2001 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility is the leading concern among 136 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 19 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 11 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchApr 15, 2004
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.
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.
DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE CPL LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 04V181000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingJul 30, 2002
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.
IN THE WORST CASE, NOZZLE BREAKAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE VEHICLE ROLLS-OVER AFTER A HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASH.
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.
Campaign 02V208000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderJul 5, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTIITY VEHICLES. THE RESERVOIR FILLER CAP OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY INDUCE A VACUUM, INTRODUCING SOME AIR INTO THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR. THIS COULD CAUSE ABNORMAL BRAKE NOISE AND INCREASED PEDAL STROKE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
THE INCREASED PEDAL STROKE WILL LENGTHEN THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL BLEED THE AIR FROM THE BRAKE LINES AND REPLACE THE RESERVOIR FILLER CAP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. 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.
Campaign 01V228000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: visibility
26 reports, newest first. Show all
Visibility/wiper, May 27, 2016
DRIVER SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. IT DROOPS APPROXIMATELY 60 DEGREES WHEN LOWER TO BLOCK SUN.
Visibility, May 31, 2014
SUNVISOR DROPS DOWN ABOUT 30 DEGREES FROM THE UP POSITION OR JUST DON'T STAY ALL THE WAY DOWN. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Oct 25, 2013
I HAVE A 2001 HIGHLANDER. THE LEFT VISOR KEEPS FALLING DOWN FROM THE WEIGHT OF THE VISOR. I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN THE VISOR FELL IN FRONT OF MY EYES,CAUSING ME TO SWERVE . THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE VISOR. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Nov 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4X4 LIMITED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT OPENED BOTH REAR WINDOWS BUT WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE POWER WINDOW REGULATORS FOR BOTH REAR WINDOWS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,839.
Visibility, Structure, May 24, 2012
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR SUDDENLY DROPPED DOWN INTO MY FIELD OF VIEW WHEN I HIT A BUMP ON A THREE LANE 40 MPH PAVED ROAD AT RUSH HOUR. I NEARLY REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME DURING THE SHORT TIME (MAYBE TWO SECONDS) REQUIRED TO REACT AND RAISE THE VISOR. AN ONLINE SEARCH REVEALED THAT A REPLACEMENT VISOR COSTS A SHOCKING $791.00, AND THAT MANY DOZENS OF OTHERS WERE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM IN 2001 - 2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS. SOLUTIONS RANGED FROM JURY-RIGGING THE VISOR IN THE UP POSITION TO SIMPLY REMOVING THE VISOR AND USING ONE'S HAND TO BLOCK THE SUN WHEN NEEDED. SOME OF THESE "SOLUTIONS" ARE OBVIOUSLY UNSAFE, AND COULD EASILY BE AVOIDED IF TOYOTA CHARGED A MORE REASONABLE PRICE FOR THE REPLACEMENT VISOR. REPLACEMENT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY ALMOST ANYONE WITH A SCREWDRIVER IN ABOUT 12 MINUTES. THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO FILE A COMPLAINT. *TR
Visibility, Jan 5, 2012
