Top 5 Problems Toyota Highlander SUV 1st Generation 2001-07 

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

My ‘06 has 196k miles. I haven’t had any of these, with the exception that I did change the o2 censors. So far it’s running smooth and it’s a very comfortable ride. I just replaced my struts a d the ride is as new. Did a road trip from NJ to Marco Island Fl two weeks ago and it was a very nice ride!! I’m hoping to get another 100k miles out of it!!

These are pretty minor for for vehicles that almost 20 years old. That proves Toyota ultra dependability.

I own a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with 183,000 miles and had the following repairs: All 4 window regulators/motors replaced, 2 new brake actuators installed at $2,600 each, radiator dual-fan motor assembly replaced, climate control system replaced, 2 new radiators, new right-side taillight assembly installed, interior heat/ac blower motor/fan housing replaced and 2 new front headlight assemblies replaced. Also, all the clearcoat is peeling off even though it was regularly washed and waxed car. Only half the rear window defrost elements are working. The brake actuators are only on the hybrids and the cost of those 2 replacements at $2,600 each easily ate up any fuel savings and then some for being a hybrid. Plus, the costs of tow trucks and rentals cars while awaiting the brake actuator replacements. I will never get a hybrid version ever again.

Ignition coil thing happened to me at 350k miles. I almost scrapped the whole damn car, then figured it out and it's running like a champ again

WOW this might explain some issues I'm having!!! Thanks dude!!

I have 2004 highlander v6 480,000 miles. All original. Still runs like new.

My 04 Highlander has 230,000 miles on it I’ve never had one of these issues other than one O2 sensor being replaced. They are fantastic cars

My 06 highlander has about 300,000mi still running smooth. I live in N. Montana and its very reliable even in our severe weather conditions.

When you swap out the ignition coils male sure you swap out your two variable valve timing solenoids, that can also be a major of your cylinders not running in sync.

thank you! i really needed to know all this!

I own a 2005 Toyota Highlander Limited since new, So far I have had to replace the power steering return line which rusted out at the passenger side front wheel, also the axle sensor located on the rear axle Drivers side, and recently the starter. Not bad for a car that's 17 years old, only 108k miles tho. Just did the timing belt just to make sure it's good, the old one looked fine 😂 LOVE my Toy!!

Knock Sensors on a 2001 Highlander should be at the top of the list. This is a huge problem on this model and very pricey to fix. You will not be able to get into overdrive when these start to go bad. The intake manifold has to be removed to access these and the labor is rated at 7.5 hours to replace the front and back knock sensor. If this happens to you, don't make the mistake that I did and go with a non-Toyota brand to try to save money. I had to have the job redone after realizing this and ended up being billed twice on the 7.5 hours of labor. Once they were replaced the vehicle was back to it's old self.

Spot on. O2 sensors and ignition coils !

2002 Toyota Highlander owner watching this video checking off each thing. I will add that I had an oil burning problem that was fixed by changing the PCV valve. Also my wife was able to change the ignition coil packs behind the manifold without removing it. #winning

My abused '02 still running. Use it for short trips still. 320,000 miles and could have gotten more imo if took better care of it.

I have a 2005 Highlander and recently had an oil change. I also added Seafoam to the gas as a suggestion by my local Napa store. Within a week, the engine suddenly developed a clanking metal sound when driving. I parked it and now there is a steady knock when it runs so I don't drive it. A local mechanic heard it and just said it's toast. I have not had it officially diagnosed and it is parked for now. 251,000 miles and ran superbly before this.

