Toyota Highlander 2001–2007 problems by year and mileage
1st generation (XU20)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20262,089 complaints, 1,633 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2001 Toyota Highlander
Close- Median failure report
- 58,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 137
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2001
- Visibility equipment23 reports
- Engine and its cooling system17 reports
- Hydraulic brake circuit15 reports
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2002 Toyota Highlander
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 301
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2002
- Visibility equipment123 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control31 reports
- Body structure24 reports
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Fuel system, gasoline — storage
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2003 Toyota Highlander
Close- Median failure report
- 94,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 258
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2003
- Engine and its cooling system46 reports · median 106,000 mi
- Engine41 reports · median 115,000 mi
- Visibility equipment31 reports
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Wheels
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Toyota Highlander
Close- Median failure report
- 53,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 286
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2004
- Transmission and driveline58 reports · median 10,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control40 reports · median 38,000 mi
- Steering35 reports
Recall areas Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control — accelerator pedal · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Toyota Highlander
Close- Median failure report
- 56,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 225
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2005
- Transmission and driveline51 reports · median 45,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control39 reports
- Steering27 reports
Recall areas Seats — front assembly · Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control — accelerator pedal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Toyota Highlander
Close- Median failure report
- 83,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 648
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2006
- Brakes147 reports · median 144,000 mi
- Electrical system100 reports · median 114,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control76 reports · median 55,000 mi
Recall areas Seats — front assembly · Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Engine and engine cooling
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Toyota Highlander
Close- Median failure report
- 89,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 234
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2007
- Brakes57 reports · median 112,000 mi
- Electrical system51 reports · median 110,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control31 reports
Recall areas Seats — front assembly · Hybrid propulsion system — inverter · Electrical system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2003; earliest: the 2004, and the 2003 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2001–2007 Toyota Highlander reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 73,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 151,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 1,633
- Recalls
- 15
Most reported
- Throttle and speed control12.4% of complaints · median 52,000 mi
- Visibility equipment11.8% of complaints · median 61,000 mi
- Brakes11.2% of complaints · median 130,000 mi
Owners filed 2,089 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001–2007 Toyota Highlander; throttle and speed control leads with 12.4% of them, and half of the 1,633 that record an odometer reading came by 73,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 36,000 to 115,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2001–2007 Toyota Highlander last?
On the 2001–2007 Toyota Highlander, half of the 1,633 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 73,000 miles and 90% by 151,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
189 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 52 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Highlander reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Toyota Highlander 2001–2007 · 1,633 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 138 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 52 complaints (3.2%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 6,500
- 25%
- 36,000
- Median
- 73,000
- 75%
- 115,000
- 90%
- 151,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 138 | 8.5% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 47 | 2.9% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 39 | 2.4% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 44 | 2.7% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 29 | 1.8% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 45 | 2.8% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 41 | 2.5% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 53 | 3.2% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 57 | 3.5% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 54 | 3.3% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 70 | 4.3% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 58 | 3.6% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 62 | 3.8% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 49 | 3.0% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 46 | 2.8% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 42 | 2.6% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 45 | 2.8% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 46 | 2.8% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 40 | 2.4% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 48 | 2.9% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 66 | 4.0% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 56 | 3.4% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 40 | 2.4% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 35 | 2.1% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 44 | 2.7% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 42 | 2.6% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 30 | 1.8% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 28 | 1.7% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 26 | 1.6% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 24 | 1.5% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 34 | 2.1% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 13 | 0.8% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 17 | 1.0% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 14 | 0.9% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 13 | 0.8% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 15 | 0.9% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 13 | 0.8% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 7 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 6 | 0.4% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 5 | 0.3% |
| 200,000+ | 52 | 3.2% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Highlander problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Toyota Highlander 2001–2007
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Hydraulic brake circuit153 reportsmedian 42,000middle half 10,000–67,000
- Throttle and speed control260 reportsmedian 52,000middle half 27,000–95,000
- Transmission and driveline202 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 7,500–99,000
- Visibility equipment246 reportsmedian 61,000middle half 42,000–89,000
- Engine and its cooling system168 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 40,000–114,000
- Electrical system227 reportsmedian 102,000middle half 56,000–132,000
- Brakes233 reportsmedian 130,000middle half 92,000–167,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Throttle and speed control | 260 | 12.4% | 52,000 | 27,000–95,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 246 | 11.8% | 61,000 | 42,000–89,000 |
| Brakes | 233 | 11.2% | 130,000 | 92,000–167,000 |
| Electrical system | 227 | 10.9% | 102,000 | 56,000–132,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 202 | 9.7% | 55,000 | 7,500–99,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 168 | 8.0% | 75,000 | 40,000–114,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 153 | 7.3% | 42,000 | 10,000–67,000 |
| Engine | 131 | 6.3% | 108,000 | 90,000–140,000 |
| Steering | 120 | 5.7% | 59,000 | 43,000–115,000 |
| Body structure | 83 | 4.0% | 52,000 | 7,000–98,000 |
Known problems with the 2001–2007 Highlander
Engine 2001–2003
1MZ-FE V6 oil gelling/sludge: the crankcase ventilation and oil return design allowed sludge to form and block oil passages, causing bearing and camshaft damage. Toyota ran an Oil Gel Customer Support Program covering the affected engine family.
