This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that she noticed a leak from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis who stated that the leaking fluid was antifreeze. The contact was also advised that the cylinder head bolts and threads would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure and the current mileage was 103,000. The consumer stated there is a safety issue with the vehicle, due to poor manufacturing and cheap material of the head bolts under the engine. Coolant was leaking and caused the engine to seize. Updated 11/29/12 updated 11/27/12 the consumer stated this malfunction of the vehicle could have caused the engine to seize and over heat resulting in a person being stranded. Updated 12/10/2012
Coolant loss due to stripped head bolts in the engine block. No smoke or heat or warning on dash. Have to change engine block costing $6,000 for parts and repair. Dealer not responding. Always have received maintenance with the same dealer/service center.
My car started heating up as I accelerated onto the highway. I saw the dial going into the red zone. I pulled off the highway and was towed at my expense to hilltop richmond Toyota. I was told that afternoon that the head gasket and the water pump both blew out. I now have a $2,500 repair on my hands. After researching this I found that this is happening to many Toyota owners and that was verified by the dealership person as well. Toyota is using bolts that strip which cause the head gasket to fail. There are also several reports about a foam piece in the block that also fails as it is faulty as well.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. While driving approximately 40 mph, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the cylinder behind the intake manifold was leaking and that she would need to replace the engine. The dealer advised the contact that since the vehicle was no longer under warranty they would not be able to provide her with any assistance. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was waiting for a response. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The current and failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph, and noticed that the temperature gauge rapidly increased to hot and the engine began to overheat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle for one hour and then resumed driving without the engine overheating. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing where they were informed that the engine block bolts were stripped and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Winchester , KY, USA
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2004 Toyota Highlander. Consumer expresses discontent regarding Toyota the consumer stated on four occasions, the vehicle stalled in heavy traffic. On the fourth occasion, it not only stalled, but rolled backwards into another vehicle behind the consumer. The consumer has since traded the vehicle. (consumer didn't state if there was property damage)
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph the engine started to overheat and smoke. None of the warning lights appeared nor did the temperature gauge inform him that it was going to overheat. The vehicle was inspected by a independent mechanic who informed him that the threads from the engine bolt stripped and he needed to replace the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle was loosing coolant because of a fractured strip head bolt in the engine, causing the vehicle to smoke and overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 95,000.
Indicator lights on dash say contact your dealer. One is the tire pressure and the other is the engine. Have carried to dealer 3 times and still occurs. They are supposed to pickup tomorrow and correct tire pressure light. Only listed last date
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Warwick , RI, USA