Here are a few of the Toyota Highlander’s most frequent issues to stay away from.
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Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped
If you don’t identify the problem right away, it could become quite serious. Unfortunately, coolant leaks and overheated engines are the most typical first signs that your engine bolts are stripped.
When necessary, the bolts can be changed, and the bolt holes can be redrilled, but only if your engine hasn’t already suffered other harm as a result of overheating. That means that for many customers who experienced this problem, a complete engine replacement was the only option.
The 130k mile mark is the problem’s peak frequency, however once it occurs once, it may happen again.
Engine Failure
One of the more serious problems with Toyota Highlanders is often engine failure. Engine failure can be caused by a variety of factors, but those failures are likely connected to the engine bolts being stripped and contributing to overheating issues.
In light of these factors, purchasing a Toyota Highlander from one of their problematic years puts you at a significantly higher risk of needing an engine replacement.
It’s also important to think about whether you have the funds to replace your engine or if you would probably need a new car if your engine failed, as engine failure is an issue that only certain car owners are prepared to fix.
Engine failure tends to occur around 120k miles, while it can occasionally occur significantly earlier. Many Highlanders will run above 120k miles without any problems, but they could develop issues afterwards.
Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average
Unfortunately, the Toyota Highlander is one of those cars infamous for using oil. Although this issue can affect practically any model of Highlander, it tends to be more prevalent in older models.
Interestingly, despite being a good automobile overall, the 2002 model year has the worst oil burn rate. So, on a 2002 Highlander, we wouldn’t worry about this issue too much if you’re okay with spending a bit more money on oil. However, it can be a bigger issue if you’re thinking about a different model year with other documented problems.
Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems
Although both buyers and critics gave the 2020 Highlander redesign a generally positive review, it had a few dependability issues. There have been rumors that the gasoline tank on the 2020 model is defective.
In particular, reports stated that they were unable to fill the tank to its 17.1 gallon maximum capacity. Instead, they were only able to fill approximately 12 to 14 gallons.
Additionally, a number of complaints claimed that the Highlander’s air conditioning system might or might not work. The AC apparently ceased delivering chilly air since the condenser was prone to damage. Condenser replacement, which can cost anywhere from $60 to $150 including labor, is a straightforward remedy.
Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor
Models of the Highlander from 2001 to 2007 frequently experience engine overheating. Owners who have experienced engine overheating have reported that a blown head gasket is to blame. A closer look reveals that the head bolts frequently pull the engine block’s threads out, which eventually results in a ruptured head gasket.
Meanwhile, it was claimed that the oxygen sensors in a number of Highlander models were defective. This flaw results in the engine misfiring and harsh idling.
Are Toyota Highlanders dependable?
The Toyota Highlander has a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it seventh out of 26 midsize SUVs. It has cheaper ownership costs than the national average due to the $489 average annual repair cost. When compared to all other vehicles, the frequency and severity of repairs are both about average.
Do Toyota Highlanders have issues with their transmissions?
In order to enable you to drive at the correct speed, the gearbox transfers power from the motor to your wheels.
Since the transmission must convert the exact amount of power for the intended speed, even a little transmission problem can have a significant impact on the performance of your Highlander.
It’s a straightforward automotive issue to identify.
Shift delays, grinding while accelerating, the car shaking at any speed, whistling noises, and a burning odor emanating from under the hood are all potential symptoms of transmission problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
You can lose fuel economy or discover that you can’t drive your Toyota Highlander at all if you neglect gearbox problems.
A Toyota Highlander can travel how many miles?
One of the most durable midsize SUVs on the market, the Toyota Highlander can keep going for up to 300,000 miles after you drive it off the lot.
What is the Toyota Highlander’s ideal year?
The 20082013 edition is most likely the best option. You get more interior room, more features, a more potent engine lineup, better safety ratings, and better crash test results with this generation.
which is more trustworthy Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot?
The information above makes it evident that the Toyota Highlander outperforms the Honda Pilot in every category, including safety features and fuel efficiency. The Highlander is a much better choice if you’re searching for a three-row SUV that is incredibly dependable in this situation. For families and fans of SUVs, the Toyota Highlander is ideal.
Do Toyota Highlanders cost a lot to repair?
During its first ten years of use, a Toyota Highlander will need roughly $5,771 in maintenance and repairs. This is $3,362 less than the industry average for popular SUV models. Additionally, there is a 16.08 percent likelihood that a Highlander will need a significant repair at that time.
What is incorrect with the Toyota Highlander 2021?
Eight people can fit in the Toyota Highlander, or seven if captain’s chairs are chosen. However, the Highlander’s third row doesn’t offer enough legroom for taller passengers when compared to other midsize SUVs in the class. Even older kids might struggle to find a comfy seat in the third row of the 2020 Highlander, according to Consumer Reports.
The rear seats, according to testers, are similarly uncomfortable and sit too close to the ground. The last row passengers most likely won’t be able to endure lengthier flights. In the 2021 model, this third-row feeling of claustrophobia persisted. Autotrader still had positive things to say about the Toyota Highlander despite this bothersome problem.
Does the Toyota Highlander have a future?
One of the few automakers still using V6 engines is Toyota. Consider the Toyota Camryone it’s of the only vehicles in the midsize class that still has a 3.5-liter V6 engine on offer.
Highlander or Sienna, which is larger?
Passenger Capacity The Highlander and Sienna both have eight conventional passenger seats, or seven if the second-row captain’s chairs are selected as an option. The Sienna’s third row is significantly more spacious, despite the Highlander’s somewhat larger first and second rows.