What is the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption?

The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 in 2nd-gen Highlanders consumes oil excessively, often 1 quart per 1,000-2,000 miles. The root cause is piston ring design allowing oil past the rings into the combustion chamber. Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure?

Highlander Hybrid NiMH battery packs degrade over time, with individual cells failing after 8-12 years or 150,000+ miles. Failed cells cause reduced fuel economy, loss of hybrid assist, and eventual inability to start the vehicle. Repairs typically run $1,500-$5,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander 2.4L 2AZ-FE Head Gasket and Head Bolt Thread Failure?

The 2001-2007 Highlander with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine suffers from a design flaw where the aluminum head bolt threads strip out of the engine block. The plastic intake manifold traps heat against the block, causing thermal fatigue of the aluminum threads. This leads to… Repairs typically run $2,500-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander 2GR-FE V6 Oil Leak (Timing Cover and Oil Cooler Line)?

The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 in the 2008-2013 Highlander develops two significant oil leak patterns. The timing cover sealant fails over time, causing a slow but persistent oil leak from the front of the engine that worsens progressively. More critically, the rubber oil cooler hose can rup… Repairs typically run $300-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2024 Toyota Highlander UA80 8-Speed Transmission Whine/Grind — Front Carrier Pinion Shaft Failure?

The UA80E/UA80F 8-speed automatic in V6 Highlanders can develop a whine or grind noise traced to defective front carrier assembly pinion shafts/bearings. As the bearings delaminate they shed metal debris through the fluid, which can progressively damage the torque converter and t… Repairs typically run $0-$12,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stalling (Recall 20V-012)?

Certain Highlanders are part of Toyota's large Denso low-pressure fuel pump recall (NHTSA 20V-012). The pump's resin impeller can absorb fuel, swell, and crack, causing the pump to seize. This leads to rough running, hard starting, and engine stalling — potentially at speed and w… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2024 Toyota Highlander Second-Row Seat Back May Fail to Lock (Recall 26V-128)?

Toyota recalled approximately 550,007 model-year 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs (NHTSA 26V-128) because the second-row seat-back recliner teeth may not fully engage when the seat back is adjusted, due to a supplier design change to the recliner guide/ratchet comb… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93?

The Highlander Hybrid uses a dedicated electric water pump to circulate coolant through the power inverter/converter, which runs separately from the engine cooling system. The electric pump wears out and stops circulating coolant, allowing the inverter and hybrid electronics to o… Repairs typically run $700-$1,100. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Brake Booster / ABS Actuator Assembly Failure (Accumulator Leak) — C1391?

The regenerative-braking brake actuator (the integrated ABS/booster/accumulator pump module) is a known weak spot on the Highlander Hybrid. The accumulator develops an internal leak and the pump runs constantly, triggering a loud, repetitive whirring/buzzing and warning lights; i… Repairs typically run $1,600-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2013 Toyota Highlander 1AR-FE 2.7L Four-Cylinder Excessive Oil Consumption (Low-Tension Ring / Carbon Buildup)?

The four-cylinder 1AR-FE 2.7L offered on the base second-gen Highlander is notorious for burning oil, especially when owners follow Toyota's 10,000-mile oil-change interval. The engine uses low-tension piston rings for fuel economy, and carbon buildup clogs the oil-control ring g… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2008 Toyota Highlander 2GR-FE VVT-i Oil Supply Hose Rupture — Sudden Oil Loss (Service Campaign LSC 90K)?

On 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 engines (built up through roughly April 2008), the rubber center section of the oil supply hose that feeds the VVT-i actuator degrades from exposure to corrosive PCV gases. A pinhole forms and expands, then the hose bursts, dumping engine oil rapidly. Owners rep… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander V6 Engine Oil Sludge / Gelling (1MZ-FE / 3MZ-FE) — Oil Pump Pickup Starvation?

The early Highlander 3.0L 1MZ-FE (and successor 3.3L 3MZ-FE) V6 is prone to engine oil sludge/gelling. Blow-by gases and moisture that fail to burn off (aggravated by short-trip driving, extended oil intervals and a PCV valve that clogs) turn the oil to a gel that coats the valve… Repairs typically run $500-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2024 Toyota Highlander 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Hesitation?

The Direct Shift 8AT transmission in 4th-gen Highlanders exhibits shudder, hesitation on acceleration, and rough downshifts. The torque converter lockup clutch causes vibration at low speeds, particularly between 25-45 mph. Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander AC Blower Motor Failure and Resistor Burnout?

