2005 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 225 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 35 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 20 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingNov 9, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V539000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalFeb 24, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.
IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V112000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderOct 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 10V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJul 13, 2006
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND HYBRID VEHICLES, THE TWO RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FORWARD CENTER CONSOLE CAN BECOME LOOSE. IF BOTH CLIPS SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ROD.
THIS CONDITION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FLOOR CARPET COVER RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 06V253000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
225 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 20, 2011
BRAKES MADE METAL/METAL GRINDING NOISE. FOUND REAR BRAKE ROTORS BADLY CORRODED. APPROX. 30% OF BOTH ROTORS FUNCTIONAL. SEVENTY PERCENT CAKED WITH THICK RUST. DRIVER'S SIDE REAR CALIPER SLIDER PIN STUCK. FRONT BRAKES DID MOST OF WORK, THEREFORE PADS ARE PREMATURELY WORN. IN DECADES OF DRIVING, I'VE NEVER HAD BRAKE WORK BEFORE 80,000 MILES. CAR IS USED ALMOST DAILY AND ALWAYS GARAGED. ROTOR CASTINGS ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. BRAKES HAVE BEEN INSPECTED BY TOYOTA DEALER EVERY 6 MONTHS. NO PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED, BUT CORROSION IS SEVERE, THICK WITH FLAKING. I HAVE DEALER SERVICE RECORDS AND PHOTOS TO SUPPORT MY SAFETY CONCERNS. TOYOTA RECALLED 130,000 VEHICLES IN CHINA BECAUSE OF A DEFECT IN THE REAR WHEEL DISK BRAKES WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RUST. PERHAPS SOME OF THESE ROTORS FOUND THEIR WAY ON TO OUR HIGHLANDER. MY FAMILY AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THANKFULLY, NO EMERGENCY STOPS HAVE BEEN REQUIRED. HOW MANY OTHER HIGHLANDERS HAVE CORRODED, UNSAFE, BRAKE ROTORS? UPDATED IVOQ 01/26/12 *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. IN APRIL 2011, THE DEALER SERVICED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT BRAKES WERE LOCKED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CALIPERS. IN AUGUST 2011, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR CALIPERS HAD RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER PERFORMED THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKES AND STATED THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,800.
Electrical system, Sep 10, 2011
CAR LOSS CONTROL DUE TO ELECTRICAL POWER IS GONE. CAR LOSS SPEED AT 45MPH AND HAS TO PULL OVER AND STOP. DIAGNOSIS LATTER FOUND BATTERY IS GOOD, BUT ALTERNATOR IS BAD. IN MY CASE, BATTERY WAS REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO. *TR
Service brakes, Air, Power train, Structure, Aug 26, 2011
MY 2005 LIMITED EDITION TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS MULTIPLE ISSUES. THE RIGHT CALIBER IS STICKING, WHICH HAS CAUSED HEAT AND WARPING IN THE HUB SYSTEM AND AFFECTED THE ABS SENSOR. THESE WILL BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $1000. THE FRONT STRUTS ARE LEAKING. THE LARGEST PROBLEM IS WITH THE TRANSMISSION WHICH HAS SOME TYPE OF INTERIOR PROBLEM. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT I REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE COST TO REPAIR THIS, BASED ON WHAT THE TOYOTA SHOP SAID WAS $3400-$4600. MY CAR HAS ABOUT 94,000 MILES ON IT. THE BRAKE ISSUES WITH THE CALIBER, ROTERS, AND HUB SYSTEM WILL GET REPLACED NEXT WEEK. THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR WILL NOT BE REPAIRED AT THIS TIME UNLESS THE TOYOTA GOODWILL PETITION GOES THROUGH. THE COST IS TOO GREAT. *TT
Seat belts, Jun 16, 2011
SEAT BELT ARE FRAYED AND COMING APART. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AS WELL AS TOYOTA COSTUMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT IS NO LONGER THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. THEY SAID THEY'D BE HAPPY TO CHANGE THE SEAT BELTS, AND THEN HANDED ME A HEFTY QUOTE. THANKS TOYOTA, GLAD YOU CARE. *TR
Steering, Jun 1, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED HE HEARD A CLANKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED HE COULD FEEL A BUMP IN THE STEERING COLUMN DURING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER TURNS WERE MADE AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 31, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND AS THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 12, 2011
