Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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.
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. …
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! …
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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: [redacted] 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. …
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. …
Engine complaints in other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Toyota Highlander, 12% of the model year's 181 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Toyota Highlander engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 36% 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.