Toyota Highlander problems
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The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā), is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.
Announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size SUV or mid-size crossovers. The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota's best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.
The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4. The Kluger nameplate is also used in Australia because "Highlander" is a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (Klüger – with diacritics – means "someone who is smarter than another" in German).
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Toyota Highlander model years
Common Toyota Highlander problems
The Toyota Highlander is a popular SUV, but like any vehicle, it can have its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners:
- Ruptured Oil Line: Another significant concern raised by Highlander owners is a ruptured oil line, which can also cause engine failure. The most affected model years are 2005 to 2013, and replacement parts have been known to exhibit the same issues. The issue can result in other engine complications if not repaired in time.
- Air Conditioner Problems: Air conditioner problems occur when the system fails to regulate interior temperature conditions. The issue occurs as a result of regulator defects, and the best solution is having the thermostat housing replaced.
- Brake Failure: Brake failure is another common problem with the Toyota Highlander. Soft or stiff brake pedals, rough shifting, or brake light warnings are signs of brake defects. Calling a mechanic for car diagnosis might help to address these problems.
- Fuel Tank and A/C Condenser Issues: The 2020 redesign has been reported to have issues with its fuel tank. Owners have complained about being unable to fill the tank to its maximum capacity of 17.1 gallons. There have also been reports about a damaged air conditioning (A/C) condenser, which prevented the A/C system from blowing cool air.
- Defective Airbags: Defective airbags were common in some 2013 and 2016 Highlanders. Airbags from these model years did not deploy upon collision, increasing the risk of injuries.
- Excessive Wind Noise: Excessive wind noise is a common problem associated with 2017 Toyota Highlanders. Owners have reported hearing loud squealing and whistling noises from inside the cabin, which may be due to the side mirrors or loose door moldings.
- Oil Leaks and Loss of Oil Pressure: Oil leaks and loss of oil pressure are common in 2005-2013 Highlanders. Drivers have reported seeing a puddle of engine oil below their vehicles and smelling burning oil inside the cabin. These issues were usually caused by a faulty variable valve timing-intelligent (VVT-i) gear and a ruptured oil cooler line.
- Threads for Engine Bolts Stripped: This is the most reported problem for the 2003 Toyota Highlander, with an average cost to fix of $3,200 and an average mileage of 123,000 mi.
- Transmission Failure: Transmission failure is a common problem for the 2017 Highlander, with an average cost to fix of $8,600 and an average mileage of 39,000 mi.
It is important to note that not all Toyota Highlanders will experience these problems, and many owners have reported high levels of satisfaction with their vehicles. However, being aware of these common issues can help potential buyers make informed decisions and take proactive steps to maintain their vehicles.
Does the Toyota Highlander have any problems?
Engine failure, more generally, is also one of the more significant issues with Toyota Highlanders. Those failures are probably related to the engine bolts being stripped and causing overheating issues, but other problems can also lead to engine failure.
What year did the Toyota Highlander have problems?
Engine misfire is a common issue found in 2001-2005, 2007-2008, 2010, and 2013 Highlanders. Many drivers have also complained about their Toyota trembling and jerking upon acceleration. Mechanics found that these issues were usually caused by a bad ignition coil.
What is the best years for a Toyota Highlander?
Best Toyota Highlander Model Years
The best choice is probably the 2008-2013 version. This generation gives you more interior space, more features, and a more powerful engine lineup, plus better safety and crash test scores.
How long do Toyota Highlanders usually last?
On average, a Highlander will last 250,000-300,000 miles, offering an extensive ownership opportunity for investors. For many people, the car will last a decade or more with routine care. If you're careful with your reliable machine, it will pay you back for a long time to come.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Highlander years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Highlander cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Highlander model years:
- Toyota Highlander 2008
- Toyota Highlander 2002
- Toyota Highlander 2004
- Toyota Highlander 2003
- Toyota Highlander 2006
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Highlander model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Highlander years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota Highlander car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Highlander , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Highlander vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Highlander model years
A total of 431 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Highlander model years
There were a total of 57 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Highlander model years
There were a total of 342 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Highlander model years
There were a total of 56 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 4529 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Highlander . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Highlander vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Toyota Highlander 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5TDEBRCH9MS
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: My vehicle was rear-ended while stopped by a 2014 Toyota Corolla that was estimated to be traveling between 60-70 miles per hour. During the crash, the driver seat failed, resulting in the partially reclining into the second row passenger. The failure mechanism appears to be internal to the seatback, as the seat twisted during the failure, causing me to lean more towards the passenger side of the vehicle.
