7.1

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,000 miles

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problem #3

Jul 242003

Highlander 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles
Consumer stated that when attempting to apply the anti lock brakes, the vehicle experienced heavy vibration and caused a distraction to the consumer. The dealer was notified. At 55 mph when braking, the steering wheel shook, but the consumer was able to the control the vehicle. However at 75-80 mph, when braking (no emergency), the steering shook violently.

- Springfield, MO, USA

problem #2

Feb 012002

Highlander

  • miles
Consumer contacted dealer for recall 01V228000 remedy, vehicle was repaired, consumer stated repair did not remedy the problem,

- South Holland, IL, USA

problem #1

Mar 152001

Highlander 4WD

  • miles
The recall work subject to campaign 01V228000 was not performed correctly. The vehicle still has excess pedal travel, and the pedal feel is 'mushy, ' like the brakes need to be bled, as they were supposed to be during the recall work. The increased pedal stroke lengthens the stopping distance of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall work took 20 minutes - Toyota says it should take about 1 hour. Bleeding the brakes, according to the Toyota Highlander service manual, consists of three parts - the master cylinder, the ABS/vsc actuator, and the brake lines. There was no evidence that the actuator or the master cylinder were bled. The dealer has since tried to convince me that they're all like that, and this is normal brake operation. There are several posts to the edmunds Highlander discussion group about mushy Highlander brakes, with some saying the recall work improved their brake feel, others saying it didn't. I fear that many of the recall correction attempts have not been successful.

- Arlington, VA, USA