Toyota Highlander Problems and Common Complaints
As a nameplate, the Toyota Highlander is know to be reliable and simply a great car. It’s not entirely perfect though. As with every vehicle, there are a few issues that may crop up over the years. Here’s a master list of the most common issues experienced by Highlander owners.
Note: The list of problems below is organized by year and model. Scroll down to find your year model.
2019-Present Toyota Highlander - Common Problems
The 2020 Toyota Highlander
The fourth generation Highlander was introduced in 2019. There have been no issues reported frequently enough to be called 'common' as of yet. Be sure to check back once in a while because we update the information on this page regularly.
2017-2018 Toyota Highlander - Common Problems
A 2017 Toyota Highlander
Good news: there's nothing to report so far for this generation either! Again, be sure to check back once in a while as we update the information on this page regularly.
2013-2016 Toyota Highlander - Common Problems
A 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum
Trim Gap on the Passenger Side: Many 2013-2016 Highlander owners hear a whistling wind noise in the passenger area at high speeds (usually starting at around 40 mph). While the culprit hasn’t been officially pinpointed, many found that replacing the chrome trim solved the problem. It’s because the chrome trim comes with a gap that allows the wind to get in. Some Highlander owners just cover up the gap with a protection film, which works just as well.
2007-2012 Toyota Highlander - Common Problems
A 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Driver’s Side Power Window Master Switch Failure: The side power window master switch on the driver’s side in 2007-2012 Highlanders wasn’t installed with enough lubricant to protect it from moisture and debris. As a result, the master switch may short circuit, overheat, and melt. Toyota addressed this issue by having authorized dealers either add more lubricant or replace the switch circuit board free of charge.
Damaged Clock Spring: The clock spring, which is part of the steering column assembly, has a part called flexible flat cable that’s prone to damage when the steering wheel is turned. This leads to the airbag failing to deploy when required. Toyota reacted to this issue by having its authorized dealers replace the clock spring assembly free of charge.
2001-2006 Toyota Highlander - Common Problems
A 2004 Toyota Highlander
Improperly Installed Forward Retention Clip: The forward retention clip, which is designed to secure the floor carpet cover, wasn’t installed correctly in some 2000-2006 Highlanders. This allows the floor cover to interfere with the accelerator pedal, making the throttle stick in a partially open position. Owners of affected Highlanders can have their nearest Toyota dealer replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free of charge.
Deteriorating Seal in Brake System: There’s a seal between the master cylinder and brake booster that's prone to early deterioration. This allows fluid to leak into the brake booster, drastically affecting braking performance. Toyota quickly addressed this issue by having its dealers replace the seal with a newly designed one for free.
Broken Transmission Transfer Case Seals: This leads to a transmission fluid leak. Symptoms include rough shifting, hesitation while accelerating, and downshifting even when on throttle. Replacing or rebuilding the transmission transfer case usually takes care of this problem.
2001-2017 Toyota Highlander TSBs
To find these TSBs, you can try Googling the TSB ID #, the name of the TSB, or some combination. You can also go to NHTSA.gov and search for the TSB by entering your VIN.
