2011 Toyota Highlander Problems & Owner Complaints

Steering 34

“Clicking in steering column light comes on dash for power steering then hard to make turn then well go back off then able to make turns with ease again”
NHTSA complaint #11497862, 2022

“In the last 30 days, the steering has begun to feel "loose", as if I am driving on ice. At first it was barely perceptable. There has been more "play" in the steering. During the last 2 days, the car is now making a thud when I am steering right. I have an appointment for a mechanic to look at it. The car is a 2011 Highlander, AWD, with 89,000 miles on it. I feel the steering issue could be very dangerous at some point.”
NHTSA complaint #11497341, 2022

“The power steering is clunky, locks in position when backing out of a parking spot, is clunky and unreliable at slow speeds. I can feel the steering column get far tighter feeling when turning at slow speed (3-10 mph)”
NHTSA complaint #11496660, 2022

Structure 27 1 injury

“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. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10664397, 2014 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the sun visors on the driver’s and passenger’s sides were hanging down and would not stay in the upright position. The contact stated that the sun visors obstructed her vision while driving at various speeds. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there was a recall on the vehicle for the sun visors; however, the recall had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11486115, 2022

“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 BACK END TO APPLY NUT. DEALER RECOMMENDS TAKING IT TO A BODY SHOP FOR DOOR REPLACEMENT AT $3200 - $3900 DOLLARS. EXTREMELY BAD DESIGN FLAW. IF LIFTGATE SEEMS WEAK IN OPENING NAND CLOSING, THIS COULD BE PART OF THE PROBLEM. SHOWED WEAKNESS FOR WEEKS UNTIL I HEARD THE POP AND REALIZED THE POWER ROD CAME OUT. WHEN I WENT TO SCREW IT BACK I…”
NHTSA complaint #10971817, 2017

Visibility/Wiper 25

“DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR STUCK IN DOWN POSITION, AND WILL NOT MOVE UPWARD OUT OF THE WAY, OBSTRUCTING DRIVER'S VIEW. IT CAN BE MOVED TO THE SIDE WINDOW, BUT THEN THE SIDE VIEW IS OBSTRUCTED. I HESITATE TO TRY AND FORCE IT UP, BECAUSE IT FEELS LIKE IT WOULD BREAK AND JUST FLOP AROUND. RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, I HAVE LEARNED OF MANY OTHER OWNERS OF SIMILAR-VINTAGE TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TOYOTA DEALER QUOTED OVER $300 TO REPLACE WITH A NEW PART. THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER.”
NHTSA complaint #11190287, 2019

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11090434, 2018

“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 TSB REFERENCE #T-SB-0010-11.”
NHTSA complaint #10852757, 2016

Electrical System 23

“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 registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 303,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11742114, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11388588, 2021

“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 POWER STEERING AND SPEEDOMETER READINGS. ALL MALFUNCTIONS HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING.”
NHTSA complaint #11286609, 2019

Engine 18

“1. The 3.5L V6 Engine (2GR-FE) failed due to the subsequent loss of lubrication caused by the rupture of the Oil Cooler Pipe (Rubber component), a manufacturing defect known under TSB T-SB-0201-11 (ZE2 Program). The failed engine is currently available for inspection by request at the independent service center before it is disposed of. 2. The defect causes a sudden and severe loss of engine oil. This creates a high probability of the engine seizing (losing all power) while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion and placing occupants at severe risk of collision.…”
NHTSA complaint #11701620, 2025

“Our car had a major oil leak from the engine Oil Cooler Pipe Manifold at the bottom of the engine (front). My research has concluded that this has been a known issue with various Toyota models with the 2GR-FE engine, however Toyota has not issued a recall and the local dealership has never mentioned it during services. The NHTSA has known about this issue, however it appears that little to no action has been taken with the vehicle manufacturer or public. The issue concerns a leak that is waiting to happen on all engines with the original Oil Cooler Pipe as it is designed with rubber pipes…”
NHTSA complaint #11596623, 2024

