2002 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 2002 Toyota Highlander problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Toyota Highlander 2002, common problems with this car include:
- Burning Through Engine Oil: The 2002 Toyota Highlander is known for burning engine oil faster than average. This issue can lead to increased oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil top-ups and potential engine damage if not monitored closely.
- Engine Failure: Engine failure is a significant concern reported by owners of the 2002 Toyota Highlander. This problem can be attributed to various issues, including stripped engine bolts leading to overheating and potential total engine failure. Addressing engine failure may require engine replacement, making it a costly repair.
- Check Engine Light Issues: Owners have experienced problems with the check engine light, particularly related to the EVAP system. Resolving this issue may involve replacing the charcoal canister or the EVAP vacuum switching valve, which can be an expensive repair if not addressed promptly.
- Heater and Air Conditioner Problems: Complaints have been raised about issues with the heater and air conditioner systems in the 2002 Toyota Highlander. Problems such as air temperature fluctuations can be caused by loose solder joints at the circuit board behind the temperature control knob, affecting the comfort and functionality of the vehicle's climate control system.
- Water Pump Failures: Another common issue reported by owners is water pump failures in the 2002 Toyota Highlander. A malfunctioning water pump can lead to cooling system problems, overheating, and potential engine damage if not rectified in a timely manner.
These problems highlight some of the key issues that owners of the Toyota Highlander 2002 have faced. Addressing these issues promptly through regular maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
How many miles will a 2002 Toyota Highlander last?
300,000 miles
How Long Does a Toyota Highlander Last? The Toyota Highlander is one of the longest-lasting midsize SUVs available, with the ability to continue running up to 300,000 miles after your drive it off the lot.
What were the worst years for Toyota Highlander?
Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market? A: You should consider avoiding the Toyota Highlander from the years 2003, 2008, 2014, and 2015. These models have been identified as having more significant issues than other years.
What is the best year for a used Highlander?
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.
Does a 2002 Toyota Highlander have a timing belt?
So your engine is the 1MZ-FE V6, which does use a timing belt.
How many miles will a 2002 Toyota Highlander last?
300,000 miles
How Long Does a Toyota Highlander Last? The Toyota Highlander is one of the longest-lasting midsize SUVs available, with the ability to continue running up to 300,000 miles after your drive it off the lot.
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.
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.
2002 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Toyota Highlander vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2002 Toyota Highlander
The NHTSA has received 328 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Toyota Highlander. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2002 Toyota Highlander vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-05
- VIN: JTEGF21A420
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY AIR BAG LITE KEEPS POPING ON
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTEGF21A320
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: I SAW SOMEONE STEAL MY CAR AND TOLD THEM THEY HACKED. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD SLOW UP AND DOWN. BURNING OF THE ELECTRICS WHEN TRY TO CHARGE. CAR STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. CAR GOING ON AND OFF. THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, TURNING BACK ON. SPEED CONTROL MESSING UP. SECURITY WARNING GOING UP AND DOWN.. BATTERY WOULD SHUT ON AND OFF. CAR LOCKS GOING ON AND OFF. COULD BARELY STEER THE CAR. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-30
