The Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV has a lot going for it, including its roomy interior, smooth ride and plenty of useful features. Also, like most other Toyota vehicles, it is reliable. However, no vehicle is completely immune to problems. Here are the three most common Toyota Highlander problems reported by many real owners.
What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?
To find out the most common problems with the Toyota Highlander, we looked at the analysis provided by RepairPal, which collects data from vehicles from real owners. RepairPal’s method of determining vehicle reliability is advantageous. While some car appraisers rely on their own tests for the Highlander and other models for reliability analysis, using information provided by owners is more reflective of real-world scenarios.
Here are the three most common Toyota Highlander problems reported by owners:
- Large oil leak and loss of oil pressure
- Air bag light illuminated due to a faulty center air bag sensor
- Check engine light illuminated due to hose outside air cleaner housing
While most Highlander models are not affected by these issues, there were some common ones. Let’s take a closer look to explore these issues in more detail.
The most common problem with the Toyota Highlander is a large oil leak and loss of oil pressure
The most common Toyota Highlander problem reported by actual owners is a large oil leak and loss of oil pressure, according to data from RepairPal. The reason this is a common problem is that the midsize SUV’s VVT-i oil line has been known to blow. And when it breaks, there’s a massive oil leak, with oil covering the engine, landing gear and floor.
This problem is most severe while driving the Highlander. If the oil line bursts while you are on the road, the engine oil pressure and low engine oil warnings will illuminate. And if you continue to drive after these warnings, there will be total engine failure due to oil loss.
Due to the frequency of the defective VVT-i oil line, Toyota issued a revised part. However, the revised part has been affected by the same problem. To fix the problem, you need to replace the oil line. Also, with the large oil leak, the landing gear and engine bay need to be cleaned.
Air bag light illuminated due to a faulty center air bag sensor
The second most common problem reported by Toyota Highlander owners is the airbag light flashing due to a faulty central airbag sensor. This problem is an easy fix as it only requires replacing the airbag sensor.
Check engine light illuminated due to hose outside air cleaner housing
The other common problem for the Toyota Highlander is the check engine light coming on as a result of the hose coming out of the air cleaner housing. This problem occurs after changing the air filter. The hose easily breaks from the air filter housing, which is a component of the emission control system. While driving the midsize SUV with the hose disconnected, the check engine light illuminates. Rectifying this problem only requires reconnecting the hose.
How reliable is the Toyota Highlander and is it expensive to maintain and repair?
According to RepairPal, the Toyota Highlander is “above average” for reliability. It has a reliability score of four out of five. In a field of 26 midsize SUVs the automotive site evaluated, the Highlander is the seventh most reliable.
In addition, the Highlander is less expensive to repair compared to most mid-size SUVs. Its average annual repair cost is $489.
