- Most common Toyota Highlander problems
- What should owners do when faced with a massive oil leak?
- How do owners address the airbag light coming on in Toyota Highlander?
- The third most common Toyota Highlander problem is an easy fix
- Is the Toyota Highlander a reliable midsize SUV?
- Is the Toyota Highlander a good midsize SUV?
The Toyota Highlander is one of the most reliable and useful SUVs for families. The latest version offers a hybrid variant that can be perfect for long commutes and family adventures. The Highlander includes three rows of seats to be a versatile midsize SUV, making it a great option. With all the positives of this SUV, you’ll still want to know about the most common Toyota Highlander problems.
Most common Toyota Highlander problems
Toyota has a strong reputation for reliability, and one of the top vehicles to wear that badge is the Highlander. Still, RepairPal has collected the data to show us the most common issues owners face with this SUV. These problems are:
- Massive oil leak and loss of oil pressure – reported by 144 owners
- Airbag light due to problematic center airbag sensor – reported by 67 owners
- Check engine light due to hose off of air filter housing – reported by 63 people
Considering the high number of Highlander models on the road, the numbers are pretty low, making this Toyota SUV a highly reliable vehicle.
What should owners do when faced with a massive oil leak?
The oil leak or loss of oil pressure occurs in Toyota Highlander SUVs when the VVT-I oil line bursts. This can be a large leak, covering the ground and undercarriage in oil. If this problem occurs while driving, the SUV must be towed home or to a repair shop.
To repair this issue, a mechanic must replace the oil line, and thoroughly clean the engine bay and undercarriage. This problem has shown mostly in Highlanders with more than 120,000 miles on the odometer.
How do owners address the airbag light coming on in Toyota Highlander?
One of the most common Toyota Highlander problems is the airbag light coming on due to a problematic center airbag sensor. If this occurs, owners are urged to bring their midsize SUVs to a repair shop to have a diagnostic test performed. This problem could mean the center airbag sensor needs replacing. Typically this problem appears after 120,000 miles.
The third most common Toyota Highlander problem is an easy fix
If the hose comes off the air filter housing while changing the air filter, the check engine light will illuminate. Before taking the Highlander to a repair shop to pay for a diagnostic test to learn the fix was reattaching the hose, check this hose to see if that’s the problem. This is especially important for owners that maintain their Toyota Highlander themselves.
Is the Toyota Highlander a reliable midsize SUV?
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Toyota
The Toyota Highlander receives a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal. This places the Highlander seventh out of 26 models for the midsize SUV class. This ranking is based on three factors which are:
- Cost – The Toyota Highlander’s average annual repair and maintenance costs are $489 compared to $573 for midsize SUVs.
- Frequency – Highlander owners bring their vehicles to the repair shop for unscheduled repairs 0.33 times per year compared to 0.4 for the class.
- Severity – The probability of severe repairs for the Toyota Highlander is 13% compared to 13% for midsize SUVs.
Is the Toyota Highlander a good midsize SUV?
2023 Toyota Highlander | Toyota
U.S. News & World Report ranks the Highlander 14th out of 22 midsize SUVs. This doesn’t take away from this Toyota SUVs’ upmarket cabin, spacious and comfortable seating in the first two rows, and updated infotainment system. Consumers typically find a composed and confident ride in the Highlander.
On the negative side of things, the new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine drones loudly when pushed hard, and the third row is a cramped and small space better left for kids.
Next, check out the efficiency of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, or learn more about the 2023 Toyota Highlander in this video below:
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Keyword: 3 Most Common Toyota Highlander Problems Reported by Hundreds of Real Owners