- VIN: JTEGF21A720
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR STICIKING. VEHICLE ACCELERATES AT 4000 TO 5000 RPMS HAD VEHICE TOWED TO TOYOTA OF BEDFORD 440-809-8399
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTEHF21A120
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING HOME THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT,S OWN AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP WITHOUT REARENDING ANOTHER CAR WITHALL THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR AS A MECHANIC I REPAIRED THE BODY ON MY OWN AFTER MAKING REPAIRS I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR FROM THE SHOP I WORK AT TO MY HOUSE THE CAR WAS IDLING A LITTLE HIGH .I RETURNED TOWARD WORK THE NEXT MORNING TO SCAN THE CAR FOR HIGH IDLE .THE CAR ACCELERATED TO OVER 100 MPH WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATER AND BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL I HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF TOSTOP IT I HAD IT TOWED TO WORK I SCAN IT AND FOUND CODE C1203 WHICH IS A COMUNICATION FAULT FROM THE ECM TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLLER WHILE RESEARCHING THE CODE I FOUND THAT MY CAR FELL UNDER A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT FOR THIS PROBLEM I NOTIFYED TOYOTA WHERE THEY SENT AN OUTSIDE ADJUSTER OUT TO EXAMINE THE CAR HE FILED A REPORT TO TOYOTA SAYING THERE WAS NO PROBLEM HE DID NOT MENTION THE CODE IN HIS REPORT I FILED AN APPEAL ON OCTOBER 2017 AND HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANYTHING WITH THIS PROBLEM I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC FOR OVER 35 YEARS AND EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM TO THEM WITH NO SOLUTION THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE MAY2017 I JUST WANT A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM WITHOUT HAVING TO EXPLAIN A FIX TO TOYOTA FOR THIER CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT IT SEEMS THAT THE INDEPENENT ASSESSOR IS WORKING FOR TOYOTA AND NOT THE CONSUMER
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-01
- VIN: JTEGF21A820
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE VISOR HAS 2 POSITIONS ONLY. DOWN OR UP. CANNOT ADJUST FOR TALLER DRIVERS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-13
- VIN: JTEGF21A920
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE AC LIKES TO BLOW HOT AIR WHEN IN THE MAX AC SETTING AND THE TEMP KNOB BEING IN THE COLDEST POSITION. NUT BEING THE TEMP SETTING GAUGE COMES LOOSE CAUSING THE AC TO BLOW HOT AIR. HAPPENS ANYTIME IF PARKED OR DRIVING.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-13
- VIN: JTEGF21A120
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE HAD RECURRENT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT COST TH OUSANDS TO FIX BUT YET ARE NOT COMPLETELY RESOLVED.L JUST HAD MY TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAIL AFTER BEING SERVICED 17 MONTHS AGO. SINCE REPLACING IT, I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH CLUNKING DIRT THING IN THE MORNING WHEN IT TRIES TO CHANGE GEARS. NOW THERE IS A VIBRATION AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE SHOP. THE RECURRING PROBLEMS ARE AFFECTING MY JOB WHICH INVOLVES A LOT OF DRIVING AND I HAVE TO RENT CARS AT MY EXPENSE EACH TIME IT GOES FOR REPAIRS AT 2 TO 4 DAYS EACH EVENT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. MY CAR IS PAID FOR AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANO TH ERBONE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-29
- VIN: JTEGF21A720