Toyota Highlander 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 5TDDZRBH4LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I own a 2020 Toyota highlander and the car mileage is 68,000 and the dealer told me my transmission is dead and needs to replacement. The cost for replacement is $13,000.00! I’m the first owner of the car and how could a new Toyota car transmission fail at 68,000 miles and the warranty is 5 yrs or 60,000 miles. This issue have to be Toyota manufacture problems and they should have a recall on this and I researched online and a lot of highlander owners have the same problems as me! NHTSA PLEASE RESEARCH AND HELP HIGHLANDER OWNERS! Thank you
Toyota Highlander 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: JTEEW44A882
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: In June 2019, Toyota issued a recall for ABS malfunction, diagnostic code C1391 - brake actuator and accumulator. New parts were issued by Toyota in 2019 as part of the recall. My vehicle experienced ABS malfunction, diagnostic code C1391 in March 2022 and was repaired by Toyota with the new and improved parts issued as part of the recall. As of October 14, 2024, my vehicle is experiencing the same issue again - ABS brake malfunction diagnostic code C1391, with the brake system light, master warning light, abs light and ABS Malfunction warning noted on the screen. The vehicle can be inspected. Toyota has inspected and confirmed it is the same issue again. The new and improved parts from 2019 should not fail within 20,000 miles. Toyota did confirm that they used the new parts issued as part of the recall and cannot explain why they failed faster than the original parts causing dangerous braking issues.
Toyota Highlander 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 5TDCZRAH4NS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front lower bumper cover had detached. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the front lower bumper cover separated, flew underneath the vehicle and into traffic, causing the contact to temporarily lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that there was a cost for the repair of the front lower bumper prior to the recall repair. The contact declined to pay for the repair because it was a minor bump. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Toyota Highlander 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-20
- VIN: 5TDDZRFH5KS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When I start my car it makes an ear piercing screeching noise. It doesn’t happen everytime but I never know when it is going to happen. I took it to a dealer and 5 guys said they never heard of it. If you look online numerous people have this complaint with out any recalls. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Toyota Highlander 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-20
- VIN: 5TDZA3EH4CS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Hello, to whom it may concern: My 2012 Toyota Highlander Color Pearl White vin [XXX] ) has a repaint recall before Nov 2024. I was told at the dealer that I have to contact the Toyota dealers until I get the opportunity to get it paint. I was told that I had to contact any Toyota dealer until I get a date of acceptance. Thinking that it was not fair to delegate the responsibility on myself I made a few calls until I did get an appointment to get my SUV painted. The recall period is almost over (Nov 2024) I was told and I will put a claim on Toyota Corporation for not making sure all the vehicles are completely painted. I will also put a lawyer to help me get across my claim if I am not informed from Toyota the date that they will work on my SUV with the repaint recall. Respectfully, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Toyota Highlander 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-20
- VIN: JTEDS41A992
- Components: AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My airbag light came on and I don't understand why the airbag light came on. I took it to a auto shop and they said I would have to take it to a Toyato dealer. Also, my emergency brake is all the way to the floor and it has never released. It will not release at all. It has been that way ever since I bought the vehicle.
Toyota Highlander 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 5TDHBRCHXNS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: We have noticed that when we brake the vehicle, it intermittently LURCHES FORWARD very fast while you are breaking and trying to stop! This is extremely unsafe! We need to stop and brake and not go forward. It does this unexpectedly with no notice and does not always do it consistently but we have noticed it is getting worse and worse and we are worried we will hit another car in front or even a person because the car will not stop on time. When I looked online, this is a well known issue on Toyota Highlanders, especially hybrids like ours and Toyota has done nothing to fix this dangerous problem. They have even told car owners to drive slower but I can tell you it doesn’t seem to matter if I’m going 25 mph or faster or slower- the car gives no notice and goes FASTER while you are trying to stop!!!!! Please help us Toyota Highlander owners!!!! This car gives us no warning whatsoever. It is not consistent. But when it does this it is VERY scary!
