1997 Toyota Highlander problems
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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Common 1997 Toyota Highlander problems
The Toyota Highlander 1997 is known for several common problems, primarily related to engine defects, transmission issues, air condition system faults, and oil leaks.
Engine Noise and Failure: The National Highway Traffic Administration reports show that the Highlander experiences some problems with engine noise, wind noise, and engine failure. Engine failure can be due to a variety of problems, but most failures occur as a result of stripped engine bolts. Other causes include broken O2 light, fuel system defects, Check Engine light warnings, water leaks, and pressure monitoring system problems. These issues can result in total engine failure, which is one of the significant concerns raised by Highlander owners.
Transmission Issues: Transmission issues are also common in the Toyota Highlander 1997. These problems can lead to rough shifting, which can cause the vehicle to jerk or shake during acceleration or deceleration. Transmission issues can be caused by various factors, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, or damaged solenoids. These issues can lead to costly repairs and can affect the vehicle's overall performance and drivability.
Air Condition System Faults: 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. Failure to address this issue can lead to discomfort during hot weather and can affect the vehicle's overall functionality.
Oil Leaks: Oil leaks are also common in the Toyota Highlander 1997. These leaks can result in a decrease in engine performance and can lead to costly repairs if not addressed in time. Oil leaks can be caused by various factors, including worn-out gaskets, damaged seals, or faulty oil lines. These issues can result in a decrease in engine performance and can lead to costly repairs if not addressed in time.
Ruptured Oil Lines: 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. You can opt to change the vehicle oil lines or clean affected parts.
In summary, the Toyota Highlander 1997 has several common problems, primarily related to engine defects, transmission issues, air condition system faults, and oil leaks. These issues can lead to costly repairs and can affect the vehicle's overall performance and drivability. It is essential to address these issues promptly to avoid further damage and ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.
What year did Toyota Highlander have problems?
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. While no recalls were made for them, Toyota issued a recall for the 2020 redesign because of the same issue.
What is the most common problem with Toyota Highlander?
Common Issues With The Toyota Highlander
- Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped. ...
- Engine Failure. ...
- Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average. ...
- Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems. ...
- Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor. ...
- Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market?
What is the best year of Highlander to buy?
A: The best years for the Toyota Highlander, according to the above guide, include the 2004, 2005, and 2007 models from the first generation and the 2017-2019 models from the third generation. These years have shown high reliability, minimal complaints, and good owner satisfaction ratings.
Is a Toyota Highlander a reliable vehicle?
The Highlander is a midsize Toyota SUV for sale that has been praised for its reliability, practicality, and safety features. Toyota is known for building reliable vehicles, and the Highlander is no exception. With proper maintenance, a used Highlander can last for many years and miles.
What is the most common problem with Toyota Highlander?
Common Issues With The Toyota Highlander
- Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped. ...
- Engine Failure. ...
- Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average. ...
- Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems. ...
- Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor. ...
- Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market?
What year did Toyota Highlander have problems?
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. While no recalls were made for them, Toyota issued a recall for the 2020 redesign because of the same issue.
What is the best year of Highlander to buy?
A: The best years for the Toyota Highlander, according to the above guide, include the 2004, 2005, and 2007 models from the first generation and the 2017-2019 models from the third generation. These years have shown high reliability, minimal complaints, and good owner satisfaction ratings.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100.
1997 Toyota Highlander car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Highlander problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Toyota Highlander vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Toyota Highlander complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Toyota Highlander.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-16
- VIN: JTEDP21A170
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FALLS DOWN AND WILL NOT STAY UP---IMPEDES VISION. *TR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Toyota Highlander problems:
Common problems/mistakes when replacing the timing belt ...
Mar 7, 2013 ... ... Highlander 4x4/5 Speed... http://www.toyota ... 1997 4Runner, 1996 4Runner. Similar ... The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota ...
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Aug 20, 2019 ... i know that the gen 3 and 3.5 camrys are very well praised here but i wanted to know what some of the common faults you could see.
Common Toyota Highlander Problems - Flagship One Blog
Oct 8, 2020 ... According to Toyota Highlander owners' complaints, the main issues with this model are engine defects that can cause total engine failure.
Common Problems & Recall: 2017 Toyota Highlander Block Heater
Jan 5, 2023 ... I had a recall on my 2017 Toyota Highlander block heater in Feb 2022 and the next time I took my vehicle in, they - Answered by a verified ...
2020 toyota highlander transmission failure | Toyota Nation Forum
Aug 26, 2023 ... Failures are rare- but with any mass-produced car- they can happen. Toyota did have issues with the eight-speed transmission in the 2017-2019 ...
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