2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    sunroof

    11 unsafe, 6 annoyance

    17
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 63,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR SPRING BROKE PREVENTING THE VISOR FROM EITHER FOLDING BACK UP OR COMING DOWN COMPLETELY, CAUSING A VISIBILITY PROBLEM AND A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR"~20,000 mi, complaint #1140165
    • "FOR NO REASON AT ALL MY SUNVISOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT STAY UP. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING TRYING TO DRIVE WITH IT HALF WAY DOWN AND OBSTRUCTS MY VISION. I HAVE NOT YET PUT IT IN THE SHOP YET SO DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO FIX IT, BUT IT HAS TO B…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1162044
    • "DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR NO LONGER STAYS UP AND BLOCKS THE DRIVERS VISION WHILE DRIVING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A ON GOING PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA SUN VISORS."~61,000 mi, complaint #1464546
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR FELL DOWN AND FAILED TO REMAIN UPRIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUN VISOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…"~74,000 mi, complaint #995267
    • "THERE IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS (2010 - 2013) SUN VISORS. THE VISOR NO LONGER STAYS IN EITHER THE UPRIGHT OR DOWNWARD POSITION. IT IS EITHER AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE WHEN PLACED IN THE "UP" POSITION OR IS IN A POSITION TO SLIGHTLY OBSCURE VISIBILITY…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1544361
  2. #2

    trunk or liftgate

    7 unsafe, 8 broken, 2 annoyance

    17
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=17, median 50,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF HIS HATCHBACK WAS BENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS INFORMED OF TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN UNDER NHTSA ITEM NUMBER : 10041651 (STRUCTURE:BODY:…"~15,000 mi, complaint #937144
    • "THE AUTO LIFTGATE FOR THE REAR DOOR WOULD NOT GO UP AND DOWN. TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH A SERVICE BULLETIN HAS GONE OUT FOR THIS DEFECT! *TR"~37,500 mi, complaint #1141584
    • "REAR LIFTGATE WILL NOT STAY OPEN AND HAS FALLEN ON MY WIFE. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT WILL NOT FIX THERE PROBLEM EST. COST TO REPAIR $3000. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT. PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 10 MONTHS AGO WITH 46000 MILES VEHICLE NOW HAS…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1256487
    • "THE AUTOMATIC LATCH OF THE LIFTGATE STARTED TO FAIL. THE LIFTGATE NOT LONGER OPENS AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REJECTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR"~56,000 mi, complaint #1125964
    • "POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR ARM DETACHED FROM THE UPPER PORTION OF THE REAR DOOR. UPON REPEATED USE AND TIGHTENING IT BECOMES STRIPPED. FORUMS REPORTS THIS IS COMMON FOR SEVERAL MODEL YEARS - NO RECALL. HOLE TO SCREW BECOMES STRIPPED OVER TIME. NO ACCESS TO THE BAC…"~73,000 mi, complaint #1370069
  3. #3

    other

    10 unsafe, 6 annoyance

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=21, median 46,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT STARTED MOVING ON ITS OWN. THE GEAR SHIFT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE IN PARK IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON SINCE IT WAS TURNED OFF BY PRESSING A BUTTON. THE VEHICL…"~3,000 mi, complaint #841497
    • "DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR IS BROKEN AND STUCK AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE, AND WILL NOT STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, OBSTRUCTING VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN ISSUE OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL, AS THERE ARE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONCE DOING A SIMPLE I…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1216236
    • "DRIVERS SIDE VISOR IS BROKEN & WILL NOT STAY UP! ONLY REMEDY FROM TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IS TO PAY FOR ANOTHER (PROBABLY DEFECTIVE) VISOR (PARTS & INSTALLATION). THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD & TOYOTA NEEDS TO BE PROFESSIONAL ENOUGH TO FIX THIS PROBLEM (WITH…"~46,230 mi, complaint #1020049
    • "SUN VISOR WILL NO LONGER GO UP ALL THE WAY. IT IS STUCK PARTIALLY UP AND HAS RESISTANCE. IT IS NOW ONLY DOWN AND BLOCKING MY VIEW OF DRIVING. *TR"~63,000 mi, complaint #1028138
    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Highlander. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale but contacted by a dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 122,000, and at the time of regis…"~303,000 mi, complaint #2213020
  4. #4

