Uh huh I have a 2005 Toyota Highlander with over 300k on it same engine same transmission all I have had to do was change out the shocks, battery, tires and do my regular oil and transmission fluid changes and I also have a 09 Toyota Highlander that has 200k on it with 0 problems and the fact that you put the Highlander is Toyota’s worst vehicle is just ridiculous! You couldn’t give me a Ford, Fiat Chrysler, GM or even a Honda.
Never disrespect the Toyota Highlander like that ever again. We’ve put +200k miles on mine and it still works amazing. It’s been totaled and salvaged. It’s hauled boats and has towed many other vehicles out of sticky situations. From my experience the 1st gen Toyota Highlander is a an absolute tank. It’s not very impressive off-road but it’ll get the job done. Never, ever disrespect the Toyota Highlander like this ever again.
Never😑 I am from Jamaica we drive on the left for our cars are right hand. I own the Toyota Kluger (the right hand version of the HighLander) and it gives me noooo issues none!
Sorry brother, certain models of Toyota Highlanders really aren't good. Maybe I should get a 1998 to 2000 model and not worry about the gas mileage. 💯☮️
I have well over 260K miles on it and I still smoke people who under estimate the actual power, consistency and reliability… still a awesome car though I’ve done repair on it over the years
@@ethanweed4203 absolutely bro, I’ve smoked so many people that thought that their new grocery getter was faster. The power, consistency, and reliability of the Highlander is impressive to say the least
20 years now on our 2001 v6 with 150K. The FR door lock fell in the door last week, otherwise absolutely no problems (btw this car lives outdoors 24/7 in TUCSON).
Total BS ! One of the most reliable Toyota models. A good friend of mine has an 06’ with 348,221 Kms. No issues other than regular maintenance items such as brakes, exhaust and service.
Yeah the 3.0 is better just because of the fact that it's non interference. If the timing belt snaps in the 3.3 you have a dead engine. If it snaps on the 3.0 the engine will just die and cut off.
I had my my 2007 highlander engine with 189k swapped with the same 3.3l v6 from a 2017 highlander with 57k and the transmission feels a little funky now sometimes and I’m not sure if I should be concerned or not. I killed the first engine barreling through a puddle like a jackass. Mines a 4x4 and I have thrashed it pretty good in it’s lifetime but I’m worried the transmissions been too broken in with the old engine or if it’s just on its way out after a hard life of a total 200k driven
Just for clarity, an entire model and year of vehicle is condemned because of the experience with ONE individual car bought at auction, in complete disregard for long-standing reports of overall reliability by professional organizations? Do I have it right?
I got an 07 that has 218,000 miles on it with no problems outside of 2 dealer recalls. The most reliable vehicle I've ever had. But of course I didn't buy it at an auction.
Lucky man. Hopefully you'll get 300,000 plus miles without any major problems. I bought the 2006 hybrid version. Bad idea and it cost $ me in the long run. 😓😮
I have an '05 V6 Highlander at 240k+, and it's still a Beast -- totally reliable -- other than fluid changes and new tires -- requires no maintenance. Where I live in N. California, there are LOTS of first generation Highlanders still on the road -- attesting to their longevity and reliability. Not only is the first generation Highlander generally reliable -- but the Highlander brand overall makes the lists of top 10 most reliable vehicles.
Thanks for the undeserved trashing of the ‘01-‘07 Highlanders, so whenever my 2004 dies, I may be able to get another just like it for even less money. After 244k miles over 48 states, across southern Canada, and Alaska to Georgia in the winter with no significant problems, I’ll gladly buy another of the same model year, unless it outlives me, which is likely. Any owner or dealer will tell you the tranny hesitancy characteristics are the norm for this spectacular SUV - it’s not a problem. It improves if one resets the computer (disconnect/reconnect battery) then drives like a bat out of hell as I do, so it relearns your driving habits. The only AC problem I ever had was a freon leak that took 3x to fix-3rd third time a charm. After 15 years, my LCD panel faded but still shows what I need. My cats died around 150k miles, then replaced around 200k miles because I was tired of seeing the check engine light (it still ran great!). I had a problem with one of the belts that came loose and scored the housing near the water pump - easily and inexpensively repaired/replaced on the road again next day. Awesome SUV - I’ve passed many a vehicle that slid off icy/snowy roads while my tank never missed a beat with my Goodyear Triple Treads. Best investment ever.
Everybody wants to buy used Highlanders. The ONLY Highlanders that get to the auction are abused or with chronic problems. The vast majority are quickly sold by their owners. You're painting with a very wide brush. My '04 has 179,745 miles on it and I would drive it anywhere. If you maintain them, they last a LONG time.
