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Toyota Highlander

EPA MPG: 20 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2004 Highlander has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2004 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2004 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Original A/C Compressor was Replaced in August 2024 By Meinkee Muffler Shop."

Anonymous, NC (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)
Automatic climate control

"Noticed cool air blowing when warm was desired and climate was set to Auto. Same happened with hot air when cool desired. Dealer refilled refrigerant, which helped cooling issue, have not had sufficiently cool weather to test the heating issue."

Anonymous, NJ (2004 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

"Terrible experience. The electronic board that controls the on/off and the modes for the Air Conditioning and Heating system failing. Can not always get the units to turn off or on. Can not change the mode at all. Very expensive to fix."

Anonymous, MD (2004 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)
Heater system

"My heat won't come on now. Just started and I need to find a repair place to fix it."

Anonymous A., CA (2004 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)
Other climate system problem

"Began about 5 years ago. Temp would suddenly change if I hit a bump; a tap of the knob would reset it. Mech checked and fixed temporarily. Continued to fail. Now only get heat no matter setting. Mech says entire hvac dash control replacement is only solution. 2-3000 bucks minimum. Don't drive it when it's hot outside. Still love the Highlander."

Anonymous A., GA (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)
Refrigerant leaks

"Needs periodic recharge"

Anonymous, WI (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Leak from evaporator. $4000. to fix."

Anonymous, MD (2004 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

""Overheating, had to replace the radiator et al""

Anonymous, (2004 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

"The Starter went"

Anonymous, PA (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)

""I don't know the exact problems, but there was work on the radiator, timing belt and engine torque rod. I had a rental for several days while it was fixed.""

Anonymous A., CA (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)

"The starter had to be replaced."

Anonymous A., KY (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

""Water was coming into the rest of the vehicle through the center brake light. The replacement part was over $300,so I used silicone caulk to seal it""

Anonymous, VA (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)
Other noises & leaks problem

"There was a small crack in one of the tube inside the intake manifold and kept throwing a CEL"

Anonymous, TX (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Regular brake failure

"Noise coming from front end that I didn't recognize turned out to be worn out pads. 20 year old car first time brake issue."

Anonymous, UT (2004 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Other engine starting/ignition problem

"This happened ONCE. On a cold morning (50F) my wife started the vehicle with me in the passenger seat. The engine IMMEDIATELY jumped to WIDE OPEN THROTTLE but her foot was not on the pedals. I kicked the gas pedal and confirmed it was not stuck. In 10 seconds the oil pump blew up, just as we shut off the engine. I am an engineer familiar with Process Control (refineries and power plants). This failure was in the computer SOFTWARE and represents poor engineering quality. For ANY REASON, if there is a cold start and a OT happens it SHOULD BE BLOCKED OR STOPPED."

Anonymous, AZ (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"Pass door does not lock/unlock from driver side."

Anonymous, WI (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering leaks

""Power Steering Leaks from the High Pressure Line Hose, I Definitely Lose about 2-4 Ounces of Fluid Per Week, While Driving it.""

Anonymous, NC (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

CD player

"quit working and haven't had it replaced"

Anonymous, VA (2004 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

""This is a known after purchase terrible problem with Toyotas. The car has too many oxygen sensors in too many places(within engine and at rear of car before exhaust pipes)/. Their lifecycles are short and it can be very expensive to get them fixed, or to even get a mechanic to accurately diagnose the problem. They often tell you it is the catalytic converter when it is really just one of the sensors malfunctioning in the rear. Worse, you won't pass inspection in most states if they are not fixed as your check engine light and exhaust lights will not go off until they are fixed. This is an expensive, time-consuming problem. Really should be a manufacturer recall item as it happens in so many Toyotas.""

Anonymous, MD (2004 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Other electrical system problem

"Left turn signal indicator on dashboard started behaving erratically. It would stay lit sometimes after signaling, or not blink at all. Did not confirm if actual turn signal matched its behavior. Dealer investigated and replaced fuse(s?) to address the issue. Initially solved the problem, but I still occasionally see the indicator staying illuminated"

Anonymous, NJ (2004 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.3-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"I believe it is the valves cover gasket leaking oil. My mechanic said it could be coming from a number of places."

Anonymous, VA (2004 Toyota Highlander Base 3.3-L V6)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

2004 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 09, 2011
IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Summary:
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. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
What should you do:
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. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V539000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 420326
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 24, 2011
IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Summary:
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
TOYOTA SAFETY RECALL BOA LEXUS SAFETY RECALL NO. BLC.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V112000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 769379
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 21, 2010
A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Summary:
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V499000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 728544
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 13, 2006
THIS CONDITION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND HYBRID VEHICLES, THE TWO RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FORWARD CENTER CONSOLE CAN BECOME LOOSE. IF BOTH CLIPS SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ROD.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FLOOR CARPET COVER RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
For more information:
TOYOTA RECALL NO. 60F AND LEXUS RECALL NO. 6LD.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V253000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 367594
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Apr 15, 2004
THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE DOOR TO BE OPENED WITH THE INSIDE WHILE THE OPERATOR BELIEVES THAT THE CPL WAS ACTIVATED. IF THE DOOR WERE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AN OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT AND BE INJURED.
Summary:
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION LOCK (CPL) SYSTEM ON BOTH OF THE REAR SIDE DOORS. WHEN AN OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE CLOSES THE DOOR VERY HARD WITH THE CPL LEVER SET TO THE LOCK POSITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE LEVER MAY CONTACT THE BODY PANEL, CAUSING THE CPL LEVER TO MOVE INTO THE UNLOCK POSITION.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE CPL LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
TOYOTA RECALL NO. SSC 40B.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V181000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 366572
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