“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, which pose a risk to both vehicle occupants and other road users. Vehicle Information: Toyota Highlander V6 AWD, VIN: [XXX] Description of the Issue: The transmission in my Highlander has exhibited the following problems: 1) Low engine oil pressure, ticking Noise: There is low engine pressure, faulty guides timing chains, recurring tickin…”
NHTSA complaint #11590714, 2024

Service Brakes 18 3 crash 1 injury

“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 NOSE FIRST ONTO THE PAVEMENT OF THE PARKING AREA BELOW. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE ULTIMATELY LANDED ON ALL FOUR TIRES, ROLLING FORWARD UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE.”
NHTSA complaint #10726236, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 DASHBOARD SCREEN DISPLAYING A WARNING MESSAGE "BRAKE: BRAKE MALFUNCTION". MY HIGHLANDER 2011 CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. MY CAR WAS JUST MAINTAINED ON 3/15/2106 AT TOWNE TOYOTA, LEDGEWOOD, NJ 07852. ALL BRAKES WERE UPDATED. PLEASE ADVISE ME WHO SHOULD TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR "BRAKE MALFUNCTION". INFORMATION REDACTE…”
NHTSA complaint #10883996, 2016 · crash

“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 BRING THE CAR TO A STOP AND HIT THE SIDE WALK. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME OR THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED. EVEN AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED, THE BRAKES CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK. I APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES AND THEN SLOWLY BRAKES, SOMETIMES DOES NOT BRAKE AT ALL. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO TOYOTA AND T…”
NHTSA complaint #10616032, 2014 · crash

Power Train 16

“1. The 3.5L V6 Engine (2GR-FE) failed due to the subsequent loss of lubrication caused by the rupture of the Oil Cooler Pipe (Rubber component), a manufacturing defect known under TSB T-SB-0201-11 (ZE2 Program). The failed engine is currently available for inspection by request at the independent service center before it is disposed of. 2. The defect causes a sudden and severe loss of engine oil. This creates a high probability of the engine seizing (losing all power) while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion and placing occupants at severe risk of collision.…”
NHTSA complaint #11701620, 2025

“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, which pose a risk to both vehicle occupants and other road users. Vehicle Information: Toyota Highlander V6 AWD, VIN: [XXX] Description of the Issue: The transmission in my Highlander has exhibited the following problems: 1) Low engine oil pressure, ticking Noise: There is low engine pressure, faulty guides timing chains, recurring tickin…”
NHTSA complaint #11590714, 2024

“My 2011 Toyota Highlander is burning engine oil. So much that I almost got into a major accident on the highway. So what happens is the engine starts burning oil. When the oil level is low the Highlander gives a warning sign saying “low oil pressure” and then the SUV TURNS OFF automatically (even if you’re on the highway). Thousands of people have complained about this and Toyota is ignoring all the complaints. This issue should be a recall as this is a major problem with highlanders year 2008-2013”
NHTSA complaint #11467660, 2022

Unknown Or Other 15

“1. The 3.5L V6 Engine (2GR-FE) failed due to the subsequent loss of lubrication caused by the rupture of the Oil Cooler Pipe (Rubber component), a manufacturing defect known under TSB T-SB-0201-11 (ZE2 Program). The failed engine is currently available for inspection by request at the independent service center before it is disposed of. 2. The defect causes a sudden and severe loss of engine oil. This creates a high probability of the engine seizing (losing all power) while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion and placing occupants at severe risk of collision.…”
NHTSA complaint #11701620, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11246249, 2019

“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 IN THE "DOWN" POSITION. TOYOTA OFFERED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT (LETTER ZF1) HOWEVER I AM NOW PAST THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS IS A HAZARD IN DRIVING AND WOULD BE HAZARDOUS TO THE DRIVER SHOULD THERE BE AN ACCIDENT - THE VISOR WOULD HIT THE DRIVER IN THE FOREHEAD OR FACE SHOULD THERE BE AN IMPACT.”
NHTSA complaint #11183508, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 14 5 crash

