Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander

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Expensive Toyota Highlander repairs by problem area

Engine (27%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (12%)

Brakes and Traction Control (18%)

Suspension and Steering (25%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (14%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (1%)

Chart based on 171 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Toyota Highlander.

Toyota Highlander repair cost distribution

$2500+ (19%)

$1000 - $2499 (81%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 127 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2019 Toyota Highlander

Engine not specified

45343 mi

US $1071
Replace both front struts due to leakage 

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2018 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

49000 mi

US $5000
Oil leak between engine block and timing chain cover. This is a well known problem with Toyota 2GR engines. Just Google "Toyota 2GR timing cover leak" and you will find dozens of articles and videos. It's a small leak but requires complete removal of the subframe, engine, transmission and steering rack from the car. 16 effort hours. Parts cost is negligible but the amount of labor is incredible. I strongly recommend you to check your car for this leak. There are good youtube videos how to look for this problem. 
54000 mi

US $500
P0356 - Ignition Coil F Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction. Replaced ignition coil cylinder #6. $150 diagnostics, $200 parts, $150 labor 
63860 mi

C $1400
Replaced all brakes and rotors 
64480 mi

C $225
Replaced Battery 

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2017 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

77500 mi

C $1600
replaced wheel. bearings, hubs, brakes and rotors 
47000 mi

US $1200
Replaced brakes and rotors 

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2016 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

114545 mi

US $1099
Replaced all 4 wheel rotors and pads. Routine service also, Oil, Oil filter, rotate tires. 
148000 mi

US $2000
Replace rear hatch motor which has been damaged in a collision several years earlier 

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2015 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

68000 mi

US $1200
the spring arm of hatch door got jammed 

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2015 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

25000 mi

US $1500
Pan leak 
29000 mi

US $500
dont know - fixed issue with sudden brake effectiveness 
89000 mi

US $3900
crankshaft pulley shattered breaking my serpentine belt, water pump, alternator, and put a hole in my radiator. 
122760 mi

C $1600
Noticed a strange sound from the passenger side of the engine. It was diagnosed as the water pump. 

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2014 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

18000 mi

US $18100
Head unit constantly freezes and reboots. Dealer states nothing can be done until they witness it. 
92000 mi

US $2000
automatic powergate stopped working 

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2014 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

89000 mi

US $1400
Sunroof leaked and required track replacement. Don’t buy panoramic sunroofs! Sunroof interior covering not retracting. 
91000 mi

US $1400
Cost $1,400 to repair retraction roller after $4,000 spent in replacing sunroof track system. Which is to say the sunroof still does not work. Repair coverage denied by Toyota Financial Services Platinum Extended Warranty. 
103000 mi

US $400
Resurfaced rear rotors and installed new pads 
81000 mi

US $1500
Replacement of rear power lift gate that had quit working. 
81000 mi

US $200
Leaking noted from roof of car into interior, owner removed trim of roof rails on both sides, caulked around the gaps present in drain holes, no more leaks 

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2014 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

231-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

101680 mi

C $1500
Complete repair of braking system 

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2012 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

120000 mi

US $1600
Replaced all 4 VVT solenoids 
155000 mi

US $700
Replaced rear struts 
123000 mi

US $1000
Replaced faulty wheel bearing left rear. 

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2012 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

54700 mi

US $1000
Doors not locking with fob or door buttons. Replaced body ECU 
68000 mi

US $100
Replaced original battery due to leaking 
72000 mi

US $4500
Torque converter threw a "check engine" code...dealer replaced entire transmission. 
97000 mi

US $889
Defective alternator 
161000 mi

US $200
Flush & fill transmission fluid 
156000 mi

US $1200
Alternator and battery 

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2012 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

69440 mi

C $950
Front drum has been replace after only 35000 KM! 
105400 mi

C $2100
Had to replace complete caliber and disk on 4 wheel rust on back door near Need to replace the cable that allow to unlock the hood 
129580 mi

C $700
Change break disk on allnwhell 
68820 mi

C $2253
The oil pump control circuit of the hybrid system malfunctioned. 

