2011 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 186 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 14 involved a crash. 8 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
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsApr 9, 2013
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 16, 2013
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
15 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 26, 2025
1. The 3.5L V6 Engine (2GR-FE) failed due to the subsequent loss of lubrication caused by the rupture of the Oil Cooler Pipe (Rubber component), a manufacturing defect known under TSB T-SB-0201-11 (ZE2 Program). The failed engine is currently available for inspection by request at the independent service center before it is disposed of. 2. The defect causes a sudden and severe loss of engine oil. This creates a high probability of the engine seizing (losing all power) while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion and placing occupants at severe risk of collision. 3. The failure was confirmed, not reproduced. The vehicle was initially diagnosed with misfire codes (P0300, P0301). New spark plugs and ignition coils were installed in an attempt to resolve the issue. As the misfire persisted, the mechanic performed a compression test, confirming catastrophic zero compression failure in cylinders 1 and 2. Professional diagnostics then revealed critical codes: P1603 (ECM Malfunction), P1604 (Startability Malfunction), and P1605 (Rough Idling). These codes confirm a severe internal engine issue, consistent with permanent damage sustained during the oil loss event caused by the ZE2 pipe defect in July 2024. 4. No, not physically inspected by the manufacturer. The manufacturer (Toyota Executive Office Case Manager) was provided with certified documentation of the failure, including the photo of the faulty pipe, maintenance records during our ownership, and the dealership purchase statement for the replacement part. Toyota refused to authorize a physical diagnostic inspection of the failed engine at a dealership before denying goodwill assistance. 5.Yes. The initial lubrication loss event on July 4, 2024, was preceded by a message displayed on the dashboard (followed by a second failure event in October 2025 indicated by a flashing Check Engine light and the Traction Control light).
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2019
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT OFF. EVEN WHEN A PERSON IS SITTING ON THE SEAT. CRUISE CONTROL ALSO STOPPED WORKING, LIGHT WOULDN'T EVEN COME ON. POWER LOCKING SYSTEM ALSO CEASED WORKING.
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Mar 1, 2019
THERE IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS (2010 - 2013) SUN VISORS. THE VISOR NO LONGER STAYS IN EITHER THE UPRIGHT OR DOWNWARD POSITION. IT IS EITHER AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE WHEN PLACED IN THE "UP" POSITION OR IS IN A POSITION TO SLIGHTLY OBSCURE VISIBILITY IN THE "DOWN" POSITION. TOYOTA OFFERED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT (LETTER ZF1) HOWEVER I AM NOW PAST THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS IS A HAZARD IN DRIVING AND WOULD BE HAZARDOUS TO THE DRIVER SHOULD THERE BE AN ACCIDENT - THE VISOR WOULD HIT THE DRIVER IN THE FOREHEAD OR FACE SHOULD THERE BE AN IMPACT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 25, 2019
SUN VISORS WILL NOT STAY IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2019
ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF RANDOMLY HOOD LATCH SWITCH TO BE THE PROBLEM.. TOYOTA IS CHARGING 300 PLUS $ FOR MANUFACTURING DEFECT - CHECK TECHINICAL BULLETEN ( T-SB-0200-10 )I FEEL ITS NOT FAIR I HAVE
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2018
THE CAR IS SITTING STILL WITH THE ENGINE OFF. THE HORN HAS GONE OFF SEVERAL TIMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND IN THE GARAGE WITH NO ONE AROUND.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2018
WHEN CAR GOES ABOVE AROUND 35-45 MPH A ABNORMAL WHINE NOISE EMANATES FROM THE TRANSMISSION
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2018
BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SIDE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK IN 2013 ONE WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE BROUGHT IN 3 TIMES TO GET IT RIGHT. THAT WITH ONLY OWNING IT AFTER 2 YEARS WAS RIDICULOUS. THE ACTUAL LOCK ACTUATOR COSTS APPROX $250 A PIECE TO REPLACE AND WE KNOW IT IS NOT THE FUSE IT WAS CHECKED. FIXED IN 2013 UNDER WARRANTY BUT A MONTH AFTER BEING PAID OFF IN 2016 THEY BOTH STOPPED WORKING. I REFUSE TO SPEND $500 ON PARTS AND WHO KNOWS HOW MUCH MORE FOR LABOR. I WILL NEVER BUY A TOYOTA AGAIN THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL AS NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS ON INTERNET COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. SHOULD BE RECALLED LIKE THE SUN VISORS WERE
Visibility, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2016
MY DRIVER SIDE VISOR LOST ALL TENSION. I HAD TO EITHER HOLD IT UP OR TIE IT OUT OF THE WAY. I HAD IT REPLACED AT LOWE TOYOTA IN WARNER ROBINS, GA FOR $199.87. I WOULD NOT EXPECT A VISOR TO TEAR UP EVEN FOR A 2011 MODEL. IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDED TO BE FIXED. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE VISORS AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACING THEM. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2015
HEATER/AC ASSEMBLY IS LEAKING ONTO A CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE DASH WHICH I BELIEVE THE THE AIRBAG MODULE AND SOAKING THE FRONT DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS CARPETS AND PADDING. CHECKED FOR BLOCKAGE IN DRAIN TUBE. NONE, USED COMPRESSED AIR TO BLOW OUT DRAIN TUBE JUST IN CASE. DID NOT SOLVE ISSUE. REMOVED PASSENGERS SIDE PANEL AND FOUND THAT THE FACTORY SEAM OF THE AC/HEATER ASSEMBLY WAS LEAKING WATER WHEN THE AC IS ON. (I HAVE VIDEO) THE DESIGN OF THE ASSEMBLY IS POOR IN THAT THE SEAM SPLITS THE ASSEMBLY LEFT AND RIGHT RATHER THAN TOP AND BOTTOM. REPAIR OF THE UNIT WOULD HAVE REQUIRED COMPLETE REMOVAL OF DASH, STEERING, ETC. TO SOLVE THIS, I PLACED 3M GLASS SETTING BUTYL TAPE OVER THE SEAM SUCH THAT THE SEAM IN THE UNIT WAS SEALED ABOVE THE CONDENSATION DRAIN. THIS RESOLVED THE ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2015
THE BACK-UP CAMERA HAS STARTED SHOWN MORE OF THE BUMPER... IT HAS STARTED POINTING MORE TO IT. THE CAMERA DID NOT SEE LOOSE. BUT I SEE THE MORE BUMPER ON THE SCREEN. WHEN I CONTACTED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I PURCHASED INCLUDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IN 2011. I WAS TOLD THAT I STILL HAVE TO PAY THE DIAGNOSIS FEE $89.99 + TAX.
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2015
ON JULY 19 MY DAUGHTER HIT THE BUTTON TO CLOSE THE REAR LIFT GATE. THE HANDLE BROKE AWAY FROM THE CAR. IT LOOKED LIKE THE SCREW WAS STRIPPED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AUG 5. THEY SAID IT IS A FULL REAR DOOR REPLACEMENT WITH ESTIMATED COST OF $3000 - $5000. THEY WERE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2008-2012 HIGHLANDERS AND TOYOTA HAS BEEN AWARE. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING IT ALSO. CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID I AM OUT OF WARRANTY AND OUT OF LUCK.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2015
THE SUN VISOR IN THE DRIVER SIDE IS STUCK IN HALF WAY DOWN POSITION, HIT MY FOREHEAD TWICE ALREADY ON THIS.
Other or unspecified, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Visibility/wiper, Jan 14, 2015
THE SUN VISOR POPPED WHEN I WAS PULLING IT DOWN TO SHEILD MY EYES AND NOW IT WILL NOT RETURN TO ORIGINAL POSITION. CONCERN AS IT GETS IN MY WAY WHEN DRIVING. THIS IS THE DRIVERS SIDE VISOR WHICH I TEND TO HIT MY HEAD ON AND HAVE TO MOVE MY SEAT LOWER IN ORDER TO SEE PROPERLY. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE $300 TO FIX. THAT IS RIDICULOUS AS I FEEL THIS IS A FAULTY PART THAT COULD BE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF. RECAL MAY BE IN ORDER TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2014
THE SPRING IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE AND IT NOW HANGS DOWN. IT WON'T STAY UP OR IN A POSITION TO BLOCK THE SUN. WE HAVE A BUNGY CORD TO HOLD IT OUT OF OUR LINE OF VISION BUT CANNOT USE IT. IT STILL HANGS DOWN A LITTLE AND "POPS OUT" FREQUENTLY BLOCKING VISION. VERY DANGEROUS. NOT UNDER WARRANTY I AM TOLD. *TR