“JANUARY 16, 2017 WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND JUMPED CONCRETE STOP AND SLAMMED INTO RETAINING WALL. SEAT BELT HELD ME AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR WAS DRIVEABLE AND WAS TAKEN IMMEDIATELY TO TOYOTA DEALER TO INVESTIGATE. VEHICLE SUSTAINED $10,000 IN DAMAGE AND IS BEING REPAIRED AND THEN INVESTIGATED BY TOYOTA. VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY DEALER AND HAD 59,000 MILES.”
NHTSA complaint #10955604, 2017 · crash

“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 MANUFACTURER TOOK A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 8,700.”
NHTSA complaint #10454681, 2012 · crash

“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 BUMPER AND SIDES. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND CALLED TO THE SCENE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO CENTER FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO FILED A CLAIM ON BEHALF OF THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10439767, 2011 · crash

Visibility 10

“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 IN THE "DOWN" POSITION. TOYOTA OFFERED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT (LETTER ZF1) HOWEVER I AM NOW PAST THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS IS A HAZARD IN DRIVING AND WOULD BE HAZARDOUS TO THE DRIVER SHOULD THERE BE AN ACCIDENT - THE VISOR WOULD HIT THE DRIVER IN THE FOREHEAD OR FACE SHOULD THERE BE AN IMPACT.”
NHTSA complaint #11183508, 2019

“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 track. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11442274, 2016

“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 TO BE FIXED. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE VISORS AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACING THEM. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10925378, 2016

Air Bags 8 5 crash 6 injury

“Steering wheel air bag did not deploy in front end MVA”
NHTSA complaint #11619420, 2024 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I was going about 40 mph on the Taconic Pkwy over the amvet bridge in the far left lane of the highway. Traffic was heavy and slowing down. It had st finished raining. I was hit on the rear right rear side by a F150 truck that caused me to slide into the guard rail on the left side of the road. The car spun out of control and slid three lanes and hit the guard rail on the right side of the road. Both front sides over the tail lights and the entire front were badly damaged. The side airbags activated but the front airbags failed to activate. Because of this failure I was badly injured.…”
NHTSA complaint #11454317, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HIT A CONCRETE POST AT ROUGHLY 30 MPH, DEAD CENTER FRONT OF VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS TOTALLED, AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I BROKE MY NECK DUE TO THE SEATBELT HOLDING MY CHEST AND TORSO BACK ON THE SEAT, WHILE MY HEAD MOVED FORWARD, ALL THE WAY DOWN AND HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HEAD MOVEMENT RESULTED IN A COMPLETE BREAK OF MY C2 VERTEBRAE. THIS HAPPENED AFTER ENTERING THE LARGE AREA OF A WALMART PARKING LOT FROM THE HIGHWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11405618, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine And Engine Cooling 5

“Pin hole in oil line causing excessive oil leak. Loose oil very quickly. Could cause permanent damage to engine. Had old line replaced by mechanic with a metal line only inspected by my mechanic and there was mention of past recall by my mechanic but it does not show this on your sight. There was no warning lights at all. A coworker noticed excessive oil on the ground when I left work and called me immediately to check oil. Very little left in engine and I could see it coming from under car. Incident happen on 1-9-2023 Had car towed to mechanic to avoid damage to engine. My issue was…”
NHTSA complaint #11501313, 2023

“My 2011 Toyota Highlander is burning engine oil. So much that I almost got into a major accident on the highway. So what happens is the engine starts burning oil. When the oil level is low the Highlander gives a warning sign saying “low oil pressure” and then the SUV TURNS OFF automatically (even if you’re on the highway). Thousands of people have complained about this and Toyota is ignoring all the complaints. This issue should be a recall as this is a major problem with highlanders year 2008-2013”
NHTSA complaint #11467660, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10445246, 2012

Exterior Lighting 5 1 crash

“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 WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE DEALER ALIGNED THE HEADLIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT DESIGN WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT COULD NOT BE CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #10512567, 2012 · crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11143564, 2018

“WHILE DRIVING, INTERIOR LIGHTS TURN ON AND DOOR CHIME WARNING ON DASH SOUNDS. ALL DOORS ARE PROPERLY CLOSED”
NHTSA complaint #11094019, 2018