My wife bought her '04 Highlander brand new and has had every maintenance performed on schedule by the dealer, at great expense. My wife doesn't drive it hard. It currently has about 240k miles on it. It's never had any of the problems mentioned in this video, but lots of other stuff has gone wrong on the thing: - AC compressor failed twice before 150k miles - AC condenser cracked and leaked, needing replacement - PS rack leaks PS fluid - Every gasket in the engine leaks oil, totaling about 1 qt every 1500 miles - Alternator failed - LCD display on the HVAC center fades out when it gets hot - Glovebox stops broke off - Engine beauty cover fasteners wore out and the cover now rattles constantly - Underbody plastic covers and fasteners have all worn out - DS interior door handle broke - DS rear window came out of the regulator and fell down inside the door - PS front window motor stopped working - Starter solenoid failed - Bracket on back side of engine had a bolt come loose, so the bracket rattles at certain RPMs From watching this video, apparently I have even more trouble to look forward to. I've owned lots of high mileage cars in my life and none of them have ever had this many issues. If she had bought it used, and never maintained it, and drove it abusively, and it was a Fiat, I might be able to understand why it has been so high maintenance. On the bright side, at least the drivetrain has always worked fine (knock on wood).

I have the 1st gen but the 2AZ-fe engine -U mentioned the o2 sensor? P0420, p0430, p0440. Air filter -same weird replacement. -ignition coils. Only need 4. Same with spark plugs. Buy Denso brand amazon sells them 55-60$ each FYI.

Great videos if all cars were perfect we would not have dealer ship mechanics.

The heater vent actuator gave out on mine so if you ever hear a "gurgling" sound from the dash area that could be the issue. Easy inexpensive fix but being flexible helps.

Thanks for video , i have a question , i replaced the all the o2 sensors still s1 fault (rear engine side) . Do you know how any tricks to fix ?

Great Info

My 2005 had the issue where the transmission won't go into park - the positive battery cover falls down jamming the linkage. It's amazing that what seems like an impossible happenstance, is very common. I've also had issue with the HVAC knob where the air blows hot (or cold for the heater) The unit needs soldered which can be sent in to online repair clinics pretty inexpensively. If mine is acting up, I can rotate the knob all the way in both directions and then where I want it - that seems to fix it temporarily. Break in electric wire coming out of the fuse box under the hood caused intermittent, momentary stalling of engine. Almost seems like a transmission issue.

My a/c compressor went out at 199k. Gonna cost quite abit to fix but I suppose that’s pretty usual given the miles. Also just replaced the front Os sensors

Thanks for the Informational video. Just wondering if you know roughly how much you would be expecting to pay to have the ignition coils and spark plugs all replaced in Canada? Thanks

Got the ‘06 limited hybrid . 220,000 miles. currently hearing loud squealing noise coming from timing belt during cold start. Noise goes away once car is warmed up. Changed the entire water-pump assembly and belt at 185K but i guess the belt is no good.. bought the car at 150K miles and it still runs beautifully.

Just bought 06 Highlander hybrid with a 115 K on it!! needed some suspension and bushings replaced but otherwise hopefully the car will get me another 100 K!

Have an '01 Highlander 3.0 v6, got a 1351 and 1351p code, saying VVT, do I need to just change the solenoids or timing belt as well !!

All I've seen about this car has been fantastic... so I got one yesterday. Then I saw the title of this video and was thinking, "Oh No." But, ya know what? Not so bad. Thanks for giving me some stuff to look out for.

What is the front 02 sensor going into? When I start my Toyota Highlander 2006 Hybrid I notice I have vibration originating from that silver enclosure that the 02 sensor is connected to.

I wasn't that lucky with our Highlander 2003 V6 , engine replacement after just 105000 miles and 20 years to mention the biggest and most expensive project $5000!! and the second most shocking mishap was the broken gear shifter cable right in the drive way of our home had to use 4×4 wood Blocks to stop the car from moving 😲

I have an 04 limited with over 250k and have never had any problems whatsoever. Just normal maintenance. I'm a Toyota convert for life.

The only problem I had was light went out that illuminates the gear shifter letters. I just smacked the side of the housing and the broken filament seemed to find it's way back and light up again. Lol.

NOTE VVT OIL FEED HOSE LEAK IS ONLY FOR HIGHLANDER SIENNA WITH 2GRFE ENGINE ONLY THERE IS NO RECALL FOR 3MZFE ENGINE WHICH IS SHOWN IN THE VIDEO

Please I have a question: Between a Toyota kluger 2009 and a Subaru forester 2009 which is more reliable for the off road?