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2011 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

123000 mi

US $2000
New shocks/struts installed. 
139000 mi

US $100
Looking for issue with decreased fuel economy. Exact problem area unknown. 
47560 mi

C $3500
front end, rack and pinion, intermediate steering shaft 
68200 mi

C $4200
rack and pinion , intermediate shaft 
76260 mi

C $2600
2nd time problems with the transfer case. This time seals, and transmission seal 

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2011 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

104460 mi

C $1600
Rear left wheel bearing Some steering rod part was noisy. 
111600 mi

C $1200
Right Front & Right rear wheel bearings replaced Since leaving dealer shop ABS, AWD Traction Control lights come on and off. 
120590 mi

C $2500
EGR VALVE ASSY CHANGE THE EGR VALVE REPLACED EGR VALVE CLEANED PIPES CLEARED CODES CHANGE THE FRONT RIGHT SPEED SENSOR REPLACED RIGHT FRONT ABS SPEED SENSOR CLEARED CODE NEW RIGHT FRONT SPEED SENSOR FAULY OPEN CIRCUIT AT TIMES ABS LIGHT ON PART ON ORDER ABS ACTUATOR ASSY REPLACED SKID CONTROL ECU AND REPROGRAMED ALL ABS SYSTEM 
130200 mi

C $300
Paint over 3 big spots of rust on tailgate. Rust came again. Replaced Windshield Wiper Transmission Linkage 
132060 mi

C $200
REPLACE LICENCE PLATE BULBS AND SOCKET SEIZED [parking brake] CABLE WAS REPLACED 

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2011 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

61460 mi

C $120
Driver Sunvisor broke. Later Toyota issued a recall, apparently wide spread sunvisor problem. 
68200 mi

C $160
change back sway bar bushings. Rubber deteriorates probably because antirust treatment (oil) and bad roads. 
91760 mi

C $130
Right side sunvisor replaced (noise, trepidation, very loose) 
106640 mi

C $2000
Torque converter to be changed, shaky transmission and shuddering. Estimate CAD $2,000. Didn't do it, added a bottle of additive and traded at the same dealer i bought it from for a new Camry. 

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2010 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

47120 mi

$800
Steering column was replaced after identifying extreme wear in a joint. 
63840 mi

$1500
Steering column noise first occurred in 2015. After dealer analysis, replacement of steering column was necessary and done. In early March, steering column noise appeared again which required replacement of parts again. 

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2010 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

67000 mi

US $1200
Water pump was replaced. 
100000 mi

US $1199
Brake job + Rotors for shaking/vibration and excessive wear. 

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2010 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

64400 mi

US $189
Drivers window made noise when lowered 
68900 mi

US $1800
Replaced right & left bushings Replaced one motor mount 
109000 mi

US $500
Front axle boot torn - replaced boot and other axle parts 

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2009 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

76000 mi

US $2000
Power steering electric assist motor failed. Twice during the week prior to the failure an intermitant humming noise was heard in the driver side dash area. (At parking lot speeds while turning) Dealer said they'd never seen this before. 
108700 mi

US $500
Rear hatch motor failed. 
118000 mi

US $200
Many electrical failures/issues, seemingly unrelated. Door locks inoperative, engine starting intermittent, security system going off on it's own. The battery was bad. Replaced battery. 
142000 mi

US $240
Left front tire pressure sensor failed. 

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2009 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

45000 mi

US $1200
Replace radiator 
78000 mi

US $812
Radiator replaced at 78,000; original radiator had been replaced at 33,000. Strong suspicion that this is a defect which Toyota should report. 
110360 mi

C $600
alternator failure. replaced 
112220 mi

C $2000
Replace leaking radiator 
54300 mi

US $951
new water pump 
67000 mi

US $393
replaced the exhaust gasket, bolt and spring. 
88000 mi

US $400
Outer control arm joint cover was ripped. Muffler heat shield mounts rusted. 
122000 mi

US $900
they said alternator died and replaced it and tried to charge me $1200 but I had a coupon from email that saved $200. Rip off. 
122000 mi

US $700
OIL PAN RUSTED OUT 
128000 mi

US $500
NEW ROTORS AND PADS STRUTS AND SPRINGS 

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2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

