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.
Visibility, Aug 25, 2009
I SEEM TO BE ONE OF MANY THAT IS HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE SUN VISOR ON A 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NO LONGER STAY IN PLACE PROPERLY. THIS RESULTS IN IT FALLING DOWN AND BLOCKING THE VISION OF THE DRIVER. A RECALL IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE POTENTIAL DANGER. *TR
Visibility, Aug 24, 2009
2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SUN VISOR KEEPS FALLING DOWN ON ITS OWN. NOTICED THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THE VISOR SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2009
I NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE PLASTIC INTO INTAKE MANIFOLD IN THE REAR OF THE ENGINE. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR REPAIR AND THE MECHANIC SAID HE NOTICED A LARGE PIECE OF FOAM RUBBER BETWEEN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE BLOCK AND HEAD.THE LEAK WAS BEHIND THE FOAM PIECE. THE ONLY OPTION TO DISCOVER THE SOURCE OF THIS LEAK WAS TO REMOVE THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH THE MECHANIC DID. AFTER THIS WAS REMOVED, IT BECAME OBVIOUS THAT COOLANT HAD BEEN LEAKING A MINOR AMOUNT FOR QUITE SOME TIME DUE TO BUILD UP BETWEEN THE CYLINDER HEAD AND BLOCK. THE ONLY OPTION LEFT IS TO REMOVE THE HEAD, WHICH REQUIRES AN EXTENSIVE DISASSEMBLY (R AND R CYLINDER HEAD). AFTER LOOSENING THE BOLTS IN SEQUENCE, HE NOTICED THREE OF THE HEAD BOLTS IN THE BACK OF THE ENGINE WERE LOOSE. AFTER HE REMOVED THE HEAD SURE ENOUGH, ONE BOLT CAME OUT WITH ALUMINUM IN THE THREAD THUS INDICATING A STRIPPED BOLT. AND THE OTHER THREE WERE LOOSE. HE SAID THE ONLY OPTION WAS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BLOCK, WHICH WILL COST ABOUT $6000 INCLUDING SHIPPING/LABOR. I CAN NOT AFFORD THIS AND SO HAD THE HIGHLANDER TOWED BACK TO MY HOME. *TR
Visibility, Aug 17, 2009
FALLING VISOR ON TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS ARE CREATING DRIVER VISIBILITY ISSUES. A MAJOR CONCERN FOR SAFETY. SENT IN ATTACHMENT THAT LISTED OTHER DRIVER COMPLAINT ON THE SAME ISSUE TO DOT QUESTION 090817-000072. *TR
Power train, Aug 13, 2009
DRIVE SHAFT GOING BAD ON TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2002. MAJOR PART LIKE THIS ALMOST NEVER FAILS. VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. *TR
Visibility, Jul 30, 2009
1. REGULAR DRIVING CAUSES THE ISSUE WHICH SEEMS TO BE DUE TO POOR PRODUCT DESIGN. 2. THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DOES NOT STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION EVER, AND CONTINUOUSLY BLOCKS MY CLEAR VIEW OF THE ROAD. 3. THE TOYOTA DEALER WAS INFORMED AND THEY DID NOTHING TO FIX THEIR INFERIOR PRODUCT. I HAVE TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT SUN VISOR. *TR
Visibility, Jul 23, 2009
2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS ISSUE WITH DRIVER'S SIDE SUNVISOR THAT CONSTANTLY FALLS OBSTRUCTING VISION. *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2009
I AM FINANCING A 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. ON 6/25/09 WHILE DRIVING ON A MAJOR SERVICE ROAD, I HEARD A LARGE THUMP SOUND. I TRIED TO PULL OVER TO MAKE SURE THAT I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING OR BLOW A TIRE. ONCE THAT I SAW THAT EVERYTHING SEEMED OKAY, I PROCEEDED INTO MY VEHICLE AND PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE CAR JUST REVVED AND IT STAYED INTO POSITION, I KEPT CHANGING GEARS NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS WRONG AND AS I CHANGED INTO DRIVE AND STEPPED ON THE GAS, MY CAR QUICKLY SHIFTED AND ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THEN IT STOPPED AGAIN. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS A AUTOMECHANIC SHOP ON THE CORNER, SOMEONE FROM THE SHOP CAME TO WHERE I WAS TO LOOK AT MY CAR. THE MECHANIC DID THE SAME AS I DID, SHIFT GEARS AND THE CAR WOULD JERK SPONTANEOUSLY BACK THEN FORTH BUT WOULD NOT DRIVE. THE MECHANICS PUSHED IT INTO THE GARAGE AND INSPECTED TO FIND THAT MY TRANSMISSION WA GONE AT 68,000 MILES. I HAVE MY CAR CHECKED OFTEN, FLUIDS REPLACED WHEN NEED BE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A TRANSMISSION CAN JUST DIE AT 68,000 MILES. I CALLED TOYOTA BECAUSE I HAVE MY CAR SERVICED AT TOYOTA. AND BECAUSE MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED IN 2008 , THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BUT PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAVE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO 3 LOCATIONS TO MAKE SURE I HAD SEVERAL OPINIONS AND THEY ALL SAID THE SAME THING THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS BAD. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT RELIABLE TRANSMISSION FOR 2 WEEKS NOW, THEY ARE CURRENTLY REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION FOR 4,000.00. THE CAR WILL NOT BE PAID OFF UNTIL AUGUST 2010. I OFTEN HEARD THAT TOYOTA WAS ONE OF THE BEST CARS THAT ONE CAN PURCHASE THAT'S WHY I WENT WITH A TOYOTA, HOWEVER I FIND THIS TO BE QUITE DISTURBING TO HAVE TO REPLACE A MAJOR PART OF MY VEHICLE IN SUCH A SHORT TIME WITH LOW MILEAGE. MY COMPLAINT THAT I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND SAW THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH TOYOTA HIGHLANDER TRANSMISSIONS. THIS MATTER IS SERIOUS AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT FROM THE GEARS SLIPPING. TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR! *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jun 21, 2009
1. PLASTIC TENSION COIL HOLDING UP VISOR FAILED ALL OF THE SUDDEN. 2. PLASTIC TENSION COIL HOLDING UP VISOR FAILED CAUSING THE VISOR TO FALL DOWN OBSTRUCTING MY VISION WHILE DRIVING. THIS OCCURS ANYTIME I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING. 3. I WENT TO TOYOTA TO HAVE IT FIXED AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY SINCE THERE HADN'T BEEN ANY RECALL NOTICES INVOLVING THE DESCRIBED FAILURE. *TR
Visibility, Jun 16, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. THE VISOR CONSTANTLY FALLS IN MY LINE OF VISION. I'VE HAD THE PROBLEM OVER TWO YEARS. *TR
Visibility, May 20, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. SINCE FEBRUARY OF 2007, THE SUN VISOR IN THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ATTACH TIGHTLY AND COMES DOWN WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND ABOVE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED, BUT THE REPAIR WOULD COST OVER $300. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THE DEFECT SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 07/01/09 *BF UPDATED 07/06/09. *JB
Visibility, May 5, 2009
2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER DRIVERS SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IF YOU HIT THE EVEN A SMALL BUMP THE VISOR FALLS DOWN WHICH IN TURN CREATES A VIEWING PROBLEM. ONE DAY THERE WILL BE AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Visibility, Apr 4, 2009
2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER DRIVERS SIDE VISOR. WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE, NEVER REPORTED UNTIL I SAW HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE SO HERE I GO. *TR
Visibility, Jan 10, 2009
SUN VISOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER CAN'T BE USED TO PROTECT DRIVER FROM THE BRIGHT SUNLIGHT AS IT CANNOT BE RATCHETED UP OR ADJUSTED AND JUST HANGS LOOSELY BLOCKING DRIVER'S VIEW OF WINDOW AND REQUIRING DRIVER TO HOLD IT IN PLACE WITH ONE HAND. PROBLEM HAS EXISTED ALMOST FROM BEGINNING. OTHERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY WITH THAT MODEL YEAR. *TR
Visibility, Jan 10, 2009
SUN VISOR PROBLEM ... MY DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP AND HAS BECOME AN HAZARD. I'VE ALSO NOTICE THE SAME THING STARTING TO HAPPEN TO MY PASSENGER SUN VISOR, A SEAT IN WHICH IS ALL MOST NEVER OCCUPIED! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 6, 2009