Top 5 Problems Toyota Highlander SUV 1st Generation 2001-07 1. VVT Oil Feed Hose (0:20) 2. Check Engine Light After Air Filter Maintenance (0:53) 3. Failed 02 Sensors (1:20) 4. Ignition Coils (1:49) 5. Center Airbag Sensor Assembly (2:27)

Is 2006 Toyota Highlander 4wd system primarily moved by the rear tires or front tires. And which tires serves as the supporter when there is need for 4wd

I feel like this just really shows the quality of these vehicles 20+ years old and all minor easy fix problems are the most common

Thanks for the video, I owe 02 3.0L my issues are 1. Leg break light is always ON. 2. Power steering pump keeps failing. What do you advise. Thanks.

Wifes got '05 highlander limited. 6cyl. Valve cover gaskets, ignition coils, window issues and most recently a charging system issue. Battery and alternator both replaced, issue came back, both parts retested and passed, any tips?

I have a 05 Toyota highlander v6 i think my trans is going out or the transmission shift solenoid only drives in reverse and I can put it in drive when the transmission is cooled down

I would add that there has been a frequent problem with the radio system stopping its function. Usually, there is a wire on the motherboard that has burned out. Easy fix...but do not go to a mechanic. Ask a computer geek to pull out your board and replace. Shop wanted to charge me $1000 plus. Computer geek charged $30!

I have a VSC light on and the engine runs kind of week, like running on fewer cylinders, would that be the ignition coil issue?

Our 06 has 312k run great!

The vvt oil feed hose issue. Was that a possible problem on certain year?

Very minor issues that I never ran into with my 07. East fixes.

My 04 has 245k runs like a champ. Best cars

I have a 2005 I just recently started the car and it sounded really sluggish I turned it off then started it back up again and it’s been fine ever since but I notice some oil around the head gasket cover just underneath there’s a little bit of oil off to the right front spark plug area any idea what that may be or what may be the problem?

04 limited with 246k miles and has never been to the shop for repairs, only routine maintenance and normal wear and tear.

A/C heater control knob connection fails on these vehicles which you can DIY or fix it for $30.

I have an 03, with as code for lean condition on the rear bank. Sometimes it misfires but only for a few seconds (engine light flashes). But no misfire code. Just the lean code. Is that going to be bad fuel injector?

I read another review they talked about on the I4 engine that the head bolts fail and to stay away from it. I have a 2017 Highlander I4 and it's the best car I ever owned. Zero problems except changing the EGR valve due to it's location. I really liked the 2001-2006 Highlanders look and looking at one now but it's an I4.

The biggest issue of my 06, is that there are no cup holders in the front😭 but there are 6 IN THE BACK SEATS😭😭😭

What? No mention of the stripped block threads with the 4-cyl. engines? This is so bad that it requires an engine replacement if it's not addressed in time. I found out the hard way. It essentially totaled my 2005 Highlander. If Toyota had told me about this, so I could address this issue before it was too late, it could have been fixed. This destroyed my trust in Toyota.

I have a question I hope you can answer is the power steering and the air conditioner connected somehow

Any idea what a hissing sound from under driver's side could be? (2001 Highlander, v6, 220,000miles)

1st Gen Highlanders don't have the VVT-I oil control hose that ruptures, that's on the 2nd Gen Highlanders with the 3.5L V6.

HI, I HAVE A 2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SOMEONE JUST TOLD ME THERE IS OIL ON THE ENGINE ( I SAW IT) AND IT PROB MEANS I NEED HEAD GASKETS BUT IT RUNS GREAT, IS THIS AN ISSUE OR NOT FOR THE VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP ANGELA

I'm looking at one that has 190k on the v6 runs good and shifts good. Throws a CEL and a VSC light. No Trac off but just those two lights CEL and VSC. Should I run? I'm getting it for 5000

I do have a question: would bad o2 sensors cause hard shifting problems?

