Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Toyota Highlander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Toyota Highlander. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 123,000. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax that the mileage was 254,000.
All at once the windows, moon roof, blinkers, reverse lights, running lights and brake lights stopped working - also the automatic headlight function stopped working and we must turn on and off the headlights or risk draining the battery. It's interesting to note that the flashers work, but the blinkers do not. The wipers, radio, cruise control, etc. are all fine. It appears all fuses associated with these items are intact - I don't know how to check the viability of the relays, but have been told it could be a relay and or a ground wire. I've purchased a new multifunction blinker headlight replacement switch AND a master window replacement switch to see if this will resolve the issue - but the fact that it happened all at the same time concerns me that it could be electrical or wiring. All the wires under the dash are intact.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Highlander. After the vehicle was started, the ABS, traction control off, vsc, tire pressure, and emergency brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician was not able to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000. ...updated 09/28/15 the consumer stated the vehicle would lose steering control as if the vehicle was going to lose power. The consumer stated it would happen on an intermittent basis. Updated 10/06/15
Driving down the freeway the rear passenger wheel locked up. Had to cut across two lanes of traffic to the side. The wheel still totally locked when it had to be dragged onto a flat bed. Luckily there was no injuries. Still not 100% sure or what's wrong but guessing it has something to do with the traction/ABS control system. They really should look into a recall because this seems to be a common issue.
When I started my car I noticed the ABS,brake,tire,trac off&vsc lites were all lit. I couldn't get a diagnosis from mechanic.these lights continue to stay lit. I don't know if it is safe. I have read at least a hundred of the same complaint on blogs.
I wish to report a safety defect on my 2005 Toyota Highlander. When traveling at speeds above about 35 MPH I cannot hear the turn signal clicker. I am 69 years old, but do not have any significant hearing loss. Not being able to hear the clicker sometimes causes me to leave the turn signal on when it should be off. Although I have not had any accidents due to this problem, it could cause other drivers to make hazardous decisions. For example, if I had my right turn signal on by mistake someone waiting to make a right turn onto the roadway could be thinking I was about to make a right turn off the road. I've contacted Toyota about changing to a louder flasher, but they do not have one. They were not able to help me at all. …
2005 Toyota Highlander. Erratic temperature control from heater. When set on cool will suddenly blow hot air and vice versa. On-line complaints indicate this is a common problem resulting from defective control unit in this and other Toyota vehicles over several years. The control know comes loose and then the wiring behind it breaks from the circuit board resulting in erratic air temperatures. I also have concern that this electrical failure could cause other electrical shorts or problems. Dealer recommends replacement of entire control unit at prices ranging from $500 to $1500. On-line consumers report fix only requires resoldering the 3-wire contacts at a cost of a few dollars. It is obvious Toyota knows about this issue and the relatively easy fix documented with pictures on-line but continues to deny that it is their problem. …
This problem was for the heating and a\c. This website tells of the problem in the manufacture of the vehicle: www.devalcourt.com/2010/03/fixing-2004-Toyota-Highlander-ac-and-heat-issue/ . The way Toyota made the wiring (too short for the dial) was faulty in that, after repeated use (who doesn't use their heating and A/C regularly?) the wires would break off causing a short. Whenever we drive over a bump in the road, the A/C shifts to heat or the heat shifts to A/C. We used to remove the cover of the knob and tighten the hex nut there, but now that doesn't work. This is especially worrisome in the winter when the defrost shifts to A/C and the front window starts to "fog" up. This makes for extremely dangerous driving and inhibits your ability to see clearly and navigate the roads. This should be considered a design flaw by Toyota and should be recalled. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Toyota Highlander. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the "low tire pressure" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The indicator remained illuminated until the mechanism was turned off. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was driven on the highway. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and observed that the tire pressure was not low in any of the four tires. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing, but they could not determine the cause of the failure. The failure occurred on six separate occasions. Recently, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the failure was related to the computerized system. The estimated repair cost would be $2,414.60. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 21,000 and current mileage was 23,000. Updated 10/16/08. Updated 10/17/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the power windows failed to properly function for the front passenger side window intermittently and the rear windows failed to electronically close and open. The vehicle was taken to (texas Toyota of grapevine, 701 e state hwy 114, grapevine, tx 76051, [phone]) for inspection and diagnosis. In addition, the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V112000 (vehicle speed control) and the contact was uncertain as to when the dealer May provide the repair. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was excluded from an electrical recall to service the power master window switch failure for the windows. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA investigations
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I.
Electrical complaints in other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Toyota Highlander, 11% of the model year's 224 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Highlander electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 Toyota Highlander, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Toyota Highlander electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.