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET GOING STRAIGHT SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL AND THEN UPHILL. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR. SPEED WAS ABOUT 15-25 MPH. I WAS BRAKING TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN ( TOYOTA CALLS IT "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION"). THE CAR CONTINUED ACCELERATING EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD AND IT WAS NOW GOING UPHILL.. TO AVOID CRASHING I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND HAZARDS. THE ENGINE RACED IN NEUTRAL AND THEN STOPPED RACING.. TOYOTA STARTED A CASE FILE AND INSPECTED IT. THEY SAID EVERYTHING IS WORKING PROPERLY NOW, CASE CLOSED AND I CAN COME GET THE CAR. I HAD IT TOWED THERE AND AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT UNTIL SOMETHING IS FIXED. IT WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE. I AM CONCERNED IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN OR TO OTHER CARS. I AM THOROUGHLY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA'S NONCHALANT ATTITUDE; IT WAS-IS A POTENTIALLY FATAL SITUATION, AND IT SEEMS THAT ACCORDING TO TOYOTA IF SUCH AN ACCIDENT WAS INVESTIGATED NOTHING WOULD SHOW UP.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-15
- VIN: JTEGD21A520
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: SUN VISORS FALL DOWN WHILE DRIVING. AT ANY GIVEN TIME WHILE DRIVING BOTH SUNVISORS WILL FALL COMPLETELY DOWN OBSTRUCTING VIEW OF THE ROAD AHEAD. VERY DANGEROUS.TOYOTA WILL NOT RECALL.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-20
- VIN: JTEHF21A320
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I PURCHASED AN ADDITIONAL SECURITY DEVICE. IF SOMEONE BREAKS A WINDOW, AN ALARM IS SUPPOSED TO GO OFF. YOU CAN TEST TO SEE IF IT WORKS BY HITTING YOUR CAR KEY AGAINST A CLOSED WINDOW & THE ALARM SHOULD GO OFF. IT HAS NEVER WORKED. AT TIME OF PURCHASE THE DEALERSHIP REMOVED THE CENTER FLOOR GLOVE COMPARTMENT ASSEMBLY. THE MICROPHONE HAD FALLEN OFF THE SIDE & WAS LAYING ON THE FLOOR. THEY GLUED IT BACK TO THE SIDES & IT STILL DIDN'T GO OFF WHEN HITTING A KEY AGAINST THE WINDOW WHEN ALL THE WINDOWS WERE CLOSED. THEY COULDN'T GET IT TO WORK & BREAKING MY WINDSHIELD WAS NOT AN OPTION - OBVIOUSLY. THE DEALERSHIP HAD NO IDEA ON HOW TO FIX IT.
AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-16
- Components: AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: THE AIR BAG SENSOR STAY ON WHEN COLD. IT WILL NOT TURN OFF UNTIL CAR WORMS UP AND ENGINE IS SHUT DOWN AND RESTART. THE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY ON AND IT IS FALLING DOWN DURING DRIVING. BOTH ISSUES ARE SAFETY HAZARD
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
- VIN: JTEGF21A320
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: THIS IS THE FOURTH SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THIS CAR WHICH WILL NO LONGER STAY UP BLOCKING MY VISION WHILE DRIVING. THE FIRST WAS REPLACED 09/03 AT ABOUT 22,600 MILES UNDER WARRANTY WITH A HOME LINK INCLUDED AS WAS THE ORIGINAL. THE SECOND REPLACEMENT WAS 01/07 AT 65,300 MILES AND THE PASSENGER ONE WAS REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME. THESE DID NOT HAVE THE HOME LINK FEATURE AS IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE. THE PROBLEM RECURRED IN 3/10 AT 86,000 MILES AND WAS ONCE AGAIN REPLACED. IT IS NOW 3/16 WITH 115,000 MILES AND THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE EXISTS. IT FALLS RIGHT AT EYE LEVEL WHICH IMPAIRS VISIBILITY. WITH THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED ON THIS AND OTHER MODELS, A MANDATORY REPLACEMENT IS WARRANTED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-01
- VIN: JTEHF21A120
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD DOES NOT TURN OFF IN COLD WEATHER (20 DEGREES F, OR LOWER). THE WARNING WILL STAY ON EVEN WHEN ENGINE AND INTERIOR ARE WARM. IF THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF ONCE WARM, AND THEN TURNED BACK ON, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TURNS OFF WITH ALL OTHER PANEL LIGHTS, AS IT SHOULD. WITH COLD WEATHER, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL STAY ON WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, OR IN MOTION, AND AT ANY SPEED AND WILL ONLY SHUT OFF IF CAR IS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-01
- VIN: JTEGF21A820
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN ENGAGING CAR IN REVERSE THE CAR WILL UNPREDICTABLY AT TIMES SUDDENLY ACCELERATE.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-01
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUN VISORS FALL DOWN INTO DRIVERS AND PASSENGER VIEW. SAFETY ISSUE WAS NOT RECOGNIZED BY VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-20
