2.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,563 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #17

Jan 172024

Highlander

  • miles
Our car had a major oil leak from the engine Oil Cooler Pipe Manifold at the bottom of the engine (front). My research has concluded that this has been a known issue with various Toyota models with the 2GR-FE engine, however Toyota has not issued a recall and the local dealership has never mentioned it during services. The NHTSA has known about this issue, however it appears that little to no action has been taken with the vehicle manufacturer or public. The issue concerns a leak that is waiting to happen on all engines with the original Oil Cooler Pipe as it is designed with rubber pipes that degrade over time and even a pin hole oil leak will cause virtually all the engine oil to drain from the engine onto the pavement below and underside of the vehicle including brake components. It is not a matter of -??if-?? but -??when-?? it will happen, and the consequences can leave people stranded with a damaged engine and undriveable vehicle. Severe injury and deaths can and will result due to the ongoing lack of action by the NHTSA and vehicle manufacturer. As an aside, the cost to repair is in the thousands of dollars, unless the owner is fortunate like myself who was able to replace the Oil Cooler Pipe at my own time and cost with the vehicle out of service and significant clean up required. I still don-??t know the long-term effects of our engine being almost drained of oil and because of this may now sell the car which was not in our plan. I have added a photo of the original inadequately designed Oil Cooler Pipe and the replacement version purchased from Toyota. Also, the dealership were not interested in doing anything for us. I demand that the NHTSA takes action which is long overdue. Please take this issue seriously

- Bothell, WA, USA

problem #16

Jan 172024

Highlander

  • miles
Our car had a major oil leak from the engine Oil Cooler Pipe Manifold at the bottom of the engine (front). My research has concluded that this has been a known issue with various Toyota models with the 2GR-FE engine, however Toyota has not issued a recall and the local dealership has never mentioned it during services. The NHTSA has known about this issue, however it appears that little to no action has been taken with the vehicle manufacturer or public. The issue concerns a leak that is waiting to happen on all engines with the original Oil Cooler Pipe as it is designed with rubber pipes that degrade over time and even a pin hole oil leak will cause virtually all the engine oil to drain from the engine onto the pavement below and underside of the vehicle including brake components. It is not a matter of -??if-?? but -??when-?? it will happen, and the consequences can leave people stranded with a damaged engine and undriveable vehicle. Severe injury and deaths can and will result due to the ongoing lack of action by the NHTSA and vehicle manufacturer. As an aside, the cost to repair is in the thousands of dollars, unless the owner is fortunate like myself who was able to replace the Oil Cooler Pipe at my own time and cost with the vehicle out of service and significant clean up required. I still don-??t know the long-term effects of our engine being almost drained of oil and because of this may now sell the car which was not in our plan. I have added a photo of the original inadequately designed Oil Cooler Pipe and the replacement version purchased from Toyota. Also, the dealership were not interested in doing anything for us. I demand that the NHTSA takes action which is long overdue. Please take this issue seriously

- Bothell, WA, USA

problem #15

May 022024

Highlander

  • miles
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding persistent safety issues with my 2011 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD. Specifically, I have experienced significant problems related to the engine timing guide, timing chain, transmission system, which pose a risk to both vehicle occupants and other road users. Vehicle Information: Toyota Highlander V6 AWD, VIN: [XXX] Description of the Issue: The transmission in my Highlander has exhibited the following problems: 1) Low engine oil pressure, ticking Noise: There is low engine pressure, faulty guides timing chains, recurring ticking noise. This noise represents issues from the powertrain area and has raised concerns about potential mechanical flaws1. 2) Defective components, slipping Transmission: The transmission surges/slips affecting overall control and safety. This issue has been reported by other Highlander owners as well. Cross-Referencing Other Complaints and Recalls: 3) They did not go far back, Per the NHTSA database, there have been two documented complaints related to transmission issues in the 2011 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD, these complaints align with my experience, however they have not sent me the recall notice. In fact, Toyota has faced recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to transmission problems in various Highlander models: The 8-speed UA80E/UA80F automatic transmission used in the 2020 Highlander received a TSB for shift flare during wide-open throttle acceleration from 40 -?" 60 mph and during the upshift from 2nd to 3rd gear. Toyota addressed this issue under warranty1. The 6-speed U660F/U760E automatic transmission, used in earlier Highlander models, was generally reliable. However, the introduction of the 8-speed UA80E/UA80F unit caused initial problems1. Request for Action: Per NHTSA findings please ensure all the models sharing the chassis, model family, part and Toyota transmission oil are included in recall or service campaign. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