My 06 hyhi has 266,000. Going strong.

Have any of your highlanders have a knocking sound when starting it?

Don’t forget about the nightmare of the lower control arms

The AWD will cost a fortune to replace and to do repairs is a pain in the a**. I'll buy a Ford Expedition instead, there motor is wide open for tune-ups and repairs I can do myself. Thanks for the video.

Hola tengo una Toyota Highlander límite 2005 y se frenos de repetición no sé si es el diferencial

Which between the 3.0 & 3.5 has the timing belt or chain ?

What about rust? Esp in the Northeast?

I have one that takes way too long to shift to second gear. Everything else functions perfectly

I have a 2004 highlander with 195,000 miles on it. It’s an incredible vehicle

I bought a 2003 Highlander and getting 7 mpg. What should I check for?

Hey do you still have it? I have an 02 Highlander with 160K miles, I wanna take it to college with me (6HRS) way what to do?

Have 2001 Highlander, it has a wobble/shaking feeling around turns and at speed below 40 mph any suggestions??

2002 Highlander: Have replaced one AFR, both knock sensors and the MAF (all DIY). That's it after 22 years. Car still running like a clock.

whenever my car is a high speed then it try pull back pls what is the problem

Why is my check engine light , VSC, trac off on? Somebody said gas cap( I cleaned it) I might try 02 sensor, someone also said ABS module

Hola Tengo una Toyota highlander y se le Han Puerto Los Rotor ,caliper freno Los 4 Nuevo y todavia se le oye El mismo ruido. Clas Clas cuando yo freno y no se. que pueda ser se le an Puerto todo lo anterior 3 veces . Espero me puedas acosejar. Gracias

As long as it has a heat block and easy to get to alternator I’ll be happy

02' with 140k the transmission is junk. Rear hub assembly, Last year replaced struts that cost me $1000, exhaust $225.

How do i fix my gear it's automatic and it's stuck in 2gear it won't go back to P it just slides up

2003 highlander limited for 3500k with 212k miles. service was kept up with at dealer. worth it?

I have 2004 highlander 2.4 fwd. Sometimes car won't start.. it just makes clicky noise and the whole dash lights turn off after turning it on.. it happens in a hot weather... It drives me nuts... Anyone has a clue? It's not a car battery nor the ignition.. I've already changed all that

I am thinking to buy 2003 Toyota Highlander with 176,147 miles.. as my first car. I don't like new fancy cars. I prefer old cars like this. I am thinking will it last around 300 000 miles?

which vvti filter are you talking about in the first problem, my 2005 Toyota Highlander is not a hybrid and the vvti filters are on the other side, maybe you can tell me where to look for it and not point your finger at nothing.

Solid built vehicle

My 05 is Great car made in Japan

TANKS 🦕🌽👍👍👍💫💫💫💫💫💫💫

Dose it have a cvt transmission?

Tire pressure light stays on all the time regardless of tire pressure. Is this a common issue on 2007 Highlander?

👍

Made in Japan Highlander top 5 cars ever made.

ABS sensors exhaust manifold gaskets the infamous Toyota valve cover gaskets brake pedal switch and if you don't change the fluid in the transmission like you have a brain then something will happen to the four-speed transmissions in these. I'm not quite sure, but first gear and reverse will start whining more. I imagine because some bearing got worn out inside, all in all, these are the most rigid crossover style or independent suspension style SUVs I've seen in a long time. The v6s are fast as hell and the all-wheel drive and traction mode (4x4) work excellent.

How many o sensors a 2.4 engine have?

You totally missed the mark not including knock senors, abs light and strut mounts smh.

Yeah my 04 highlander has had way more problems than this. It is a rust bucket underneath unfortunetly.

Would you guys buy a 2003 Highlander with 144k miles for 4300?

My highlander dies while driving and I can’t figure out why no codes on dash

😂 what an expert

How much is that 2005 Toyota Highlander model

My fuel guage is not working