170000 mi

US $1200
Would only blow hot air, would not cool 
205000 mi

US $2000
Leaking water pump Replace Axle Boots 
212000 mi

US $250
Plastic trim on drivers seat with seat controls came loose 
222284 mi

US $365
Replace leaking inner CV boot 
134000 mi

US $3750
Main seal leaking oil; had to pull engine to repair A part in the rear brake was broken 

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2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

45000 mi

US $1000
Replaced bad O2 sensor 
89000 mi

US $900
All four struts replaced 
91000 mi

US $100
Heat shield rattle 
94240 mi

C $650
O2 And fuel/air flow sensors caused check engine light to come on. Car was drivable but..... 
122760 mi

C $1700
Slider seized back pads worn Alt belt 
74000 mi

US $2000
Oil gasket replacement 
97300 mi

US $481
Check engine light, dealer found codes for air fuel sensors. Replaced air fuel sensor. 
140000 mi

US $1500
Needed new tie-rod but Toyota doesn't sell separate part so had to replace entire steering mechanism. 
144000 mi

US $770
replace hub bearing 
152000 mi

US $1200
Leak in oil cooler hose. Went through about 8 quarts of oil with multiple stops to buy more oil and refill before I could get it to the dealer. Numerous complications from the leaking oil that had run all over the back and bottom of the car but fortunately the engine itself was still OK. Just saw a post on the web from someone who says they issued a recall for this in 2010, but the dealer mentioned that to us! 
76880 mi

C $900
the car did not start. thought it was the battery (which was earlier replaced). turned out to be alternator. 
77980 mi

C $1000
Engine oil line "blew up" 
59520 mi

C $600
Drivers window bracket bolt came loose, fell out and resulted in the bracket breaking. Window was fine but dealer stated the bracket couldn't be repaired only replaced at a cost of 300 plus install plus inspection, plus retinting. 
77500 mi

C $250
Alarm started going off for no reason. Hood latch sensor failure. Told it was due to vibrations over time rattling it loose. $150 part 
96720 mi

C $1050
Water pump had a crack in it. Replaced it. 6hrs charged time. Fak! O2 sensor spoiling resulted in VSC and engine light warning. VSC not functioning because sensor failure prompted computer to turn it off as it is an "auxiliary function". 3 of 4 sensors failed. Suspect use of injector cleaner. Lower control arm apparently has a seal failure and has to be replaced. 
131440 mi

C $450
Rear hub assembly replaced. Constant hum coming from the back wheel with some vibration at around 60-80 km/hr. Same problem occurred on passenger rear wheel about 2 years ago. 
133300 mi

C $850
Alternator failed to recharge battery while driving. Replacement was needed, but due to the location of the unit it was a 4 hour repair. 
107880 mi

C $1000
Alternator required replacement. 
99800 mi

US $550
Clunking noise when turning fixed by replacing the "core in the steering column". The car now drives better than ever - good road feel. This fixed the mediocre steering feel we had from day 1 owning the car. First ever repair on car! 
95300 mi

US $800
Water pump replaced 
117000 mi

US $200
Rear brake lights in turn signal housing were not working. Only center light on tailgate worked. Required new harness and connector to restore function. Good samaritan told us brake lights were out - no dashboard warning or alert. 
134400 mi

US $200
Air conditioner was not cooling on driver's side of the car. Dealer recharged with dyed coolant to detect possible leak. No leak was found and AC now works perfectly 
154000 mi

US $2100
Interior evaporator was leaking Freon and needed to be replaced. Involved entire dismantling of dashboard to get to it. 
95000 mi

US $1600
The AC was leaking INSIDE the car. Had to pull dash etc. 
109200 mi

US $1146
Alternator went out while in a trip out of town, $746 CV boot was torn, $400 
115000 mi

US $287
Corrosion on wires on passenger side panel caused alert light to trigger. 
118500 mi

US $325
Front and back struts Driver visor no longer stayed up Starter needed replacement 
122000 mi

US $850
Rear axle leak. Rear brakes. 
234000 mi

US $1900
parking brake would not hold. Replaced shoes, hardware, 2 cables. 

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2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

115000 mi

US $909
Replace relays for hybrid battery 
182000 mi

US $3500
Replace booster pump & brake distributor 
187000 mi

US $1500
Replace hybrid battery relay box. 
242000 mi

US $2700
AC not cooling. Dash air handler needed replacement. 
252000 mi

US $2000
Replace both front end struts and 1 drive shaft. 
120000 mi

US $1250
Repaired front boots that were leaking. 