Purchased an 01 Highlander from neighbor for $500. Its the fwd model with a 2.4l. Was very neglected mechanically but inside and under side pristine. Used either OEM or quality parts only. Best vehicle ever. I'd like to find another one. Wife's 03 Toyota Camry with same engine, that we got for free, still runs strong also. Gotta love Toyota.
I see where you are coming from I really do. We have just had multiple of this particular year model have problems. We also have had a few earlier year models be almost perfect!
Mines been totaled and salvaged and has been wrecked multiple times (my sister likes to text and drive) and it still works amazing. The 1st gen Toyota Highlander is nigh-unkillable
Regarding the AC: my eyebrows raised as well when I heard the many misses on the control unit in this video, so I went to check the Toyota official parts site and I can see why he and Toyota staff are having so much trouble, there are indeed 3 different part numbers for the same part and they all say they work for this model. I then went to the service manual and it provides no other clarification of how to use the different parts. I checked the wiring diagrams and depending on your setup, the ECU/BCM/air bag sensor/gateway ecu (if you have one) are all involved in the signaling. So if someone has replaced a part with an unmatched part, which the Toyota documentation does not clarify, this could cause the malfunction and be tricky. If you don't have the proprietary Techstream Toyota computer to check the Toyota specific DTC codes, I'd suspect what he did that the control unit (AC amplifier) was to blame. So my strategy would be to get the Toyota scanner to check for proprietary DTCs, then troubleshoot down the wiring/signal path. So for this issue, I would say there's nothing wrong with the Highlander, but there is a problem with the Toyota technical documentation for the HVAC system for this model. ...I've never heard of the AC not funtioning as a pattern problem like this for the highlander, so I think this is probably an isolated incident. What is an issue for the Highlander HVAC though is the encoder knobs (for temp and fan). The wires on the circuit board break connecting the knobs. It's an easy fix pulling the headunit apart and soldering them back on. Regarding the transmission: if I had 4 transmissions from the same year and model have the same issue I'd question the quality too. But given the rest of the internet has not had that issue regularly, this is probably just incredibly bad luck. So maybe the title of the video should have had a question mark after it and that would have stopped the ire of those commenting. Toyota advises that the transmission fluid does not need to be changed on regular intervals, and Phoenix is hot, and these are auction cars, so perhaps the owners drove the cars hard, incorrectly in low gear, burned up the fluid, never checked the condition of the fluid (which Toyota does say to do on regular intervals) which then killed the clutch packs. I like the suggestion to check the transmission filter; I'll keep that in mind if my 07 Highlander starts to shudder.
I found a really nice high mile 04 highlander limited for $3900 brought it home got it inspected and passed emissions no problem. Took it next door to get an estimate on some stone chips on the hood. They took care of it on the spot. Wednesday I got it tinted. Now I’m just gonna drive it to keep the miles off my Tacoma. I got lucky cause I can’t find no issues on my minty 04 with 230k miles.
I have a 2009 Highlander S and it has over 217k miles on it and STILL going. I love the Highlander so much and I've had this thing in my family since 2009.
My 04 transmission "shutters"... but I got used to it. 100,000 miles later, it STILL shutters exactly the same but has NOT gotten worse. Also... it has always had a problem with the dials to the heat/ac control not holding the temp. All I do is move the dial a little one way or the other and it readjusts itself. All in all, I LOVE my 04 Highlander V6
My transmission does the same thing and look u can fix the middle temperature nob pull it off and there is a little nut just tighten it put the nob back on and it’s good as new no more wiggling or going from hot to cold
It’s not a slip, it’s a shift issue. Most people with these cars learn to drive the car so it doesn’t do it. I’ve heard it can be remedied with a trans ecu flash. My car does it occasionally but it’s not bad at all.
I just bought an 07 v6 with 110k and the transmission is a little wonky. I have done some digging online and it seems like this is just kinda the way they drive. I hope that is the case
I think I know what you’re referring to. I’ve been driving my 05 highlander for 5 years and going from 2nd to 3rd (or maybe it’s 1st to 2nd haha) gear it does hiccup but I never really notice it anymore cause I think I subconsciously accelerate a specific way so it doesn’t do it. I’ve never really thought about it until I read your comment cause I’ve learned the way it likes to be drive a long time ago. Or maybe you’re referring to something else I didn’t really watch this video the whole way thru. Interesting stuff regardless.
I have almost 200k miles on my highlander. It’s been through two crashes (one which bent the frame) and it keeps on going. I have absolutely zero issues with it. It is a beautiful car. I’ve driven it since I was 16 and drove it for my license. I’m 22 now, still have it and now it’s in my name. Never disrespect a highlander
In Australia these are called a Toyota Kluger. Mine just turned 20. I cannot explain how much I love this car. It is amazing on rough rural roads yet great in traffic.