YEAR | MAKE | MODEL | TSB Name | TSB ID | ISSUE DATE |
2001-2016 | Toyota | Highlander | Alarm Triggering While Driving | 199326 | 2017-03-23 |
2014-2016 | Toyota | Highlander | Manual Seat Track Forward/Rearward Adjusment Function Inoperative | 199322 | 2017-04-10 |
2006-2007 | Toyota | Highlander | Abs Brake Warning Light On | 199319 | 2016-04-18 |
2014-2017 | Toyota | Highlander | Abnormal "Squeak" Noise From Rear Suspension Over Uneven Roads | 199318 | 2017-04-19 |
2008-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Steering Intermediate Shaft Noise | 199317 | 2017-04-26 |
2017 | Toyota | Highlander | Lack Of Power/High RPM Shift Point/Hesitation | 198798 | 2017-03-02 |
2008-2017 | Toyota | Highlander | HVAC Evaporator Drain Hose Clogged Due To Insect Intrusion | 198794 | 2017-03-08 |
2008-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Power Back Door Does Not Close Properly | 198791 | 2017-03-17 |
2008-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Power Back Door System Has Abnormal Closing Operation | 198230 | 2017-02-28 |
2014-2016 | Toyota | Highlander | Door Panel Leather Insert Creased On Arm Rest Near Handle | 197079 | 2016-11-14 |
20142015 | Toyota | Highlander | Power Back Door Stops During Operation | 197074 | 2016-03-25 |
2014-2016 | Toyota | Highlander | Spare Tire Carrier Does Not Fully Unwind | 196622 | 2016-10-20 |
2016 | Toyota | Highlander | 2016 Highlander On Board Vacuum Secondary Manual Fuel Door Release Access | 196177 | 2016-09-09 |
2014 | Toyota | Highlander | Abnormal ("Squeak") Noise From Rear Suspension Over Uneven Road | 196172 | 2016-09-21 |
2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Abnormal Entune/Navigation Operation For Display Audio (Non-Hdd Type) | 195716 | 2016-08-01 |
2014-2015 | Toyota | Highlander | Power Back Door Inoperative | 195714 | 2016-08-03 |
2006-2016 | Toyota | Highlander | HV Battery Cooling Fan Maintenance For Severe Usage Vehicles | 195322 | 2016-07-07 |
2014-2015 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P2610 | 195320 | 2016-07-11 |
2014-2015 | Toyota | Highlander | Air Conditioner Slow To Cool | 195313 | 2016-07-27 |
2016 | Toyota | Highlander | Incorrect Load Carrying Capacity Label/Fmvss 110 | 194872 | 2016-06-09 |
2005-2011 | Toyota | Highlander | Seat Heater Electrical Wiring | 194871 | 2016-06-02 |
2016 | Toyota | Highlander | Radio Controls Inoperative At Cold Temperatures | 194505 | 2016-05-11 |
2015 | Toyota | Highlander | HVAC Servo Motor Noise | 194498 | 2016-05-25 |
2009-2016 | Toyota | Highlander | WS ATF Level Adjustment For U660e/F & U760e/F Transmissions | 194091 | 2016-04-13 |
2014-2016 | Toyota | Highlander | Cruise Control Stalk Illumination Intermittent Operation | 194090 | 2016-04-13 |
2014-2016 | Toyota | Highlander | Highlander Trailer Wiring Connecting Trailer Harness To Vehicle | 192693 | 2015-12-22 |
2006-2016 | Toyota | Highlander | High Voltage (HV) Battery Rescue Charge (Hev Workstation / Grx-5100) | 192347 | 2015-12-02 |
2008-2011 | Toyota | Highlander | Power Window Master Switch May Melt | 191636 | 2015-10-22 |
2014-2015 | Toyota | Highlander | Panoramic Sunroof Seal Tear/Poor Appearance/Air Or Water Leak | 191065 | 2015-07-29 |
2011-2015 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P2111 And/Or P0a0f After Cold Soak | 191064 | 2015-07-30 |
2015 | Toyota | Highlander | Reduced Wireless Remote Control Range | 191061 | 2015-08-05 |
2007 | Toyota | Highlander | O2 Sensor Readiness Monitor Does Not Complete | 190622 | 2015-07-06 |
2014-2015 | Toyota | Highlander | Panoramic Sunroof Seal Tear/Poor Appearance/Air Or Water Leak | 190619 | 2015-07-29 |
2011-2015 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P2111 And/Or P0a0f After Cold Soak | 190618 | 2015-07-30 |
2008-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Power Back Door Does Not Close Properly | 190252 | 2015-06-12 |
2010-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Sun Visor May Move From The Stowed Position | 190250 | 2015-06-22 |