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2007 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

120000 mi

US $476
Struts and shocks no longer have initial bump resistance and shock absorption is declined, so time to replace with KYB units front and rear, new cartridge strut towers in front also. 
122000 mi

US $150
Stereo head unit losing power, especially on hot days rhe sound is less than volume know setting and muddy = amplifier is going bad. 
144000 mi

US $350
Passenger side front brake was making a noise and upon inspection, the pad wear was more on the outside pad than the caliper side. Dissaembly found that the upper caliper pin was frozen, and required a torch to heat up after soaking with penetrating oil and hammer to drive rusted pin out, lower pin was not rusted. Due to uneven wear on pads ,all brake pads we're replaced with Akebono Pro ACT Ceramic pads but the caliper hanger that the pad is fitted into required replacement on this side only, the driver side was fine. I found out that frozen caliper pins was a problem with many Toyotas in this year from a TSB. Due to uneven pad wear the passenger disc had to be turned as the pad had gotten low enough and off angle to have pad backing run against the rotor. Rotor was still above minimum thickness. Rears were checked and brake caliper pins were fine but all pins were lubricated with Permatix ceramic pin lubricant as the stock moly based lubricant dries out and hardens. The root cause of the pin seizure is the pin rubber boots had torn and let water in to rust the pin. 
163000 mi

US $760
Replaced the struts on all wheels with KYB gas adjust units, did not replace springs, but did replace all upper and lower mounts, rubber bushings, front bearings on th shock tower and drives much better = no more body roll. 
164000 mi

US $350
Replaced A/F sensors upstream and downstream of the front bank catalytic converter after getting P0430 code from check engine light and VSS warning light coming on. Now car runs much stronger, smoother and is more responsive. One sensor had lazy response and one had a failing heater Circuit. Used DENSO parts and a bottle of Cat-A-Clean by Berryman for $26 and now car runs like new! 
164000 mi

US $1400
Spark plugs were replaced by dealer as you must pull off intake manifold on V6, and had not been done sinc car was new as Iriduim plugs are good for 125-140k miles, but found valve cover gaskets, water pipe gasket leaking, so all was fixed and for a trans full service with 15 qts of Redline D4 ATF 100% synthetic fluid provided by me and now shifts super smooth with no slipping,(it was starting to slip, especially in reverse). 
164000 mi

US $900
Right rear wheel started to make howl at 40 mph on sharp right hand turn, worse when back of vehicle was loaded, suspected wheel hub bearing wear. Pulled wheel and turned hub by hand noting significant bearing drag when jacked up off ground on right rear hub of AWD. Bought original Toyota hub and bearing assembly with new wheel lugs, after seeing aftermarket hub quality was not as good as Toyota and decided to not buy Timken bearings separately to put into old hub as most likely the bearing race was damaged. Installed both right and left hub and axle bearing assembly, which requires complete disassembly of drum parking brake inside hub and removal of brake rotor and caliper. Axles now turn freely both sides. Car had been used to tow, go into snow, off road and factory part lasted 160k miles. Toyota buns were $400 each, new axle nuts, caliper mount bolts, and bearings are sealed so good for another 160k! 
154700 mi

US $755
Car exhibited intermittent vibrations at various speeds. Car was sometimes reluctant to move forward in idle on flat surface or slight incline. Driver caliper found to be sticking. Caliper/rotor replaced. 
138300 mi

US $700
Rear caliper frozen/sticking. Replaced rear calipers, pads, and rotors. 
140000 mi

US $1200
Steel drain plug had been over torqued, stripped threads from aluminum oil pan. Oil pan replaced. 
172000 mi

US $180
Serpentine tensioner failed, serpentine belt broke. 
145700 mi

US $2000
Replaced calipers and rotors in front wheels 

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2007 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT FWD

165000 mi

US $100
This car is just slowly going bad; it's a hybrid and the battery is going out. I had my favorite mechanic go through it, and he said that there are issues with an airflow sensor that are causing a rough idle. 
204000 mi

US $1500
General 100,000 mile service + diagnosis of check engine light (evaporative emissions system) 
134000 mi

US $2523
Replaced ABS control module. Known problem with this vehicle, date of failure outlasted extended warranty deadline. 