04 with almost 175,000. Minor repairs along the way. GREAT vehicle. Super reliable. I intend to keep it until it doesn't run anymore. Regular maintenance is really all it requires. This guy bought beat up, non maintenanced, likely repo'd, vehicles at auction and thinks they'll be perfect. 🙄
Obviously the general consensus states that this video is complete bs. My guess is it wasn’t well maintained. Any car is a pile of junk if it’s not properly maintained. I Have an 05 highlander limited that has towed boats, pulled buddies out of ditches, driven across states, and never leaves me stranded. One of the most reliable vehicles Toyota has put out and that’s no small feat. The biggest issue I’ve ever had is an ac condenser that went out at 175k miles. Hardly a difficult fix. Now we’re coming up on 200k and we just took it across two and a half states and back. 16 hours of driving at 80-90 mph and not a single hiccup. Not bad for a car that’s almost old enough to vote…
My wife has a 2003 with 170k miles on it, and it has had less issues than my 2014 Silverado, which is at 130k miles. The only thing I've had to do is replace a carrier bearing on the driveshaft, and it's a Wisconsin car.
I had an 07, drove it 138K and still just as tight with everything working perfectly when I traded up for a newer one with side air bags. Just don't buy junk from auction.
I had a friend who moved overseas due to deployment and brought his first gen hybrid with him. It’s survived decades of work and abuse and never have him any problems. Brilliant car IMO.
You can tell this guy like his Fords 😂 Practically 90% of all Toyota cars are reliable. Had a ‘93 Camry with almost 380k miles. Don’t talk out of your ass if you’ve personally never owned one.
That’s too bad you had that issue. My 07 with 229k is fine. Regular service, 2 fender benders, stolen cat no issues. Also, maybe get to the point sooner good video!
The cat was stolen? Aren't each of them mounted in the engine bay, 1 up front and the other in the rear of the engine? The thief still did the work to cut them off?
This video is like a joke. I have 07 Highlander at 187,000 mile and sill runs like a brand new car. It has no any single issue at all. Sorry dealer, I do not agree with you as other users.
with my 2007 highlander, i changed a power steering hose, window motor, door lock actuator at less than 40k miles.....now at 80k miles the engine has rattling sound when cold....the noise is less when i started using 0-30 oil.......finding few metal shavings when changing oil...my 99 camry with 130k miles has zero issue
We've put 440,000kms on ours, first generation hybrid one at that, only now is it getting some issues and it's just normal worn suspension issues, nothing out of the ordinary for how many kms on it lol 440,000kms of offroading, snowboarding trips, ice, salt, snow, dirt, tonnes of long drives and mountain climbs in all types of crap weather. It's been an unassuming beast and jack of all trades for us. I love it.
I have a 2003 Toyota Highlander limited with almost 200k. AC works fine and transmissions all good. only sometimes when its really really cold the clamp holding the power steering hose will snap. who else has this problem?
Ive bought an 07 highlander with the 2.4 brand new. Still have it with 189k miles and the first problem ive ever had was the starter last week! And only took me 35 minutes to replace myself. What a great car its been.
The problem is with the engine controle unit. Use a scanner and go in the menu of the transmission, do a reset and then you have to follow a few steps. Wanna know more? Just reply
@@Rainier279 Sure I want to know more. You said “use a scanner” Which scanner? Is it affordable? Are You suggesting the Toyota keeps secrets maybe both engine and transmission? Secrets from showing up on the check engine light? Got secrets?
I have an 06 highlander and it had around 158k on it when I got it and I thought the transmission was starting to slip too turns out it just needed new motor and transmission mounts which was part of the jerking issue also replaced the spark plugs because that had never been done and it runs perfect no issues
I have an 05 Highlander with over 200k miles on it. I absolutely love it. Never had any major issues. It’s extremely easy to work on. Over the years, I’ve replaced the drive shaft, rear hub assemblies and more. Despite the car spending it’s whole life in Cleveland Ohio, it still runs like the day it was bought. Whenever it finally dies, I’ll be buying a new Toyota. They build their vehicles to last.
I have an ‘05 Limited with 181,000 miles, runs great, transmission has a very slight slip every now and then very minute problem. My issue is the sunroof drains, always clogging and causing spillage into my interior, and the front of hood at lip paint chips extremely easy.
I have a 2001 Highlander Limited with 270,000 miles with original transmission. Engine is still strong. Only issue is the paint on the roof is fading from the GA sun. Incredible car!
@@alibabaschultz352 no, but since my post i have had an issue with the low gears of my transmission. Transmission fluid has never been changed. Now I have to decide to replace the transmission or get rid of it. One of my favorite cars I have ever owned.
As for the Transmissions.. Did you drain the transmission fluid, remove the transmission pan and transmission filter, clean the transmission pan, change the filter and refill with fresh transmission fluid? May have to also drain the torque converter if it is possible. For me that solved any transmission problems I have ever had.
