3 Most Common Toyota Highlander Problems Reported by Many Real Owners
The Toyota Highlander midsize SUV has many things going for it, including its roomy interior, smooth ride, and many useful features. Also, like most other Toyota vehicles, it’s reliable. However, no vehicle is completely immune from issues. 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 for the Toyota Highlander, we looked at the analysis provided by RepairPal, which collects vehicle data from real owners. RepairPal’s method of determining vehicle reliability is advantageous. While some automotive evaluators rely on their own testing for the Highlander and other models for the reliability analysis — utilizing 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
- Illuminated airbag light due to defective center airbag sensor
- Illuminated check engine light due to hose off of air filter housing
While most Highlander models are not affected by these issues, these were the most common ones. Let’s take a close look to explore these problems in greater detail.
The most common Toyota Highlander problem is a large oil leak and loss of oil pressure
The most common Toyota Highlander problem reported by real owners is a large oil leak and loss of oil pressure — according to RepairPal data. The reason why this is a common issue is the VVT-i oil line in the midsize SUV is known to burst. When it ruptures, a massive oil leak results, with the oil covering the engine, undercarriage, and ground.
This problem is the most serious while driving the Highlander. If the oil line bursts while on the road, the engine oil pressure and low engine oil warnings will illuminate. And if you keep driving after these warnings, there will be a complete engine failure because of the loss of oil.
Due to the frequency of the defective VVT-i oil line, Toyota issued a revised part. However, the revised part has been plagued by the same problem. To rectify the issue, you must get the oil line placed. Also, with the large oil leak, the undercarriage and engine bay must be cleaned.
Illuminated airbag light due to defective center airbag sensor
The second most frequent issue reported by owners of the Toyota Highlander is the airbag light shining because of a faulty center airbag sensor. This issue is an easy fix, for it only requires the replacement of the airbag sensor.
Illuminated check engine light due to hose off of air filter housing
The other common problem for the Toyota Highlander is the check engine light illuminating as a result of the hose off of the air filter housing. This issue occurs after changing the air filter. The hose easily gets knocked off the air filter housing, which is a component of the emission control system. While driving the midsize SUV with the disconnected hose, the check engine light illuminates. Rectifying this problem simply 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 rating of four out of five. In a field of 26 midsize SUVs that the automotive site evaluated, the Highlander is the seventh-most reliable.
Also, the Highlander is less expensive to repair compared to most midsize SUVs. Its average yearly cost for repairs is $489.