problem #14

Jul 192023

Highlander

  • miles
the intake VVT-i gear on 2AR-FE equipped Rav-4s and other Toyota models Has failed after 113k miles. The vehicle is at risk of causing self inflicted damage due to this common issue many toyota owners are facing 2008-2013 highlanders. The part has not been inspected but was diagnosed by a mechanic based on their past experience with these vehicles and sound. No warnings or dash lights just a terrible metallic rattle upon cold start. This started around 2k miles ago.

- Cedar Park, TX, USA

problem #13

Mar 182023

Highlander

  • miles
As my family was driving down Interstate 85 in Atlanta going around 80 MPH a dash notification came on that said "Low Oil Pressure pull over" the notification came on then went away then came back on (car never ran hot). Thankfully we were near an exit so we pulled off and into the first parking lot we could find. There was a huge puddle of oil under the car and smoke coming from the engine. We got our Highlander towed back to our nearest Toyota dealership to our home to be inspected. It was discovered our Engine Oil Cooler Pipe had failed resulting in all of the oil in our car being released from the car. If we hadn't been able to pull over so fast most likely my engine would have seized up and caused a wreck in the middle of the interstate. After doing research on this issue I discover there was a Warranty Enhancement Program done by Toyota on this very part valid through 2021 or 150,000 miles. I have 163,000 miles on my car. I tried to explain to Toyota that like majority of people my car was not driven for 2 years due to covid so they should at the very least expand the warranty. The dealership also told me they couldn't have replaces the part until it failed which from what I can tell of the hundreds of other Toyotas experiencing this same issue there are no warning signs prior to the part failing, you discover it failed by it releasing all your oil while driving at a high rate of speed.

- Watkinsville, GA, USA

problem #12

Jun 052022

Highlander

  • miles
A very common problem and a very expensive fix. There is a rattling noise at cold startup that is coming from the engine. This is a very common problem and many people have complained about this. I don-??t know why Toyota is ignoring it. I believe the problem is with the camshaft timing gear but I could be wrong. There should definitely be a recall for this issue!

- Chicago , IL, USA

problem #11

Jun 052022

Highlander

  • miles
My 2011 Toyota Highlander is burning engine oil. So much that I almost got into a major accident on the highway. So what happens is the engine starts burning oil. When the oil level is low the Highlander gives a warning sign saying -??low oil pressure-?? and then the SUV TURNS OFF automatically (even if you-??re on the highway). Thousands of people have complained about this and Toyota is ignoring all the complaints. This issue should be a recall as this is a major problem with highlanders year 2008-2013

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #10

Apr 192022

Highlander

  • miles
While driving on the parkway, an oil pressure warning light came on and said to turn off the car. The car immediately started making noise so we pulled onto the shoulder and turned the car off. We were with our 3 children stuck on the side of the very busy road and had to wait for a tow truck. After having it towed our mechanic said it is a known problem with our car. The rubber oil line hose ruptured and we lost all of our oil immediately. The engine could have seized at any moment while driving. Toyota knows of this issue and has since changed it to a metal system but never did a formal recall for this issue. We are currently waiting for it to be fixed so I don't have a bill yet. This seems like something dangerous that could be avoided with a recall. Toyota will not fix this issue.

