2002 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility is the leading concern among 327 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 27 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 27 people were injured and 4 people died.
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
Representative owner complaints
327 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, May 1, 2003, crash
VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS ON CAUSING VEHICLE TO START UP STEEP HILL WHERE THE FRONT END SLID TO THE RIGHT WHERE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO GO UP A DRIVE/CARPORT STRIKING A PORCH AND ROCK WALL
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2003
WHEN YOU OPEN THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW(S) THERE IS SEVERE, LOUD AND PAINFUL-TO-THE-EAR TURBULENCE INSIDE THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED. IT CAN BE SOMEWHAT, BUT NOT TOTALLY, ALLEVIATED BY OPENING OTHER VEHICLE WINDOWS. IF YOU PERSIST WITH THE REAR WINDOWS DOWN AT SPEED, IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE PHYSICALLY DAMAGING YOUR EARS.
Visibility, Mar 19, 2003
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. THE DRIVER HAD TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND MOVE THE ARMS BUT THEY STILL DIDN'T WORK. THE DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED FOR REPAIR. *NLM PH
Structure, Feb 19, 2003
A MAJOR WATER LEAK WAS FOUND IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DUE TO THE FRONT COWL PANEL NOT BEING INSTALLED CORRECTLY. IN ADDITION THERE IS NOW A MOLD/MILDEW SMELL THAT THE DEALER CAN NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THEY HAVE RUN THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE OZONE SYSTEM SEVERAL TIMES BUT IT HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Visibility, Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2003
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO READ THE VARIOUS FEATURES THAT WERE DISPLAYED ON THE UNIT. THE BATTERY HAD GONE DEAD, AND THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED. THE FUEL CONSUMPTION WAS ABNORMAL AND THE AIR HANDLING SYSTEM DID NOT PERMIT OUTSIDE AIR. *SCC *JB
Power train, Feb 12, 2003
THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE OUT OF GEAR, AND IF IT DID MOVE OUT OF GEAR, IT ABRUPTLY DOWN SHIFTED TO SECOND GEAR WHILE DRIVING.*AK 2002 TOYOTA SPYDER) *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 24, 2003
WHEN ONE PERSON EXITS THE VEHICLE AND LOCKS THEIR DOOR THE SECOND PERSON IS STUCK. ALL ELECTRIC LOCKS ARE INSTANTLY DISABLED. THE ONLY WAY TO EXIT IS TO USE THE MANUAL LOCK BUTTON WHICH WILL SET OFF THE ALARM 30 SECONDS AFTER. THE PASSENGER INSIDE HAS TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOOR, AND SET OFF THE ALARM. THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT, IS TO TURN THE IGNITION ON BEFORE EXITING, BUT ISN'T POSSIBLE FOR MOST PASSENGERS. TS SCC
Visibility, Jan 23, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN REAR WINDOWS ARE DOWN, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES VERY BAD TURBULENCE THAT IS "DEAFENING". THIS OCCURS AT ANY SPEED. TS
Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2002
CONSUMER TRIED TO DISENGAGE THE VEHICLE CRUISE CONTROL, AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, CONSUMER HAD TO TURN THE KEYS IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION, AND ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO COAST TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE DEALERSHIP HAD BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. PH THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE VEHICLE WAS FINE AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO PROBLEMS SINCE.*JB
Seats, Nov 19, 2002, crash
THE CONSUMER WAS STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT HIM FROM BEHIND AND THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT COLLAPSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM., TS
Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2002
NO SUMMARY. DT
Structure, Oct 30, 2002
WHILE IN MOTION AND GOING OVER 45 MPH, WITH THE BACK WINDOWS DOWN AND ALL OTHER WINDOWS UP, THERE IS SEVERE TURBULANCE THAT OCCURS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE TURBULENCE CREATES PAIN TO THE EARS WHICH COULD DISTRACT THE DRIVER CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *JG
Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2002, crash
TOW RECEIVER HITCH DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE WHILE TOWING SMALL BOAT TRAILER. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT ACCIDENT COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES IF TRAILER OVERTURNED ON INTERSTATE. ACCIDENT CAUSED BY A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE PIN ASSEMBLY THAT HOLDS HITCH TO VEHICLE. THE PIN RETAINER CAN BECOME DISLODGED AS VEHICLE VIBRATION CAUSES IT TO RIDE UP OVER BRACKETS THAT HOLD HITCH TO VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS A TOW VEHICLE BUT IT CLEARLY CAN NOT BE USED AS SUCH DUE TO THIS MANUFACTURER DESIGN DEFECT. SINCE MOST TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS ARE SOLD IN THE NEW ENGLAND AREA WITH THE FACTORY TOW PACKAGE. THIS DEFECT COULD LEAD TO OTHER SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. DT