I OWN 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER ON MAY 09,2011 I WAS GETTING ON THE FREE WAY AND ACCELERATED TO MERGE INTO THE FREEWAY , I REALIZED THAT THE CAR WAS GOING FULL SPEED AND THAT THE GAS PEDAL HAD GOTTEN STUCK. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT AND PRESS THE BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET, PUSHED IN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND PULLED OUT THE KEY. I DON'T KNOW HOW I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND WAS LUCKY TO FIND AN EXIT THAT GAVE ME MORE TIME TO STOP THE CAR. THE HEATER, AIR CONDITION, RADIO AND CD PLAYER ALL ORIGINAL STOPPED WORKING ONE YEAR AGO. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE HAYWARD TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY KEPT IT UNTIL MAY 11,2011.THE MANAGER FROM THE SERVICES DEPARTMENT CALLED ME TO INFORM ME THAT IT WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP AND THAT I NEEDED TO PAY THEM $120.00 FOR RUNNING THE TESTS ON THE CAR. HE STATED THAT NOTHING WAS FOUND AND THAT I NEEDED TO PICK THE CAR UP. I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND I HAD A BAD SCARE AND COULD HAVE ENDED IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT, UNTIL TODAY I HAVE NIGHTMARES OF THE INDECENT. I STATED MY CONCERN TO THE MANAGER THAT I DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR WITH MY CHILDREN AND LOVED ONES. HE SAID THAT I COULD TRADE IT IN. I INFORMED HIM THAT I STILL PAY THE CAR AND HAVE A LOAN BALANCE OF $15,000.00 WITH THE BANK I AM DRIVING A RENTAL CAR AND HAVE TO PAY $19.00 PER DAY BECAUSE THE TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER COULD NOT GIVE ME A RENTER CAR FOR LESS THAN $25.00 PER DAY. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH TWO CHILDREN AND CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW CAR LOAN. I AM REQUESTING THAT TOYOTA PAYS ME THE BLUE BOOK VALUE OF MY CAR AND TAKE THEIR CAR BACK. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR AND I AM VERY CONCERN OF THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE TAKE TIME TO INVESTIGATE MY URGENT MATTER. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 13, 2011, crash
RUN AWAY THROTTLE AND NO ABILITY TO BRAKE 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER CAUSING CRASH INTO HOUSE WALL AND FRONT END DAMAGE TO CAR I TOOK FOOT OF GAS PEDAL AND MOVED TO BRAKE CAR CONTINUED AT SAME SPEED IT WAS TRAVELING AND BRAKE PEDDLE WAS APPLIED HARD AND NO EFFECT. CAR STRUCK HOUSE AND PUSHED ON THE WALL A MOMENT THEN DROPPED TO IDLE. *TR
Steering, Apr 1, 2011
2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER STATES THE STEERING COLUMN WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE EACH TIME THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED *TGW THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE LUBRICATED, BUT THERE WAS NO WAY TO LUBRICATE IT, TO ELIMINATE THE SOUND. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT IT, WAS TO INSTALL A NEW STEERING BOX WHICH WOULD COST BETWEEN $400-500.
Steering, Mar 27, 2011
THERE IS A DISTINCT CLUCK FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHILE TURNING (INDICATING SOMETHING IS LOOSE OR NOT TIGHT), I HAVE READ THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM TOYOTA FOR THIS ISSUE BUT I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT REQUIRES THE REPLACEMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON THE STEERING COLUMN. TSB # ST001-06 FOR HIGHLANDER AND CAMRY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 8, 2011
2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL REQUEST *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES THEY WERE VERY SLOW TO RESPOND. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 2-3 MPH IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE BUT TO NO AVAIL AS THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER GARAGE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND THERE WAS MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND MODERATE DAMAGE TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THERE WERE THREE ADDITIONAL OCCURRENCES OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE FLOOR MAT AND THE BRAKE COVERS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS STILL AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. SHE LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V112000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL) AND THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V499000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS: MASTER CYLINDER). THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT THE REAR BRAKE PADS EXHIBITED NINETY PERCENT ABNORMAL WEAR AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE NEVER REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Visibility, Feb 28, 2011
02/28/11, I OWN A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AND THE SUN VISOR (WITH LIGHTED MIRROR) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT STAY UP. WHEN I DRIVE IT CAUSES A VISIBILITY ISSUE. THIS DEFINITELY CREATES A DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION ON THE ROAD BECAUSE PART OF THE VISIBILITY IS BLOCKED. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT MY CAR IS BARELY 6 YEARS AND I AM ALREADY HAVING ISSUES. I HAVE NEVER HAD THESE KINDS OF PROBLEMS WITH OTHER VEHICLES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ATTEMPT TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Jan 24, 2011