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2007 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

69700 mi

US $517
GPS became unreliable and diagnosis was damaged Data DVD which was replaced 
88000 mi

US $1581
Coils (2) quit, replaced timing belt and water pump at same time 
93000 mi

US $780
Replacement of rear brakes, rotors & calipers 
96000 mi

US $1400
tHE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED/REPLACED AND SOMETHING ELSE WAS DONE (I DON'T KNOW WHAT HE SAID). 
130800 mi

US $1000
Mechanic noticed that boots on left front axle were torn. He tried to pull axle apart to clean and grease, but was unable to. Hybrid axles are different than standard. Ended up getting new axle from dealer. 
135000 mi

US $100
Left rear brake backer plate was bent and rubbing on something moving. They removed it. They told me that putting a new one back on will be expensive. 

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2007 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

121000 mi

US $312
Alternator bearing wearing out. Alternator replaced. 
150000 mi

US $1224
Serpentine Belt replaced. Battery Replaced Rear Brakes; Calipers, Pads, Rotors. Valve cover gasket replaced. 
112000 mi

US $1000
Car wouldn't turn over, or was intermittently turning over. Claimed the dead battery had messed up throttle control valve (whatever that means) Replaced it. All I know is the car starts now. 

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2006 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

198000 mi

US $1465
Water pump replacement, including timing belt 

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2006 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

48360 mi

C $1800
Had transmission oil leak that required the drive-shaft and other components to be removed in order to fix the leak. Parts were only 10% of the repair, the rest was labor. 
58280 mi

C $1200
Replaced leaking transfer case seals 
155000 mi

US $2000
Power steering pump and hose failure. 
156700 mi

US $300
Rusty exhaust part replaced. 
133300 mi

US $850
Window stuck in down position. Had to replace both window and regulator. 
151000 mi

US $1000
Replaced both front lower control arms. 
156000 mi

US $950
Alternator failed and was replaced with an OEM unit. 
119040 mi

$1200
Right rear strut broke internally. Both rear struts replaced 
95560 mi

C $1500
Rear wheel bearings 

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2006 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT FWD

93000 mi

$250
Car started overheating very quickly. Turns out the radiator was busted. Part of the radiator needed to be replaced. 
93400 mi

$1000
My ABS started malfunctioning, driving was ok except for odd noises and choppy brakes at very low speeds. Had to replace the ABS which is very costly at the dealership, so I bought it used instead. 
138000 mi

US $1200
leaky transmission seal needed to be replaced 
149000 mi

US $1100
[blend door] motor for thermostat change botton 
153400 mi

US $1300
AC Condenser leak 
91000 mi

US $1600
Break actuator fail again in a year. 
103000 mi

US $3100
Hybrid Battery 
130000 mi

US $1600
Brake actuator again 
131000 mi

US $317
Replaced shocks 

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2006 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD

110000 mi

US $350
The seat belt would not retract and it could not be repaired. front passenger seat belt was replaced. not covered under warranty due to age and mileage. 
119400 mi

US $500
radiator leak 
129700 mi

US $1100
front struts 
48300 mi

US $2497
Cracked mounting points on shock absorber and suspension arm sub-assembly. 
105000 mi

US $500
Tailgate latch failed. Tailgate could not be opened at all due to failure. Repair required replacement of entire latch mechanism inside tailgate. 
145000 mi

US $1150
Radiator cracked and leaked 
131300 mi

US $650
some steering wheel vibration 
140000 mi

US $1200
3 of the 4 brake calipers seized. had to replace all pads, rotors, and 3 calipers. 