THIS VISIBILITY ISSUE IS CAUSED BY THE SUNVISOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE, DROPPING DOWN FROM THE STOWED POSITION UNEXPECTEDLY AND REPEATEDLY BLOCKING THE DRIVER'S VISION. DEALER INDICATED NOT A TOYOTA PROBLEM AND PRICING IT AT $700 + DOLLARS TO REPLACE. WHEN DRIVING, THE SUNVISOR HAD TO BE MOVED TO THE SIDE AT ALL TIMES AND BACK TO FORWARD POSITION JUST TO GET IT OUT OF WAY TO EXIT VEHICLE. ENDED UP BUYING FROM THE DEALER A REGULAR VISOR (NOT THE LIMITED MODEL VISOR). THE NEW VISOR COST $80 + DOLLARS. VEHICLE SOLD AS A LIMITED MODEL, SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY HAZARDOUS/DANGEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS THIS, NOT ADDRESSED WITHOUT A NATIONAL RECALL. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE TOYOTA CORP. FOR NOT ACCEPTING THESE COMPLAINTS AND DENYING THAT PROBLEM EVEN EXISTS. NHTSA PLEASE TAKE NOTE, AND ADD UP ALL THESE SAME VISIBILITY ISSUES AS SHOWING ON YOUR SITE. NOT JUST THIS MODEL I BET MANY SAME VISOR ISSUES SHOW UP FOR OTHER TOYOTA MODELS. THANK YOU! *TR
Visibility, Mar 22, 2011
DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR FLOPS DOWNWARD WHEN IN USE, INSTEAD OF REMAINING TILTED FORWARD (TOWARD WINDSHIELD), THUS PARTIALLY BLOCKING VISION. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON A NUMBER OF TOYOTA VEHICLES. *TR
Visibility, Jul 14, 2010
NOTED RECENT COMPLAINT RE:SUN VISORS ON 2001 HIGHLANDER- I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM HOWEVER JUST PASSENGER SIDE VISOR INVOLVED SO FAR. PART COST IS $214.00 ! I THINK IT IS A RIDICULOUS ITEM TO FAIL. *TR
Visibility, Jul 4, 2010
2001 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE, AND FALLS DOWN INTO DRIVERS FIELD OF VISION UNEXPECTEDLY PASSENGER SIDE VISOR DOES THE SAME THING, BUT TO A LESSER DEGREE. THIS BEGAN AFTER WE OWNED THE CAR FOR FIVE YEARS(OUT OF WARRANTY) AND IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM, AND I FEEL THE DEALER SHOULD CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER(S) SHOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO PAY UPWARDS OF $800 TO FIX SUCH A SIMPLE PROBLEM, ONE THAT SHOULD NOT OCCUR IN THE FIRST PLACE. I HAVE OWNED MORE THAN TWELVE VEHICLES, AND EVEN THE CHEAPEST OF THOSE NEVER HAD SUCH A PROBLEM. SEVERAL HIGHLANDER OWNERS HAVE TOLD OF THE SAME COMPLAINT, AND IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING. *TR
Visibility, Apr 20, 2010
THE DRIVER SIDE SUNVISOR OF MY 2001 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED WOULD NOT STAY UP SINCE 2006, WHICH HAS BEEN A SAFETY HAZARD. AN ESTIMATION OF REPLACING THE VISOR AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WAS $700.00 IN MAY 2007, WHICH IS OUTRAGEOUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR FREE REPAIR. *TR
Visibility, Feb 4, 2010
THE AIR CONDITIONER ONLY WORKS WHEN YOU MOVE THE DIAL AROUND. SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL AND ONLY THE HEAT COMES ON EVEN WHEN YOU JUST HAVE THE FAN ON. *TR
Visibility, Jan 20, 2010
ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW FELL DOWN INTO THE DOOR AND WAS NO LONGER USABLE. AN $800 REPAIR WAS REQUIRED. FLASH FORWARD 6 MONTHS, NOW THE REAR DRIVER-SIDE WINDOW FELL DOWN INTO THE DOOR AND WE'RE GOING TO BE OUT ANOTHER $800. WE RARELY EVEN USE THE REAR WINDOWS. SO THIS IS FROM LESS-THAN-NORMAL WEAR. AND IT HAPPENED TO BOTH REAR WINDOWS WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. *TR
Visibility, Jan 4, 2010
A DESIGN DEFECT CAN CAUSE THE SUN VISORS TO RANDOMLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY DROP DOWN OBSCURING THE DRIVER'S VISION POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH. THIS INCIDENT OCCURS IN A 2001 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. HOWEVER, I HAVE SEEN MANY, MANY INTERNET POSTINGS OF OTHER TOYOTA YEARS AND MODELS WITH THE SAME DESIGN DEFECT AND SAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA'S AND THEIR DEALERS RESPONSE HAS BEEN TO TELL THE CUSTOMER TO SPEND APPROXIMATELY $750 TO REPLACE THE VISOR WHICH IS LIKELY TO FAIL LIKE THE FIRST ONE AFTER A GIVEN AMOUNT OF TIME. *TR