- VIN: JTEGD21A220
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I DROVE VEHICLE CROWN TOYOTA FOR A MINOR SERVICE AND MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS DRIPPING OF COOLANT NOTICED ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. REQUESTED 'CHECK AND ADVISE' ON THIS. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3.0 HOURS, I WENT TO THE SERVICE DESK FOR INFORMATION REGARDING LEAK. I WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR [XXX] AND HE TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE LEAK BECAUSE THAT SITUATION IS DUE TO THE HEAD BOLTS PULLING OUT OF THE BLOCK. THE ESTIMATE FOR SUCH REPAIR WAS $6,780.28 PLUS TAX AND WOULD INVOLVE REPLACING THE SHORT BLOCK. HE MENTIONED THIS PROBLEM WAS KNOWN TO OCCUR WITH VEHICLES HAVING THE 2AZ-FE ENGINES SUCH AS THE ABOVE HIGHLANDER AND THAT I COULD RESEARCH SAME. SINCE I WAS BUYING ONLY TOYOTA CARS SINCE 1972 AND HAVE OWNED 4 SUCH CARS AND ONE LEXUS BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE AND CONCLUSION THAT RELIABILITY IS NUMBER ONE WITH TOYOTA. I CAN ONLY SAY I WAS IN SHOCK. WHEN I TOLD MY WIFE (THIS IS ACTUALLY HER AUTO), SHE WAS SICK FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS. A SHORT DISCUSSION WITH AAA. SUGGESTED WE LOOK AT THIS WEB SITE FOR COMPLAINTS, ETC. IT TURNS OUT THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES BEFORE AND APPLIES TO SEVERAL MODELS INCLUDING THE RAV-4 AND HIGHLANDER SOME WITH MUCH LOWER MILEAGE BUT THERE IS NO ACTUAL RECALL OR LETTER NOTICE FROM TOYOTA. ALSO, NO PROPOSED ACTION BY DEALERSHIPS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I THINK THAT DUMPING THIS SUDDEN, MAJOR EXPENSE PROBLEM ON OWNERS IS VERY IRRESPONSIBLE- NOT WORTHY OF TOYOTA. COMPENSATION REGARDING THE TIME LOSS AND EXPENSE SHOULD BE OFFERED TO OWNERS OR DEALERS SHOULD BE INSTRUCTED BY TOYOTA TO RESOLVE WHEN FOUND. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VEHICLE AND ALL THE PREVIOUS WAS SERVICED BY TOYOTA /LEXUS DEALERSHIPS. A POSITIVE RESPONSE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTEGF21AX20
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, LOWER BACK, AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-25
- VIN: JTEHF21A920
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR DOES NOT STAY PROPPED UP IN THE FORWARD DIRECTION. IT DROPS DOWN TO A VERTICAL POSITION DOWNWARDS, WHERE IT BLOCKS THE DRIVER'S VIEW. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-06
- Crash: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT IS INTERMITTENT AT BEST. REPLACED BULBS MANY TIMES, CLEANED CONTACTS, ETC...BUT NO HELP.ON-GOING PROBLEM . WAS REAR-ENDED DUE TO THIS EXACT PROBLEM. DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT FINE...IT IS ALWAYS PASSENGER SIDE. MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE ON-LINE. *TR
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-01
- VIN: JTEHF21A520
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: THE DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR NO LONGER STAYS FULLY UP. IT STAYS 1/2 DOWN WHICH BLOCKS VISIBILITY. IT SUDDENLY FALLS DOWN FURTHER, BLOCKING MY VIEW EVEN MORE, ESPECIALLY WHEN I BRAKE (EVEN LIGHT BRAKING), CHANGE LANES OR CHANGE VEHICLE SPEEDS. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES OF GETTING SCARED WHEN THE VISOR SUDDENLY FLIPS DOWN, I NOW HAVE TO USE BUNGEE CORDS OR RUBBER BANDS TO HOLD THE VISOR UP SO THAT I CAN SEE. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT MEANS THAT I CANNOT EASILY FLIP IT DOWN TO BLOCK THE SUN, WHICH IS ITS PURPOSE, AND I LIVE IN "SUNNY CALIFORNIA!" I HAVE SEEN DOZENS OF OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAIN ONLINE FALLS ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. MY RESEARCH A FEW YEARS AGO SHOWED THAT THE REPLACEMENT FOR THE VISOR WAS RIDICULOUSLY OVER $800 (I THINK BECAUSE IT HAS A LIGHTED MIRROR). MY ASSUMPTION IS THAT IT ONLY NEEDS A SPRING REPLACED AND TOYOTA SHOULD DO THIS TO PROTECT ITS CUSTOMERS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-14
- VIN: JTEGF21A720