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2006 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

167000 mi

US $890
Alternator failure Emissions sensor replacement 
167000 mi

US $2000
Catalytic converter replacement, $1400 Valve cover gasket replacement, $600 
197000 mi

US $325
Oxygen sensor replacement 

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2005.5 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

81220 mi

A $1600
transfer case rebuild 

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2005 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

42160 mi

C $3200
We found the heater to blow cooler air on passenger side than the drivers side to repair it was quoted at 3200.00. for a new one so, never fixed it. 
202000 mi

US $325
Wheel bearing 
208800 mi

US $675
Power steering pump failed 
242000 mi

US $160
Bad brake pads, stuck caliper 
244000 mi

US $500
Hesitation and loss of power. Replaced coil, injectors cleaned. 
244000 mi

US $1500
Vibration in front end. Front axle replaced. Loss of power. Replaced catalytic converter. 
249000 mi

US $1500
Worn shocks, worn brake rotors, worn tires 
301200 mi

US $1000
Torn CV boot- axle went bad. Timing belt, water pump 
307000 mi

US $300
Passenger rear window actuator 

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2005 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

161000 mi

US $1147
R front caliper froze. Replaced calipers (both), pads, turned both rotors.  Replaced steering link. Replaced worn U joints. 
118000 mi

US $1000
Worn struts replaced 
67000 mi

US $900
frozen caliper (right front) 
73700 mi

US $200
Right rear caliper pins "frozen" 
90000 mi

US $2200
Rear brakes rusted rotors, rt rear sliding pins frozen. Power steering line leaking, rotted. 
118000 mi

US $200
Rear calipers "frozen". 
203500 mi

US $1100
Wheel bearings needed to be replaced 
206000 mi

US $1000
Water pump leak. Dead battery 
83700 mi

C $3000
Heater failed- problem was wiring to controls 
110000 mi

US $1500
both rear wheel bearings had to be replaced 
102300 mi

C $1500
Rear brakes are rusted out and it had to be replaced 
109740 mi

C $650
Power steering pump return line to reservoir was rusted out and leaking 
111113 mi

C $1100
Front brakes are rusted out and it had to be replaced 
76000 mi

US $1780
Brakes shuddered upon firm application. Three calipers/pistons were found siezed. All calipers plus rotors replaced. Possible factor was non-usage of the vehicle for days or more last winter after driving over salted, slushy roads. 
96000 mi

US $260
Replaced corroded power steering fluid return line. 
113000 mi

US $732
Rear caliper seized. Replaced both rear calipers, pads, rotors, and hoses. Changed brake fluid. 

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2005 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

160-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

78000 mi

US $382
I had to have the alternator and battery replaced. 
84500 mi

US $375
replaced a/c control head with reconditioned one. 
87000 mi

US $1000
replaced ac compressor and evaporator 
103000 mi

US $1600
I had a/c repairs done approx. 3 years ago. At that time, unknown to me, the repair shop did their own electrical modification to the a/c system. It shorted out this June and resulted in major repairs to the a/c system. 
116000 mi

US $4400
blown engine replaced with a used engine 

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2004 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

95480 mi

C $120
A/C failure did not last for a long time after repair. Will take it to shop this or next month. 
98580 mi

C $300
A/C system cleaned by shop, filled out with sealant and leak detector (UV dye). 
137888 mi

C $250
Caliper replacement 
174220 mi

C $250
Exhaust system gaskets replacement ( 2 burned out)  Exhaut system gaskets replacement ( 2 burned out) 
203360 mi

C $4300
Replace control arms and bearing. Replace struts and shocks. Replace parking shoes and cables. 
203360 mi

C $826
condencer replaced; eletrical issue with compressor is fixed 
198880 mi

C $1021
Left from strut start leaking (noticed my mechanic at the previous visit) Done by another shop (fixmycar.ca) less that 6 month ago 
226300 mi

C $600
stabilizer bar, joint one of the calipers 
234840 mi

C $950
replace broken control arms; joints 
241760 mi

C $160
Rear wiper blade assemply 
261020 mi

C $250
upper radiator hose replacement 
268600 mi

C $1300
Both rear wheels bearings were broken 
284740 mi

C $300
driveshaft assembly replacement over the broken U-joint coolant leak; radiator block is resealed by shop 
310620 mi

C $500
Hood cable has been replaced, $200. Battery replacement.  Earlier in a month I have decided to clean up the battery which has to be replaced before the winter anyway. One of the bolts that holds the battery in place but that was solidly rusted in snapped. The attempt to drill it out was not successful (shop had to use welding to fix it). So I took car to the shop to fix it and replace battery at the same time as the cost of servicing the battery is a one third of replacing. $250. O2 sensor failed and needs to be replaced to pass emission test Rear stabilizer links were making extensive noice over uneven terrain 
330460 mi