2001-2015 | Toyota | Highlander | A/C System Diagnosis After Component Failure | 189798 | 2015-05-13 |
2004-2015 | Toyota | Highlander | HVAC Odor Maintenance | 189516 | 2015-04-09 |
2001-2015 | Toyota | Highlander | Interior Electrical Component Precautions | 189514 | 2015-04-10 |
2015 | Toyota | Highlander | Possible Loss Of Electric Power Steering | 189385 | 2015-03-13 |
2008-2011 | Toyota | Highlander | Oil Cooler Pipe Leak/Seep | 187893 | 2014-11-21 |
2014 | Toyota | Highlander | Fuel May Leak From Fuel Delivery Pipe | 187076 | 2014-09-19 |
2014 | Toyota | Highlander | Average Speed And Elapsed Time Do Not Display On Display Audio Screen | 186477 | 2014-09-16 |
2012-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | 3rd Row Seat May Not Fold Flat | 186475 | 2014-09-29 |
2014 | Toyota | Highlander | Second Row Right-Hand Seat Assembly/Fmvss 207 | 185107 | 2014-05-22 |
2014 | Toyota | Highlander | Improper Seat Belt Restraint Software/Fmvss 208 | 185102 | 2014-05-22 |
2008-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | Driver's Air Bag May Not Deploy | 184330 | 2014-04-09 |
2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Second Row Seat Assembly/Fmvss 207 | 184327 | 2014-03-27 |
2014 | Toyota | Highlander | Third Row Middle Seat Belt Assembly/Fmvss No. 210 | 183926 | 2014-02-07 |
2012-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Overhead Console Sunglass Holder Difficult To Open Or Close And/Or Does Not Stay Closed | 182672 | 2013-12-17 |
2011-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | A/C Inoperative - Rear A/C Line Retainer Missing | 181839 | 2013-10-02 |
2006-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) Inside The Inverter Module May Contain Transistors That Have Higher Operating Temperatures Than The Solder Can Support And The Transistors May Be Heat Damaged By The Solder. | 181311 | 2013-09-04 |
2001-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Brake Pedal Force Gauge Sst For Parking Brake | 181285 | 2013-09-09 |
2008-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Abnormal Whine Noise Above 35 Mph | 180887 | 2013-08-09 |
2009-2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Brief Engine Knock/Rattle Noise At Cold Startup (1ar/2ar) | 178997 | 2013-03-15 |
2013 | Toyota | Highlander | Maintenance For HV & Auxiliary Batteries | 176208 | 2012-08-17 |
2011-2012 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P314a / 828 | 175356 | 2012-07-19 |
2008-2012 | Toyota | Highlander | Power Back Door Does Not Close Properly | 175161 | 2012-06-21 |
2011-2012 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P030# And/Or Runs Rough On Cold Start | 174873 | 2012-05-09 |
2010-2011 | Toyota | Highlander | Second Row Middle Seat Difficult To Latch In The Upright Position | 174191 | 2012-04-16 |
2010-2012 | Toyota | Highlander | Roof Drip Molding Loose | 173784 | 2012-03-06 |
2011-2012 | Toyota | Highlander | Charging System Inoperative | 173782 | 2012-03-13 |
2006-2007 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P0aa6/612 After Liquid Spilled In Back Seat Area | 173312 | 2012-02-06 |
2008-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P030# At Cold Startup | 172480 | 2011-12-23 |
2012 | Toyota | Highlander | Tire Pressure Warning System Activation | 171901 | 2011-10-05 |
2008-2011 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" VVT-I DTCs - Oil Control Valve (Ocv) | 170768 | 2011-08-26 |
2008-2011 | Toyota | Highlander | Rear Hatch Glass Does Not Close Properly | 170767 | 2011-08-23 |
2010 | Toyota | Highlander | Rear Bumper Cover Gap/Uneven | 170760 | 2011-08-10 |
2008-2011 | Toyota | Highlander | Door Armrest Cracking Or Separating | 168987 | 2011-04-20 |
2009-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P2420 | 168842 | 2011-04-07 |
2008-2011 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P1423 Or Fuel Cap Binding | 168841 | 2011-04-01 |
2001-2006 | Toyota | Highlander | Cylinder Head Bolt Threads Damaged (2az-Fe) | 168431 | 2011-03-02 |
2008-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | Front Side Window Glass Rattle Noise | 168207 | 2011-02-10 |
