We recently purchased a 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE and after 6000 km the air conditioning failed due to a dent in the condenser tube that created a refrigerant leak. The replacement was not covered under warranty because it was a stone that damaged the condenser. The replacement cost was $1730!
Toyota will not admit to a design deficiency, however we have two other SUV’s and these vehicles are designed to minimize damage to the condenser.
The condensers in both my other SUV’s covers the bottom 1/3 of the radiator, these condensers are not exposed to the grill area of the front end. The air flow to the condensers come through the bottom front end openings which are very difficult for a stone to penetrate. The Toyota Highlander however, condenser covers almost 80% of the radiator exposing the condenser to all kinds of debris that can pass the openings in the grill, we have know idea why the condenser is so much larger than my other vehicles.
The condenser in my one SUV has a small metal plate covering and protecting the flow tubes leaving the fins exposed for cooling.
The bottom design of most vehicle front ends are designed for maximum air flow, and yes the grill also has substantial opening for air flow, however the radiators are built much more substantial than this Toyota highlander condenser.
Looking on line, this is a recurring issue with the new Toyota Highlander owners, I cannot afford to spend $1700 at possible 6000 km intervals.
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TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AC CONDENSER DESIGN ISSUES
We recently purchased a 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE and after 6000 km the air conditioning failed due to a dent in the condenser tube that created a refrigerant leak. The replacement was not covered under warranty because it was a stone that damaged the condenser. The replacement cost was $1730!
Toyota will not admit to a design deficiency, however we have two other SUV’s and these vehicles are designed to minimize damage to the condenser.
The condensers in both my other SUV’s covers the bottom 1/3 of the radiator, these condensers are not exposed to the grill area of the front end. The air flow to the condensers come through the bottom front end openings which are very difficult for a stone to penetrate. The Toyota Highlander however, condenser covers almost 80% of the radiator exposing the condenser to all kinds of debris that can pass the openings in the grill, we have know idea why the condenser is so much larger than my other vehicles.
The condenser in my one SUV has a small metal plate covering and protecting the flow tubes leaving the fins exposed for cooling. The bottom design of most vehicle front ends are designed for maximum air flow, and yes the grill also has substantial opening for air flow, however the radiators are built much more substantial than this Toyota highlander condenser.
Looking on line, this is a recurring issue with the new Toyota Highlander owners, I cannot afford to spend $1700 at possible 6000 km intervals.
- Gerry H., sherwood park, AB, Canada