C $680
transmission leak, replaced transmission pan(?) and gasket 
333560 mi

C $3000
Shocks, struts, control arm, bushing 
336 mi

C $600
Oil pan and oil pan plug replacement over the oil leak ( thread on the oil pan was damaged over the time due to number of oil changed over the span of time) 
334180 mi

C $540
Re-seal oil pan 
89500 mi

US $806
Both front door locks quit working and had to be replaced. 
132000 mi

US $1400
Replaced leaking struts on the front and the rear. 
66000 mi

US $1400
Frozen caliper; rusted discs. 
102000 mi

US $1000
Water pump and timing belt. This is the second water pump and timing belt replaced. The first replacements occurred at 60K miles. 
75000 mi

US $500
Humming or revving noise from rear end noticed at speeds over 40mph. Mechanic said sounded like bad wheel bearing and confirmed it on lift. replaced right rear wheel bearing and hub assembly. 
104000 mi

US $1300
Car developed a vibration when accelerating in lower gears. Took it to transmission shop. Could not find any codes or transmission issues. Diagnosed as a bad u-joint in the drive shaft. Not U-joint staked to shaft. Must replace entire shaft. 
112000 mi

US $450
Car began making loud humming/growling noise coming from rear of vehicle after 20 MPH. Classic bad wheel bearing sound. We had already replaced the left rear wheel bearing at 75K. Mechanic replace with new wheel bearing, sound is gone. Mechanic said he replaces manywheel bearings on these cars. Design is faulty and lets road salt and dirt in from the back side. Says we will eventually have to replace them all. 
125000 mi

US $200
Power Steering pump was making loud sound. Fluid Reservior was low. discovered leak in line at bottom of engine compartment on passenger side. line had corroded. Mechanic recommended replacing replace section of line rather than entire line. (several metal to rubber connections on entire line) added new fluid. everything fine. Brake light came on. Stayed on. Fluid Low. discovered small leak in brake line near caliper.replace. everything fine 
71500 mi

US $485
Calipers failed requiring pads, rotors and calipers to be replaced, on both sides in the rear. 
90000 mi

US $1900
Replced drive shaft from front to rear due to play in shaft. 
83000 mi

US $1200
Replace left rear wheel bearing 
97000 mi

US $150
new battery 
100000 mi

US $2000
alternator replaced 
104000 mi

US $800
corrosion of wiring harness and sensor 

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2003 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

113000 mi

US $1200
Ac condensor coil had a leak 
117000 mi

US $700
Brakes wore out. front rotors out of round. rears rotors were too thin to machine, ended up getting all four new. AC lost its charge. Had window motor replaced, another $650 
115000 mi

US $1100
Replaced faulty condensor Replaced rear struts 
117000 mi

US $123
O2 sensor fault 
208000 mi

US $2500
new power steering rack, pump and hoses. 
248000 mi

US $800
Transmission Mount; Engine Mount front & right and torque strut. 

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2003 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

165000 mi

US $2000
Replaced timing and accessory belts, also replaced charcoal canister and other emissions items 
152700 mi

US $1200
check engine light was on; the shop diagnosed that there were several sensors (for emissions) that were no longer working and needed to be replaced. 
195000 mi

US $1060
Rear pistons frozen; pads, rotors, calipers needed replaced. both serpentine belts needed replacement due to prior mechanic never adjusting tensioner. 
103800 mi

US $286
Needed to replace a fuel evaporative control valve. 
108000 mi

US $500
Replaced oxygen sensor. Rear side window stuck in down position. 
99000 mi

US $160
A sensor in the exhaust system had loosened and its gasket blew out resulting in a loud exhaust noise. The dealer tightened the sensor and replaced the gasket. 
113000 mi

US $260
The area around the rear anti-lock brake sensors was rusty, and was creating a mechanical situation where the antilock brakes were activating each time the car stopped. My mechanic was able to diagnose the problem and fix it. 
130000 mi

US $1300
Replace catalytic converter. 