2008-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | Rear Ac Vents Loose | 166322 | 2010-08-17 |
2008-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | Abnormal Sound From Jbl Subwoofer | 166321 | 2010-08-06 |
2008-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | False Security Alarm Operation | 165672 | 2010-07-21 |
2009-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | Brief Engine Knock/Rattle Noise At Cold Startup | 163803 | 2010-06-09 |
2009-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P0713 (U760) | 161962 | 2010-05-14 |
2005-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | Steering Intermediate Shaft Rattle Noise | 161959 | 2010-05-03 |
2009-2010 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P0715, P0717, P0791, And/Or P0793 (U760) | 159494 | 2010-04-28 |
2004-2007 | Toyota | Highlander | 2az-Fe & 2az-Fxe Throttle Body | 159491 | 2010-04-19 |
2008-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | Abnormal Radio Faceplate Operation | 157570 | 2010-03-09 |
2008-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL "On" DTC P0351, P0352, P0353, P0354, P0355, P0356 | 154396 | 2010-01-28 |
2008-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | Noise From Front Window / Door Check | 154390 | 2010-01-25 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | HVAC Odor | 153201 | 2009-10-07 |
2008-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | Intermittent No Crank/No Start | 153198 | 2009-09-30 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | HVAC Odor | 151937 | 2009-09-02 |
2008-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | Xm Satellite Radio Inoperative Until Ignition Key Is Cycled | 151211 | 2009-08-11 |
2008-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | Brake Booster Rattle/Buzz Noise | 151200 | 2009-07-27 |
2001-2007 | Toyota | Highlander | Abnormal Horn Operation | 151196 | 2009-07-07 |
2008-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | 2gr-Fe MIL "On" DTC P0505 | 150820 | 2009-06-24 |
2006 | Toyota | Highlander | M.I.L. "On" DTC P0351, P0352, P0353, P0354, P0355, And/Or P0356 | 149039 | 2009-04-22 |
2008-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Tpms) Tire Registration "Lost Communication With Ecu" | 149034 | 2009-03-12 |
2008-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | Audio Bluetooth System Outgoing Call Volume Adjustment | 148145 | 2009-03-24 |
2008-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | 2gr-Fe Engine Ticking Noise And/Or MIL On P0014, P0015, P0024, P0025, P0017, Or P0018 | 148143 | 2009-03-19 |
2006-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | Oil Leak From Engine Bell Housing - Oil Galley Plug | 147799 | 2009-02-11 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | 2gr-Fe No. 2 Idler Pulley Noise | 147796 | 2009-02-03 |
2006-2009 | Toyota | Highlander | Ig1 Relay Freezing | 147235 | 2009-01-19 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | Smart Key Intermittent No Crank / No Start | 147232 | 2009-01-07 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | ATF Leak From Transfer Case | 146129 | 2008-11-03 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | False Security Alarm Operation | 145525 | 2008-10-30 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | Oil Leak At Camshaft Housing | 145517 | 2008-10-22 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | Noise From Auxiliary Port With External Device With Navigation System | 143340 | 2008-06-04 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | Overhead Console Stuck Open | 143338 | 2008-06-04 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | HV Battery Cover Service | 142143 | 2008-04-15 |
2004-2007 | Toyota | Highlander | Headlight Lens Discoloration | 142142 | 2008-04-15 |
2003 | Toyota | Highlander | Engine "Pinging" Or "Knocking" Noise | 141735 | 2008-03-12 |
2001-2002 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL On DTC P1349 - VVTi Actuator | 141101 | 2003-05-05 |