Toyota Highlander 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 5TDJZRFH0KS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ur transmission went out with only 96K miles on it, We were told that it could break down at any time leaving us stranded. there are may forums and people experiencing this issue. It was inspected by the dealer, and they confirmed that the transmission was needing to be replaced
Toyota Highlander 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 5TDLZRAH5MS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The car started making a whining.humming sound only while pressing the gas. Took to mechanic and they advised it was TSB 0008-21. I need a new transmission. I drive this daily with my own kids, and several that aren't mine. If the transmission were to go out, I would not be able to accelerate and the care would stop moving. I can't even imagine this happening on a high with hundreds of cars speeding or a busy road. This could cause a bad accident, injury or death. No warnings etc. The noise just started and took right to mechanic. I gave the mechanic a copt of power train warrant and hoping it gets covered and fixed.
Toyota Highlander 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 5TDDZRFHXKS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Upon starting the Highlander, there is a very loud screeching/feedback noise through the speakers- it appears to be coming from the DCM as described y a Toyota representative. . This happens upon stating the car at least once a day and frequency is increasing.
Toyota Highlander 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5TDBZRFH8KS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: These Toyota highlanders had a whine noise in the transmissions that Toyota ended up taking care of in previous years. They said the problem was fixed in 2019 and newer. This problem has not been fixed as there are numerous confirmed cases of the exact problem with later models.
Toyota Highlander 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5TDYZRAH9MS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Toyota Highlander 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5TDLZRBH9MS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Regarding Toyota TSB T-SB-0008-21, ‘Whine or Grind Noise From the Transmission’, issued February 2021: Some 2021 model year Avalon, Highlander, and Camry vehicles equipped with UA80E or UA80F transmissions may exhibit a whine or grind noise from the transmission. This condition may be caused by an issue with the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. This is a widespread problem with these specified transmissions. The noise generally starts around 60-70k miles, just outside the warranty period. Toyota knowingly continued to sell vehicles with these defective transmissions. Repair estimates range from $8.5k-$13k.
Toyota Highlander 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: JTEDC3EH4D2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Multiple ABS related(ABS, TRACTION, BRAKES) warning lights/messages making driving my Highlander dangerous to me and others. Warning lights appeared 9/30/2024. No symptoms or warning lights appeared prior. Vehicle was then inspected by Toyota of Plano. Code 1391indicating an internal leak in the ABS. Confirmed by service dept of Toyota of Plano, Tx indicating the need for replacement of ABS Module Assembly. This as an acknowledged Toyota problem that was with a Service Bulletin that expired last year. Plano Toyota advised me to ask Toyota Brand Engagement for help but they declined. Toyota Brand Engagement declined to extend the prior Bulletin or assist in any way.. The Toyota case file is under my name and #241008000770. Any assistance from NHTSA would be appreciated.
Latest 5 recalls Toyota Highlander
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 109 recalls for different components of the Toyota Highlander.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Toyota Highlander 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-23
- Manufacturer: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
- Model: Toyota Highlander 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-18
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
- Model: Toyota Highlander 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-18
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
- Model: Toyota Highlander 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-18
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
- Model: Toyota Highlander 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-06
- Manufacturer: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
Latest negative Toyota Highlander car reviews
Latest positive Toyota Highlander car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2009
This is my father's car and it's great! The sport suspension makes a noticeable difference, it handles better than my 2013 Highlander. There's more steering feel and it does well in the snow - we haven't had any problems with it. We just make sure to keep up with maintenance. Plus, the JBL sound system is amazing! Although, I have noticed that some of my leather jackets tend to stick to the leather seats and make a weird noise when I get out of the seat. Overall, it does everything you want it to and I especially like the huge backup camera.
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Vehicle year: 2006
We are really enjoying our first Toyota, especially after a long history of owning Honda's. The build quality and ride quality have both impressed us, and we particularly love the easy-to-use gauges and ergonomic design of the cabin. Although we don't have the 3rd row seat, the rear seat area is very comfortable and spacious. After test driving both the 4 cyl. and V6 engines, we decided to go with the 4 cyl. engine since the minimal difference in performance didn't justify the extra $2K. Additionally, the dealership is currently offering some great incentives with the redesigned 2007 model just around the corner.
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Vehicle year: 2011
I bought my Highlander about 1 month ago, and it's been a dream to drive! I'm getting around 19 mpg, but I'm taking it easy on the throttle. On trips, it's an absolute dream. I used to drive an 08 FJ Cruiser and loved it, but I had enough with the noise in the cabin. The Highlander is a fantastic SUV, it feels more like a luxury car and there's no more road noise either!