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2003 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

189000 mi

US $1750
Classic head bolt failure, Time-Cert thread repair done. 
209600 mi

US $100
A single coil pack failed causing misfire and the check engine light to come on. A trip to the parts store for a code reading showed a failed coil pack on cylinder 3. Replaced coil pack. 
216000 mi

US $920
Repairs to the gas tank emissions control components. Involved removing the tank and replacing abour $250 in parts. Heavy labor cost. Had CEL on and strong gasoline odors with a full tank. 
233000 mi

US $105
Failed coil pack - was actually the one that failed before and was replaced. I took the opportunity to replace them all. They are old. 
240800 mi

US $275
LR wheel ABS sensor failed. It is less expensive to replace the whole axle hub. Brake backing plate had to be replace due to rust.Job took longer than it should due to frozen bolts and corrosion on the backing plate. 
244000 mi

US $425
Alternator failed and battery was weak enough that it was recommended to replace it at the same time. 
251000 mi

US $330
Replaced the catalytic converter. I had installed an Eastern Catalytic catalytic converter about two years ago when the OEM original failed. The Eastern unit failed about 10 months ago but I am just getting around to fixing it. 
129000 mi

US $1800
Struts replaced and alignment 

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2003 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

148000 mi

US $1400
The electrical system was replaced. The air conditioner would not work. 

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2002 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

161423 mi

US $3658
Would not change out of 1st gear. 

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2002 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

101300 mi

US $930
Exhaust leak. Replaced rear gasket on converter assembly. Passenger side rear shock absorber leaking. Replaced left and right rear shock absorber assemblies and associated support assemblies. 
106000 mi

US $337
Replaced oxygen sensor, part no. 89465-49075. 
100500 mi

US $103
Passenger side sun visor would not stay up. Replaced visor. 
118400 mi

US $530
Replaced air/fuel ratio sensor. 
119500 mi

US $300
Replaced noisy/misaligned driver side rear brake caliper. 120,000 mile maintenance done on same trip. 
122000 mi

US $2064
Fuel tank leak. Replaced tank and regulator. 
131000 mi

US $1880
Left front hub bearing. I asked Toyota to replace the remaining 3 hub bearings because I still heard the same noise that I heard the first time I took the car in; thinking it was another bearing. However after doing all that I still hear the noise when slowing down 
147100 mi

US $757
Water pump replacement, belts, ignition work, battery. 

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2002 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

129700 mi

US $603
P0420 and P0430 engine light codes. Replaced O2 sensors. 
157600 mi

US $2500
Engine header bolts worn to where required torque not possible. Machinest bore new holes into engine block so that new bolts could take hold. The overall problem caused by this was engine coolant leaking all over. Old and worn out water pump replaced. 
65000 mi

US $2500
The rear wheels (left and right) sealed bearings wore out. 

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2001 Toyota Highlander

Engine not specified

142000 mi

US $1150
AC not coooling 
142300 mi

US $700
Check engine light came on and replaced emissions part? 

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2001 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

224305 mi

US $800
Would not shift into overdrive. Engine misfire on cylinder 2. replaced antiknock sensors and harness, spark plugs and all associated gaskets. 
227837 mi

US $383
roaring when turning in a left hand turn. Right front wheel bearing replaced. 
252434 mi

US $3154
Transmission failed. Had to replace it. 
42000 mi

US $1500
Check lights turned on again, had to visit the dealer as instructed by my local repair shop. Although only 42k miles, but it has been 11 years, the dealer replaced timing belts, rubber belts, leaky valves. 
43000 mi

US $771
Air/fuel ratio (O2) sensors need to be replaced. 

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2001 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

120100 mi

US $1700
Worn struts caused uneven tire wear 
135000 mi

US $180
Worn stabilizer bar needed to be repaired. Not successful, need to go back. 
62000 mi

C $1400
Squeaks from wheel while moving 
153000 mi

US $150
O2 sensor and clean throttle body plate...full of carbon limiting the throttle cable movement. 
198000 mi

US $1422
Front end alignment could not be performed due to tie rods with no more adjustment available. Removed and replaced inner & outer tie rods, stabilizer links for front and rear, lower ball joints along with rotors, calipers and pads for front. 
101700 mi

US $650
Tune up, fluids replaced. Suspension needs replacing but not replaced on this visit. 
105000 mi

US $1400
new suspension parts installed 

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See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Toyota models.

Toyota Highlander Expensive Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Toyota Highlander problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.