1998 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).

1998 Toyota Highlander

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Common 1998 Toyota Highlander problems

Based on the information provided in the search results, here is a detailed list of common problems with the Toyota Highlander 1998 model based on complaints from owners:

  • Fuel Tank and A/C Condenser Issues:
    • The 2020 redesign of the Toyota Highlander has been reported to have issues with its fuel tank, where owners were unable to fill it to its maximum capacity. Additionally, there were complaints about a damaged A/C condenser affecting the cooling system.
  • Defective Airbags:
    • Some 2013 and 2016 Highlanders had defective airbags that did not deploy upon collision, increasing the risk of injuries. Toyota issued a recall for the 2020 redesign due to similar airbag issues.
  • Excessive Wind Noise:
    • Owners of 2017 Toyota Highlanders reported excessive wind noise inside the cabin, possibly caused by side mirrors or loose door moldings.
  • Uncomfortable Seats:
    • The 2015 Highlander was reported to have uncomfortable seats causing back pain during long drives. Additionally, there were complaints about a malfunctioning audio system that automatically reset radio and navigation settings.
  • Interior Problems:
    • The 2008 model faced issues with a panic alarm going off randomly, a defective CD player, and fragile armrests that caved and ripped open over time.
  • Oil Leaks and Loss of Oil Pressure:
    • 2005-2013 Highlanders experienced oil leaks and loss of oil pressure, often caused by a faulty variable valve timing-intelligent (VVT-i) gear and ruptured oil cooler lines.
  • Braking System Issues:
    • The 2008 Toyota Highlander had reported problems with the rear brakes, antilock braking system (ABS), and brake failure, with some vehicles displaying ABS failure messages at specific mileage intervals.
  • In-Car Electronics Problems:
    • Issues with the in-car electronics, electric system, and climate control were reported in the 2008 model, including problems with the CD player, DVD player, navigation system, camera, oxygen sensors, air conditioner, and display screen.
  • Suspension Concerns:
    • Suspension problems in the 2008 Highlander included issues with shocks or struts, power steering leaks, worn bushings, and ball joints requiring regular replacements for proper function.

These common problems reported by owners of the Toyota Highlander 1998 model highlight various issues ranging from engine failures to comfort and electronic system malfunctions.

1998 Toyota Highlander engine

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.

Is Toyota Highlander high maintenance?

A Toyota Highlander will cost about $5,771 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $3,362. There is also a 16.08% chance that a Highlander will require a major repair during that time.

Which years Highlander is the best?

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.

1998 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:

  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Toyota Highlander vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Toyota Highlander complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Toyota Highlander.

2004-02-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-12-09
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DOOR LOCKS KEEP POPPING OPEN OR SHUT MANY TIMES PER DAY. SOMETIMES WHEN PARKED, OTHER TIMES WHEN DRIVING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR. EACH TIME I TAKE TO THE DEALER, HE SAYS HE CAN'T FIND THE REASON. TOYOTA HAS NO CLUE ON WHY THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EXISTS. I CAN'T LEAVE ANYTHING IN THE CAR, BECAUSE WHEN I RETURN THE LOCKS ARE UP.*AK
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Toyota Highlander problems:

Q&A: 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - Common Problems & Solutions
Q&A: 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - Common Problems & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/toyota/k6cn4-miles-home-2010-toyota-highlander-hybrid-started.html

Sep 14, 2022 ... 7 miles from home my 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid started shaking as I drove at 25 mph on a paved, flat road.

Power Window Problems | Toyota Nation Forum
Power Window Problems | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/power-window-problems.245682/

Apr 20, 2008 ... ... Highlander's windows are acting up. Drivers ... (142K), 1998 Camry 4 cyl. ... Still haven't found anyone that has a solution to a 'common' problem ...

Common 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems - Q&A
Common 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems - Q&A
https://www.justanswer.com/toyota/2qf32-2007-highlander-hybrid-fueling-the-amount-fuel-left-tank.html

Nov 3, 2009 ... What causes a problem with the pump when fueling a 2007 Highlander hybrid? - Answered by a verified Toyota Mechanic.

2020 toyota highlander transmission failure | Toyota Nation Forum
2020 toyota highlander transmission failure | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2020-toyota-highlander-transmission-failure.1769434/

Aug 26, 2023 ... 2020 toyota highlander transmission failure ... transmission failure being a common problem, even among those towing regularly. ... 1998 Lexus LS400.

2013 Toyota Highlander Limited : r/ToyotaHighlander
2013 Toyota Highlander Limited : r/ToyotaHighlander
https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaHighlander/comments/105kdtv/2013_toyota_highlander_limited/

Jan 7, 2023 ... Other than these things, I've been pretty lucky to not have any issues. I'm looking for any insights or common challenges that I should be ...

Other years of Toyota Highlander

toyota highlander 2001 photo
Highlander 2001
Toyota

140

3

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota highlander 2002 photo
Highlander 2002
Toyota

328

2

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota highlander 2003 photo
Highlander 2003
Toyota

269

2

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota highlander 2004 photo
Highlander 2004
Toyota

285

5

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota highlander 2005 photo
Highlander 2005
Toyota

220

6

32

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota highlander 2006 photo
Highlander 2006
Toyota

266

7

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1998 Toyota Highlander photo