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Vehicle year: 2006
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my new SUV. After considering multiple sedans and other model SUVs, I decided to go with the Highlander and I couldn't be happier! The drive is so smooth and comfortable, and the air conditioning system is amazing - it cools the car within seconds! I haven't officially clocked the gas mileage yet, but so far it seems to be okay. Overall, I think this car is a great value for the money. Even the 4 cylinder engine has enough pep for both highway and city driving, so I didn't see a need to purchase the V6 model. Thanks for listening!
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Vehicle year: 2001
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We bought our 4 cyl. awd Highlander new in June 01 and have put 24,000 miles a year on it. It has been great overall, but we did have a recurring check engine light that our dealer finally determined to be caused by the catalytic converter. Luckily, they installed a new one in March 05 under warranty. My wife loves the high seating position and we do wish we had sprung for the leather package. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us!
Tre Torphy 2025-02-22
Vehicle year: 2017
The car has a comfortable and fairly smooth ride. The features are easy to figure out. However, there are some areas of improvement that could make the car even better. For instance, it would be great if there were more storage compartments inside the car, including some small ones, and a place to hang a small trash bag. Additionally, it would be helpful if all levels came with a better camera view when backing up, especially on sunny days when the glare on the display makes it impossible to see anything on the screen. Lastly, I had the car in the dealer for a hesitation problem three times, but they were unable to find anything wrong. It was only after three years that Toyota issued a recall for that exact problem, this past October, but unfortunately, it took them five more months to come up with a fix for the recall. The issue was finally resolved in March. Overall, the car is great, but there is always room for improvement.
Arnulfo Kshlerin 2025-02-18
Vehicle year: 2009
I was disappointed to find that my Toyota Highlander did not live up to my expectations after leaving GM for a better vehicle. Unfortunately, my Highlander has had several issues, including a defective gas tank that had to be replaced, an incorrect fuel gauge reading (which is still not fixed after the second sending unit), discolored dash panels, and issues with the XM receiver. Despite these issues, the dealer has been very helpful in addressing them. I hope that the unintended acceleration bug will not be the next problem. Interestingly, I had fewer problems with the Buick I traded in for this Highlander. It has been an unexpected disappointment given its cost.
Zander Kreiger 2025-02-18
Vehicle year: 2013
I love the look and feel of my Toyota Highlander and it is a pleasant ride until you try to use the Entune radio system. Unfortunately, the HD radio is awful, constantly going in and out, the satellite radio constantly loses reception and the GPS system leaves a lot to be desired. I am so disappointed with this system that I am starting to regret paying top dollar for a limited model. I will need to replace this system to save my sanity.
Darian Bode 2025-02-17
Vehicle year: 2019
Like the title, I love everything about my new 2019 Highlander, save the Entune Audio/NAV system. It is probably the least user friendly system that I have encountered. The voice control and recognition works only occasionally. Toyota, in their effort to monopolize your experience, is offering Entune, which is primarily an app based system and is really quite lame. Twice now I have received "upgraded" software which has actually been removing apps. It appears to be moving backwards. Every time I enter my car, I need to make sure the Entune app is running on my phone before the functionality is there. Really???The biggest takeaway from the system would be to say that it is intensely FRUSTRATING! Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The voice control system is very frustrating and not intuitive in any way. If you do not use the EXACT syntax when asking it to do something, your screwed. I find myself using my phone more than the system for Navigation and any of the VERY LIMITED features of the Entune software.While the rest of the auto world marches into technology to enhance your experience and keep you safe, Toyota wants to keep you in technology hell. Someone please tell me why. UPDATE: August 2019 - Found an opportunity to dump this vehicle without losing too much, so I did. I renew my displeasure concerning Toyota’s Entune Infotainment/Voice Control/Navigation System. My phone offers a way better interface and experience.
Cleve Dickinson 2025-02-17
Vehicle year: 2021
Hey there! I just wanted to share my experience with the 2021 Highlander. I noticed a whistling noise between 35-45 MPH that was really bothering me. I would recommend being aware of this issue when considering purchasing this car. Unfortunately, my salesman didn't mention it to me and I ended up feeling a bit misled. Just wanted to give you a heads up so you can make an informed decision. Thanks for reading!