The HVAC blower motor in 3rd-generation Highlanders commonly fails or operates intermittently. The blower motor resistor overheats and burns out, causing the fan to work only on the highest speed setting or stop completely. Moisture intrusion through the cabin air filter housing… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander Ignition Coil and Intake/PCV Failure Causing Random Misfire (2.7L 1AR-FE / 2GR V6) — P0300?

Highlanders develop random/multiple-cylinder misfires (P0300) plus single-cylinder misfire codes from a cluster of common causes: failing ignition coils, worn spark plugs, a failing PCV valve creating a vacuum leak, and upper intake plenum gasket leaks (especially after a spark-p… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2021 Toyota Highlander A/C Condenser Leak / Thin-Fin Failure (Rock-Strike Refrigerant Loss)?

The front-mounted A/C condenser on the Highlander is built with thin fins/tubes that owners say cannot survive a stray rock, so it develops small refrigerant leaks and loses cooling — and because the condenser sits low and forward, it gets struck more often than on many vehicles. Repairs typically run $600-$1,100. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2019 Toyota Highlander 2GR-FE Valve Cover Gasket & Spark-Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak (Oil-Fouled Coils / Misfire)?

The 3.5L V6 valve cover gaskets and integrated spark-plug tube seals harden and leak with age. Externally the oil weeps and bakes on the block; internally, oil seeps down the spark-plug tubes and pools around the coil-on-plug boots, fouling the plugs and corroding the coils and c… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2020 Toyota Highlander Charging System Malfunction / Alternator Failure (No-Start, Battery Not Charging)?

Owners report a 'Charging System Malfunction' warning and intermittent hard-start / no-start conditions traced to a failing alternator that no longer maintains battery voltage. A healthy unit should read ~13.5–14.8 V at the battery with the engine running; below ~13 V confirms a… Repairs typically run $350-$950. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2020 Toyota Highlander V6 Engine Water Pump Leak and Failure (Weep-Hole Coolant Loss)?

The engine-driven water pump on V6 Highlanders commonly leaks coolant from its weep hole as the internal seal and bearing wear, typically around 90,000-120,000 miles. Early signs are a pink/green crusty residue or puddle at the front of the engine and sometimes a squeal or whine. Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.

Toyota · Known Issues

2001-2024 Toyota Highlander Problems: 33 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2001-2024 model years · 4,230+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,230+ owner reports, the 2001-2024 Toyota Highlander has 33 documented known issues, with 13 rated critical. The most serious are 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption ($0-$4,000 repair), Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure ($1,500-$5,500 repair), 2.4L 2AZ-FE Head Gasket and Head Bolt Thread Failure ($2,500-$5,000 repair), 2GR-FE V6 Oil Leak (Timing Cover and Oil Cooler Line) ($300-$4,000 repair), UA80 8-Speed Transmission Whine/Grind — Front Carrier Pinion Shaft Failure ($0-$12,000 repair), Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stalling (Recall 20V-012) ($0-$800 repair), Second-Row Seat Back May Fail to Lock (Recall 26V-128) ($0-$0 repair), Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93 ($700-$1,100 repair), . Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $12,000. at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,230+ owner reports, the 2001-2024 Toyota Highlander has 33 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption, Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure, 2.4L 2AZ-FE Head Gasket and Head Bolt Thread Failure. Of these, 13 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

The 2001-2024 Toyota Highlander has 33 known issues documented across 4,230+ owner reports. 13 issues are rated critical: 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption and Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure and 2.4L 2AZ-FE Head Gasket and Head Bolt Thread Failure and 2GR-FE V6 Oil Leak (Timing Cover and Oil Cooler Line) and UA80 8-Speed Transmission Whine/Grind — Front Carrier Pinion Shaft Failure and Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stalling (Recall 20V-012) and Second-Row Seat Back May Fail to Lock (Recall 26V-128) and Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93 and Hybrid Brake Booster / ABS Actuator Assembly Failure (Accumulator Leak) — C1391 and 1AR-FE 2.7L Four-Cylinder Excessive Oil Consumption (Low-Tension Ring / Carbon Buildup) and 2GR-FE VVT-i Oil Supply Hose Rupture — Sudden Oil Loss (Service Campaign LSC 90K) and Radiator Internal Transmission-Cooler Failure — ATF/Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake") and V6 Engine Oil Sludge / Gelling (1MZ-FE / 3MZ-FE) — Oil Pump Pickup Starvation. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Highlander problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Highlander issues range from $0 to $12,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $0-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Toyota Highlander is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Toyota Highlander. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2001-2024 Toyota Highlander with 33 documented issues documented across 4,230+ owner reports.

All 33 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?

Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Highlander problems?

What year Toyota Highlander is the most reliable?

2008-2013 Toyota Highlander: 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption#

2001-2007 Toyota Highlander: 2.4L 2AZ-FE Head Gasket and Head Bolt Thread Failure#

2008-2013 Toyota Highlander: 2GR-FE V6 Oil Leak (Timing Cover and Oil Cooler Line)#

2009-2013 Toyota Highlander: 1AR-FE 2.7L Four-Cylinder Excessive Oil Consumption (Low-Tension Ring / Carbon Buildup)#

2007-2008 Toyota Highlander: 2GR-FE VVT-i Oil Supply Hose Rupture — Sudden Oil Loss (Service Campaign LSC 90K)#

2001-2007 Toyota Highlander: V6 Engine Oil Sludge / Gelling (1MZ-FE / 3MZ-FE) — Oil Pump Pickup Starvation#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: Ignition Coil and Intake/PCV Failure Causing Random Misfire (2.7L 1AR-FE / 2GR V6) — P0300#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: 2GR-FE Valve Cover Gasket & Spark-Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak (Oil-Fouled Coils / Misfire)#

2006-2019 Toyota Highlander: Hybrid Inverter Coolant Pump Failure (Inverter Overheat) — P0A05 / P0A93#

2001-2013 Toyota Highlander: Radiator Internal Transmission-Cooler Failure — ATF/Coolant Cross-Contamination ("Strawberry Milkshake")#

2014-2020 Toyota Highlander: V6 Engine Water Pump Leak and Failure (Weep-Hole Coolant Loss)#

2006-2013 Toyota Highlander: Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and Failure#

2014-2019 Toyota Highlander: AC Blower Motor Failure and Resistor Burnout#

2014-2020 Toyota Highlander: Charging System Malfunction / Alternator Failure (No-Start, Battery Not Charging)#

2014-2019 Toyota Highlander: Entune Infotainment Touchscreen Freeze / Blank Display (MFD Lockup)#

2020-2024 Toyota Highlander: UA80 8-Speed Transmission Whine/Grind — Front Carrier Pinion Shaft Failure#

2020-2024 Toyota Highlander: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Hesitation#

2017-2019 Toyota Highlander: Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stalling (Recall 20V-012)#

2020-2021 Toyota Highlander: Hybrid Fuel Tank Venting Defect — Tank Cannot Be Filled to Capacity#

2021-2024 Toyota Highlander: Second-Row Seat Back May Fail to Lock (Recall 26V-128)#

2020-2024 Toyota Highlander: Windshield Cracks Easily and Costly Safety Sense Camera Recalibration#

2006-2013 Toyota Highlander: Hybrid Brake Booster / ABS Actuator Assembly Failure (Accumulator Leak) — C1391#

2014-2022 Toyota Highlander: Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping / Brake Pedal Pulsation at Low Mileage#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: Power Liftgate Support Arm and Hinge Failure (Rear Hatch Bows / Won't Close) — Class Action#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: Rear Cargo / Hatch Water Leak (Taillight & Hatch Seal Intrusion)#

2020-2024 Toyota Highlander: Panoramic Moonroof Rattle/Creak and Water Leak#

2020-2023 Toyota Highlander: Highway Wind Noise and Sunroof/Moonroof Rattle (A-Pillar Seal / Mirror Whistle)#

2001-2016 Toyota Highlander: Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure — P0420 / P0430 Check Engine Light#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: EVAP Purge Valve / Charcoal Canister Failure — P0441 / P0455 & Fuel-Pump Click-Off#

2014-2021 Toyota Highlander: A/C Condenser Leak / Thin-Fin Failure (Rock-Strike Refrigerant Loss)#

2008-2019 Toyota Highlander: AWD Rear Differential Coupling & Bearing Noise (Whine/Growl That Rises With Speed)#

2008-2018 Toyota Highlander: Front Strut Mount / Suspension Clunk & Knock Over Bumps#

2010-2013 Toyota Highlander: Sun Visor Sags / Won't Stay Up (Warranty Enhancement ZF1)#