGHTS. WHEN TRAVELING ON LEVEL ROADS OR GOING UP HILL THE HEADLIGHTS BEAM THROW DISTANCE IS EFFICIENT WITH THE VISOR EFFECT. HOWEVER, WHEN GOING DOWN HILL AFTER CRESTING A KNOLL, THE VISOR EFFECT DIMINISHES THE THROW DISTANCE OF THE HEADLIGHT BY AN ESTIMATED 50%. THIS LIGHT THROW REDUCTION TOOK ME BY SURPRISE AND CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HIT A DEER THIS EVENING ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF OWNERSHIP. TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAKE A CHANGE TO GET RID OF THE VISOR EFFECT. REQUEST NHTSA INVESTIGATE THIS NEW DESIGN BEFORE NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS OCCUR. I AM CONTACTING TOYOTA TOMORROW TO SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY.

• 11/05/2013· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  DRIVERS SIDE VISOR IS BROKEN & WILL NOT STAY UP! ONLY REMEDY FROM TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IS TO PAY FOR ANOTHER (PROBABLY DEFECTIVE) VISOR (PARTS & INSTALLATION). THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD & TOYOTA NEEDS TO BE PROFESSIONAL ENOUGH TO FIX THIS PROBLEM (WITHOUT CHARGING THEIR CUSTOMERS)! I'M EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS LACK OF QUALITY FROM TOYOTA. *TR

• 10/31/2014· STRUCTURE

  THE AUTOMATIC LATCH OF THE LIFTGATE STARTED TO FAIL. THE LIFTGATE NOT LONGER OPENS AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REJECTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

• 10/28/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  WHEN TURN LEFT THE WARNING SISTEM FOR OPEN DOORS IS ON ANDTURN ON INTERIOR LIGHS AND SOUNDWARNING FOR SECONDSAND GO OFF. AFRAID THE DOORS IS GO BE OPEN

• 10/28/2014· SEAT BELTS

  WOW! IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!! %&*@* HIGHLANDER HAS MORE SAFETY PROBLEMS.... 24,988 MILES; SUNDAY, OCT 26, 2014 OUR YOUNGEST SONS SEATBELT (2ND ROW PASSENGER BEHIND DRIVER SEAT) WOULD NOT RELEASE; CAUSING HIM TO PANIC AND NEARLY CHOKE HIMSELF TO GET OUT. I HAD TO YANK, PULL AND TUG TO GET THE BELT TO RELEASE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED INCLUDING NOT BEING ABLE TO GET IT TO CLICK AND STAY BUCKLED. SO, BESIDES A VEHICLE WE CAN'T DRIVE FAR TO NOT RISK GETTING STRANDED BECAUSE OF REPORTED ENGINE MALFUNCTION ISSUES (TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. EXPRESSED CLEARLY: 'OH WELL, TOO BAD, YOUR SCREWED, GOOD LUCK!), THE LIE OF A COVER UP EXTENDED WARRANTY NEVER RECEIVED AND NOW WE CAN'T USE THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER SEAT BEHIND DRIVER DUE TO SEAT BELT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHAT'S NEXT?? I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WITH ALL THE RECENT TOYOTA RECALLS. *TR

• 10/26/2014· STRUCTURE

  I OWN A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER THAT I BOUGHT NEW. AT APPROXIMATELY 7-9 MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE PIVOT OR LINK ARM OF THE AUTOMATIC LIFT GATE DETACHED FROM THE BODY FRAME. I RE-ATTACHED IT AS IT LOOKS IT BECAME LOOSE. AFTER A FEW OTHER INSTANCES IN WHICH IT GOT LOOSE AGAIN AT DIFFERENT INTERVALS, I DECIDED TO BRING THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. I MENTIONED THE ISSUE TO THE SERVICES REP WHO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN (SB) LINKED TO THE LIFTGATE. HE MENTIONED ABOUT THE SB SINCE IT SEEMS THAT THE ISSUE WAS AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE HINGE DOORS PROBLEM THAT WAS BEING ADDRESSED THROUGH THE SB. THE JOB WAS MADE (REPLACING THE HINGE). I WAS ASKED TO PAY FOR IT SINCE THE SB WAS DUE WITH THE CAR 36 MO. /36K MI. WARRANTY. I INITIALLY OBJECTED TO THIS BUT ENDED PAYING THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE CAR HAD 43,000 MILES AT THE TIME. THE ISSUE WAS APPARENTLY CORRECTED. WELL, IT WAS NOT. THE SCREW NUT AT THE END OF THE ARM THAT ATTACHES THE ARM TO THE CAR FRAME WAS STRIPPED AND ALSO DAMAGING THE THREAD ON THE CAR FRAME. THIS ARM WAS NEVER CHANGED BY TOYOTA. RECENTLY, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALER THAT OPENED NEAR MY HOME AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT HE HEARD ABOUT OR SEES A CAR WITH THIS ISSUE. THROUGH DIFFERENT SEARCHES LOOKING ON HOW TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE PROPERLY AND AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION THROUGH THE WEB, HAVE NOTICED THERE HAVE BEEN QUITE A FEW COMPLAINTS FILED OVER THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR

• 10/22/2019· STEERING

  STEERING SHAFT U JOINT MAKES CLUNKING NOISE. DEALER ADVISED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT AS THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN.

• 10/12/2015· STRUCTURE

  THE POWER FUNCTION LIFT ARM BROKE OFF FROM WHERE IT CONNECTS INTO THE REA DOOR ON MY 2011 HIGHLANDER. TOYOTA DIDN'T MENTIONED ABOUT THE DOOR HINGES RELATED ISSUES AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF THE HINGES. THIS, OF COURSE DIDN'T PREVENTED NOR RESOLVED THE ISSUE WITH THE POWER FUNCTION LIFT ARM THAT NOW IS BEYOND REPAIR; THE BOLT AND SCREW HOLE ARE NOW STRIPPED.

• 10/11/2024· AIR BAGSCrash

  Steering wheel air bag did not deploy in front end MVA

• 10/05/2014· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I HAD MY CAR IN FOR IT'S 60,000 MILE SERVICE ON FRIDAY, OCT 3RD, 2014 AT CHEROKEE TOYOTA, CANTON, GA. MY WIFE DROVE IT FOR ONLY THE THIRD TIME SINCE THE SERVICE AND ENCOUNTERED A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE HIGHLANDER STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN. MY WIFE STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THEN THE ENGINE CUTOFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I MEET UP WITH HER AND TRIED TO START THE CAR. THE ENGINE TACHOMETER RAPIDLY INCREASED THEN THE ENGINE SHUTOFF. TOWED TO CHEROKEE TOYOTA FOR EVALUATION. *TR