MY 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SEEMS TO COME ON EVERY 10,000 MILES. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 2004, AT ABOUT 43000 MILES, WHEN I FIRST TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALER MECHANIC. IT IS NOW 2009, 111000 MILES LATER, AND AGAIN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON QUEUE. ORIGINALLY, THE DEALER MECHANICS TOLD ME THEY HAD CORRECTED IT PRIOR TO MY WARRANTY EXPIRING. WHEN MY WARRANTY EXPIRED, THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO GET AN OVERHAUL ON MY CATALYTIC/EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH WAS QUOTED TO COST ABOUT $5000 TO FIX! I BELIEVE MY CAR WAS WORTH NO MORE THAN $7000 AT THE TIME. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CATALYTIC SYSTEM AND THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE DETECTION SYSTEM. I'VE BEEN SHOWN HOW TO RESET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BY THE TOYOTA DEALER PERSONNEL, I SUSPECT, BECAUSE IT IS HAPPENING TO OTHER HIGHLANDER OWNERS. I AM BRINGING THIS ISSUE UP NOW BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED YEARS AGO. I HOPE SOMEONE FROM TOYOTA WILL RECOGNIZE AND FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR
Visibility, Dec 15, 2008
2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED - THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS WILL NOT STAY IN UPRIGHT POSITION. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING. TOYOTA OFFERS NO SOLUTIONS BUT PURCHASING ANOTHER $600 VISOR. LOOKING ONLINE, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. AT WHAT POINT DOES A MANUFACTURE BECOME RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN DEFECT AND SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Dec 12, 2008
2002 HIGHLANDER LTD, 48K MILES, WELL MAINTAINED. ABS SYSTEM AWRY, ACTIVATING LEFT FRONT BRAKES AS BRAKES APPLIED, MOST SEVERE AS COMING TO STOP. NO CODE, NO REMEDY WITH REPLACEMENT OF REAR SENSOR. PRESENTLY DRIVING WITH ABS DISABLED, SERVICE PROVIDER SEEKING SOLUTION. *TR
Visibility, Dec 8, 2008
2002 TOYOTA HIGHLAND FLIP VISOR KEEPS ON FALLING DOWN. AFTER RESEARCH FROM THE NET, APPARENTLY, THERE ARE MANY OTHERS THAT EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. IT WILL COSTS $700.00 TO REPLACE IT. I REALLY THINK THIS IS A DEFECT. *TR
Visibility, Nov 26, 2008
FAILURE OF 55904-48210 HVAC CONTROLLER ON A 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE FAILURE OF THIS PART CAUSE THE HEATING AND COOLING CONTROL DIAL TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE COULD ONLY BLOW COLD AIR CAUSING MY WINDSHIELD TO FOG OVER. THIS RESULTED IN MY BEING UNABLE SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 20, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE DOOR TO HER VEHICLE, SHE DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS BURNED. THERE WERE NO OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE INVESTIGATOR INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT WAS A MANUAL SEAT, NOT ELECTRIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. UPDATED 1/6/09 *CN UPDATED 01/14/09. *JB
Electrical system, Visibility, Equipment, Nov 16, 2008
THE INTERIOR HEATING/AC SYSTEM AND FAN REPEATEDLY FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY. IN THE SPRING SUMMER WHEN THE AC WOULD FAIL TO BLOW COLD AND BLOW HEAT THAT WASN'T SO BAD. I GOT THE CONTROL KNOB FIXED AND ALL SEEMED TO WORK FINE. HOWEVER THE KNOB HAS FAILED AGAIN AND WHEN I NEEDED THE HEAT/DEFROST FAN TO WORK AT NIGHT THE FROST GOT WORSE BECAUSE THE KNOB FAILED AND THE HEATER/FAN WOULD ONLY BLOW COLD AIR. DEPENDING ON THE SEASON AND THE POSITION OF THE KNOB WHEN IT FAILS THIS SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IT AFFECTS THE VISUAL CLARITY OF THE WINDSHIELD . *TR
Visibility, Nov 13, 2008
2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FALLS DOWN WHILE DRIVING CAUSING A POSSIBLE HAZARD. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 8, 2008
ACCELERATOR DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN PUSHED,THE FAILURE OCCURS REGULARLY WHEN PASSING VEHICLE WONT ACCELERATE,THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES THAN CAN BE REPAIRED FOR $1200. *TR
Visibility, Oct 10, 2008
2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER - BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUNVISORS DO NOT STAY UP. WHEN PLACED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, THE SUNVISORS RELEASE OVER ANY SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. *TR