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 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.
I have a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The drivers side sun visor has broken from its internal guide on the visor, making it unsafely and uncontrollably flip & flop around. I have been trying to get a replacement, but the dealer told me there are more than 200 on backorder, and it could take one or more months to get a replacement. Further research shows previous recalls on Toyota sun visors. So, with more than 200 already needing replacements on what should be a strong part, it suggests a larger problem worthy of your attention and a possible recall. Thanks.
There is a known defect in Toyota highlanders (2010 - 2013) sun visors. The visor no longer stays in either the upright or downward position. It is either at a 45 degree angle when placed in the "up" position or is in a position to slightly obscure visibility in the "down" position. Toyota offered a warranty enhancement (letter zf1) however I am now past the extended warranty period. This is a hazard in driving and would be hazardous to the driver should there be an accident - the visor would hit the driver in the forehead or face should there be an impact.
Driver side sun visor stuck in down position, and will not move upward out of the way, obstructing driver's view. It can be moved to the side window, but then the side view is obstructed. I hesitate to try and force it up, because it feels like it would break and just flop around. Researching the problem, I have learned of many other owners of similar-vintage Toyota highlanders who have experienced the same problem. The Toyota dealer quoted over $300 to replace with a new part. This is safety issue that should be recalled by the manufacturer.
The sun visor popped when I was pulling it down to sheild my eyes and now it will not return to original position. Concern as it gets in my way when driving. This is the drivers side visor which I tend to hit my head on and have to move my seat lower in order to see properly. I took it to my dealership and they told me it would be $300 to fix. That is ridiculous as I feel this is a faulty part that could be a hazardous situation if not taken care of. Recal May be in order to correct this issue.
The driver's side visor is stuck in the down position. This is creating difficulty seeing and I have hit my head on the visor a few times. I took the vehicle to Toyota expecting it to be covered under my extended warranty only to be told that the cost was roughly $230 for the part and an additional $30 to install. Clearly with this creating a visibility hazard and the sheer number of complaints this should be a factory recall. ...updated08/20/15 updated 11/27/15
My driver side visor lost all tension. I had to either hold it up or tie it out of the way. I had it replaced at lowe Toyota in warner robins, ga for $199.87. I would not expect a visor to tear up even for a 2011 model. It was a safety issue that needed to be fixed. I think there should be a recall on these visors and reimbursement for replacing them. Thanks, [redacted]
As I attempted to lower the visor on the drivers side, the mechanism broke and it would neither stay or or down - blocking visibility. I know a couple of my friends who own highlanders have had the same problem and the dealership I went to said that Toyota was going to do some type of "extended warranty" to cover the cost. How do I apply for that?
The sun visor on the driver side failed and flipped down, it has since remained in the down position and no longer locks in place. I am taller than my wife so it is a problem for me when I drive her car. I just checked the forums and this is such a common problem that you can't even order replacement sun visors since they sellout very quickly.
For no reason at all my sunvisor on the driver's side will not stay up. It is very distracting trying to drive with it half way down and obstructs my vision. I have not yet put it in the shop yet so don't know how much it will cost to fix it, but it has to be fixed. It is driving me crazy!
Related recalls
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2011 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2011 Toyota Highlander, 19% of the model year's 181 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Toyota Highlander window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-689 (power window devices and controls, Oct 22, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Toyota Highlander window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 6% 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.