Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Our database holds 181 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Toyota Highlander. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 181 · page 1 of 8
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Highlander. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale but contacted by a dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 122,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 303,000.
1. The 3.5L V6 Engine (2GR-FE) failed due to the subsequent loss of lubrication caused by the rupture of the Oil Cooler Pipe (Rubber component), a manufacturing defect known under TSB T-SB-0201-11 (ZE2 Program). The failed engine is currently available for inspection by request at the independent service center before it is disposed of. 2. The defect causes a sudden and severe loss of engine oil. This creates a high probability of the engine seizing (losing all power) while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion and placing occupants at severe risk of collision. 3. The failure was confirmed, not reproduced. The vehicle was initially diagnosed with misfire codes (P0300, P0301). New spark plugs and ignition coils were installed in an attempt to resolve the issue. As the misfire persisted, the mechanic performed a compression test, confirming catastrophic zero compression failure in cylinders 1 and 2. Professional diagnostics then revealed critical codes: P1603 (ECM Malfunction), P1604 (Startability Malfunction), and P1605 (Rough Idling). These codes confirm a severe internal engine issue, consistent with permanent damage sustained during the oil loss event caused by the ZE2 pipe defect in July 2024. 4. No, not physically inspected by the manufacturer. The manufacturer (Toyota Executive Office Case Manager) was provided with certified documentation of the failure, including the photo of the faulty pipe, maintenance records during our ownership, and the dealership purchase statement for the replacement part. Toyota refused to authorize a physical diagnostic inspection of the failed engine at a dealership before denying goodwill assistance. 5.Yes. The initial lubrication loss event on July 4, 2024, was preceded by a message displayed on the dashboard (followed by a second failure event in October 2025 indicated by a flashing Check Engine light and the Traction Control light).
Steering wheel air bag did not deploy in front end MVA
Our car had a major oil leak from the engine Oil Cooler Pipe Manifold at the bottom of the engine (front). My research has concluded that this has been a known issue with various Toyota models with the 2GR-FE engine, however Toyota has not issued a recall and the local dealership has never mentioned it during services. The NHTSA has known about this issue, however it appears that little to no action has been taken with the vehicle manufacturer or public. The issue concerns a leak that is waiting to happen on all engines with the original Oil Cooler Pipe as it is designed with rubber pipes that degrade over time and even a pin hole oil leak will cause virtually all the engine oil to drain from the engine onto the pavement below and underside of the vehicle including brake components. It is not a matter of “if” but “when” it will happen, and the consequences can leave people stranded with a damaged engine and undriveable vehicle. Severe injury and deaths can and will result due to the ongoing lack of action by the NHTSA and vehicle manufacturer. As an aside, the cost to repair is in the thousands of dollars, unless the owner is fortunate like myself who was able to replace the Oil Cooler Pipe at my own time and cost with the vehicle out of service and significant clean up required. I still don’t know the long-term effects of our engine being almost drained of oil and because of this may now sell the car which was not in our plan. I have added a photo of the original inadequately designed Oil Cooler Pipe and the replacement version purchased from Toyota. Also, the dealership were not interested in doing anything for us. I demand that the NHTSA takes action which is long overdue. Please take this issue seriously
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding persistent safety issues with my 2011 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD. Specifically, I have experienced significant problems related to the engine timing guide, timing chain, transmission system, which pose a risk to both vehicle occupants and other road users. Vehicle Information: Toyota Highlander V6 AWD, VIN: [XXX] Description of the Issue: The transmission in my Highlander has exhibited the following problems: 1) Low engine oil pressure, ticking Noise: There is low engine pressure, faulty guides timing chains, recurring ticking noise. This noise represents issues from the powertrain area and has raised concerns about potential mechanical flaws1. 2) Defective components, slipping Transmission: The transmission surges/slips affecting overall control and safety. This issue has been reported by other Highlander owners as well. Cross-Referencing Other Complaints and Recalls: 3) They did not go far back, Per the NHTSA database, there have been two documented complaints related to transmission issues in the 2011 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD, these complaints align with my experience, however they have not sent me the recall notice. In fact, Toyota has faced recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to transmission problems in various Highlander models: The 8-speed UA80E/UA80F automatic transmission used in the 2020 Highlander received a TSB for shift flare during wide-open throttle acceleration from 40 – 60 mph and during the upshift from 2nd to 3rd gear. Toyota addressed this issue under warranty1. The 6-speed U660F/U760E automatic transmission, used in earlier Highlander models, was generally reliable. However, the introduction of the 8-speed UA80E/UA80F unit caused initial problems1. Request for Action: Per NHTSA findings please ensure all the models sharing the chassis, model family, part and Toyota transmission oil are included in recall or service campaign. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
the intake VVT-i gear on 2AR-FE equipped Rav-4s and other Toyota models Has failed after 113k miles. The vehicle is at risk of causing self inflicted damage due to this common issue many toyota owners are facing 2008-2013 highlanders. The part has not been inspected but was diagnosed by a mechanic based on their past experience with these vehicles and sound. No warnings or dash lights just a terrible metallic rattle upon cold start. This started around 2k miles ago.