Seat Belts 4 2 crash 2 injury

“I was going about 40 mph on the Taconic Pkwy over the amvet bridge in the far left lane of the highway. Traffic was heavy and slowing down. It had st finished raining. I was hit on the rear right rear side by a F150 truck that caused me to slide into the guard rail on the left side of the road. The car spun out of control and slid three lanes and hit the guard rail on the right side of the road. Both front sides over the tail lights and the entire front were badly damaged. The side airbags activated but the front airbags failed to activate. Because of this failure I was badly injured.…”
NHTSA complaint #11454317, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 PLACE (STAYED LOOSE). THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WHO WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”
NHTSA complaint #11218881, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 OUT. I HAD TO YANK, PULL AND TUG TO GET THE BELT TO RELEASE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED INCLUDING NOT BEING ABLE TO GET IT TO CLICK AND STAY BUCKLED. SO, BESIDES A VEHICLE WE CAN'T DRIVE FAR TO NOT RISK GETTING STRANDED BECAUSE OF REPORTED ENGINE MALFUNCTION ISSUES (TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. EXPRESSED CLEARLY:…”
NHTSA complaint #10650568, 2014

Tires 3

“TIRE LOSS OF TRACTION AND GRIP ON WET PAVEMENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11359858, 2020

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10448145, 2012

“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 ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE TIRE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS THEN NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE BLOW OUT WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #10405907, 2011

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“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 POWER STEERING AND SPEEDOMETER READINGS. ALL MALFUNCTIONS HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING.”
NHTSA complaint #11286609, 2019

“THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY POWER STEERING WHEEL, IT'S STIFF AND I UNABLE TO CONTROL IT WHEN ON THE ROAD. WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH HIGH SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SWAY LEFT OR RIGHT AND I UNABLE TO CONTROL IT BACK TO STRAIGHT. ALSO, WHEN MAKING A TURN THE STEERING WHEEL NOT REFLEXES, FAST ENOUGH FOR ME TO MAKE A TURN. FOR INSTANCE, WHENEVER I MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND THEN TRY TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO STRAIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT REFLEX BACK ENOUGH THAT IT LEADS ME TO HIT THE CURB DAMAGING FRONT WHEEL RIM. SINCE, THE PROBLEM KEEPS ON OCCURRING, AS I GET WORRIED I TOOK IT TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11258713, 2019

Equipment 1

“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 TO BE FIXED. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE VISORS AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACING THEM. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10925378, 2016

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“THE SUN VISOR POPPED WHEN I WAS PULLING IT DOWN TO SHEILD MY EYES AND NOW IT WILL NOT RETURN TO ORIGINAL POSITION. CONCERN AS IT GETS IN MY WAY WHEN DRIVING. THIS IS THE DRIVERS SIDE VISOR WHICH I TEND TO HIT MY HEAD ON AND HAVE TO MOVE MY SEAT LOWER IN ORDER TO SEE PROPERLY. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE $300 TO FIX. THAT IS RIDICULOUS AS I FEEL THIS IS A FAULTY PART THAT COULD BE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF. RECAL MAY BE IN ORDER TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #10672554, 2014

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“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 STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THEN THE ENGINE CUTOFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I MEET UP WITH HER AND TRIED TO START THE CAR. THE ENGINE TACHOMETER RAPIDLY INCREASED THEN THE ENGINE SHUTOFF. TOWED TO CHEROKEE TOYOTA FOR EVALUATION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10641564, 2014

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“THE AUTOMATIC LATCH OF THE LIFTGATE STARTED TO FAIL. THE LIFTGATE NOT LONGER OPENS AUTOMATICALLY. I WAS TOLD IT IS PROBABLY THE MOTOR AND THE PARTS COST ALONE IS OVER $1,200. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS AND AM DOING WITHOUT THAT FEATURE, BUT ANNOYED! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10667182, 2013

Wheels 1

“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??? ALSO THE TRANSMISSION OCCASIONALLY STALL ABOUT 1-2 SECOND WHEN I ACCELERATE TO 30-40 MPH. I AM AFRAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE PROBLEM WITHIN THIS 2-3 YEARS. LIKE HONDA TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON ODYSSEY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10460640, 2012