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

These are the top 5 problems with the 1st generation Toyota Highlander, available as model years 2001 to 2007. In this video, Andy points out potential problems that you might find on this range of Highlanders. He also offers tips and suggestions on the best ways for you to deal with the problems yourself!

Check out this playlist to learn more tips from our mechanics!

0:00 Top Problems Toyota Highlander 1st Gen 2001-07
0:20 VVT Oil Feed Hose
0:53 Check Engine Light After Air Filter Maintenance
1:20 Failed Oxygen (O2) Sensors
1:49 Ignition Coils
2:27 Center Airbag Sensor Assembly

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[mr.c]

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!!

[birdrustler]

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

[randys]

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.

[Anonymous-jisb]

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

[JustMe-clqc]

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.

[condor]

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

[Lord_Brocktree]

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

[ralphstadler]

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!!

[jamesbuchwalter]

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.

[dankasttoris]

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

[flaircraft]

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).

[JesusPaidItAll]

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)

[Suns]

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.

[jmass]

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

[cbfrmcrystalave]

My Highlander at 205, 000 still running strong!

[jbgpcc]

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.

[RubbinRobbin]

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.

[bfar]

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.

[dvant]

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.