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.
Steering, Dec 10, 2009
2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4X4 V6. THE STEERING BECAME JERKY WHEN TURNING AND ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN RESEARCHED IT AND THERE HAVE BEEN TWO TECHNICAL BULLETINS PUT OUT BY TOYOTA AND THEY HAVE REDESIGNED THE ORIGINAL PART SO THAT IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND HAS A NEW PART NUMBER. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ALSO STATED THAT JUST LUBRICATING THE ASSEMBLY DOES NOT WORK. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT HE HAS FIXED A NUMBER OF THESE ON HIGHLANDERS, RAV4S, AND AVALONS. IN MY OPINION THE OLD PART ADVERSELY AFFECTS THE STEERING AND SAFE HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY TOYOTA WHEN THE PART WAS REDESIGNED. *TR
Visibility, Nov 16, 2009
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR ON OUR 2005 HIGHLANDER IS FAILING TO HOLD POSITION FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VISOR AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE BUT HAS NOT REPLACED THE SECOND FAILING VISOR. THE VISOR FALLS TO THE FULL DOWN POSITION AND BLOCKS A SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF THE DRIVER'S FIELD OF VISION. *TR
Visibility, Oct 24, 2009
DRIVER SIDE VISOR IS BLOCKING THE VIEW OF DRIVER. THE VISOR OF MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IS MALFUNCTION WHICH IS RESULT OF FLIPPING DOWN ALL THE TIME AND BLOCKING THE VIEW OF DRIVER, SPECIAL DURING THE NIGHT TIME OR RAINING. THIS FAULTY IS CAUSING US OF NEAR ACCIDENT SITUATIONS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TWICE BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FLOOR MAT RECALL #06V253000. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK SINCE HE COULD HAVE INJURED SOMEONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Oct 1, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 53 MPH SHE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. SHE WAS ABLE TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE PLASTIC PANEL BEHIND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FELL OFF AND SUBSEQUENTLY FELL BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; WHICH CAUSED THE PEDAL TO STICK. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 23,000.
Tires, Jun 3, 2009
MY TOYO TIRES HAVE FAILED AFTER ONLY 18,000 MILES OF USE ON MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. *TR
Power train, May 26, 2009
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS FORCING FLUID OUT THROUGH VENT CAUSING LOSS OF FLUID AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION. DEALER SAID IT IS CAUSED BY BEARING GOING BAD IN THE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE HAS ALMOST 90,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP SAID PROBLEM IS COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY SINCE IT WAS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, May 13, 2009
THERE HAS BEEN A NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN STEERING WHEEL NOISE AND PLAY IN MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE ISSUE WAS NOTICED AROUND 40,000 MILES BECOMING INCREASINGLY WORSE IN A ONLY A FEW MONTHS. MILEAGE NOW IS 46,000. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE IT APPEAR THERE IS A DEFECT IN THIS PART OR DESIGN POSING A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK. *TR
Steering, Apr 3, 2009
I HAVE A 2005 HIGHLANDER AND IT HAS 45K ON IT. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY NOTICED THIS CLUNK/KNOCK NOISE EVERY TIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT 5 DEGREES OFF CENTER. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENT ADVISED SPENDING $140 ON GREASING THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND THE PROBLEM SHOULD GO AWAY, BUT THE MORE I READ UP ON THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE, THE MORE I'M REALIZING THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND THAT IF I BANDAGE THE PROBLEM NOW, IT'LL ONLY COME UP AGAIN IN FUTURE MILEAGE. THIS SHOULD TOTALLY BE A TOYOTA RECALL BECAUSE IT DIRECTLY AFFECT SAFE DRIVING. I'M JUST WONDERING HOW I CAN ESCALATE THIS COMPLAINT TO THE TOP? *TR