Visibility, Sep 4, 2007
SUN VISOR ON MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FALLS DOWN ALL THE TIME. PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX IT SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. HAVE A SITE TO PROVE THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE - SUN VISOR DRIVER SIDE FALLS DOWN WHEN DRIVING - CAUSES A SECURITY ISSUE. *JB
Visibility, May 2, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ROLL UP THE TWO REAR WINDOWS. SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND WAS UNABLE TO ROLL UP THE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 53,000 ,AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *AK
Visibility, Nov 19, 2006
THE SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT STAY UP WHEN PLACED IN THE POSITION TO BLOCK THE SUN COMING INTO THE WINDSHIELD. IT DROPS DOWN INTO THE STRAIGHT DOWN POSITION WHICH BLOCKS MOST OF THE VIEW THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. WE CAN'T USE THE VISOR TO BLOCK THE SUN, SO WE HAVE TO DRIVE WITH IT SHINING INTO OUR EYES. IT ISN'T SAFE. *JB
Visibility, Jul 2, 2006
DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WON'T STAY UP. DROPS DOWN, BLOCKING VIEW WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. OTHER THAN REGULAR USE, NO OTHER ROOT CAUSE IDENTIFIED FOR FAILURE. *JB REPLACEMENT VISOR IS AVAILABLE FOR $600
Visibility, Oct 6, 2004
REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER CHATTERS ACROSS REAR WINDOW. IMPOSSIBLE TO CLEAN WINDOW. DEALER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. (ENTIRE ARM ASSEMBLY). *AK
Visibility, May 1, 2004
SUN ROOF LEAKING EVEN WITH SUNROOF COMPLETELY CLOSED. SEEMS TO BE NO DRAIN LINES FROM DRAIN HOLES IN SUNROOF COMPARTMENT. WATER DRAINS INTO CAR WELL ON PASSENGER WELL IN FRONT OF CAR. ALSO HAVE HAD WIND NOISE COMING FROM LEFT AREA OF CAR- THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE ROOF RACK. DEALERSHIP CHECK OUT & COULD NOT FIND NOISE. THEY ALSO REMOVED LEFT PANEL OF CAR AROUND WINDSHIELD AND WHEEL WELL TO LOOK FOR NOISE. *AK
Visibility, Dec 3, 2003
I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER VEHICLE. AT TIMES, WHEN SPEEDS EXCEED 65 MPH THE REARVIEW SIDE MIRRORS CREATE A WHISTLING SOUND. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNRESPONSIVE AND TOLD ME HE COULD NOT TEST THE VEHICLE AT THAT SPEED, BUT SEVERAL HIGHWAYS AROUND MEMPHIS, TN PERMIT SPEEDS OF 65 AND 70 MPH. *NLM
Visibility, Jun 2, 2003
REAR PASSENGER'S WINDOW IS INOPERATIVE. *AK
Visibility, Structure, Sep 13, 2002
THE CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN DRIVING AT 35 MPH OR HIGHER, AND THE REAR WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN ABOUT 3-4 INCHES, ITS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE BECAUSE IT MAKES A LOUD AIR NOISE. IT FEELS LIKE YOUR EARS ARE GOING TO BLOW UP. THE CONSUMER HAS THREE KIDS AND IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *NLM *SCC
Visibility, Dec 10, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH SOMEBODY WILL OPEN REAR WINDOW, AND IT WILL MAKE A TREMENDOUS NOISE, WICH WILL HURT PASSENGERS' EARS. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
Visibility, Oct 17, 2001
WHEN THE REAR WINDOW IS ROLLED DOWN THE CAR CREATE VARYING PRESSURE IN THE CAR CAUSING IF NOT CAREFUL THE EAR DRUM RUPTURE. ONE CAN NOT DRIVE THIS CAR WITH REAR WINOW ROLLED DOWN.
Visibility, Apr 20, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH WITH REAR WINDOW DOWN WILL MAKE A LOT OF VIBRATION AND A LOUD NOISE THAT COULD NOT BE TAKEN BY CONSUMER. DEALER SAID THAT THIS WAS NOT COMMON ON THIS VEHICLE.*AK *SLC