    steering rack mechanical

    11 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 80,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "AT A STOP OR AT LOW SPEED STARTS, TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL RESULTS IN A CLUNKING OR CREAKING NOISE. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE NOISE HAPPENS WHETHER TURNING IT LEFT OR RIGHT. USUALLY HEAR IT COMING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT OR MOVING FROM A ST…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1588007
    • "WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THEN THE TURN IS COMPLETED...THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT GO BACK INTO POSITION. THIS OCCURS WHEN YOU ARE IN MOTION."~50,000 mi, complaint #1741864
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the intermediate steering shaft was making an abnormal knocking noise while turning to the left or the right. Additionally, the driver’s side window failed to roll up or down because it was off…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1781084
    • "INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ISSUES. HAD ONE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY A YEAR OR TWO AFTER PURCHASE. INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ISSUES RETURNED IN THE LAST YEAR. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WANTS $500 TO REPLACE A SHAFT THEY KNOW HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR YEARS LEADING UP…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1526499
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING AND POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER (FIV…"~156,000 mi, complaint #1499895
  5. #5

    door latch and hinge

    7 unsafe, 1 broken, 4 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 72,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4WD: SYSTEM CHECK PANEL INDICATING THE REAR GLASS DOOR IS OPEN, WHEN IT'S NOT. CONTINUAL CHIME INDICATING DOOR IS OPEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH TURNING DOME LIGHT OFF AND ON. BAD DOOR SENSOR FAULTY ELECTRICAL DOOR SWITCH. *TR"~13,524 mi, complaint #952314
    • "SENSOR FOR "OPEN DOOR" COMES ON WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR SUDDEN TURNS. MORE PROMINENT WHEN TURNING LEFT EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS. HAVE PROBLEMS WITH LOCKING THE VEHICLE AT TIMES DUE TO THIS. HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED IT HAS TO BE A RUBBER IN TH…"~42,500 mi, complaint #995276
    • "THE OPEN REAR AUTOMATIC DOOR FAILED, IMMEDIATELY CLOSING ON MY WIFE'S BACK AS SHE WAS REMOVING A BAG FROM THE REAR CARGO AREA. THE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAME DOWN HARD. AS THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, TOYOTA WOULD NOT REPLACE AT THEIR COST.…"~49,000 mi, complaint #1139292
    • "WHEN TURN LEFT THE WARNING SISTEM FOR OPEN DOORS IS ON ANDTURN ON INTERIOR LIGHS AND SOUNDWARNING FOR SECONDSAND GO OFF. AFRAID THE DOORS IS GO BE OPEN"~80,000 mi, complaint #1510524
    • "THE REAR HATCH DOOR SENSOR GOES OFF WHEN THE CAR MAKES A TURN OR IS DRIVEN OVER BUMP. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE DOOR SENSOR SYSTEM MUST BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF MORE THAN $700. ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR DOES NOT STAY UP. COST TO REPLACE, $300. *…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1078992
  6. #6

    engine oil consumption

    1 stranded, 8 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "T-SB-0201-11 FROM TOYOTA STATES "SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2GR-FE/FXE TOWING PACKAGE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT AN OIL SEEP FROM THE ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPES." THIS TSB AFFECTS TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES GOING BACK TO AT LEAST 2008-PRESENT. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE, AND…"~73,682 mi, complaint #1144790
    • "ENGINE OIL COOLER HOSE "LEAKING". TOYOTA DID ISSUE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, BUT WAS NEVER CHECKED DURING REGULAR DEALER SERVICING AS PART OF THE HOSES. CONDITION IS ON THE 3.5L TOYOTA/LEXUS ENGINE AND CAN BE SEEN IN THIS VIDEO:HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATC…"~160,000 mi, complaint #1709151
    • "The contact owns a 2011 TOYOTA Highlander. The contact stated while adding engine oil, the oil would leak from front section of engine. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was…"~161,000 mi, complaint #1748913
  7. #7

    steering electric assist

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 15,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I WAS DRIVING 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, STOPPED THE CAR AT RED LIGHT (INTERSECTION OF CATHARPIN RD AND US 55). DURING THE GREEN LIGHT, I WAS TRYING TO TAKE A RIGHT TURN ON THE LIGHT AND THE CAR DID NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN THE POWER STEERING (STUCK) AND ON THE LCD P…"~1,980 mi, complaint #850120
    • "WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, I WAS UNABLE TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LANE ON A SLIGHT CURVE TO THE RIGHT IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNING, BUT THE WHEELS WERE NOT RESPONDING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MUCH HARDER TO TURN. SUDDENLY THE STEERING WH…"~13,500 mi, complaint #905619
    • "AT APPROXIMATELY 40-42 MPH ON A SLIGHT CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE STEERING WOULD GET VERY TIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF THE ROAD.( IT IS AS IF THE CAR WAS TURNING TO THE LEFT ON ITS OWN) THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL…"~15,191 mi, complaint #937515
    • "LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING AT [REDACTED ADDRESS] ENTERING THE FREEWAY AND DASH LIGHTS AND RADIO CUT IN AND OUT."~112,000 mi, complaint #1533609
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN CRUISE CONTROL AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING SPEEDOMETER READINGS. REPORTED ABS BRAKE MALFUNCTION, BRAKE MALFUNCTION. OVER THE NEXT 45 MINUTES WHILE IN ROUTE TO A TOYOTA DEALER VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY LOST…"~122,000 mi, complaint #1625521
  8. #8

    airbag system

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "I SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. THE CAR WENT ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND BACK ONTO THE ROAD. THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. A LARGE PIECE OF PLASTIC, AT LEAST 2FT. IN LENGTH,FLEW OFF ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CAUSING SEVERE CUTS,LACE…"~26,500 mi, complaint #1092833
    • "FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT OFF. EVEN WHEN A PERSON IS SITTING ON THE SEAT. CRUISE CONTROL ALSO STOPPED WORKING, LIGHT WOULDN'T EVEN COME ON. POWER LOCKING SYSTEM ALSO CEASED WORKING."~64,000 mi, complaint #1597304
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AROUND A CORNER AND WENT INTO A SMALL EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE T-BONED THE CENTER BARRIER OF THE FREEWAY. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MOST OF THE FRONT END…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1628044
    • "TL* THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT WHICH STOPPED ABRUPTLY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK IN PL…"~180,000 mi, complaint #1573450
  9. #9

    steering column

    5 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "CLUNKING AND CLICKING WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. TSB FROM TOYOTA CALLS FOR INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT, BUT TOYOTA WILL NOT WARRANTY REPLACEMENT OF THE FAULTY PART. HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE."~80,000 mi, complaint #1645060
    • "INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS CLUNK NOISE. FREQUENTLY WHILE DRIVING."~92,000 mi, complaint #1534749
    • "STEERING SHAFT U JOINT MAKES CLUNKING NOISE. DEALER ADVISED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT AS THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN."~98,812 mi, complaint #1614282
    • "I STARTED EXPERIENCING A CLUNK IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT FOR PARKING . IT HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES SO I TOOK IT TO MY REGULAR TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. AFTER TEST DRIVING THE CAR THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE STEERING I…"~109,000 mi, complaint #1594304
    • "WHEN TURNING OR OVER BUMPS THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES CLUNKING NOISE. HAS BECOME LOUDER WITH TIME "~133,000 mi, complaint #1551015
  10. #10

    unintended acceleration

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 34,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED. ONCE THE BRAKES WERE RELEASED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A THIRD…"~1,500 mi, complaint #866583
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CEMENT WALL OF A GARAGE. THE MANUFACTU…"~8,700 mi, complaint #913781
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT HER DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BARN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES BUT THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT B…"~9,000 mi, complaint #895056
    • "I HAD MY CAR IN FOR IT'S 60,000 MILE SERVICE ON FRIDAY, OCT 3RD, 2014 AT CHEROKEE TOYOTA, CANTON, GA. MY WIFE DROVE IT FOR ONLY THE THIRD TIME SINCE THE SERVICE AND ENCOUNTERED A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE HIGHLANDER STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN. MY WIFE ST…"~59,000 mi, complaint #1117198
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH EXTREME FORCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIA…"~100,900 mi, complaint #1347692
  11. #11

