What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2001–2007) Highlander?

Highlander owners have made 207 complaints about the 2001–2007 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 68th out of 81 Toyota generations in overall reliability, with real engine and hvac concerns.

Compare With Other Highlander Generations

Common 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Highlander owners have to deal with.

  1. Oil Sludge in Toyota Engines

    Toyota settled a class-action engine-sludge suit in 2007 that covered an estimated 2.5-million Toyota and Lexus vehicles made between 1997 and 2002. In that case, Toyota agreed to repair 'sludged-up' engines for up to eight years from the t…

    Continue reading article "Oil Sludge in Toyota Engines"

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

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What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2001–2007) Highlander Key Numbers

  1. 7 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 207 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 68th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 81 eligible generations.

Recent 1st Generation (2001–2007) Highlander News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. How hot do you like your seat heater in the winter?

    If you like it really toasty — as in, with an actual flame — you’ll probably love one of 7,700 Toyota vehicles with seat heaters that catch on fire. The vehicles have been recalled because fire and cars don’t get along, what with their tanks of highly flammable liquids and all. All the affected vehicles are equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters that contain copper strand heating elements. The recall is being handled by Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET) which is the world’s largest distributor of Toyota and Scion vehicles.

    The recall is expected to begin on July 14, 2016 and the seat heaters will need to be disconnected. Owners will be reimbursed.

    keep reading article "Toyota Wants to Stop Seat Heaters From Setting Owner's Buns on Fire"