As my family was driving down Interstate 85 in Atlanta going around 80 MPH a dash notification came on that said "Low Oil Pressure pull over" the notification came on then went away then came back on (car never ran hot). Thankfully we were near an exit so we pulled off and into the first parking lot we could find. There was a huge puddle of oil under the car and smoke coming from the engine. We got our Highlander towed back to our nearest Toyota dealership to our home to be inspected. It was discovered our Engine Oil Cooler Pipe had failed resulting in all of the oil in our car being released from the car. If we hadn't been able to pull over so fast most likely my engine would have seized up and caused a wreck in the middle of the interstate. After doing research on this issue I discover there was a Warranty Enhancement Program done by Toyota on this very part valid through 2021 or 150,000 miles. I have 163,000 miles on my car. I tried to explain to Toyota that like majority of people my car was not driven for 2 years due to covid so they should at the very least expand the warranty. The dealership also told me they couldn't have replaces the part until it failed which from what I can tell of the hundreds of other Toyotas experiencing this same issue there are no warning signs prior to the part failing, you discover it failed by it releasing all your oil while driving at a high rate of speed.
Pin hole in oil line causing excessive oil leak. Loose oil very quickly. Could cause permanent damage to engine. Had old line replaced by mechanic with a metal line only inspected by my mechanic and there was mention of past recall by my mechanic but it does not show this on your sight. There was no warning lights at all. A coworker noticed excessive oil on the ground when I left work and called me immediately to check oil. Very little left in engine and I could see it coming from under car. Incident happen on 1-9-2023 Had car towed to mechanic to avoid damage to engine. My issue was there a recall at some point ? If other Toyotas are having this issue need to be addressed before cars blow there engines from no oil ! Since no warning lights came on I would have no idea I was losing oil this fast just driving down the road! I only knew because my coworker saw massive spill on concrete at work .
Clicking in steering column light comes on dash for power steering then hard to make turn then well go back off then able to make turns with ease again
In the last 30 days, the steering has begun to feel "loose", as if I am driving on ice. At first it was barely perceptable. There has been more "play" in the steering. During the last 2 days, the car is now making a thud when I am steering right. I have an appointment for a mechanic to look at it. The car is a 2011 Highlander, AWD, with 89,000 miles on it. I feel the steering issue could be very dangerous at some point.
The power steering is clunky, locks in position when backing out of a parking spot, is clunky and unreliable at slow speeds. I can feel the steering column get far tighter feeling when turning at slow speed (3-10 mph)
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the sun visors on the driver’s and passenger’s sides were hanging down and would not stay in the upright position. The contact stated that the sun visors obstructed her vision while driving at various speeds. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there was a recall on the vehicle for the sun visors; however, the recall had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
A very common problem and a very expensive fix. There is a rattling noise at cold startup that is coming from the engine. This is a very common problem and many people have complained about this. I don’t know why Toyota is ignoring it. I believe the problem is with the camshaft timing gear but I could be wrong. There should definitely be a recall for this issue!