    brake hydraulics

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "PURCHASED MY 2011 HIGHLANDER IN MARCH, & IT HAD 7000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I STARTED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY, PUT IT IN DRIVE, AND STARTED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY. PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES AND SEEMED NOT TO HAVE POWER ST…"~7,000 mi, complaint #889837
    • "I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH AND APPROACHING A LEFT TURN. I TRIED TO BRAKE THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN AND THE BRAKE DID NOT WORK. MY FOOT PUSHED ALL THE WAY DOWN AND SINCE I HAD 2 KIDS IN THE CAR I WAS REALLY CONCERNED THAT I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. I TRIED TO BRI…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1090070
    • "WHILE GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE, I ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED ENTIRELY TO THE FLOOR, AND THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. AS THE RESULT, MY VEHICLE DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET OVER A RETAINING WALL TO A LOWER PARKING LOT LANDING NOS…"~44,727 mi, complaint #1192045
    • "AT 8:00 AM ON 7/7/2016, MY SON WAS DRIVING MY HIGHLANDER 2011 TO WORK AT 80 M/H ON ROAD 287 IN NJ. THE VIN IS [XXX]. THE CAR IN FRONT OF MY SON WAS SLOWING DOWN. MY SON WAS TRYING TO BRAKE THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN. BUT, THE ALL BRAKES STOPPED WORKING AND THE D…"~64,300 mi, complaint #1297202
    • "I WAS PARKING MY CAR AT A PARKING LOT. I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR (IT WAS ABOUT 2MPH) WHILE APPLYING BRAKE AND MY CAR DID NOT STOP, RATHER IT ACCELERATED, I PUSHED BRAKE AND DID NOT WORK, IT JUMPED ON THE CURB. I RELEASED BRAKE, REAPPLIED AND CHANGED TO PARKI…"~87,000 mi, complaint #1635643
  12. #12

    power windows and locks

    3 unsafe, 2 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THE GLASS ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IS OFF THE RAILS AND WOULD COME OFF THE WINDOW AT AN ANGLE WHEN ITS BEING RAISED. CURRENTLY WE CANNOT ROLL THE WINDOW GLASS UP AND DOWN. SIMILAR SYMPTONS ARE BEING SEEN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW NOW . I HAVE OWNED CARS…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1249222
    • "THERE ARE TWO ISSUES WITH MY 2011 HIGHLANDER. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 1 YEAR AGO AND AM QUITE UPSET ABOUT THE ISSUES AND THE MONEY THAT I NEED TO PUT INTO IT. I AM ACTUALLY LOOKING INTO TRADING THIS VEHICLE AS, AFTER SPENDING 26K ON IT, I SHOULDN'T BE DEALING…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1104933
    • "THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IS OFF THE TRACK AND UNABLE TO ROLL UP. PRIOR TO THE WINDOW FALLING OFF THE TRACK, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WOULD MAKE A POPPING NOISE AND WOULD RATTLE WHEN GOING UP OR DOWN. THE ISSUE IS EXACTLY LIKE THE 2010 NHTSA REFERENCE #10037962 AND…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1271988
    • "THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED AGAIN FOR THE THIRD TIME. I HAVE HAD ALL 4 DOOR LOCKS REPLACED, SOME TWICE, AT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE. THE DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK AND THE DRIVER'S-SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK ARE NOW BROKEN AGAIN. THE DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK DOES NOT OPERAT…"~137,000 mi, complaint #1561418
  13. #13

    engine internal

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MY 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER V6 AWD SUFFERED A SUDDEN OIL COOLER PIPE FAILURE/RUPTURE LEADING TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE/DAMAGE AT APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH CERTAIN 2008-2011 HIGHLANDERS AND WAS THE SUBJECT OF A SERVICE BULLETIN…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1603300
  14. #14