Engine
2AZ-FE four-cylinder excessive oil consumption from piston ring design, and stripped cylinder head bolt threads in the aluminium block causing head gasket failure.
Before you buy a 2001–2007 Highlander: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,633 mileage-tagged complaints, 15 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2001–2003 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine.
- Years differ here: from 137 to 648 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Highlander problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi41% below | At 90k mi59% below | At 120k mi77% below | At 150k mi88% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Throttle and speed control | 27,000–95,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Visibility equipment | 42,000–89,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 92,000–167,000 | later | later | in window | in window | earlier |
| Electrical system | 56,000–132,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 7,500–99,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 40,000–114,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 10,000–67,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Toyota Highlander 2001–2007 · 1,633 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 41% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 59% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 77% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 88% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2001–2007 Toyota Highlander recalls (15)
NHTSA records 15 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around equipment (3), seats (2), throttle and speed control (2) (why one area can repeat).
Jun 2016 · 2005–2007 · SeatsIf damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011…
What can happen. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact…
Nov 2014 · 2006–2007 · SeatsDamage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and…
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4…
What can happen. Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected…
Sep 2013 · 2006–2007 · Hybrid Propulsion SystemThe vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power…
What can happen. The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the…
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by…
Nov 2011 · 2004–2006 · Engine and Engine CoolingIn some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, Highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 Highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 Lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 Lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from june 1, 2004 through…
What can happen. In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of…
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the u.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no…
Jun 2011 · 2006–2007 · Electrical SystemThe vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Highlander hybrid and Lexus rx400h passenger cars manufactured from february 16, 2005, through august 30, 2006. A module inside the inverter module may contain inadequately soldered transistors that during…
What can happen. The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the…
The free fix. Toyota/Lexus mailed an interim owner notification on july 19, 2011 to advise owners of this recall and the fact that they will receive a future notice when parts become available to complete repairs.…
Feb 2011 · 2004–2006 · Vehicle Speed ControlIf this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Highlander, Highlander hybrid, and model year 2004-2007 Lexus rx330, rx350, and rx400h vehicles. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center…
What can happen. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than return to the idle position. A stuck accelerator pedal may result in unintended and…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free or charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Oct 2010 · 2004–2006 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 Highlander, model year 2004-2006 Lexus rx, and model year 2006 Lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system…
What can happen. A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and…
Feb 2010 · 2006–2007 · EquipmentA driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying…
What can happen. A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact…
Feb 2010 · 2005–2007 · EquipmentThis does not meet the standard requirements.
