Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 10% | 0 miles |
| 2024 | 5 | 12% | — |
| 2023 | 28 | 15% | 59,000 miles |
| 2022 | 10 | 4% | 18,000 miles |
| 2021 | 47 | 9% | 75,000 miles |
| 2020 | 17 | 5% | 8,000 miles |
| 2019 | 72 | 14% | 15,000 miles |
| 2018 | 34 | 13% | 15,000 miles |
| 2017 | 50 | 18% | 23,000 miles |
| 2016 | 10 | 9% | 56,000 miles |
| 2015 | 12 | 6% | 33,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% | 102,000 miles |
| 2013 | 35 | 17% | 7,000 miles |
| 2012 | 19 | 10% | 45,000 miles |
| 2011 | 21 | 12% | 85,000 miles |
| 2010 | 14 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 28 | 21% | 75,000 miles |
| 2008 | 76 | 19% | 102,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 7% | 78,000 miles |
| 2006 | 40 | 14% | 80,000 miles |
| 2005 | 14 | 6% | 30,000 miles |
| 2004 | 36 | 13% | 103,000 miles |
| 2003 | 87 | 34% | 108,000 miles |
| 2002 | 29 | 10% | 100,000 miles |
| 2001 | 19 | 14% | 42,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My car was parked in the driveway with the engine running. The engine was then turned off from outside the vehicle using the start/stop button. Once the engine stopped, the car moved backward down the sloped driveway and struck a pickup truck that was parallel parked on the street. I then entered the vehicle and attempted to shift into drive, but a warning appeared indicating the hybrid system was off and instructing me to put the car in park. Multiple attempts were made to drive the car forward, but instead, it was driving in reverse. The car would not move forward for approximately five minutes. I eventually turned the engine off and restarted it after a couple of minutes. After restarting, I was able to drive the car off the street.
Driving the vehicle a strong smell of fuel vapor is noticeable coming from rear driver side of vehicle by rear door and fuel cap area. This happens when car is driven for long periods of time or on hot days. I drive my car daily and it happens every day. Smell gets so bad it gets in to the cabin area. Causing me to get headaches or light headed feeling making it unsafe to drive. I have taken vehicle to the dealership but nothing was done. The only thing they said they could do is clean and disinfect my AC vents. This issue has been on going since I bought the vehicle brand new 0 miles when I purchased it. There are no warning lamps or messages that appear when the issue starts. After returning home I have to park my car out side for a few hours until the fuel smell goes away and it is safe to park in my garage. …
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, pulling into an uphill driveway, the vehicle had independently accelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that she was not able to depressed in time and had crashed into the left side of the house, causing damage to the front driver-side bumper and quarter panel. The contact stated that the accident caused property damage to the garage of the house, which was covered by the insurance provider. A police report file. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal was depressed throughout the accident; however, the brake pedal was depressed after the crash had occurred, according to the electronic data. The local dealer was contacted. …
weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver's door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until a passerby stopped and helped me get out. As a result of the impact, my vehicle sustained significant damage The shocking thing about it all is that the vehicle did not activate the airbags and that is worrying to me because it could have been unfortunate.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH in the fast lane, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed while attempting to turn to the left or the right. Additionally, the brakes became inoperable and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the shoulder, and the vehicle shut off. The contact called Roadside Assistance and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the engine. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 17,781.
Two weeks ago, I had my 2022 Toyota Highlander serviced at Romano Toyota for my state inspection and regular maintenance. The dealership passed the inspection and did not mention any problems with my vehicle. However, just two days after the maintenance, the check engine light came on unexpectedly. The vehicle began to hesitate and shift roughly, with noticeable jerking during acceleration and delayed gear engagement. This created a safety hazard, especially when merging into traffic or crossing intersections, because the SUV would not respond quickly when pressing the accelerator. A diagnostic scan revealed transmission-related trouble codes (P2714 - Pressure Control Solenoid D, and/or P2757 - Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Performance). I returned to the dealer, and they confirmed the issue but could not provide an immediate fix due to parts availability. …
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was transmission fluid leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then noticed fluid leaking from the transfer case while the vehicle was parked and turned off. …
The Check Engine light came on and I took it into Toyota of Downtown dealership where I was receiving periodic maintenance. After 2 days, they said the light was out but they hadn't found the cause. I could either leave if for a few more days or take it and bring it back if the light came on again. This was early August. I chose to take the car & when the Check Engine warning light came on again, I took it in on Aug 15, 2024 before I left to Portland to give them more time. I returned on Monday & couldn't reach them. The next day they informed me that while on a test drive, there was a loud bang, it started smoking and by the time 911 arrived it was on fire. After a 2 month investigation by Toyota's Engineering Analysis fire inspection, they concluded Toyota was not involved. …
Related recalls (2)
Engine
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander vehicles equipped with a 3.5 L, V6 (2GR-FKS) gasoline engine. Due to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) programming error, fuel may not be correctly supplied to the engine while using the stop and restart feature.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA06.
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 Lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 Lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from June 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005, equipped with the 1mz-fe or 3mz-fe engine.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the U.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Highlander years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (87), 2008 (76), 2019 (72), 2017 (50) and 2021 (47) model years. Engine complaints make up 34% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Toyota Highlander engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 20V-162 (engine, Mar 19, 2020); 11V-539 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 9, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Highlander engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (52 mentions), followed by the cooling system (11).
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.