Visibility, Oct 15, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A LOUD NOISE THAT COMES INTO THE VEHICLE ONCE THE CONSUMER OPENS ANY OF THE REAR WINDOWS WITH OUT OPENING THE FRONT WINDOWS. THE NOISE IS SO LOUD THAT IT HURTS THE CONSUMER'S EARS. CONTACTED DEALER. MR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 4, 2002, crash
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE THROTTLE WILL STICK. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MR
Tires, Oct 3, 2002
THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE SIDEWALL WAS TORN. THE DEALER HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER WOULDN'T REFUND THEM. THE TEAR IS FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE SIZE OF THE TIRE IS 205/65R15 92T. THE TIRES ARE BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92. NLM
Parking brake, Oct 2, 2002, crash
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN AN INCLINED SPOT. PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED. PARKING BRAKE FAILED AND CAR ROLLED OVER A CURB INTO A METAL POLE ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED. *PH (2002 TOYOTA MR2) *JB **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**768022
Structure, Sep 13, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN, THERE IS A VIBRATION AND TREMBLING NOISE, THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. NLM
Seat belts, Aug 16, 2002
SEVEN YEAR OLD WAS ON DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT WEARING SEATBELT. CHILD LAID DOWN FOR A NAP. WHEN THE CHILD GOT UP SEATBELT WAS WRAPPED AROUND HIS NECK, CHOKING HIM. CONSUMER TRIED TO UNBUCKLE BELT, BUT BELT KEPT GETTING TIGHTER. CONSUMER HAD TO CUT SEATBELT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 14, 2002, crash
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 30MPH AND SLAMMED ON BRAKES TO AVOID A COLLISION. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE, AND VEHCILE SKIDDED AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD ABOUT 5 CAR LENGTHS BETWEEN HIS VEHICLE AND OTHER VEHICLE.*AK
Tires, Jul 23, 2002
COMPLETE TIRE NUMBER IS DOT M65LB3DTL3901, AND IS BEING SAFE KEPT BY GOODYEAR DISTRIBUTOR. VEHICLE WAS -THANK GOD- PARKED FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR AND WHEN I RETURNED TO IT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE CAR DID NOT EVEN HIT A POTHOLE ALL DAY LONG AND OUT OF THE BLUE I HAD AFLAT. AFTER FILLING IT WITH FIX A FLAT I DROVE FOR SOME TWO MILES TO REPAIR IT. AT FIRST THE MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING SUSPICIOUS OTHER THAN THE SMALLEST OF NAILS BUT AFTER REMOVIG IT AND PATCHING THE HOLE HE ATTEMPTED TO FILL IT BACK WHEN HE REALIZED THE TIRE WAS LOSING AIR VERY FAST. THE OUTSIDE WALL OF THE TIRE WAS CRACKED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO THE GOODYEAR DISTRIBUTOR YESTERDAY AND NOT ONLY DID THEY INSIST THERE IS NO GUARANTEE ON THE TIRE SINCE IT IS NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT BUT THAT THE PROBLEM POSES A SAFETY RISK. I MOST CERTAINLY DO NOT AGREE AND HOPE YOU DO TO. THE DISTRIBUTOR AGREED TO HOLD THE TIRE UNTIL THE PROPER AUTHORITIES HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT, IF THEY SO DESIRED. THERE IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. NEEDLESS TO SAY, MY WIFE AND I ARE VERY CONCERNED FOR OUR GRADSON'S SAFETY,. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT IT BEFORE LIFES ARE LOST. THANK YOU. *AK
Visibility, Jun 21, 2002
WHEN BOTH REAR SIDE WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN, SOUND IS DEAFENING. DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO.*AK CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW AND THAT IT COULD NOT BE CORRECTED. TO CONTROL THE NOISE CONSUMER HAS TO OPEN THE MOON ROOF OR THE FRONT WINDOWS. *JG
Suspension, Jun 12, 2002
CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT, TOOK IN CAR TODAY AND TOLD THEM TO ADJUST ALIGNMENT AND HAVE OIL CHANGED, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED BACK AND SAID THEIR WAS A MANUFACTURE RECALL AND THE CAR HAD TO STAY OVERNIGHT. IF IT HAD A RECALL NO NOTICE WAS SENT OUT THIS IS WHAT I'M UPSET ABOUT. CONSUMERS ARE SOPOSED TO BE NOTIFIED IF THERE IS A RECALL NOT FIND OUT AFTER THEY DAMAGE OTHER COMPONENTS AND FIND OUT WHEN THEY TAKE THEIR CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGES.*AK
Visibility, May 3, 2002
THIS IS A 4-DOOR MODEL. WHEN FRONT WINDOWS ARE CLOSED AND REAR DOOR WINDOWS ARE LOWERED IT SOUNDS LIKE AN AIRPLANE FLEW OVER THE BACK SEAT; NOISE CREATED IS HORRENDOUS. YOU CANNOT CONTINUE DRIVING WITH THE NOISE. ROLLING DOWN "A" FRONT WINDOW ELIMINATES THE PROBLEM. I CAN'T IMAGINE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SOMEONE HAVING A DOG IN THE BACK SEAT AND ROLLING DOWN A REAR WINDOW SO THEY DON'T MESS UP THE GLASS.*AK
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2002
ON TWO OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE SUNLIGHT WOULD SHINE THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, REFLECTING OFF THE SHINY WOOD LIKE PANEL OVER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT BLINDING THE DRIVER, THIS OCCURED FOR OVER AN HOUR ON BOTH OCCASIONS, CONSUMER TRIED AND HELD NEWSPAPERS AND ROAD MAPS AGAINST THE WINDOW TO BLOCK THE SUN RAYS, BUT THE TRIM IN THE CAR WAS TOO LONG AND RECAPTURED THE SUNLIGHT AS THE HIGHWAY CURVED, MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS DESIGN FLAW. *TT