I HAVE A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2005 V6 4WD, WHICH SUFFERS FROM A TRANSMISSION SHIFT DELAY AND HESITATION ,WHICH NORMALLY OCCURS WHEN UPSHIFTING OR DOWNSHIFTING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. THIS SHIFT DELAY IS NOT ONLY A HEADACHE, BUT A SAFETY CONCERN TO ME AND MANY OTHER FELLOW HIGHLANDER OWNERS AS SEEN ON VARIOUS ONLINE FORUMS. WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY TRY TO ANTICIPATE HOW IT MIGHT REACT IN ORDER TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT FROM HAPPENING,WHILE IN TRAFFIC. IT SEEMS AS IF THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN KNOWN BY TOYOTA SINCE 2000 AND THEY HAVE NOT DONE ENOUGH TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 13, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING HER VEHICLE IT ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO HER GARAGE. PREVIOUSLY, WHEN SHE WAS TRYING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED AND LUNGED FORWARD WHEN SHE WAS FORCED TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN INVESTIGATOR FROM THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Power train, Jan 12, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO THE PARK POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO JERK WITH HESITATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000.
Visibility, Jan 9, 2011
DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR KEEPS COMING DOWN CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. *TR
Seat belts, Jan 3, 2011
SEAT BELT CLIP BROKE; IT HAD BEEN USED MINIMALLY OVER TIME AND WAS NOT ABUSED WHEN IT FAILED TO BUCKLE. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 17, 2010
HEATER/AC FUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY THEN FAILS COMPLETELY. WELL KNOW PROBLEM WHERE PLACEMENT OF RIBBON CABLE TO POTENTIOMETER BREAKS LOOSE, PARTIALLY (INTERMITTENT FAILURE), THEN COMPLETELY (TOTAL FAILURE). QUOTED COST AT ANY DEALERSHIP $900-$1,000. I DID REPAIR MYSELF IN ONE HOUR FOR A COST OF $10. QUICK SEARCH ON THE WEB UNCOVERED MANY MANY OF SAME INCIDENT AND, FORTUNATELY, DETAILED REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS.
Power train, Dec 13, 2010
MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER DEVELOPED A LEAK FROM THE TRANSFER CASE, WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A COMPLETE LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID AS WELL AS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THERE ARE DOCUMENTED ACCIDENTS WHICH HAVE OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS REPAIR WOULD NORMALLY BE COVERED BY A 5 YEAR/60,000 MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY HOWEVER THE LEAK WAS DISCOVERED A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE 5 YEAR TIME PERIOD EXPIRED. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND FIRST RELEASED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) IN NOVEMBER OF 2007 WITH THE MOST RECENT TSB BEING ISSUED MAY OF 2010. MY VEHICLE WAS CLEARLY UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME THAT THE TSB'S WERE INITIALLY ISSUED, BUT TOYOTA WITHHELD THIS INFORMATION FROM THE CONSUMER. THIS RESULTS IN A COST OF SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO THE CONSUMER IN POTENTIAL REPAIRS. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND THEY REFUSE TO NEGOTIATE ANY TYPE OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. TOYOTA HAS CONTINUED TO ISSUE TSB'S FOR THE SAME PROBLEM FOR 3 YEARS AND HAS APPARENTLY MADE NO ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM DURING PRODUCTION. *TR
Steering, Dec 9, 2010
I NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE AND ODD VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING CORNERS OR ON A BUMPY ROAD. I DO BELIEVE THAT IF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS NOT REPLACED, IT COULD EASILY CAUSE UNNECESSARY ACCIDENTS DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED 2 TSB CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE MINE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I'M REALLY WRITING FOR ALL OF THOSE OWNERS WHO MIGHT BE DRIVING WITH THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE IT REPLACED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 1, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL. THE VEHICLE MOVED TO THE DRIVERS LEFT LANE AND A CRASHED OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AND MOVED INTO THE THIRD LANE OF THE HIGHWAY CRASHING INTO THE MEDIAN WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ( NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V499000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC FOUNDATION MASTER CYLINDER) AND WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.