    transmission automatic

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY AND THE ENGINE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL ROARING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED…"~3,467 mi, complaint #939993
    • "AT LOW SPEED, THE AUTO HAS A SERIOUS DELAY WHEN YOU PRESS DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL TO ENTER A LANE OF TRAFFIC SUCH AS ENTERING AN INTERSTATE FROM AN ENTRANCE RAMP. AFTER THE DELAY THE AUTO THEN SURGES INTO THE TRAFFIC LANE. TOYOTA OFFICIALS CLAIM IT IS CAUSED…"~8,500 mi, complaint #931709
    • "WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A STOP OR BARELY MOVING AND APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL SLOWLY, THE CAR ACTS LIKE IT GOING TO STALL. I SAY "ACTS" BECAUSE IF THE ENGINE STALLS, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO BRAKE OR STEER. THE ENGINE HAS NOT STOPPED IN THESE C…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1109786
    • "WHEN CAR GOES ABOVE 38 MPH A ABNORMAL WHINE NOISE EMANATES FROM THE TRANSMISSION"~49,000 mi, complaint #1396910
  15. #15

    abs module

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ON FEB 13, I WAS DRIVING AN ANN ARBOR, MI, STREET THAT WAS DOWNHILL AND ICY. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL THE ABS CAME ON, AND HELD IT ON FOR 15 TO 30 SECONDS. THIS DID NOT STOP THE CAR, BUT SLOWED IT, AND ALLOWED ME TO GO STRAIGHT, UNTIL AFTER 10 TO 20 SEC…"~93,500 mi, complaint #1646847
    • "ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILED ON TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. SPENT $1905 ON REPAIRS FROM TOYOTA. THERE WAS A RELATE RECALL ON TOYOTA CAMERY HYBRID WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ABS FUNCTION WON'T ACTIVATE WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE RECEIPTS OF ALL THE REPAIRS ON HAND"~110,000 mi, complaint #1441852
  16. #16

    interior trim

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MY DRIVER SIDE VISOR LOST ALL TENSION. I HAD TO EITHER HOLD IT UP OR TIE IT OUT OF THE WAY. I HAD IT REPLACED AT LOWE TOYOTA IN WARNER ROBINS, GA FOR $199.87. I WOULD NOT EXPECT A VISOR TO TEAR UP EVEN FOR A 2011 MODEL. IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDED T…"~70,772 mi, complaint #1332934
  17. #17

    lighting exterior

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DIDN'T ILLUMINATE THE ENTIRE ROAD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HIT A DEER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO AVOID THE CRASH DUE TO FAILED VISIBILITY COVERAGE. THE CONTACT WA…"~25,000 mi, complaint #980105
  18. #18

    alignment and pull

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I ONLY HAVE 7K MILES IN MY CAR I OWN THE CAR FOR ONLY 1 YEAR. I NOTICE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT BALANCE AT ALL. AT LEAST 5-10 DEGREE TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE MY CAR SERVICE EVERY 6 MONTHS WITH TOYOTA IT SHOULD BE BALANCED AND DONE THE TIRE ROTATION??? A…"~5,000 mi, complaint #921565
  19. #19

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I WAS DRIVING IN THE COASTAL HILLS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING SEVERELY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON DOWNWARD SLOPES. I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE DISCS OVERHEATING. FOR THE REMAINED OF THE TRIP I US…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1140166
    • "BOTH FRONT INNER BRAKESPADS COMPLETELY WARNED OUT DAMAGING BOTH ROTORS BADLY, SOME METAL PIECES FOUND ON FLOOR BROKE LOOSE FROM BOTH FRONT ROTORS. OUTSIDE PADS HAS 60% THICKNESS LEFT ON IT. ENDED UP CHANGING BOTH FRONT ROTORS AND PADS COSTING $375. MECHANIC SA…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1131583
  20. #20