- Red Bank, NJ, USA

problem #9

Feb 172022

Highlander

  • miles
A major and catastrophic oil leak occurred while the car was being driven by my wife on a major thruway during early morning rush hour traffic. The low oil pressure light came on and she was able to maneuver to a parking lot and shut the vehicle off. If the engine had seized due to oil starvation, she may have been involved in a serious accident or seeping oil may have potentially ignited causing a vehicle fire.

- Youngsville, LA, USA

problem #8

May 242021

Highlander

  • 161,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 TOYOTA Highlander. The contact stated while adding engine oil, the oil would leak from front section of engine. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was in the process of being diagnosed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #7

Mar 182021

Highlander

  • 129,100 miles
Engine oil cooler hose bursted and leaked oil everywhere on the highway, engine overheated..was alerted by the system as low pressure engine oil warning. Room to cause significant damage. Need to recall this.

- Clarksville, MD, USA

problem #6

Jan 152021

Highlander

  • 117,600 miles
Turning on the rear defroster will cut power to the engine and dashboard. Turning off the defroster will return power to the dash. This happens regardless of if the vehicle is still or in motion.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #5

Nov 262020

Highlander

  • 160,000 miles
Engine oil cooler hose "leaking". Toyota did issue a technical service bulletin, but was never checked during regular dealer servicing as part of the hoses. Condition is on the 3.5L Toyota/Lexus engine and can be seen in this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?V=67S7Y90otiy new part number is 15767-31020 with gaskets 15185-0P010 and 11496-31010.

- Carpinteria, CA, USA

problem #4

Aug 252019

Highlander

  • 85,000 miles
My 2011 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD suffered a sudden oil cooler pipe failure/rupture leading to catastrophic engine failure/damage at approximately 85,000 miles. This is a known defect with certain 2008-2011 Highlanders and was the subject of a service bulletin and eventually a warranty enhancement (ZE2) starting in 2014, but we were never notified of this issue via mail or by the Toyota dealer at which the vehicle is regularly serviced. The vehicle was traveling on the highway when the problem occurred. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership where it was found that the sudden loss of oil had caused catastrophic engine damage due to a bent rod from running without oil. As this problem can lead to major safety issues due to sudden loss of power (not to mention the potential for several thousand dollars in damage if a complete engine replacement is needed) a mandatory recall should be performed.

- Monroe, MI, USA

problem #3

May 232018

Highlander

  • 150,000 miles
The oil cooler hose leaked...lost all oil and oil pressure in less than a few minutes...lucky the engine didn;T blow. There should be a recall on this as it appears it has happened to thousands of people.

- Onaping, AK, USA

problem #2

Jan 052015

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 73,682 miles
T-sb-0201-11 from Toyota states "some vehicles equipped with 2gr-fe/fxe towing package engines may exhibit an oil seep from the engine oil cooler pipes." This tsb affects Toyota and Lexus vehicles going back to at least 2008-present. This is a major issue, and I feel this should be handled as a recall instead of a tsb due to the severity of the issue if/when the pipe breaks. I recently elected to have my vehicle repaired on my own just so I wouldn't have to worry about this issue happening to me or my wife, and thus blowing up my Highlander's engine causing thousands of dollars in damages. Seems pretty bad that a recall can be issued for floor mats and accelerator issues, but no recall is issued for this issue which can drain the oil from your engine in a minute, blow up your engine, and then possibly wreck your vehicle. Consumer's engines are now being destroyed, and this is showing up in different online forums. I feel that the NHTSA needs to force Toyota to replace all of the defective engine oil cooler pipes with the newer metal ones that the tsb addresses. They should also be forced to reimburse all costs to those individuals that either needed to have the repair done, or decided to preventatively have the repair done on their own before those pipes burst on their own.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

problem #1

Dec 282010

Highlander

  • 189 miles
Can you please give me an email address where I can send a detailed report of issue. Too large for space provided. Thank you

- Bonduel, WI, USA