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 2011 Toyota Highlander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The electric door locks have failed again for the third time. I have had all 4 door locks replaced, some twice, at considerable expense. The driver's door lock and the driver's-side rear door lock are now broken again. The driver's door lock does not operate electrically at all again. This means I must pull the mechanical key out of the key fob to unlock the door. When the car is placed in drive, the driver's door remains unlocked, as does the driver's-side rear door - a serious safety issue since they are supposed to lock automatically, and they will not lock manually with the electric door lock switch located on the driver's door - I have to manually push the door lock lever mechanically. I am very disappointed in Toyota. …
The rear door sensor keeps indicating the door is open when it is not. This causes the interior lights to flash, door to chime, and the rear display to show "door open". This began happening when I would turn left. When the weather is really hot outside (90s and above) it is worse. This issue causes a bigger problem, with the vehicle thinking that the rear door is not closed it does not allow me to lock/alarm my vehicle when out in public. I am active duty military and currently live overseas, so keeping my vehicle locked/alarmed is extremely important.
Since last year, while vehicle is in motion the rear hatch sensor began going on. Light and sensor go on when the temperature outside is high and when the car is turning. This is only for the rear hatch. I have researched online and see this is a problem with this make and model of vehicle. The issue is the sensor connected to the hatch lock. This is a safety issue while driving.
Rear door sensor is defective. Light either stays on and gets extremely hot which drains the battery or light and back door ajar indicator flashes and sounds signal beep on and off constantly as you drive. I read online that many others have this problem. One solution is to cut wire, but that is unsafe as you could be driving with an open door and not know it.
While driving on the highway in cruise control and no check engine light vehicle lost power steering speedometer readings. Reported ABS brake malfunction, brake malfunction. Over the next 45 minutes while in route to a Toyota dealer vehicle intermittently lost power steering and speedometer readings. All malfunctions happened with no warning.
Driving on a highway with gentle turns at 35mph, power steering failed. I was able to drive straight until there were no cars directly behind me and I could brake to a safe speed to attempt turning. I was eventually able to manually steer the car to turn into a driveway using a three point turn.
There are two issues with my 2011 Highlander. I purchased this vehicle 1 year ago and am quite upset about the issues and the money that I need to put into it. I am actually looking into trading this vehicle as, after spending 26K on it, I shouldn't be dealing with or paying for these issues. Toyota has been nonexistent in offering remedies. I have only ever owned toyotas (2 camrys and 1 Highlander) and probably will never own one again. Thanks Toyota!!! - the alarm constantly goes off for no apparent reason. I am unable to lock the doors on the vehicle otherwise the alarm will go off every 30 minutes to 1 hour. Toyota wants to charge $130 just to look at the vehicle. This is a known issue that presents itself in every Toyota forum. There should be a recall on this. - the bolts that connect the window to the contraption that rolls up and down the window all have fallen off. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated constantly and the engine exhibited an abnormal roaring noise. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times for the failure who advised the contact that nothing was wrong with the engine and the noise the engine was exhibiting was a normal occurrence. The contact stated that in August 2012 while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle made a clucking noise and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to place the gear into reverse and into a parking area. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who located the failure as the transmission solenoid clutch assembly. The transmission solenoid clutch assembly was replaced however, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle would not accelerate and the abnormal noise persisted. …
While driving at approximately 40 MPH, I was unable to keep the car in the lane on a slight curve to the right in the road. The steering wheel was turning, but the wheels were not responding. The steering wheel was much harder to turn. Suddenly the steering wheel was extremely easy to turn and the car veered heavily to the right causing me to run off the road. This has happened several times at other speeds. The consumer has since traded the vehicle. Updated 09/13/12 the consumer stated electronic steering systems were fundamentally flawed. The consumer stated he will never buy another vehicle with electric steering. Updated 10/22/12
Electrical complaints in other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2011 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Toyota Highlander, 13% of the model year's 181 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Toyota Highlander electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2011 Toyota Highlander, though it has 5 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 2011 Toyota Highlander electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
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.