    engine cooling

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ENGINE OIL COOLER HOSE BURSTED AND LEAKED OIL EVERYWHERE ON THE HIGHWAY, ENGINE OVERHEATED..WAS ALERTED BY THE SYSTEM AS LOW PRESSURE ENGINE OIL WARNING. ROOM TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. NEED TO RECALL THIS."~129,100 mi, complaint #1735266
    • "THE OIL COOLER HOSE LEAKED...LOST ALL OIL AND OIL PRESSURE IN LESS THAN A FEW MINUTES...LUCKY THE ENGINE DIDN;T BLOW. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS AS IT APPEARS IT HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE."~150,000 mi, complaint #1472128
  21. #21

    engine stall or no start

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "OCCASIONALLY, AFTER COMING TO A STOP AND THEN WHEN BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE AGAIN WHILE TURNING EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT, THE ENGINE APPEARS TO STALL FOR 3 OR 4 SECONDS, THEN RESUMES NORMAL ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE DOES NOT QUIT OR DIE, IT JUST GOES BACK DOWN TO A…"~8,000 mi, complaint #905860
  22. #22

    glass and windshield

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "FRONT WINDSHIELD SEALER BEAD NOT ADHERED TO THE GLASS. TOYOTA TACOMA. *TR"~2,454 mi, complaint #844244
    • "THE WARNING LIGHTS AND DISPLAY INDICATE THAT THE REAR GLASS DOOR IS OPEN WHEN IT IS NOT. THE WARNING LIGHT AND DISPLAYS GOES ON AND OFF REPEATEDLY. *TR"~26,000 mi, complaint #961971
  23. #23

    power steering hydraulic

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "STARTED THE CAR. POWER STEERING WAS GONE!! IT HAD JUST GONE OUT!!! THANK GOD I WAS IN TOWN. I HAD JUST GONE OVER MOUNTAIN ROAD WHERE I COULD HAVE GONE OVER A CLIFF AND BEEN KILLED. I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE CAR WITH HORRIBLE DIFFICULTY TO A MECHANIC ACROSS TH…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1101455
    • "DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH GENTLE TURNS AT 35MPH, POWER STEERING FAILED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE STRAIGHT UNTIL THERE WERE NO CARS DIRECTLY BEHIND ME AND I COULD BRAKE TO A SAFE SPEED TO ATTEMPT TURNING. I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO MANUALLY STEER THE CAR TO TURN INT…"~108,000 mi, complaint #1499309
  24. #24

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WOW! IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!! %&*@* HIGHLANDER HAS MORE SAFETY PROBLEMS.... 24,988 MILES; SUNDAY, OCT 26, 2014 OUR YOUNGEST SONS SEATBELT (2ND ROW PASSENGER BEHIND DRIVER SEAT) WOULD NOT RELEASE; CAUSING HIM TO PANIC AND NEARLY CHOKE HIMSELF TO GET O…"~24,988 mi, complaint #1124454
    • "FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT STOCK. DO NOT RELEASE. IT CANNOT BE USE. TOYOTA CARE CENTER SAID IS OUT OF GUARANTY AND I HAVE TO PAY JUST TO VERIFY IT. WHAT ABOUT SAFETY? *TR"~47,110 mi, complaint #1020959
  25. #25

    tire failure

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGE STONE DULER H/L 400 225/R75/19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. A TOWING SERVICE APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO CHANGE THE TIRE. THE CONTACT ATTEMP…"~3,400 mi, complaint #861126
    • "2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH LESS THAN 13K MILES HAS TIRES WITH VERY LITTLE TREAD LEFT ON THEM. WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA TECH THAT IT NEEDS NEW TIRES. LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD AND THE TIRES ARE BALDING. THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD AND IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. *TR"~11,000 mi, complaint #905471
  26. #26

    battery and charging

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "CAR HAS BEEN IN USE FOR 3 WEEKS. AFTER NOT BEING DRIVEN FOR 4 DAYS, NO ELECTRICAL POWER IS RECEIVED FROM THE BATTERY. JUMP-STARTING THE CAR WAS ATTEMPTED, BUT THE CAR REMAINED IMMOBILIZED. FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 800. *TR"~800 mi, complaint #849581
  27. #27

    control module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO THE ON-RAMP OF THE OF THE HIGHWAY, THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON,THE REAR DOOR/WINDOW WARNING CAME ON AND THEN THE DOME LIGHTS CAME ON. IT CONTINUED GOING ON AND OFF FOR ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES. VERY CONCERNING WHEN YOU ARE IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC…"~22,000 mi, complaint #968823
  28. #28

    ev drive unit or inverter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR I WAS HEADING HOME WITH MY KIDS (5 Y.O. AND 7 Y.O.) WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOST POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE CARE ROLLED LONG ENOUGH TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE SPOT WIT…"~158,298 mi, complaint #1628031
  29. #29