My 2011 Toyota Highlander is burning engine oil. So much that I almost got into a major accident on the highway. So what happens is the engine starts burning oil. When the oil level is low the Highlander gives a warning sign saying “low oil pressure” and then the SUV TURNS OFF automatically (even if you’re on the highway). Thousands of people have complained about this and Toyota is ignoring all the complaints. This issue should be a recall as this is a major problem with highlanders year 2008-2013
While driving on the parkway, an oil pressure warning light came on and said to turn off the car. The car immediately started making noise so we pulled onto the shoulder and turned the car off. We were with our 3 children stuck on the side of the very busy road and had to wait for a tow truck. After having it towed our mechanic said it is a known problem with our car. The rubber oil line hose ruptured and we lost all of our oil immediately. The engine could have seized at any moment while driving. Toyota knows of this issue and has since changed it to a metal system but never did a formal recall for this issue. We are currently waiting for it to be fixed so I don't have a bill yet. This seems like something dangerous that could be avoided with a recall. Toyota will not fix this issue.
Abs brake actuator started to fail.
I was going about 40 mph on the Taconic Pkwy over the amvet bridge in the far left lane of the highway. Traffic was heavy and slowing down. It had st finished raining. I was hit on the rear right rear side by a F150 truck that caused me to slide into the guard rail on the left side of the road. The car spun out of control and slid three lanes and hit the guard rail on the right side of the road. Both front sides over the tail lights and the entire front were badly damaged. The side airbags activated but the front airbags failed to activate. Because of this failure I was badly injured. My head hit the steering wheel. I was not protected by the seat belt. My passenger and I had to be cut out of the vehicle. My neck sustained a dislocated disk and I still have pain going from my left shoulder, down my arm, into my hand. I suffered a permanent loss of vision in my right eye, a concussion and lacerations to my left hand and rear scalp. My iris in the right eye was severely damaged and still needs to be surgically repaired. I have suffered both physical and mental damages because of the failure of the seat belts to restrain me and the failure of the airbags to inflate.
A major and catastrophic oil leak occurred while the car was being driven by my wife on a major thruway during early morning rush hour traffic. The low oil pressure light came on and she was able to maneuver to a parking lot and shut the vehicle off. If the engine had seized due to oil starvation, she may have been involved in a serious accident or seeping oil may have potentially ignited causing a vehicle fire.
When driving approximately 20-30mph multiple warning lights illuminated on dash along with Brake Malfunction warning on information display. Did not notice any issues with braking and no fluid loss / leaks noted. Codes stored were C1241 (Low or High Power Supply Voltage), C1253 (Pump Motor Relay), and C1391 (Abnormal Leak of ACC Press). Noticed that ABS pump would run 2-5 seconds every 1-5 minutes. Original part number 44510-48080. Research shows multiple Toyota “Warranty Extensions” on multiple models using same/similar components.
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the intermediate steering shaft was making an abnormal knocking noise while turning to the left or the right. Additionally, the driver’s side window failed to roll up or down because it was off track. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2011 TOYOTA Highlander. The contact stated while adding engine oil, the oil would leak from front section of engine. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was in the process of being diagnosed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THEN THE TURN IS COMPLETED...THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT GO BACK INTO POSITION. THIS OCCURS WHEN YOU ARE IN MOTION.
I HIT A CONCRETE POST AT ROUGHLY 30 MPH, DEAD CENTER FRONT OF VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS TOTALLED, AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I BROKE MY NECK DUE TO THE SEATBELT HOLDING MY CHEST AND TORSO BACK ON THE SEAT, WHILE MY HEAD MOVED FORWARD, ALL THE WAY DOWN AND HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HEAD MOVEMENT RESULTED IN A COMPLETE BREAK OF MY C2 VERTEBRAE. THIS HAPPENED AFTER ENTERING THE LARGE AREA OF A WALMART PARKING LOT FROM THE HIGHWAY.
ENGINE OIL COOLER HOSE BURSTED AND LEAKED OIL EVERYWHERE ON THE HIGHWAY, ENGINE OVERHEATED..WAS ALERTED BY THE SYSTEM AS LOW PRESSURE ENGINE OIL WARNING. ROOM TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. NEED TO RECALL THIS.
TURNING ON THE REAR DEFROSTER WILL CUT POWER TO THE ENGINE AND DASHBOARD. TURNING OFF THE DEFROSTER WILL RETURN POWER TO THE DASH. THIS HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF IF THE VEHICLE IS STILL OR IN MOTION.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
Data on this page last refreshed .