Steering, Mar 26, 2009
I NOTICED A LOOSENESS & CLICKING NOISE IN MY STEERING WHILE EITHER PARKED OR MOVING VERY SLOWLY. A LOCAL MECHANIC I USE DIAGNOSED IT AS A WORN RACK & PINION (R&P) GEAR WHERE IT MEETS THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON MY '05 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER V6 WITH 60K MILES. I BROUGHT CAR TO KING TOYOTA IN DEERFIELD BEACH, FL AND THEY SAID THERE IS A TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM WHICH DISASSEMBLES & LUBRICATES THE STEERING COLUMN. THEY SAID IF THAT DOESN'T FIX PROBLEM THEN THEY WOULD CHANGE THE R & P ASSEMBLY. AS A FORMER AIRLINE MAINTENANCE PLANNER I DON'T KNOW HOW A LUBE WOULD FIX NOISE & LOOSENESS IN A STEERING ASSEMBLY...IT FELT LIKE A WORN PART. IF TRUE, WHY DID THE STEERING COLUMN LOSE ITS LUBE AFTER ONLY 60K MILES.. WAS THE LUBE MISSING FROM NEW & THAT'S WHAT CAUSED THE WEAR...IF IT WAS LUBED WAS IT A DEFECTIVE SEAL. IS THE LUBE A STOP GAP WAY TO DELAY A RECALL? MY MECHANIC SAID & MY OWN EXPERIENCE TELLS ME SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT...THIS IS A STEERING & POSSIBLE VEHICLE CONTROL ISSUE. MOST OF MY DRIVING IS HIGHWAY ABOVE 40-70MPH, SO I WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE MY FAMILY & MY LIFE ARE AT STAKE. *TR
Visibility, Mar 2, 2009
THE WINDOW CONTROL DROPS THE WINDOW INTO THE DOOR AND YOU CANNOT BRING THE WINDOW BACK UP. THIS FIRST OCCURRED ON JANUARY 2008, TO MY REAR RIGHT WINDOW ON MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $ 600.00. THAT WAS RIDICULOUSLY OVERPRICED, SO I FOUND A WAY TO LIFT THE WINDOW, AND THEN I DISCONNECTED THE POWER WINDOW CONTROLS TO THAT WINDOW. WITHOUT FAIL, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE REAR LEFT WINDOW OF OUR CAR IN JANUARY 2009. I HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH HIGHLANDERS AND CAMRYS, BUT THERE IS NO RECALL FROM TOYOTA FOR THIS COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2009
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2005 4CYL. THE HEATER CONTROL WILL ONLY BLOW EXTREMELY HOT AIR THAT MAKES THE VENTS ALMOST TO HOT TO EVEN TOUCH. NO EVENTS LED UP TO THIS PROBLEM, THOUGH IN RESEARCHING ONLINE FORUMS, OTHER TOYOTA HIGHLANDER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME DEFECT. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THE SERVICE ASSOCIATE ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE COST TO REPAIR IS $899.00. THIS IS EXCESSIVE FOR A HEATER ON A VEHICLE A LITTLE OVER THREE YEARS OLD AND A LITTLE OVER 30,000 MILES. IT APPEARS THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND THE WIRES ARE NOT WELDED PROPERLY. THE CENTER NUT BELOW THE HEATER CONTROL KNOB LOOSENS OVER TIME AND THE WIRES THEN BREAK FREE FROM THE CONTACTS. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 13, 2009
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, 2005 YR, DEFECTIVE RIBBON ELECTRICAL CABLE BETWEEN HEAT/AIR CONTROL ON DASH AND COMPUTER IN CAR. HEAT ON, HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND AIR CONDITIONING COMES ON FULL BLAST OR THE REVERSE IN THE SUMMER. OTHER REPORTS ON INTERNET INDICATE SAME PROBLEM WITH 2001 & 2002 YEAR VEHICLES. COMMENTS ARE THE ELECTRICAL CABLE BECOME HARD AND BRITTLE WITH AGE AND BREAKS OR CROSS CONNECTS CAUSING PROBLEM. DEALER COST IS $600 - $900 TO CORRECT -- REPLACE WHOLE UNIT -- ALTHOUGH ONE COMMENT IS THAT NEW WIRE CAN BE SOLDERED. IT IS MY OPINION THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BEAR THE COST OF A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
Tires, Equipment, Dec 1, 2008