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "FORD F150 SUPERCREW 4X4 - FUEL TANK STRAP BROKE. TANK JUST HANGING. LUCKILY NOTICED IT AND HAVE ORDERED NEW STRAPS. *TR"~4,000 mi, complaint #860794
  30. #30

    heater core and blower

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "HEATER/AC ASSEMBLY IS LEAKING ONTO A CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE DASH WHICH I BELIEVE THE THE AIRBAG MODULE AND SOAKING THE FRONT DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS CARPETS AND PADDING. CHECKED FOR BLOCKAGE IN DRAIN TUBE. NONE, USED COMPRESSED AIR TO BLOW OUT DRAIN TUBE JUS…"complaint #1247824
  31. #31

    horn

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE CAR IS SITTING STILL WITH THE ENGINE OFF. THE HORN HAS GONE OFF SEVERAL TIMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND IN THE GARAGE WITH NO ONE AROUND."~57,000 mi, complaint #1483906
  32. #32

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "ACTUATORS FAIL TO RESPOND IN CAR DRIVERSIDE DOOR.IN PARK KEY FOB READ DOORS AS UNLOCKED AND CAUSES LOCK AND UNLOCK TO RUN AFTER ENGINE IS SHUT DOWN. DIDI DIAGE AT TOTYOTA OF BOWIE 6-21 -18 .CONFORMATION SHOWS NO PROBLEM WITH ACTUATORS ELETRONICS READ FINE.BOUG…"complaint #1478347
  33. #33

    lighting interior

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE DRIVING, INTERIOR LIGHTS TURN ON AND DOOR CHIME WARNING ON DASH SOUNDS. ALL DOORS ARE PROPERLY CLOSED"complaint #1468723
  34. #34

    paint and clearcoat

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I NOTICED IN NOVEMBER 2016 THAT THE PAINT ON MY 2011 TOYOTA ROOF WAS PEELING OFF. I TOOK IT TO A TRUSTED BODY SHOP AND THE OWNER ADVISED MY TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AS IT APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I DID AS HE SUGGESTED AND I WAS SUBJECTED TO MO…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1658447
  35. #35

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "PULLED INTO EMPLOYERS PARKING LOT TO PARK WHEN I PLACED MY VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND BEGAN BACKING UP THE VEHICLE GAINED SPEED, HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH MY PASSENGER SIDE COMING AGAINST HIS DRIVER SIDE, CLIMBED AN APPROXIMATE 10 FOOT STEEP EMBANKMENT, HIT A WAR…"~21,000 mi, complaint #912684
  36. #36

    timing belt or chain

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding persistent safety issues with my 2011 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD. Specifically, I have experienced significant problems related to the engine timing guide, timing chain, transmission system, whic…"complaint #1994310
  37. #37

    transfer case awd

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "VEHICLE MAKES A VERY NOTICEABLE, IRRITATING WHINE OR WHISTLE NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING AT 40MPH. STOPS WHEN GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED. VERY CONSTANT AND ANNOYING. DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN CAR WAS FIRST PURCHASED. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TOYOTA THAT IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE…"~9,000 mi, complaint #904726
  38. #38

    wiring harness

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TURNING ON THE REAR DEFROSTER WILL CUT POWER TO THE ENGINE AND DASHBOARD. TURNING OFF THE DEFROSTER WILL RETURN POWER TO THE DASH. THIS HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF IF THE VEHICLE IS STILL OR IN MOTION."~117,600 mi, complaint #1720457

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TOYOTA HIGHLANDER directly.