The defect. Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008…
What can happen. This does not meet the standard requirements.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…
Jun 2009 · 2006 · EquipmentIncorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing…
The defect. Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from september 1, 2005 to may 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor…
What can happen. Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2009. Owners may contact Toyota…
Jul 2006 · 2004–2006 · Vehicle Speed ControlThis condition may interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of…
The defect. On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with…
What can happen. This condition may interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the two floor carpet cover retaining clips free of charge. The recall began on july 24, 2006, and should be completed by early september 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at…
Apr 2004 · 2001–2004 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesThis condition could allow the door to be opened with the inside while the operator believes that the cpl was…
The defect. Certain sport utility vehicles have a child protection lock (cpl) system on both of the rear side doors. When an operator of the vehicle closes the door very hard with the cpl lever set to the lock position, there is a possibility that the lever may contact…
What can happen. This condition could allow the door to be opened with the inside while the operator believes that the cpl was activated. If the door were opened from the inside while the vehicle was in motion, an…
The free fix. Dealers will shorten the cpl lever. Owner notification began may 7, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Dec 2002 · 2003 · WheelsIf the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the wheel nuts provided for the upgrade alloy…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with five factory alloy wheels (model 6934 and 6936), with factory llat, and with port installed wr4, four alloy wheel upgrade processed at the jacksonville, florida port and distributed by southeast Toyota…
What can happen. If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the wheel nuts provided for the upgrade alloy wheel, damage to the wheel could result and could eventually lead to a loose wheel.
The free fix. Owners will be provided with different style lug nuts, a warning label for the spare re/alloy wheel, and an owner's manual addendum.
Jul 2002 · 2001–2002 · Fuel System, GasolineIn the worst case, nozzle breakage could result in fuel leakage if the vehicle rolls-over after a high speed…
The defect. On sport utility vehicles, there is a breather hose that attaches to the nozzle of the on-board refueling vapor recovery (orvr) valve, which is located on the topside of the fuel tank. The breather hose is attached with a clamp, whose "tabs" face in the…
What can happen. In the worst case, nozzle breakage could result in fuel leakage if the vehicle rolls-over after a high speed frontal crash.
The free fix. Dealers will rotate the specified clamp. Owner notification began september 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Jul 2001 · 2001 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThe increased pedal stroke will lengthen the stopping distance of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Vehicle description: sport utiity vehicles. The reservoir filler cap of the brake master cylinder may induce a vacuum, introducing some air into the brake master cylinder reservoir. This could cause abnormal brake noise and increased pedal stroke when the…
What can happen. The increased pedal stroke will lengthen the stopping distance of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will bleed the air from the brake lines and replace the reservoir filler cap. Owner notification began july 30, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 2,089 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 231 (11.1%)
- Fires
- 30
- Injury reports
- 100
- Fatality reports
- 5
Highlander problems by model year
The 2006 drew the most complaints of this generation, 648, most of them about the brakes, and the 2001 the fewest, 137. A typical year drew about 258.
That makes the 2006 stand out at roughly 2.5 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 137 | 80 | 58,000 | Visibility equipment (23) | 3 |
| 2002 | 301 | 204 | 70,000 | Visibility equipment (123) | 2 |
| 2003 | 258 | 213 | 94,000 | Engine and its cooling system (46) | 2 |
| 2004 | 286 | 235 | 53,000 | Transmission and driveline (58) | 5 |
| 2005 | 225 | 171 | 56,000 | Transmission and driveline (51) | 6 |
| 2006 | 648 | 533 | 83,000 | Brakes (147) | 11 |
| 2007 | 234 | 197 | 89,000 | Brakes (57) | 6 |
What Highlander owners reported
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to decelerate while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that excessive pressure was needed on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The ABS and ESC warning lights were illuminated. In…
2006 · 195,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the "Check Hybrid System", "Check AWD", and "Check…
2006 · 150,000 miles · Hybrid propulsion system
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle was purchased from a private seller on Facebook Marketplace on 9/3/2025. The mileage at the time of purchase was 129,950. The contact wanted a larger vehicle and called another dealer on Facebook Marketplace to trade the vehicle and was provided…
2007 · 299,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was on a lift at the independent mechanic, it was discovered that the rear subframe was rusted. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
2005 · 150,000 miles · Body structure
Built from 1,633 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Highlander generations
- Highlander 2008–2013 1,267 reports with mileage, most about the brakes
- Highlander 2014–2019 688 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Highlander 2020–2025 181 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline