8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$530
Average Mileage:
103,700 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace control module (3 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
  3. repair wiring (1 reports)
2004 Toyota Highlander AC / heater problems

AC / heater problem

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2004 Toyota Highlander Owner Comments

problem #6

Jun 082017

Highlander Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is the pits ! Worst Toyota I ever had.This A/C heater control problem is the last straw. Estimates up to 700.00 to remove and re solder three wires ???? Since this car went over 50,000 miles it's been problem after problem. Transmission erratic shifting (since new ). Power window motors (3). 8 trips to different dealers and repair shops to fix tail light wiring (over $400 spent, plus lost time in shops). Interior trim pieces fall off, interior rattles and squeaks in dash area. I could go on! I've lived with the other problems but living in Florida with no A/C at times is not happening.....

- Frank H., Rockledge, FL, US

problem #5

Nov 152017

Highlander Front Wheel Drive 3.2L V6 Front Wd

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

This video explains it all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOKdpqdT7N4

Cost me $136.50 for my buddy (with a warm garage) to do this. I worked that day to more than pay for this simple repair myself. One of the wires was BROKEN. Bought the car in South Carolina.... never checked the HEAT! Only the AC.

- jfos62, Ivoryton, CT, US

problem #4

Jun 212012

Highlander

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

We bought 2 Highlanders on July 4, 2004. The heating cooling system of one crashed and produces opposite effects: cold when tuned to heat and vice versa. Now it only produces heat. When the problem started some years back, I asked the dealer's opinion and was told I needed to change the whole dashboard panel for $1,000. Of course I didn't fix it because I couldn't afford to.

- Linda R., Blacklick, US

problem #3

Jul 012012

Highlander V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While fan speed control worked, temp control did not work at all. Temp typically remained on full Hot, regardless of location of control dial. There is a youtube video of how to re-attach/solder the control panel, but I had it repaired at the dealer.

Was first told it would take a day or two to get the parts, then they called and said it would be ready that day. Always wondered if they actually replaced the control panel or just re-attached the connections.

- Kirk G., Arnold, MD, US

problem #2

Jan 092013

Highlander LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

This is annoying problem since I couldn't control the temperature. When turning heater, no heat sometime. When AC was needed, hot air came out instead.

- powerone, Mission Viejo, CA, US

problem #1

Nov 012007

Highlander 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

the heater control is erratic. It cost $800 to replace a rheostat and vent controller!!!!! Way too much cost to replace!!!!.

- Richard N., Taylors, SC, US

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