ON NOVEMBER 26TH 2008 WHILE TRAVELING EAST ON INTERSTATE 70 FROM DENVER, 75 MILE AN HOUR, AND APROX TWENTY MILES EAST OF BENNET COLORADO, WE EXPERIENCED BOTH FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLOWOUTS AT THE SAME TIME. THE BACK PASSENGERS TIRE WAS DESTROYED. WE WERE ABLE TO CHANGE IT OUT WITH OUR SPARE. THE FRONT PASSENGERS TIRE WAS EXTREMELY LOW (1" OFF PAVEMENT) AND HAD A BUBBLE ON THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. IT HAD NOT BROKEN THE AIR SEAL AROUND THE RIM, AND SO WE WERE ABLE TO RETURN VERY SLOW BACK APROX .25 MILES TO AN EXIT AND RETRIEVE AIR FOR THAT TIRE. AS THE SIDE WALL BUBBLE GREW IN SIZE WE STOPPED THE AIR AT ABOUT TWENTY POUNDS. WE THEN RETURNED APROX TWENTY MILE BACK TO DENVER, TO A DISCOUNT TIRE STORE. WE THEN REPLACED ALL OF THE TIRES ON OUR 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. PRIOR TO DEPARTING ON THIS TRIP WE HAD ROTATED THE ORIGINAL TIRES AS WELL AS CHECKED AND CONFIRMED ALL AIR PRESSURES, (THE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE LEAVING TOWN) WHEN CHECKING THE TIRES WE HAD HEARD A HISSING SOUND AT THE VALVE STEMS ON BOTH OF THE PASSENGER TIRES. THOUGHT THIS WAS JUST THE AIR HOSE, BUT NOW BELIEVE THAT THE VALVE STEMS WERE CRACKED AND LEAKING AIR. I HAVE DOCUMENTED THE TIRE CONDITION AND HAVE THE ORIGINAL VALVE STEMS FROM THE TIRE STORE. THESE TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MICHELIN TIRES WITH 28644 MILE ON THEM. WE BELIEVE THAT THIS CONDITION WAS A RESULT OF FAULTY VALVE STEMS, AND MAY BE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN FOR OTHERS. MY TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE CENTER REFERS ME TO MICHELIN TIRE COMPANY, AND MICHELIN REFERS ME BACK TO THEM. TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY HAS DOCUMENTED A REPORT, BUT WILL NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE AS A CONCERN. WE HAD THREE ADULTS - (500 POUNDS) AND THREE SUIT CASES - (150 POUNDS) AND THEREFORE DON'T BELIEVE THAT AT 750 - 800 POUND THAT WE WERE OVERLOADED. *TR
Electrical system, Tires, Sep 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE "LOW TIRE PRESSURE" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE MECHANISM WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OBSERVED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS NOT LOW IN ANY OF THE FOUR TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SIX SEPARATE OCCASIONS. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WOULD BE $2,414.60. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000. UPDATED 10/16/08.*LJ UPDATED 10/17/08.*JB
Steering, Sep 9, 2008
AROUND THE MIDDLE OF MARCH 2008, MY 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS KNOCKING SOUNDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN I MAKE TURNS. I SOUGHT THE ADVISE OF A MECHANIC FRIEND WHO HAS WORKED WITH LEXUS IN THE PAST. HE CONDUCTED A TEST DRIVE AND OCULAR INSPECTION AND ADVISED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR HE SUSPECTS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY. ON MARCH 24, 2008, I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY. I PAID A TOTAL OF $469.29 FOR THE SERVICE BY TOYOTA CITY, MAMARONECK, NY 10543 INV. [XXX] . THE CAR HAS 14,549 MILES DURING THE DATE OF SERVICE. I WROTE TOYOTA USA FOR A REFUND OF THE AMOUNT I SPENT AND GOT AN ASSURANCE THAT THEY WILL LOOK INTO IT. FAMILY MEMBERS USE THE CAR IN THE USUAL COURSE OF GROCERY, SCHOOL AND RELATED TRAVEL ACTIVITIES AND HAS NOT ABUSED IT. FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THIS IS ALSO WELL MAINTAINED AS WE FOLLOW THE SUGGESTIONS/ADVISE OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED CHECKS. MY VIN [XXX] . THE LETTER OF ASSURANCE FROM TOYOTA SALES USA WAS RECEIVED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND REQUEST FOR REFUND HAS NOT BEEN ACTED UPON. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. HAVE A GREAT DAY! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)*TR
Steering, Aug 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR STATIONARY, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD MAKE A KNOCKING VIBRATION WHEN IT WAS TURNED. THE FAILURE PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT/COLUMN ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $550. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Tires, Jun 25, 2008
SECOND TIRE TO HAVE A BUBBLE SHOW UP ON THE WHITE WALL SIDE. 2 OTHER TIRES HAD SEPARATION STARTED AND WAS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE BUBBLES WOULD SHOW UP. *TR
Air bags, May 28, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 40 MPH. THE CONTACT'S AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER HEAD, BACK, CHEST, AND LEGS. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS UNINJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 32,000.