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN 2002. A YEAR LATER NOTICED THAT THE IDLE CONTROLLER HAD PROBLEM. WHEN STARTED THE ENGINE IN THE MORNING, THE IDLE WENT DOWN VERY LOW AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AUTOMATICALLY. AT FIRST IT HAPPENED NOT FREQUENTLY. PAST TWO YEARS I TOOK TO A DEALER FOR MAYOR TUNEUP, THE SYMPTOM STILL RESISTED. TOLD THE DEALER AND THERE WAS NO ACTIONS AT ALL. NOW IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY. USUALLY IF IT HAPPENS, STEP ON THE GAS PEDDLE ( OVER 2K RPM) FOR A FEW SECONDS. SOMETIMES THE IDLE RETURNS TO NORMAL; BUT MOST OF THE TIMES, THE IDLE SETS VERY LOW. I THINK THE IDLE CONTROL FOR THIS MODEL SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-02
- VIN: JTEGD21A720
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD LEAK ANTIFREEZE AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-11
- VIN: JTEGF21A020
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ENGINE ACCELERATING WHEN BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-02
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN CARTWRIGHT ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE TOYOTA CONCERNS. *SMD 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO TRADE THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE FEDERAL CASH FOR CLUNKER PROGRAM, AND THERE WAS POTENTIAL ODOMETER FRAUD.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-01
- VIN: JTEGF21A620
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE DISCONNECTED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED IN TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WRONG CABLE WAS PLACED IN VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BECAME DEFECTIVE AS A RESULT OF ENGAGING THE BRAKES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
2002 Toyota Highlander recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2002 Toyota Highlander.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION LOCK (CPL) SYSTEM ON BOTH OF THE REAR SIDE DOORS. WHEN AN OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE CLOSES THE DOOR VERY HARD WITH THE CPL LEVER SET TO THE LOCK POSITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE LEVER MAY CONTACT THE BODY PANEL, CAUSING THE CPL LEVER TO MOVE INTO THE UNLOCK POSITION.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE DOOR TO BE OPENED WITH THE INSIDE WHILE THE OPERATOR BELIEVES THAT THE CPL WAS ACTIVATED. IF THE DOOR WERE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AN OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT AND BE INJURED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE CPL LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
- Summary: ON SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THERE IS A BREATHER HOSE THAT ATTACHES TO THE NOZZLE OF THE ON-BOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE TOPSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE BREATHER HOSE IS ATTACHED WITH A CLAMP, WHOSE "TABS" FACE IN THE UPWARD DIRECTION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED UNDER THE NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TEST (I.E., 35 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER CRASH), THE CLAMP "TABS" CONTACTED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BODY DUE TO MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING THE NOZZLE TO BREAK.
- Consequence: IN THE WORST CASE, NOZZLE BREAKAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE VEHICLE ROLLS-OVER AFTER A HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL ROTATE THE SPECIFIED CLAMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Negative 2002 Toyota Highlander car reviews
Positive 2002 Toyota Highlander car reviews
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I'm so glad you had the chance to test drive the HL V-6! From your description, it sounds like you were really impressed with its car-like features. The V-6 engine seems to be strong and spunky, with good acceleration and smooth transitions. The seats also sound very comfortable, and the headroom luxurious. I love the unique and eccentric interior design - it really sets the HL V-6 apart from other cars on the market!