I have a toyota 2004 highlander that my stepdad for cash brand new, and he left it to me when he passed away in 2013, it is 2022 and I have never had ONE single issue with this car it is the BEST car I have ever owned ! I love my car !
My dad has an 07 Highlander that was bought used, then he drove it as a taxi driver. It has no engine problems whatsoever and has 278,000 miles right now. That Highlander you have must’ve not been taken care of.
Have you done a transmission drain refill? Transmission recalibration? There is a filter on transmission change that. The ac issue easy. Call dealer get the part number from matching the vin. Then call wrecking yard and find out. Usually in the front of the radio on the edge there is a model number of the Toyota radio you need. Just match up.
I have tried to call the dealer but they have messed up twice! I have not done that tranny filter swap! Thats a great idea though. I could totally see the filter getting clogged and the hydraulic pressures getting reduced and then that causing it to just barely slip.
I have 2004 highlander 4cyl until now its in perfect condition,i did not encounter any issue except malfunction climate control switch,when u turn it on it blows only hot,then i brought it to dealership they diagnose it they say its a major issue and quotes me $3000,,,i bring it back home and try to check it,i found out the aircon switch wires were fuckup,since wires were to tiny to solder them back i went to compuuter repair shop charge only $100 now when i used it its freakin cold
The transmission thing sounds just like my 2012 Camry. It's got 180,000 miles on it and has been slipping or shuttering. Whatever you want to call it for years. Never gotten worse. Just always been there. Also, my mom's 2007 FJ with 250k on it has been shuttering since the day she bought it with 50k. There's something not right about these transmissions but they still last even doing that.
It is possible you got a few bad ones due to customers not changing the transmission fluid. The solenoid gets messed up if the trans fluid isn't changed. These Highlanders are built to such high precision standards, that its IMPERATIVE to do regular SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. if done, YOU WILL GET OVER 300,000 miles from these vehicles.
Mine has 422,000km and still no issues other than regular maintenance. I have the older 3.0 with the 5 speed.Definitely the most reliable generation of the highlander.
Man I bought one of these of this guy a while back I needed a car so I went ahead and took it off the guys hands i read so many great reviews about this first gen highlanders well long story short the guy sold me a bad one with alot of problems so i just went ahead and fixed everything on it and it's been the best car I've ever owned there awesome
bought my 05' last week, 4wd , paid $5300 , 140K miles , here's what went wrong on the way home , VSC engine check light came on , 2 passenger windows stopped working , a/c stopped working except when on outside air , cruise control doesn't work, roof window is dead , oh , and the drive shaft took a crap 2 miles from the house , ... screw Toyota ,
What are you saying if have one and it is working perfectly fine and it is fast and smooth no transmission issue may be it is the one you bought that is spoilt
He didn't specify if it was the All Wheel Drive model or not. If it is, you have to keep an eye on the tire pressure. Different tire pressures in the wheels can damage the transfer case. Buying it used, well, it may have that damage.
I'm going to guess you bought them at an auction, and just like many auction vehicles, the maintenance was neglected. Your mediocre mechanic noticed the transmission fuid war filthy dirty, so he stupidly changed it, and you noticed the noise. Never. And I repeat NEVER, change dirty high mileage transmission fluid.
I think I heard certain 1st gens, I believe later year first gens had a transmission programming error causing a slight hesitation. I believe Toyota has an updated programing for it, Toyota should be able to update it if the owner before your auction never did. No recal btw, service bulletin I believe
2001-2004 3.0 engine, potential engine issues. Hybrids if older could present some concerns. 2005-2007 updated to 3.3 engine which took care of the potential oil issues of the 3.0. I have owned a 2003 and did religious oil changes and replaced the pcv valve to avoid the oil issues. Awesome car!!! Just outgrew. Brother in law had a 2005 3.3 v6 non-hybrid and amazing! Still going and over 225k. Transmission issues in 2005 has raised some flags, but I’ve not seen it with our limited history. A/C and heat can have issues with wiring that jiggles loose over time. I soldered mine for $12 and put back together as I found the vid on RU-vid and issues on forums. In CO, there are a lot of 1st gens and miles are 180-270k easily. As a dealership… ugh, legit, this would suck on what is describe in the vid.
im driving 2004 100T miles plus and i named her dimple coz my daughter think its a bump car , still its running. In fairness its just bad apple mix to a good one. The slip on the transmission probably bcoz of too much change of trans oil or late change of trans oil. Or been flush at above 150 miles.
There are two different transmissions in this generation of Highlander, 2001-2003 have a 4 speed, 2004-2007 have a 5 speed. I'd like to know the model numbers of the AWD transmissions, it's not so easy to figure out.