Steering, Mar 17, 2008
I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ON 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT PROBLEM. I NOTICE IT HAS A NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10019873. WHEN MY CAR WAS GETTING A STATE INSPECTION, THE INSPECTOR NOTICED THE SLIGHT NOISE WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED. I FIND OUT LATER AT THE TOYOTA DEALER THAT THE SHAFT WAS "BINDING" AND CONTINUED DRIVING COULD CAUSE STEERING FAILURE. IF THE GAS STATION HADN'T NOTICED THE SUBTLE NOISE, WE WOULD HAVE CONTINUED DRIVING IT UNTIL THE STEERING FAILED. I WOULD CALL THAT A SAFETY ISSUE WARRANTING A RECALL. *TR
Power train, Feb 21, 2008
2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WITH ONLY 72000 MILES (12,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY), SEALS ON TRANSFER CASE OF TRANSMISSION LEAKS ONTO EXHAUST PIPE CAUSING SMOKING AND SMELL OF BURNT FLUIDS. *TR
Visibility, Jan 14, 2008
HEAT CONTROLLER UNIT STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING. WINDOWS BECAME FROSTED WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE OF LOST TEMPERATURE CONTROL. OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. *TR
Visibility, Dec 31, 2007
THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER HAS A NUT WHICH REPEATEDLY COMES LOOSE. THIS CAUSES THE WINDSHIELD WIPER TO BECOME LOOSE AND CEASE TO FUNCTION. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THE MECHANISM WAS DESIGNED TO COME LOOSE SO AS TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE UNDERLYING MOTOR. HE SAID TO JUST KEEP TIGHTENING THE NUT! IN THE 27,000 MILE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD TO TIGHTEN IT NOW A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES. THE LAST TIME WAS 6 WEEKS AGO DURING A SNOW STORM. THE INABILITY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM CONSTITUTES A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. *TR
Power train, Dec 26, 2007
I HAVE A 2005 HIGHLANDER THAT DEVELOPED A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK AT 62,000 MILES. TOYOTA CURRENTLY HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT STATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEAL ON CERTAIN AWD HIGHLANDERS AND SIENNAS ARE PRONE TO PREMATURE FAILURE. THIS CAN RESULT IN LEAK OF TRANSMISSION OR FRONT DIFFERENTIAL FLUID. THE REPAIR IS NOT BEING COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY FOR ME SINCE THE CAR IS BEYOND THE 60000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. THE LOSS OF TRANSMISSION OR GEAR OIL CAN LEAD TO SUDDEN FREEZING OF DIVE-AXLE, WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Tires, Sep 4, 2007
I OWN A TOYOTA 4-RUNNER (2005, 53635 MILES) WHICH IS A COMPANY CAR. ON 8/27/07, I ATTEMPTED TO ADD AIR TO ALL 4 TIRES. THE METAL VALVE CAPS THAT WERE SUPPLIED ON THESE TIRES FROM TOYOTA SEIZED TO THE ALUMINUM VALVE STEMS AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE VALVE STEM. THE RIMS ARE ALSO ALUMINUM. ON ONE TIRE, I ATTEMPTED FORCE THE REMOVAL OF THE METAL VALVE CAP WITH A PAIR OF PLIERS WHICH RESULTED IN THE TOP OF THE VALVE STEM BREAKING OFF WHICH RESULTED IN AN IMMEDIATE FLAT. I CONTACTED AAA TO CHANGE THE TIRE. I THEN BROUGHT THE CAR TO IRA TOYOTA IN MANCHESTER, NH TO REPAIR THE TIRE. I WAS CHARGED $119.75 TO REPLACE THE VALVE STEM AND SENSOR. THEY DID NOT CHARGE LABOR FOR THIS SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT REMOVE THE TOYOTA SUPPLIED METAL VALVE CAPS FROM THE 3 REMAINING TIRES ON MY VEHICLE. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT THEY WERE AWARE THAT SOME VEHICLE HAD THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP PLANNED ON OBTAINING 3 MORE STEM/SENSOR UNITS BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED THAT THEY COULD NOT REMOVE THE VALVE CAPS WITHOUT DAMAGING THE REMAINING VALVE STEMS AND SENSORS. THIS WOULD HAVE COST ME AN ADDITIONAL $360 TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE UNITS. NOT GOOD TOYOTA WORKMANSHIP IN MY OPINION. I WAS FORCED TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE 3 REMAINING TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WITHOUT A WAY TO PUT ADDITIONAL AIR INTO THE TIRES. I WAS LEFT TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE MYSELF. I HAD TO MANUALLY GRIND THE CAPS OFF WITH THE AID OF A DREMMEL GRINDING TOOL WHICH TOOK ME 2 HOURS TO DO MYSELF. I REPLACED THE METAL CAPS WITH BLACK PLASTIC CAPS. I BELIEVE THAT ALL TOYOTA CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THIS SERIOUS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. I BELIEVE THAT A FULL RECALL SHOULD BE MADE ON TOYOTA VEHICLES WITH METAL CAPS ON THE ALUMINUM RIM TIRES. PLEASE NOTE THAT I LISTED THE VEHICLE AS A "HIGHLANDER" BECAUSE IT WAS THE CLOSEST TO THE "4-RUNNER" WHICH I OWN BUT WAS NOT LISTED IN THE AVAILABLE SELECTION. *JB