2008 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL On VVTi DTCs - Oil Control Valve | 140749 | 2008-01-23 |
2006-2007 | Toyota | Highlander | Brake Actuator Abnormal Noise | 140070 | 2007-11-09 |
2006-2007 | Toyota | Highlander | Hybrid Emergency Response Training Cd | 138667 | 2007-07-04 |
2006-2007 | Toyota | Highlander | Rocking Feeling At Highway Speed (Around 70 Mph) | 138234 | 2007-06-08 |
2005-2006 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL On, DTC P0011, P0012, Or P0016 | 136790 | 2007-02-09 |
2006 | Toyota | Highlander | Rocking Feeling Around 40 Mph | 135173 | 2006-10-18 |
2003-2007 | Toyota | Highlander | Upper / Lower Windshield Tick Noise | 134944 | 2006-09-18 |
2005-2006 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL On DTC P043e, P043f, P2401, P2402, & P2419 | 133819 | 2006-06-23 |
2004-2007 | Toyota | Highlander | Front Seat Squeak Noise | 133391 | 2006-05-23 |
2006 | Toyota | Highlander | Ilsac Gf-4 Engine Oil Standard | 132292 | 2006-01-04 |
2001-2006 | Toyota | Highlander | Front Door Opening Weatherstrip | 131368 | 2005-12-20 |
2005-2006 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL On DTC P0171, P0174, P2195, Or P2197 | 130957 | 2005-11-16 |
2004-2005 | Toyota | Highlander | No Start In Sub-Freezing Ambient Air Temperatures - Possible DTC P0300, P0171, P0174 | 130101 | 2005-09-28 |
2006 | Toyota | Highlander | Front Brake Squeal Noise | 128818 | 2005-07-15 |
2006 | Toyota | Highlander | Front Towing Eyelets & Eyelet Hole Covers | 128304 | 2005-06-17 |
2003-2004 | Toyota | Highlander | A/C Light Flashing - Magnetic Clutch Relay | 128296 | 2005-06-06 |
2004-2005 | Toyota | Highlander | Occupant Classification System: DTC B1785 | 127843 | 2005-05-23 |
2006 | Toyota | Highlander | Front Towing Eyelets & Eyelet Hole Covers | 127329 | 2005-03-23 |
2001-2005 | Toyota | Highlander | Fuel Injector Ticking Noise | 127321 | 2005-03-24 |
2004 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL On - DTC P0346 | 126971 | 2005-02-18 |
2004 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL On, DTC P0031/P0051/P2238 And/Or P2241 | 126965 | 2005-02-09 |
2004 | Toyota | Highlander | Steering Angle Sensor | 126961 | 2005-02-23 |
2004 | Toyota | Highlander | Multi-Dis[Play Functions Are Inoperative | 126904 | 2005-01-10 |
2004-2005 | Toyota | Highlander | Towing Receiver Hitch Weld Stud Torque | 126896 | 2005-01-12 |
2004 | Toyota | Highlander | Steering Angle Sensor | 126590 | 2004-11-30 |
2001-2004 | Toyota | Highlander | Accessory Drive Belt Squeal / Belt Tensioner Rattle | 125709 | 2004-09-08 |
2004 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL On, DTC P0031 And/Or P2238 | 125094 | 2004-08-23 |
2001-2003 | Toyota | Highlander | Steering Column Squeak Noise | 123898 | 2004-06-18 |
2004 | Toyota | Highlander | Excessive Sulfur Dioxide Odor | 123390 | 2004-05-07 |
2004 | Toyota | Highlander | U151e/U151f Transmission Solenoid Identification | 122646 | 2004-04-06 |
2004 | Toyota | Highlander | Occupant Classification System Initialization | 122081 | 2004-02-26 |
2001-2003 | Toyota | Highlander | Trim Garnish Loose | 120666 | 2003-09-09 |
20012003 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL On - DTC B1140/B1141 In Center Airbag Ecu | 119428 | 2003-08-29 |
2003 | Toyota | Highlander | Blank Map Screen In Navigation System | 119009 | 2003-06-04 |
2002 | Toyota | Highlander | Seat Back Popping Noise | 115863 | 2002-06-28 |
2002 | Toyota | Highlander | Accessory Trailer Wire Harness | 115291 | 2002-03-22 |
2001 | Toyota | Highlander | Squeak And Rattle Service Tips | 115075 | 2002-02-01 |
2001-2002 | Toyota | Highlander | MIL On - DTC P0500 - Possible Abs Light | 115072 | 2002-02-22 |
2001-2002 | Toyota | Highlander | Readiness Monitor Drive Patterns | 115071 | 2002-02-08 |
2002 | Toyota | Highlander | Vehicle Pulling To One Side - S/M Supplement | 114717 | 2001-12-21 |
2001 | Toyota | Highlander | Moon Roof Molding Creak | 114712 | 2001-12-21 |
2001 | Toyota | Highlander | Wind Noise At "A" Pillar | 114493 | 2001-11-30 |