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The car still rides quietly, especially when equipped with quiet riding tires. It has had very few major problems, and only requires scheduled maintenance work. During the summer, it gives an impressive 18 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway, while in the harsh Connecticut winters, it still manages to achieve 10% off that. It was built in Japan, and the only issues I've had were with the brakes and battery, which needed to be changed after 6 years. After a recent maintenance check, the engine light came on, but the mechanic reset it at no charge. Although the old tires wore out unevenly, I now get them aligned annually. Overall, it's a great SUV with modern styling and finish. If the mileage can be improved significantly without sacrificing too much power, I would definitely buy it again.
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Great car!
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The best part is that I can make a turn on the highway while driving at 65 mph without braking and without worrying about flipping over. In the snow, I just need to hit the snow button and the electronic control will take over.
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Hi there! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It sounds like you did a lot of research before purchasing your SUV, and we're glad to hear that it has been a great fit for your family. It's impressive that you're getting such good gas mileage, too! While the seats may not be the most comfortable for long trips, it's great to hear that they work well for your day-to-day use. Overall, it sounds like you're really happy with your Highlander and would recommend it to others. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Toyota Highlander problems:
2002 Toyota Highlander Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
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2002 Highlander buying advice needed | Toyota Nation Forum
Sep 28, 2018 ... Are there any issues with the 2p02 I should be aware of? I have never bought a car with this many miles before but it seems cars are easily ...
2002 Toyota Highlander Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say ... "It has been several years that we heard a rattle. Mechanic gave a cursory look but could only guess it was maybe a loose nut. We didn't want ...
Are all 2002 Highlander V6 4WD affected with sludge problems ...
Nov 2, 2011 ... Second line is frequent oil changes. The type of sludge that is created by "carmelization" of the oil due to high temps seems pretty rare for ...
2002 Highlander: Yay or Nay? : r/ToyotaHighlander
Jul 12, 2022 ... It's a really poor layout for driver comfort overall. Not a lot of storage for phone and other loose items, but the reliability is legendary.
Other years of Toyota Highlander
Are you having problems with your 2002 Toyota Highlander?
Elian Gulgowski 2024-11-23
The check engine light kept coming on (which does not mean much in current automobiles). After three trips to the dealer, they finally changed out the entire computer motherboard and fixed the problem. Other than that, it is an excellent car with great looks and lots of power. When I test drove the Highlander, all the other SUVs seemed to drive like U-Haul trucks. I definitely recommend getting the color-coded fender wells, chrome tube step rails, and spoiler, or the truck will look like a minivan.
Brock Lind 2024-05-05
The vehicle is decent, but it could benefit from better equipment. It's worth noting that for 28K, you only get cloth seats, a power driver seat, and a moonroof. I was able to find a Lexus RX with similar features for 33.5K, which would have been a better choice. However, the car was for my mom, and she didn't want to pay the price difference. For a little more, she could have had leather seats, a 4-year warranty, and wood accents instead of the fake aluminum on the dash.
Rodrigo Sporer 2024-05-02
I'm so glad to hear that you had a great experience with your certified used Highlander! It's wonderful to know that you found it to be a reliable mode of transportation with limited servicing. Thank you for sharing your positive recommendation, and we hope to see you again soon!
Jaylan Stroman 2024-03-23
This car has had some issues, but we have taken good care of it. Despite only having 45,000 miles on it, the engine has become quite noisy. We have had to replace the blower fan and motor for the A/C three times already, and it is starting to go out again. While the gas mileage is not as good as some other Toyotas, it is still a reliable SUV. The original brakes are still on it and, while they emit a soft high-pitched squeal, they do not need to be replaced anytime soon.
Garrick Goodwin 2024-03-11
The catalytic converter has failed for the second time, despite the car having only 132K miles. I expected better gas mileage from a 4-cylinder engine. I am considering switching to a different manufacturer, as this is my first and only experience with Toyota.